About San Jose
Did you know that the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose, is one of the wealthiest cities in the US and the world? Finding places to eat is no challenge but finding Cheap Restaurants in San Jose is one hell of a challenge since the average cost per meal is over 15 USD in most places. However, this did not deter us from finding places other than Mcdonald’s, that offer economical meals. Here’s the list of places that offer tasty, economical meals for someone new to the city and yet to make it to the millionaire’s club.
Explore San Jose
San Jose is an iconic city with a bunch of eateries you could ever ask for. Here you will find a plate full of beans with tortillas on one hand and decent vegan restaurants on the other. So, take a good stroll of this town admiring the beautiful scenic road and enjoy a delicious bite at one of the cheap restaurants in San Jose.
Cheap Eateries
Falafel’s drive-in
Located in Stevens Creek Blvd, The falafel drive-in is one of the oldest eateries. Offering Mediterranean classics like falafels and American classics like hamburgers. The menu is simple and functional. Burgers are juicy, falafels are crunchy, just the way they should be. All in all, it’s an affordable place to eat in San Jose with a satisfying experience. The average cost for a meal is around 6 USD and you can have a hamburger for 4.50 USD. Good for both meat lovers and vegetarians.
- Phone
(408) 294-7886 - Location
2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, United States - Price
Avg. Cost for One: 6 USD
Iguanas
Famous for their huge 18 inches burritos called Burritozillas, this one is a tad bit expensive to eat in San Jose and few other locations maybe for those payday treats. A Burritozilla costs you 32 USD however, a regular burrito is only 9 USD and a mini version is for 7.50 USD. Purely a Mexican place so yes there are tacos and nachos on the menu. For 12.50 USD one can get an Iguana plate with a choice of sauces and creams added to Rice and beans with Tortillas.
- Location
330 South Third Street, San Jose 95112 - Price
Avg. Cost for One: 8 USD-35 USD
Good Karma Vegan Cafe
It surely is a decent vegan place to eat. One can get vegan drumsticks (mock meat) as low as 2.75 USD with some non-alcoholic root beer at an additional 2.50 USD and your dinner is done.
- Phone
(408) 294-2694 - Location
37 S 1st Street, San Jose 95113 - Price
Avg. Cost for One: 1 USD
Veggie Grill
Located in Silicon Valley’s fanciest place to shop and eat, this one boasts of its fresh veggies and being the best vegetarian friendly-vegan restaurant in the south bay. The menu is extensive and there’s an additional menu for all things under 10 USD offering super delicious salads, burgers, and the ever so comforting Mac and cheese. This is by far the best vegetarian place we could find.
- Location
3055 Olin Ave Ste 1030 #1030, San Jose, CA 95128 - Price
Avg. Cost for One: 4 USD-13 USD
Ike’s Love and Sandwiches
Love and sandwiches, both should be simple and satisfying with no hang-ups. Ike’s sandwiches are love wrapped in delicious pieces of bread. The extensive menu on offer will leave you spoilt for choice. There is something for everyone’s preference whether you are a meat lover, a vegetarian, or a Vegan. Gluten-free options are also available. Portion sizes are large for the price one pays.
- Phone
(408) 294-7886 - Location
75 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113-1827 - Price
Avg. Cost for One: 11 USD
Johnny Rockets
A typical American Diner with high chairs and stand-alone seatings, offering burgers, fries, shakes, and some more. The menu is extensive and options to customize your burgers. A decent place to eat on a budget with family.
- Phone
(408) 977-1414 - Location
150 S 1st Street, San Jose 95113, and other multiple locations. - Price
Avg. Cost for One: 10 USD-12 USD
Pizza My Heart
Another chain of PIzza outlets maintains consistency throughout. The place has good reviews for the food, service, and pricing. NewYork style pizza but not NewYork style. Have an option for creating your pizza with the choice of base, toppings, and sauces. Good dine-in and delivery service.
- Phone
+1 408-628-4748 - Location
117 E San Carlos Street 95112 - Price
Avg. Cost for One: 10 USD-15 USD
Nick The Greek
This is a good place to stop for a quick satiating lunch or late dinner. Offering vegetarian-friendly fast food and Mediterranean, Greek, and Middle Eastern recipes. Their Gyro Sandwiches and greek salads are bestsellers among other options available on the menu. Quick service earns extra points.
- Phone
+1 408-294-6425 - Location
143 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113-1705 - Price
Avg. Cost for One: 10 USD
iJAVA cafe
A simple no-fuss breakfast place opens as early as 6:30 AM. Offering bagels, waffles, eggs, Falafel rolls, Paninis, salads but most importantly some great coffee. A place with good coffee and we are sold. Vegetarian and an affordable place to eat in San Jose. We don’t need to know more.
- Phone
(408) 753-9732 - Location
387 Delmas Avenue, San Jose 95126 - Price
Avg. Cost for One: 9 USD-11 USD
Voltaire Coffee House
Essentially a cafe offering breakfast. Simple Limited menu which is a good thing because no one wants to make tough choices before the first coffee of the day kicks in. The coffees are excellent and the food is good. A go-to breakfast place.
- Phone
(408) 747-9697 - Location
360 S Market St Unit 80, San Jose, CA 95113-2888 - Price
Avg. Cost for One: 6 USD
Overall
San Jose is a popular and cultural city of California and boasts a plethora of scenic attractions topped with delectable restaurants as you walk through the roads. Besides, here you will encounter several kinds of diner both expensive and affordable. For your convenience, we have compiled affordable under 20 USD restaurants.
