While San Francisco does boast inumerable upscale high-end Michelin Star restuarants, the city definitely caters to those craving a more affordable price range as well. For under $20, San Francisco is home to a wide range of cheap eats where you can truly stretch your money for a full meal, drink, and even dessert, and all in generously portioned and culturally authentic cuisines.
If you're looking for a fast, reliable, and cost-effective eatery when out exploring in the city, here is an inclusively diverse list of options all under $20, many of which are from cherished mom-and-pop landmarks.
See also: 20 Best Dive Bars In San Francisco
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560 Larkin St / Website
Cuisine: Classic Vietnamese Bahn Mis.
Menu Highlights:
Perfect For: A quick, generously filling, and quality portable meal when out exploring near City Hall
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1039 Stockton St / (415) 397-2688 / Website
Cuisine: Traditional Chinese dim sum.
Menu Highlights:
Perfect For: Piling up a towering platter to sample all of the best Chinese dim sum their menu has to offer when in Chinatown.
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741 Valencia St / (415) 649-6077 / Website
Cuisine: Al Pastor tacos and a wide selection of mezcal.
Menu Highlights:
Perfect For: A cheap Taco Tuesday within a chic and snug hideaway with trendy music and decor along the fabulous Valencia Street.
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406 Hayes St / (415) 940-2770 / Website
Cuisine: Southern-style fried chicken.
Menu Highlights:
Perfect For: Hefty servings of sumptuously crispy and fresh fried chicken within a relaxed and sunny cove when deciding on lunch or dinner in Hayes Valley.
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Ferry Building, 1, #41 / (855) 747-4455 / Website
Cuisine: Modern Filipino fusion.
Menu Highlights:
Perfect For: A fast and high-quality taste of the Philippine islands with delectably innovative upgrades in the Ferry Building that's perfect for enjoying by the waterside. Senor Sisig can also be found at Spark Social and at their Valencia Street flagship.
See also: Señor Sisig Debuts New Restaurant In Ferry Building
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2889 Mission St / (415) 285-7117 / Website
Cuisine: No-frills Mexican fare.
Menu Highlights:
Perfect For: An authentic taste of the Mission District which you can take to enjoy atop the scenic Dolores Park for a true immersive feel of the historic Latinx neighborhood.
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373 Columbus Ave / (415) 421-2337 / Website
Cuisine: Classic Italian deli sandwiches.
Menu Highlights:
Perfect For: A sunny stop when exploring North Beach where you can leisurely dine out outside of their historic market while also being able to shop after.
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237 Ellis St / (415) 351-1169 / Website
Cuisine: Homestyle Filipino comfort food popular for breakfast plates and a la carte party trays.
Menu Highlights:
Perfect For: A hassle-free and nourishing Filipino breakfast option with a cozy and inviting interior.
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3091 16th St / (415) 431-4232 / Website
Cuisine: Traditional pupusas and Mexican cuisine.
Menu Highlights:
Perfect For: A hot and toasty pupusa that's portable, cheesy, and stuffedto perfection with tender meat and rich fillings just off of the 16th Street Mission Bart station.
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561 Valencia St / (415)-796-3876 / Website
Cuisine: Traditional Japanese matcha and sandwiches.
Menu Highlights:
Perfect For: A calm and serene morning with precisely handmade matcha in an ambient space that's peaceful, minimalist, and radiant with kind and swift service.
No matter where you are in the city, these helpful and heartwarming restaurants will certainly make your stomach and wallet happy!
See also: Best SF Spots To Celebrate Your 21st Birthday At
Photography by: Courtesy of StevieS/Getty Images
