By Amy Chiplin, on February 26, 2020

Where to Find the Best Cheap Eats in Portland

Finding affordable places to eat in the city

Portland, Oregon, is celebrated for its foodie scene, from its food cart pods to those famous doughnuts. While you’ll certainly want to arrive hungry in this Northwest city, you don’t have to worry about spending a fortune when it comes to sampling all the fare.

Believe it or not, countless spots serve up affordable meals. Start your foodie adventure by booking your flights to Portland—and don’t forget to bring your appetite. For food inspiration, check out our list below for some of the best cheap eats in Portland that are sure to please your taste buds (and wallet!) on your next trip to the city.

The Grilled Cheese Grill

The Grilled Cheese Grill in Portland is a school bus transformed into a food truck serving cheap eats for a loyal local fan-base.
Attribution: AI S / onlyinyourstate.com

Grilled cheese sandwiches have always been a fan favorite, but at The Grilled Cheese Grill, they take it up a notch. This school-bus-turned-food-truck serves the melty classic, but with a twist, adding in brie, jalapenos, and even bacon and salami. The best part? You can get these cheesy gourmet ‘wiches for only $6.25. Both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike will have plenty of sandwich options, and the portions are incredibly generous for less than $8. We recommend building your own grilled cheese deluxe meal, where you can pick the add-ons, and even request no crusts… just like when you were a kid!

Website: https://grilledcheesegrill.com/

Address: NE Alberta & 11th St., Portland, OR 97211

SuperDeluxe

Portland’s hugely popular fast-food cheap eats option, Super Deluxe, features breakfast, lunch, dinner, amazing burger deals, milkshakes, coffee, and more for cheap prices.
Attribution: Drozhzhina Elena / Shutterstock

Looking for a speedy bite to go? Swing by SuperDeluxe, a drive-thru joint that serves sustainable and locally sourced meals. Sandwiches start at $5.25 and fries are only $2.75. As for breakfast options, breakfast burritos are two for $4 and the egg and cheese sandwiches clock in at an affordable $3.25. This burger shop knows a little something about dining deals.

Website: https://www.eatsuperdeluxe.com/

Address: 5000 SE Powell Blvd., Portland, OR 97206

870 NW 13th Ave., Portland, OR 97209

Tamale Boy

Mexican burritos from Tamale Boy restaurant are a great option for foodies to eat cheap in Portland, OR.
Attribution: Plateresca / Shutterstock

When it comes to the best inexpensive restaurants in Portland, look no further than Tamale Boy, where you can get delicious—and affordable—Mexican fare. The Oxaqueno-style tamales are $6 each, while Norteno tamales are just $5 a pop. Try the chile verde or the mole negro. This Mexican spot also serves tacos and burritos for under $10, helping to keep your meal within your price range.

Website: https://www.tamaleboy.com/

Address: 668 N Russell St, Portland, OR 97227

Matt’s BBQ

Matt’s BBQ in Portland, Oregon, serving delicious ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, and BBQ meals, is a great place to enjoy cheap eats in the city without compromising on flavor.
Attribution: VasiliyBudarin / Shutterstock

When you’re on the hunt for cheap lunch ideas in Portland, feast your eyes on Matt’s BBQ. Order up some finger-licking-good BBQ without overspending. Order a half-pound of ribs, which comes with sauce, pickles, and bread for $6, or try the jalapeno cheddar sausage for $4.50. Add some tasty sides, like queso mac and cheese, for just a few extra bucks and you’ll leave with a full belly and a happy wallet.

Website: http://www.mattsbbqpdx.com/

Address: 4233 N Mississippi Ave., Portland, OR, 97217

Wolf & Bear’s

Traditional Middle Eastern and vegetarian food is served on a table and is a good option for tasty cheap eats.
Attribution: Elena Eryomenko / Shutterstock

If you’re on the hunt for good cheap restaurants in Portland, you might hear the locals raving about the Middle Eastern vegetarian options at Wolf & Bear’s. It’s not only one of the best places to eat in Portland, but this adorable food cart also has a great outdoor seating area complete with heat lamps. All menu options are under $10, making it an inexpensive choice. Dig into the $9 falafel or order the tasty $6 hummus bowl for some epic Portland cheap eats.

Website: https://www.eatwolfandbears.com/

Address:  3925 N. Mississippi Ave., Portland, OR, 97217

113 SE. 28th Ave., Portland, OR 97214

After eating your way through the city, put your feet up at one of the best hotels in Portland and start mapping your next move on your affordable Oregon vacation.

 

Header image via BilalRaza/Shutterstock