Where to Eat on the Cheap in Denver

It feels like everything is more expensive these days — housing, groceries, gas. And a meal out is no exception — I mean, $17 for a bagel sandwich? 🫠 Inspired by the honorable mission of one local restaurant owner to serve an affordable Denver breakfast option, we’re doing the important work of rounding up the best local spots where you can still fill your belly without emptying your wallet. Here are our picks for Denver’s best cheap eats.

🍳 Breakfast for $10 or Less

New York Bagel Cafe (Lakewood)

The hot fresh NY-style bagels that are made on-site at this Lakewood cafe ring up at blessedly refreshing $7.09 — and that’s with eggs, cheese, and a choice of protein. Heck, that leaves enough wiggle room to throw in a SunnyD for $1.39.

Rise & Shine (Sloan’s Lake | Speer | Lakewood)

A plain fresh-baked biscuit here starts at an easy-peasy $1.75. Add-ons — like jam, honey, cheese, or meat — range from 65 cents to $1.95. Signature biscuit sammies are less than $6. At that price, you might as well add on a cup of Pablo’s coffee.

LaTinto Café (Overland)

This brand new Latin American coffee shop and bakery is a standout for its delightful mini pastries — think empanadas, buñelos, and pan leche — for as little as one or two bucks, leaving plenty of spare change for one of their specialty lattes.

🥪 Lunch for $15 or Less

Zoe Ma Ma (Union Station | Boulder)

James Beard Award semifinalist chef Edwin Zoe’s homemade noodle bowls, complete with savory Chinese sauces and fresh seasonal veggies, are only $9. If you add on a veggie bao bun for $4, you’re still under $15. How's that bang for your buck?

IHOP (Multiple Locations)

The International House of Pancake’s $5 unlimited pancake stack is an oldie but a goodie! This limited-time deal is currently running now through Sept. 15. Because who says you can’t have breakfast for lunch?

Little India of Denver (Speer | University | West Highland | Central Park)

This local little chain is known for its authentic Indian eats, but it’s renowned for its long-running $10 lunch buffet. But FYI, the deal isn’t always on offer — follow Little India’s social accounts to catch the next one!

🍝 Dinner for $20 or Less

Odyssey Italian (Speer)

Dinner here will cure your Monday blues with half-priced pasta Mondays! Portions are generous, flavors are still top-notch, and each $11.95 pasta plate comes with a Caesar salad and fresh rolls.

Ginger Pig (Berkeley | Boulder)

OK, $17 might seem like your whole dinner budget, but trust us, the Vietnamese Garlic Noodles from this hot Chinese street food joint is well worth the splurge. Don’t believe us? Just check out its Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand rating.

Yacht Club (Cole)

This hip RiNo cocktail bar is known for its libations, but if you’re feeling a little peckish, just ask for an Old No. 7-11 ($9), and the bartender will bring a Jack and Coke with a hot dog 😎