We all enjoy going out to eat, but it’s not practical to spend $20 on a salad several times every week. Maybe you go out to lunch every day but feel the need to find some budget meals every now and again. Or perhaps you need a couple of nights off of cooking each week but don’t want to spend a fortune buying pre-made food. No matter what your reasons for tightening your purse strings are, you’ll like our list of places in Northern California where you can get a meal for less than $10. Check it out:
- La Grana Fish– Oakland
Erich Grois/Google Images This taco spot in Oakland has a wide selection of meats and types of taco, including the delicious Birria taco. Buy 2-4 tacos and spend less than $10. La Grana Fish is open Wednesday through Sunday. This place is cash only. 3221 San Leandro St, Oakland, CA 94601, USA
- Fat Daddy’s BBQ– Redding
Anabel Hernandez-Mejia/Google Images Opened in 2003, Fat Daddy’s Gourmet BBQ serves southern barbecue favorites. The meals are around $10, but you can get a “mini meal” for about half that price. Or, try the grilled chicken for a protein-packed meal. Complete your meal with delicious southern sides. With generous portions, the plates with barbecue and sides are big enough to feed two people. 942 Hartnell Ave, Redding, CA 96002, USA
- Emma’s Tamales– Sacramento
Son Mai/G Tour Photos/Google Images Stop by the South Sacramento location to pick-up some homemade tamales. Tamales are $2-$3 each if you want it hot. Buy a bag of six red chili chicken tamales for $7 and heat them up at home. You can also get enchiladas, burritos, and vegan rice and beans– all for under $10 each. Here’s a delicious order for under $10: one red chili chicken tamale, one pork tamale, and a horchata. Yum! 8101 Elder Creek Rd, Sacramento, CA 95824, USA
- La Comida- Chico
La Comida/Google Images Want to spend less than $10 and feel satisfied after a meal? La Comida is your ticket. This restaurant is consistently rated as a great “cheap eats” place by local publications. Nearly everything on the menu is less than $10– even most of the meal plates. Get a taco salad with beef or chicken, a quesadilla, and a small drink for around $10. 954 Mangrove Ave, Chico, CA 95926, USA
- Izzy’s Burger Spa– South Lake Tahoe
Jason Stow/Google Images This family-owned hamburger joint makes a variety of charbroiled burgers and sandwiches. Most of the burgers and sandwiches are under $10. You can enjoy them on their outdoor patio, weather permitting, eat inside, or take it To-Go. Izzy’s is open everyday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 2591 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA
- Smug’s Pizza– McKinleyville
Tom Owens/Google Images If you are craving a slice of pizza, check out Smug’s Pizza in McKinleyville. Two slices of pizza with 1-4 toppings is $8. If you just want one cheese slice that’ll be $4.5. Make it a full meal by adding chips or a cookie and a beverage for less than $10 for most options (the more toppings you get, the more it costs). Smug’s Pizza is take-out only. There are two other locations– one in Eureka and another in Arcata. Smug’s Pizza is a local chain that’s been in business for more than 25 years. 2720 Central Ave suite c, McKinleyville, CA 95519, USA
Where do you go to get a meal for less than $10? Tell us in the comments. (This is your chance to promote your small business or tell us about your favorite NorCal spot!).
Erich Grois/Google Images
This taco spot in Oakland has a wide selection of meats and types of taco, including the delicious Birria taco. Buy 2-4 tacos and spend less than $10. La Grana Fish is open Wednesday through Sunday. This place is cash only.
3221 San Leandro St, Oakland, CA 94601, USA
Anabel Hernandez-Mejia/Google Images
Opened in 2003, Fat Daddy’s Gourmet BBQ serves southern barbecue favorites. The meals are around $10, but you can get a “mini meal” for about half that price. Or, try the grilled chicken for a protein-packed meal. Complete your meal with delicious southern sides. With generous portions, the plates with barbecue and sides are big enough to feed two people.
942 Hartnell Ave, Redding, CA 96002, USA
Son Mai/G Tour Photos/Google Images
Stop by the South Sacramento location to pick-up some homemade tamales. Tamales are $2-$3 each if you want it hot. Buy a bag of six red chili chicken tamales for $7 and heat them up at home. You can also get enchiladas, burritos, and vegan rice and beans– all for under $10 each. Here’s a delicious order for under $10: one red chili chicken tamale, one pork tamale, and a horchata. Yum!
8101 Elder Creek Rd, Sacramento, CA 95824, USA
La Comida/Google Images
Want to spend less than $10 and feel satisfied after a meal? La Comida is your ticket. This restaurant is consistently rated as a great “cheap eats” place by local publications. Nearly everything on the menu is less than $10– even most of the meal plates. Get a taco salad with beef or chicken, a quesadilla, and a small drink for around $10.
954 Mangrove Ave, Chico, CA 95926, USA
Jason Stow/Google Images
This family-owned hamburger joint makes a variety of charbroiled burgers and sandwiches. Most of the burgers and sandwiches are under $10. You can enjoy them on their outdoor patio, weather permitting, eat inside, or take it To-Go. Izzy’s is open everyday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
2591 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA
Tom Owens/Google Images
If you are craving a slice of pizza, check out Smug’s Pizza in McKinleyville. Two slices of pizza with 1-4 toppings is $8. If you just want one cheese slice that’ll be $4.5. Make it a full meal by adding chips or a cookie and a beverage for less than $10 for most options (the more toppings you get, the more it costs). Smug’s Pizza is take-out only. There are two other locations– one in Eureka and another in Arcata. Smug’s Pizza is a local chain that’s been in business for more than 25 years.
2720 Central Ave suite c, McKinleyville, CA 95519, USA
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