Best Cheap Eats in San Francisco Under $20

San Francisco is known for high restaurant prices, but budget dining still exists across the city. From Mission District taquerias to Chinatown noodle shops and classic diners, many spots serve full meals for under $20. These places focus on flavour, portion size, and speed rather than formal dining settings.

This guide highlights a range of affordable restaurants across different neighbourhoods and cuisines. Each spot offers reliable options that keep costs low without limiting portion size or variety. The goal is simple eating that stays satisfying while staying within a tight budget.

Affordable San Francisco Restaurants for Under $20

El Farolito

El Farolito is a Mission District taqueria known for large burritos and fast service. The menu includes burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and combination plates. A super burrito stays well under $20 and is a filling option. Tacos also provide lower-cost meals under $20.

• Location: 2779 Mission St San Francisco
• Website: https://elfarolitosf.com/#google_vignette
• Phone number: +1 (415) 824-7877
• Menu: https://elfarolitosf.com/menu/

El Pipila

El Pipila serves regional Mexican dishes inspired by Guanajuato cooking. The menu includes tacos, enchiladas, burritos, seafood dishes, and plates. Tacos and smaller plates stay under $20 with careful ordering.

• Location: 879 Brannan St, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.elpipila.com/
• Phone number:+1 (415) 529-2049
• Menu: https://www.elpipila.com/menu

Red’s Java House

Red’s Java House is a waterfront diner near the Embarcadero serving burgers, hot dogs, fries, and breakfast plates. Burgers and hot dogs stay under $20 with careful ordering. The restaurant keeps a long-running casual diner style.

• Location: 30 Pier San Francisco
• Website: https://www.redsjavahouse.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 777-5626
• Menu:  https://www.redsjavahouse.com/menu

Taqueria El Castillito

Taqueria El Castillito serves Mission-style Mexican food in large portions. The menu includes burritos, tacos, tortas, quesadillas, and plates. Super burritos stay under $20 and provide filling portions.

• Location: 136 Church St, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.taqueriaelcastillito.com/
• Phone number: ‍+1 (415) 621-3428
• Menu: https://www.taqueriaelcastillito.com/menu-san-francisco

Tommy’s Joynt

Tommy’s Joynt is a hofbrau-style restaurant serving carved meats, sandwiches, sausages, and soups. Sandwiches and plates stay under $20 with careful ordering. The service uses a cafeteria-style counter system.

• Location: 1101 Geary Blvd, San Francisco
• Website: https://tommysjoynt.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 949-0399
• Menu: https://tommysjoynt.com/restaurant-food-menu

Yamo

Yamo is a small Burmese restaurant known for low prices and fast service. The menu includes noodles, curries, rice dishes, and salads. Most meals stay under $20 with ease.

• Location: 3406 18th St, San Francisco
• Website: https://yamo.restaurants-world.net/#google_vignette
• Phone number: +1 (415) 553-8911
• Menu: https://places.singleplatform.com/yamo/menu?ref=google

Yuanbao Jiaozi

Yuanbao Jiaozi serves handmade dumplings and northern Chinese dishes. The menu includes dumplings, noodles, and small appetizers. Dumpling plates stay under $20 with careful ordering.

• Location: 2110 Irving St, San Francisco
• Website: https://yuanbaojiaozisf.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 702-6506
• Menu: https://yuanbaojiaozisf.com/order/

Hot Sauce and Panko

Hot Sauce and Panko serves fried chicken and sandwiches. The menu focuses on crispy chicken with house-made sauces. Sandwiches and basic chicken orders stay under $20.

• Location:  1468 Hyde St, San Francisco
• Website: https://hotsauceandpanko.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 359-1908 
• Menu: https://hotsauceandpanko.com/menu/

Kusina Ni Tess

Kusina Ni Tess serves Filipino dishes based on family recipes. The menu includes silog plates, pancit, lumpia, and rice dishes. Rice plates and noodles stay under $20 with care.

• Location: 237 Ellis St, San Francisco
• Website: https://kusinanitess.co/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 351-1169
• Menu: https://kusinanitess.co/menu

Saigon Sandwich 

Saigon Sandwich is known for inexpensive Vietnamese banh mi. The menu focuses on sandwiches with meats and vegetables. Sandwiches stay well under $20.

• Location: 560 Larkin St, San Francisco
• Website: https://saigon-sandwich-sf.com/#google_vignette
• Phone number: +1 (415) 474-5698
• Menu: https://saigon-sandwich-sf.com/menu

Eddie’s Cafe

Eddie’s Cafe is a neighbourhood diner serving breakfast plates, burgers, and sandwiches. Breakfast and sandwich options stay under $20. The restaurant focuses on casual diner service.

• Location: 800 Divisadero St, San Francisco
• Website: https://eddiescafesf.creatorlink.net/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 563-9780
• Menu: https://eddiescafesf.creatorlink.net/index#MENU

Shanghai Dumpling King

Shanghai Dumpling King serves dumplings, noodles, buns, and Chinese dishes. The menu includes soup dumplings, rice plates, and stir-fried dishes. Dumpling and noodle orders stay under $20 with care.

• Location: 696 Monterey Blvd, San Francisco
• Website: https://shanghaidumplingkingmenu.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 585-1300
• Menu: https://shanghaidumplingkingmenu.com/#aaa

Kevin’s Noodle House

Kevin’s Noodle House serves Vietnamese noodle soups and rice dishes. The menu includes pho, vermicelli bowls, and appetizers. Pho bowls stay under $20 with ease.

• Location: 1833 Irving St, San Francisco
• Website: https://kevinsnoodlehouse.com/ 
• Phone number: +1 (415) 664-0469
• Menu: https://places.singleplatform.com/pho-huynh-hiep/menu?ref=google

Newkirk’s

Newkirk’s serves hoagies and cheesesteaks in a casual setting. The menu focuses on sandwiches and deli-style items. Smaller sandwiches stay under $20.

• Location: 1002 Potrero Ave, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.newkirkssf.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 962-7695
• Menu: https://www.newkirkssf.com/

Beep’s Burgers

Beep’s Burgers is a retro burger stand from the 1960s serving burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Burgers stay under $20 with ease. The restaurant keeps a classic fast-food style.

• Location: 1051 Ocean Ave, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.beepsburgers.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 584-2650
• Menu: https://www.beepsburgers.com/#menu

Utopia Cafe

Utopia Café is a Chinatown restaurant focused on Cantonese noodles, soups, and rice dishes. The menu includes noodle soups, chow fun, fried rice, and small appetizers. Many dishes cost under $10, keeping meals far below $20.

• Location: 139 Waverly Pl, San Francisco
• Website: https://utopia-cafe.restaurants-world.net/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 956-2902
• Menu: https://places.singleplatform.com/utopia-cafe/menu?ref=google

Curry Leaf Restaurant

Curry Leaf Restaurant serves Indian curries, rice dishes, and naan. The menu includes vegetarian and meat options. Smaller curries and rice plates stay under $20.

• Location: 943 Columbus Ave, San Francisco
• Website: https://curryleafinsf.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 440-4293
• Menu: https://curryleafinsf.com

La Palma

La Palma Mexicatessen is a Mission District taqueria on 24th Street known for handmade tortillas and quick service. The menu includes tacos, burritos, enchiladas, breakfast plates, and other classic Mexican dishes. Items are generally affordable, with many options priced under fifteen dollars.

• Location: 2884 24th St, San Francisco
• Website: https://lapalmasf.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 647-1500
• Menu:https://www.allmenus.com/ca/san-francisco/275802-la-palma-mexicatessen/menu/

Sandy’s

Sandy’s is a Haight Street sandwich shop known for New Orleans–inspired muffulettas and comfort food. The menu focuses on stacked muffuletta sandwiches with meats or roasted mushrooms. A muffuletta slice is filling and typically priced around fifteen dollars.

• Location: 1457 Haight St, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.sandysmuffs.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 655-9691
• Menu: https://www.sandysmuffs.com/

Peaches Patties

Peaches Patties is a Ferry Building stall known for Caribbean patties and quick grab-and-go service. The menu features flaky patties filled with beef, chicken, or vegetarian fillings. Patties are typically around $6–$9 each, depending on filling.

• Location: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.peachespatties.com/
• Menu: https://www.peachespatties.com/menus/#ferry-building

Ilana Coffee

Ilana Coffee is a Richmond District café known for specialty coffee and simple pastries. The menu includes espresso drinks, drip coffee, tea, and baked goods. Coffee usually ranges from about $4–$7, with pastries around $3–$6.

• Location: 2314 Clement St, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.ilanacoffee.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 387-2313
• Menu: https://www.ilanacoffee.com/#menu

Palmyra

Palmyra is a Lower Haight café offering Middle Eastern inspired food and drinks. The menu includes sandwiches, mezze plates, coffee, and baked items. Most items are typically in the $12–$20 range for meals and plates.

• Location: 700 Haight St, San Francisco
• Website: https://palmyrasanfrancisco.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 896-4172
• Menu: https://palmyrasanfrancisco.com/96525

Cordon Bleu

Cordon Bleu is a California Street café serving sandwiches, pastries, and light breakfast items. The menu includes coffee, baked goods, and grab-and-go meals. Most items generally fall in the $8–$15 range.

• Location: 1574 California St, San Francisco
• Website: https://cordon-bleu.restaurants-world.net/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 673-5637
• Menu: https://cordon-bleu.restaurants-world.net/menu

Rice Roll Express

Rice Roll Express is a Chinatown spot known for fresh rice noodle rolls. The menu features cheung fun with beef, shrimp, and vegetable fillings. Most rolls are typically around $6–$10 per order.

• Location: 1131 Stockton St, San Francisco
• Phone number: +1 (415) 939-2753
• Menu: https://rice-roll-express.menufyy.com/menu

Mộng Thu Cafe

Mộng Thu Cafe is a Tenderloin café known for Vietnamese sandwiches and coffee. The menu includes banh mi, drinks, and light snacks. Banh mi are usually around $6–$8, with drinks around $3–$5.

• Location: 248 Hyde St, San Francisco
• Website: http://mongthu.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 928-6724
• Menu: http://mongthu.com/

Lou’s Cafe

Lou’s Cafe is a Geary Boulevard diner-style café serving sandwiches and comfort food. The menu includes breakfast plates, burgers, and coffee. Most dishes are typically in the $10–$18 range.

• Location: 5017 Geary Blvd, San Francisco
• Website: http://www.louscafesf.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 379-4429
• Menu: https://www.louscafesf.com/geary-location

SuperStar Restaurant

SuperStar Restaurant is a Mission District Chinese restaurant known for seafood and Cantonese dishes. The menu includes clay pot rice, seafood, and noodle dishes. Most plates range roughly from $14–$28 depending on protein.

• Location: 4919 Mission St, San Francisco
• Website: https://superstar-restaurant.menu-world.com/#google_vignette
• Phone number: +1 415-585-4360
• Menu: https://superstar-restaurant.menu-world.com/menu

Do-Re-Mi

Do-Re-Mi is a Mission District eatery known for Thai-inspired rice plates and rolls. The menu includes grilled meats, rice plates, and fresh rolls. Most meals are typically around $10–$16.

• Location: 3491 19th St, San Francisco
• Website: https://doremirice.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 800-6792
• Menu: https://doremirice.com/lovable-uploads/5c449cfa-36a1-4035-a60c-8959b396584e.png

House Of Pancakes

House of Pancakes is a casual Taiwanese comfort food spot in San Francisco’s Parkside neighborhood. Menu highlights include onion pancakes, hand-pulled noodles, and stuffed meat pancakes with rich flavors. Affordable pricing and friendly service create a warm, inviting atmosphere for families and groups.

• Location: 937 Taraval St, San Francisco
• Website: https://house-of-pancakes.menu-world.com/menu
• Phone number: +1 (415) 681-8388
• Menu: https://house-of-pancakes.menu-world.com/menu

Volcano Curry

Volcano Curry is a Japanese curry spot on Geary Boulevard known for customizable spice levels. The menu includes curry rice with chicken, beef, pork, or vegetables. Most curry plates are typically $13–$18.

• Location: 5454 Geary Blvd, San Francisco
• Website: http://www.volcanocurry.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 752-7671
• Menu: http://www.volcanocurry.com/

Golden Boy Pizza

Golden Boy Pizza is a North Beach pizza shop known for square Sicilian-style slices. Slices are usually around $5–$7 each. Whole pies are typically in the $25–$35 range depending on toppings.

• Location: 542 Green St, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.goldenboypizza.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 982-9738
• Menu: https://www.goldenboypizza.com/menu

Basa Seafood Express

Basa Seafood Express is a Mission District seafood spot known for grilled and fried seafood plates. Most combo plates range from about $15–$25. Individual fish or shrimp plates are often around $12–$18.

• Location: 3064 24th St, San Francisco
• Website: http://basaseafoodsf.com/
• Phone number: +1 (415) 550-2388
• Menu: http://basaseafoodsf.com/menu.html

Hawaiian Drive Inn

Hawaiian Drive Inn is a Mission District spot serving classic Hawaiian plate lunches. Most plate lunches range from about $13–$20. Combo plates with multiple meats are usually at the higher end.

• Location: 2600 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco
• Website: http://www.hawaiiandriveinn.com/index.html
• Phone number: +1 (415) 656-0998
• Menu: http://www.hawaiiandriveinn.com/menu.pdf

More

• https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2026/top-100-best-restaurants-san-francisco-bay-area/
• https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-cheap-affordable-budget-restaurants-san-francisco
• https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-sf20for20-20101031-photos-photogallery.html
• https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurants-g60713-zfp16-San_Francisco_California.html
• https://sfstandard.com/2026/01/19/cheap-eats-san-francisco/
• https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/guides/best-affordable-cheap-restaurants-san-francisco
• https://www.overheresf.com/hidden-gem-restaurants-in-san-francisco-from-locals/