Houston's Top Cheap Eats

What's a starving student in Houston to do when they run out of Ramen noodles? Grab a cheap bite to eat of course!

Lucky for us, Houston has a myriad of "cheap eats" to satisfy even the most discerning palate. So, grab a fork and pull up a table.

Here are our choices for the best places to grab a cheap bite in the Houston area.

1. Dickey's BBQ Pit

If you're looking to lose weight, then this isn't your place (Dickey's offers free ice cream cones with their orders). However, if you're looking for some of the best BBQ in Texas, then listen up. Dickey's is the largest and fastest growing barbecue chain in the country with locations coast to coast.

Dickey's is known for their Lil' Hoagie, The Westerner, and their bountiful meat plates served with 2 home style sides. Their homestyle sides include waffle iron fries, creamy coleslaw, fried okra, and mac and cheese to name a few. Monday's are dollar days!

2. Carl's Jr.

Carl's Jr. was once a staple of the oil and energy driven city, but in the 80's the burger chain sadly went away. 30 years later, Carl's Jr. returns offering alternatives such as vegetarian and gluten-free items.

Located outside of the Beltway in West Houston, Carl's Jr. promises to continue its growth and emphasis on quality with such favorites as the Six Dollar Burger and Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders.

3. Niko Niko's Greek

Forty years ago, Eleni Fetokakis was a popular singer touring Greek nightclubs from Athens to L.A. Eleni eventually she fell in love, and with a man who loved food nonetheless. The two married and eventually landed in Houston and opened Niko Niko's.

Now owned by her son Dimitri, the line at Niko Niko's on a typical day can stretch into the back. Expect tasty fries; pita bread browning on the grill; slabs of lamb and beef spinning, and great customer service--Greek style!

4. Gringos Mexican Kitchen

Gringo's opened their doors for business on January 11, 1993 with one philosophy in mind: "To serve the highest quality Mexican food at the lowest price possible!"

Along with great customer service (and free ice cream), Gringo's serves up authentic Mexican food made with the freshest ingredients possible. Favorites include their Southwest Egg Rolls, Beef Fajitas, homemade Amazon Sauce, and Seafood Enchiladas.

5. Chuy's

The original Chuy's restaurant opened in 1982 in Austin, Texas. What began in an old abandoned Texas barbeque joint has now turned into a cult-like following. Created to offer a taste of home, family recipes feature favorites from South Texas, New Mexican, and a slew of Mexican border towns.

Menu favorites include Burritos As Big As Yo' Face, Stuffed Chile Rellenos, and Green Chile Sauce. Each location also features its own Elvis shrine!

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If you want to work at any of these places or open your own restaurant, learn more about culinary arts schools in Houston.

Searching for restaurants in other cities? Check out our "Cheap Eats" guides in Chicago, New York, Denver, Atlanta, Boston, Orange County, Seattle, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.