1. Yo Yo’s
This Japanese noodle and sushi takeout store are little more than a modest kitchen a few feet from the Financial District’s core, yet it’s gained a devoted following for its tasty, low-cost udon and soba.
On a hot day, the cold soba with everything is the best bet. They are only $8.25 for a full order, while the half-order size is perfect for smaller appetites. Crispy puffed rice, seasoned bean curd, and a dash of wasabi make up “everything.”
Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m., the restaurant is open for takeaway. to 3 p.m.
2. Rooster & Rice
This no-frills Thai spot in the Tenderloin is cash only, so come prepared. The menu offers all of the classics like pad Thai for $11 and green curry chicken for $12, as well as more unusual dishes like crispy rice salad for $11 and whole fried tilapia for $15.
Portion sizes are large, so come with a hearty appetite. And if you really want to save some money, come during lunch when most dishes are under $11.
Rooster & Rice is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., except on Sundays when they close at 10 p.m.
3. Kusina Ni Tess
Kusina Ni Tess, the city’s friendliest and most delicious Filipino steam table, is open for takeaway Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you’re seeking anything special, like chicken adobo, you should check out the daily changing menu (available every day except Monday). Traditional breakfast silog plates are offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with most items costing less than $8 for a modest order.
The restaurant is located in the Mission, and though it’s cash only, there’s an ATM on site.
4. Blue Danube Coffee House
This Excelsior District hangout is a great place to get breakfast or lunch on a budget. The menu features a variety of sandwiches and salads, as well as soups, pastries, and coffee.
You can get a half sandwich and cup of soup for $11 or a salad for $12. The Blue Danube is also a great place to people watch, as it’s often crowded with locals.
5. The Flying Falafel
Pitas, platters, and hummus bowls topped with falafel, spicy kebab, faux-chicken shawarma, or crispy chick’n — yep, everything on the menu is vegan — are available at this fast-casual falafel store.
The falafel, which costs $7.95, is a budget-friendly plant-based choice. Only during weekday lunch hours — Monday through Friday — are both the SoMa and Union Square locations open for pickup and delivery via apps like Caviar and Postmates.
6. Om Sabor
Om Sabor is a hole-in-the-wall Brazilian spot in the Mission that’s open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. The restaurant specializes in hearty sandwiches called tortas, which are all under $13.
There are also a few salads and sides on the menu, as well as beer and wine. If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful meal, Om Sabor is the place to go.
The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait in line. But it’s worth it — trust us.
7. Eddie’s Cafe
This Sunset District diner is a local favorite for its cheap and cheerful American comfort food. The menu features all of the classics, like burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
You can get a burger and fries for $11 or a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup for $12. The cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week.
8. Nizario’s Pizza Geary Blvd
Nizario’s Pizza is one of San Francisco’s most popular pizzerias, and it’s not hard to see why. The pizza is delicious, and the prices are unbeatable. A large cheese pizza costs just $13.99, and a large pepperoni pizza costs $15.99.
The pizzeria also offers a variety of other menu items, including salads, calzones, and pasta dishes. Nizario’s is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
9. Angel Cafe & Deli
This Outer Richmond cafe is a great place to go for breakfast or lunch on a budget. The menu features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as pastries and coffee.
You can get a half sandwich and cup of soup for $11 or a salad for $12. Angel Cafe & Deli is also a great place to people watch, as it’s often crowded with locals.
Featured Image: Rooster & Rice Facebook Page
