Cheap eats under $10 in DFW: 20 meals that won't break the bank

Inflation hits different when you're trying to eat out on a budget. Here are 20 meals under $10 in DFW that are actually good.

Tacos & Mexican:

1. Fuel City tacos — $2.50 each, get 3 for $7.50
2. Trompo al pastor tacos — $3 each, 3 for $9
3. Tacos La Banqueta lengua tacos — $2.75 each
4. Gloria's pupusas — $4 each, get 2 for $8

Asian: 5. Hong Kong Market food court banh mi — $5.50 6. Pho Is For Lovers (Richardson) small pho — $9.50 7. Masala Wok (Richardson) lunch combo — $8.99 8. 85C Bakery (Carrollton) sea salt coffee + pastry — $6

American: 9. Norma's Cafe breakfast plate — $8.99 10. Whataburger #1 combo — $8.49 (yes, I'm counting it) 11. Angry Dog (Deep Ellum) hot dog combo — $9 12. Twisted Root (multiple) burger — $9

Other: 13. Halal Bros (multiple) chicken over rice — $8.99 14. Cane Rosso lunch special (weekdays) personal pizza — $9 15. Jimmy's Food Store (East Dallas) Italian sandwich — $9.50 16. Maple Leaf Diner (East Dallas) scramble plate — $9 17. La Victoria (multiple) #1 combo plate — $8.50 18. Taco Cabana breakfast tacos — 2 for $5 19. Raising Cane's box combo — $8.99 20. Babe's Chicken (Carrollton) lunch special — $9.99

Sources:

• Current menus from each restaurant (March 2026)
• Google Maps for pricing verification
• Dallas Observer — "Cheap Eats in Dallas"
• Eater Dallas — budget dining guide

What would you do?