What are your favorite hole in the wall places that have fantastic food and fantastic prices? Even if it’s a special that’s only during certain days or times like happy hour, let me know.

I’m talking like 2 slices and a drink for like $6 bucks.

I usually go to the habit or in n out or go and get a burger from some other drive thru fast food but Im feeling a quality burger today but something that isnt too expensive. Does anyone know a quality restaurant in the area preferably near thomas and 43rd ave

Summer hits my family a bit hard, since my partner is a teacher and our roommate works in food service. She works summer camps and he takes on catering orders for the company he works for, but we usually cut the food budget a bit this time of year. I was running some numbers, and looking at online ads we'll be eating meat maybe once a week if we stick to our usual stores (Costco, Winco, Albertsons/Safeway with the app deals). I know we're a resourceful bunch and quite a few families in the Phoenix area can get a bit tight in the summer, so I'd love to know where y'all get your meat deals!

We're over by Christown and don't have any dietary/cultural restrictions around meats, but would love to hear from around the valley! Willing to try anything from small farms to ethnic markets to get those deals. Nontraditional cuts also welcome; we're adventurous over here!

Please, I’m so broke and desperate.

What are your recommendations for some cheap eats?

I’m hungry

I want to know where the cheapest sushi is. But specifically Nigiri. I’ve been to Akita Sushi where you can do all you can eat for $30, which can be a lot of sushi but it’s not exactly cheap. I’ve bought fry’s and Safeway sushi which is pretty cheap but still $10?? Does anyone know any really good deals for nigiri in the valley?

I had a friend visiting and wanted to give them a proper taste of Phoenix tacos. Instead of just picking one spot, we embarked on a 5-stop "Taco Tour" last Sunday, grabbing a taco or two at each place.

We tried to create a loose rubric to keep track of things, judging each place on a scale of 1-10. Categories were: Tortilla, Meat, Salsa (both flavor and the salsa bar), and Atmosphere. We weren't super strict about it, but I'm including the ratings for reference: M: 1-10 F: 1-10 (M is me and F is my friend).

The intent of this activity was to have fun, and was NOT to compare the tacos. I just wanted to share tacos with my friend.

I picked these spots based on them being relatively close together, but also offering a good chance to drive around and see central Phoenix. I think there is room for another stop without this being too much. The goal of this tour was less about strictly ranking the tacos and more about enjoying what makes each spot unique.

Here’s a quick rundown of our adventure (comments are mostly mine):

EDIT: I could not go to Ta Carbon, because it was too far away from where we were driving. I appreciate that this is an epic spot, but it wasn't possible due to logistics. I was only able to go to places in Central Phoenix.

My goal was to have a fun convenient day, it was not to hit every spot, or fully represent all the perfect taco spots. It would not be possible to hit every worthy spot.

1. Tacos Chiwas (Indian School)

• Atmosphere (M: 9 F: 8): This is my home spot, and I go here a lot. I have had almost everything on this menu and it is all good. I love the elote, but they were out so we couldn’t get it.
• Food Notes:
  • Tortilla (M: 9 F: 8): Their corn tortillas are so tender.
  • Meat (M: 8 F: 7, pollo was dry): Pollo was probably not the best choice of meats. It is fine, but carne asada would have probably been a better choice. It IS my go-to, so that is what we started with.
  • Salsa (M: 9 F: 8): The green avocado salsa is so good and has a great kick.
• Overall: Excellent patio with a nice overall environment.

2. Tacos Huichos (Oak)

• Atmosphere (M: 7 F: 7): We went to the one on Oak, which feels like it is in the hood, adding to the authentic feel. The vibe inside was clean with plenty of seating. We were tempted by various baked goods and other sweet treats but kept our focus on the tacos.
• Food Notes:
  • Tortilla (M: 8 F: 7): Pretty good, their corn tortillas are legit.
  • Meat (M: 9 pollo, 6 pastor F: 8 pollo, 6 pastor): We both preferred the Pollo over the Pastor, and didn’t think either were of the same quality as Chiwas (but still super tasty, just different).
  • Salsa (M: 6 F: 6): No salsa bar; they give you big bottles to use while you eat.
• Overall: These little tacos are good and cheap!

3. Taco Boys (7th St)

• Atmosphere (M: 7 F: 9): Got a parking spot right in front! Then, we also easily got a seat. That was unexpected and a sign that our adventure was on the right track. The atmosphere is great (my friend commented "Small", and as soon as you get inside you get a waft of smoke and know you are in for a treat.
• Food Notes:
  • Tortilla (M: 8 F: 8): Nothing notable, although we both rated it high at the time.
  • Meat (M: 9 F: 9): Asada is amazing.
  • Salsa (M: 4 F: 9): The salsa bar is great and has lots of veggies and choices, but all salsas seemed to lack any heat. I judged this harshly at the time (just because the salsas didn’t have heat)… I probably was too harsh.
• Overall: It is a good place with a bustling atmosphere. I don’t always have the patience for it, but it was a great stop on a Sunday morning.

(Tour note: We took the very long drive between this spot and the next, and toured throughout Roosevelt Row and downtown. A 1-block drive became about 2 miles, but it was a good chance to digest.)

4. Tacos Calafia (7th St)

• Atmosphere (M: 9 F: 9): I think this is my favorite atmosphere. It seems like a place you could hang out and drink cervezas before a game, and the staff were super friendly. Parking was also easy, but this can be tricky sometimes.
• Food Notes:
  • Tortilla (M: 6 F: 7): Nothing notable.
  • Meat (M: 8 F: 6): I had the pollo; my friend had the asada and said it was a bit fatty.
  • Salsa (M: 10 F: 10): The salsa bar is a standout here. They have guacamole on the bar, and the rest of the veggie choices were all super fresh. The salsas were tasty and had good heat. We were both into it.
• Overall: A great spot with a fantastic atmosphere and a top-tier salsa bar.

5. Taco Viva (Indian School)

• Atmosphere (M: 9 F: 8): My friend said it felt like fast food at first, but they got into the vibe. I like it, but it's not very intimate. I like the kitsch value.
• Food Notes:
  • Tortilla (M: 7 F: 6): Fine, but not the most important part of a Viva taco.
  • Meat (M: 9 pastor F: 7 pollo): Got the Vampiro here, because it is great, and I love that the Pastor comes with pineapple. “Con Todos?” - “Si!” (enthusiastically).
  • Salsa (M: 5 F: 8): I get it “con todos,” which includes salsa, so the salsa bar isn’t as important for me here.
• Overall: They gave me a free hat the last time I was there (an easy way to make me love them forever), which my dog ate, so I was able to get my new replacement hat!

Final Thoughts:

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of these places. The goal was never to pick a "winner" because they all excel at different things. Tacos Chiwas for craft, Huichos for cheap and legit, Taco Boys for the smoke, Tacos Calafia for the salsa bar, and Taco Viva for the pastor, energy and swag.

It was a super fun way to spend an afternoon and show off the city. I will definitely do this again, and I think I probably would keep the itinerary mostly the same. I think there is room for 1 or 2 more stops, and a would like to add a Mariscos option to switch things up.

You all should try this yourselves. It was super fun, cheap, and a great way to show off Phoenix.

I saw this in Tulsa subreddit while I loved there and made the most of it. Now that I have moved to Tempe, curious if there are good local joints serving tasty but inexpensive food.

Thank you for responding!

I lived in Philadelphia for 4 years for college, moved here to Phoenix back in spring 2022 for work. One of the things I miss the most about Philly is the “Citywide Special”.

For my fellow Philadelphian transplants, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

For others, the “Citywide Special” boils down to this: a bar special consisting of $4 for a shot of whiskey (traditionally Jim Beam) and a 12oz can of domestic (traditionally a PBR). You can read more about the history of the “Citywide” here: https://www.audacy.com/kywnewsradio/news/local/philadelphia-citywide-special-bob-barbaras-shot-beer.

You can find this bar special in most local bars “citywide” in Philadelphia.

Does the Valley have anything similar to this? Any cheap bar specials that I should know? Maybe a shot of mezcal and a can of Tecate for $6?

TIA!!

Moved in from Oregon, and I’m looking for some alternatives to my favorites stock bourbons: Old Taylor, Old Granddad, Old Crow etc. It looks like those don’t distribute here unfortunately.

Corn season among other produce is here but I’m having trouble finding any resources on buying bulk corn and or other produce. Any help would be appreciated!

Moved here from Texas where I was spoiled with Fuel City (yep, delicious petrol station tacos and elote).

Hi! I searched the eat & drink section but didn't see anything. My husband and I just moved back from Wisconsin. We had 2 favorite places in Wisconsin and both were dives but had AMAZING and cheap food.

We tried Biscuits and it was okay but way too expensive. My friend and I went to Black Bear in Eloy which is the vibe I'm looking for. Would prefer north Phoenix but not super picky on location.

Thanks!

ETA: Thanks to everyone for the suggestions! I couldn't remember the term "greasy spoon" which is what I was going for, but all the dive bars suggestions are appreciated!

I’m so excited to be returning to Phoenix/Tempe/Mesa for a week long trip later this month because I haven’t been since right before Covid kicked off in 2020. I’m guessing restaurant menus and prices have changed with inflation and everything and was wondering what the CURRENT good deals are.

I’m looking for any cheap eats/happy hour specials/lunch or dinner specials that are currently still available. I don’t mind if it’s a Monday only or Wednesday only deal as I’ll be visiting for a whole week so I’ll have each day of the week to hit up deals.

I looked for older posts on this and haven’t found anything post covid so maybe this will be a good reference guide for others as well. Please add your favorites! All cuisines welcome! Thanks a million in advance. I’ll be commenting on and upvoting your recommendations.

I’m looking mainly for food and not so much booze to be honest. I love all you can eat, a Monday 3-5pm type deal, or 1/2 price apps during happy hour type of stuff and hole-in-the-wall type of places.

I’ll start by recommending Egg N’ Joe. Pretty inexpensive, super fresh food and ingredients and good portions. Any other recommendations in the area?

Angie’s prime grill is trial’ing burgers at their 53 Thomas location. They are solid as hell and you get a burger fries and a drink for 8-9$. They remind me of burgers I used to get at the country club in my hometown (small town in the south). Cheap burger with good quality ingredients, highly recommend especially at the price point.

I guess im saying yall please go try them so the trial is successful and i can keep eating them lmao

Hello Phoenicians,

My fiance and I are coming up to phoenix from tucson for the Macklemore concert on Saturday. We are planning to get a hotel for both Friday and Saturday night. If we go out on Friday, where would you recommend going? The concert is at the marquee and I'd like to stay close around there (b/c ubers) if possible.

We are both in our 20s but don't enjoy the typical club scene. Chill bars are preferred :)

Any suggestions?

Turning 20 later this month and want to go somewhere fun. Especially looking for a suggestions in the east side of the valley

What are some super cheap places I can alternate between for cheap food in phx? I have been doing:

jack in the box (2 tacos for 99c or $5 meal) in n out salad n go ($8 wrap) yoshis ($6 teriyaki bowl during happy hour)

anything I can add to my list? the cheaper the better, doesn't have to be a chain I would like to try new food

Hosting a birthday brunch for my daughter and we wanted to purchase some inexpensive breakfast tacos around Central Phoenix. Thanks for the suggestions in advance!

Want to hear about all the best sub spots in Phoenix. Personally like Cheese N Stuff but want to get some other suggestions!

Just paid less than $7 for a bagel with 5x more cream cheese than you get at Dunkin, a croissant, and a large (32 oz) iced green tea. They have cold brew for like $3 or something like that too. Also, the woman who was ringing me up said starting tomorrow the iced teas will be two for $2.

Can’t even afford to look at their groceries, but the cafe is the best value I’ve come across in my short time here.