Tax day approacheth. But even if you're feeling the pinch, at least you can still eat well. Last week, we asked for readers' favorite cheap eats in the Twin Cities. The suggestions included lots (and lots) of tacos, but also spanned a wide variety of cuisines and even hit some spots that might not immediately spring to mind when we say the word "cheap."
Here now are 20 of Minneapolis's Best Cheap Eats, presented in roughly geographic order. Are we missing your favorite inexpensive nosh? Let us know in the comments.
More (relatively) cheap fish tacos can be found at Uptown's Muddy Waters. At $8 for two, they're pricier than some of the others, but they also come fried as lager tempura and served with slaw, red onions, and crema.
"Check out Nightingale. Beautiful space, especially the bar, and they have KILLER bruschettas at 6-7 bucks a pop. And a bunch of "snacks" as well. Cocktails are really reasonable as well considering the quality."
The very first commenter on our cheap eats thread says, "Other than mock duck and tofu noodle salad at QR? What's the point?" Indeed, Commenter #1. Indeed. ($7.95)
A tipster emails that Christos' lunch special comes with a cloth napkin (fancy!) and often includes a soup or small salad along with an entree or wrap, all for under $10.
This unassuming storefront on Eat Street sells banh mi and banh mi only. On their own, the sandwiches range from $3.45 - #3.95. Add fries and a soda for $4.95.
Tucked into Seward's United Noodles, UniDeli serves up a variety of ramen, most for under $10. At lunch, choose up to three items from the buffet table for less than $8.
This Korean-fusion spot near the U of M dishes up college-budget-friendly prices for non-dining-hall palates. Try the Korean fusion tacos ($2.50 each), the french fries with kimchi and cheese ($4.99), or the Green Spoon Salad with bulgogi ($6.99).
Almost nothing on the menu at this Northeast Mexican spot is over $10 (only the shrimp fajitas, which are $11). A commenter suggests the standby tacos, the cheapest menu option at $2.20 each.
In the back of an Asian food store which is, itself, in the back of a strip mall, Dong Yang is a cheap eats spot for those truly in the know. It serves huge portions of great Korean food, along with the traditional banchan (side dishes), with many options for under $10.
"Los Paisanos taco house in Dayton's Bluff. The tacos are great. But I go for the tortas. A large french roll with beans, mayo, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and choice of meat for $6.50. A meal in itself. My favorite is called buche, which is marinated pig stomach. They have plenty of other choices for the less adventurous."
More (relatively) cheap fish tacos can be found at Uptown's Muddy Waters. At $8 for two, they're pricier than some of the others, but they also come fried as lager tempura and served with slaw, red onions, and crema.
"Check out Nightingale. Beautiful space, especially the bar, and they have KILLER bruschettas at 6-7 bucks a pop. And a bunch of "snacks" as well. Cocktails are really reasonable as well considering the quality."
The very first commenter on our cheap eats thread says, "Other than mock duck and tofu noodle salad at QR? What's the point?" Indeed, Commenter #1. Indeed. ($7.95)
A tipster emails that Christos' lunch special comes with a cloth napkin (fancy!) and often includes a soup or small salad along with an entree or wrap, all for under $10.
This unassuming storefront on Eat Street sells banh mi and banh mi only. On their own, the sandwiches range from $3.45 - #3.95. Add fries and a soda for $4.95.
Tucked into Seward's United Noodles, UniDeli serves up a variety of ramen, most for under $10. At lunch, choose up to three items from the buffet table for less than $8.
This Korean-fusion spot near the U of M dishes up college-budget-friendly prices for non-dining-hall palates. Try the Korean fusion tacos ($2.50 each), the french fries with kimchi and cheese ($4.99), or the Green Spoon Salad with bulgogi ($6.99).
Almost nothing on the menu at this Northeast Mexican spot is over $10 (only the shrimp fajitas, which are $11). A commenter suggests the standby tacos, the cheapest menu option at $2.20 each.
In the back of an Asian food store which is, itself, in the back of a strip mall, Dong Yang is a cheap eats spot for those truly in the know. It serves huge portions of great Korean food, along with the traditional banchan (side dishes), with many options for under $10.
"Los Paisanos taco house in Dayton's Bluff. The tacos are great. But I go for the tortas. A large french roll with beans, mayo, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and choice of meat for $6.50. A meal in itself. My favorite is called buche, which is marinated pig stomach. They have plenty of other choices for the less adventurous."
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