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6 Cheap Eats You Must Try in San Diego

by Ben Tejes    3 min read     March 17, 2020

6 Cheap Eats You Must Try in San Diego


As a regular visitor or a native of San Diego, you can’t afford to miss a mind-blowing fast food experience. The coastal city boasts some really special restaurants with diverse cuisine, including Middle Eastern and Mexican. The best news for culinary lovers looking for an affordable dining experience is that there is a wide array of sumptuous and mouth-watering options. In this article, we look at the top eight cheap eats in San Diego.

1) Nico’s Mexican Food

Looks can be deceiving when it comes to this shop, but still, the authentic Mexican delicacies at this much-loved restaurant has people coming in from far and wide to sample the enchiladas and burritos. For people on a budget, you will be amazed that the most expensive item on the menu, a Carne Asada Plate or a Carnitas Plate will set you back only $10. We suggest that you get one of their massive Breakfast Burritos although you can still opt for the California burrito or the rolled tacos. Ensure you come with cash as they don’t accept credit cards or checks.

2) The Crack Shack

This restaurant chain is having a good run in the West. They pride themselves on having a five-star chef in control, meaning that everything on the menu has free-range organic chicken that is juicy and perfectly marinated. Other side servings include Schmaltz fries, mini biscuits, and deviled eggs. When you are able, you can spend some time playing a game of bocce ball or perch at the bar for craft beer. For the ultimate Crack Shack experience, the Sen͂or Croque sandwich won’t let you down.

3) Board & Brew

Since opening its doors in 1979, this casual sandwich store has been the epitome of “craft beer and superior sandwiches.” Situated in the heart of Petco Park, you can quickly get a salad or a specialty sandwich while watching a Padres game. They have several sandwich choices, three house salads, and a “Special Sauce” that the regulars can’t get enough of. If you are more inclined to gluten-free food, then the Baja Wrap should be on your plate.

4) Super Sergio’s

Tacos, enchiladas, tortas, burritos; you name it, Super Sergio’s got it. Hidden among several Asian restaurants, this Mexican restaurant absolutely qualifies as a “hidden treasure”. With the double drive-through facilitating easy navigation and an extensive menu, it can’t get any better than this! This is easily the best California burrito in all of San Diego. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can choose the Pollo Asada Burrito or the rolled tacos.

5) The Taco Stand

As you navigate through San Diego, there is a friendly sign that says, “Everything is made fresh when ordering.” Boasting the best Mexican style popsicles and house-made corn tortillas, the goal of the Taco Stand is to deliver a Tijuana cuisine experience north of the border. After choosing from one of the available taco choices, you can pass by the Salsa bar to find the ideal toppings for your meal. For flavor something out of this world, you can never go wrong with the Nopal (cactus) Taco or the Corn on the Cob.

6) Flame Broiler

With six outlets in the San Diego area, you can’t miss a Flame Broiler regardless of your location in the city. These restaurants are big on nutrition as they say, “Flame Broiler is dedicated to serving you delicious, fast, and healthy food!” At Flame Broiler, you will find a vast array of meal options including, steak, flame-broiled chicken, or tofu to accompany your veggies, salad, or rice. In case you desire two choices at one time, you can ask for a Half and Half bowl. For an added kick, they also offer double or triple hot sauce.

Finding great food on a budget in San Diego is not difficult with the above options, which allows you to still experience culinary delights while in San Diego.

Ben Tejes spent 4 amazing years in San Diego during college where he specialized in cheap eats. He is a writer for the Ascend and SavedbytheCents blog, which are platforms to help people achieve financial freedom. He covers such topics as Chapter 13 Repayment Plan. When he’s not working, Ben enjoys going on adventures with his wife and three young daughters all over California.

Opinions expressed by contributors are their own.

Topics: San Diego Consumer Insights, Food Reviews San Diego, san diego cheap eats
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