Cheap Eats In Boston, Massachusetts, USA, Under $5 USD

cheap eats in boston
Mich
Mich 
Updated
| 3 min read

Boston is the capital and largest city in Massachusetts and also one of the oldest cities in the United States. It has something in store for everyone, including historical landmarks, an art scene, cultural centers, and more. One should never miss visiting Faneuil Hall when in town. It is a 19th-century structure that is now home to an assortment of market stalls, restaurants, local shops, exhibitions, the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Museum, and the council chamber.

Apart from the tourist attractions, Boston also has a thriving food scene that will make your tummy smile and your wallet happy. For cheap eats, follow this list of affordable restaurants in Boston under 5 USD.

1. Tasty Burger

If you’re searching for the best burger in Massachusetts, you are in for a surprise, for Tasty Burger will give you a wide selection of burgers to choose from, all for a very affordable price. They have the Rise N’ Shine burger, the classic Big Tasty, and lots of other items, including fries, onion rings, local brews, non-alcoholic drinks, and more. Moreover, this burger joint is the home of the official burger of the Red Sox, so expect a full house during game days.


Tasty Burger

Address: 1301 Boylston St, Boston

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:00am-2:00am

Website: Tasty Burger

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2. Saus Boston

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Saus Boston is a popular late-night local eatery that serves fries and beer. But wait, there’s more! It also offers 15 unique sauces and homemade condiments, like mayo, ketchup, hot sauce, and gravy. All the food they serve here is made from scratch, so expect everything to be of quality but at a very affordable price. Other food on the menu includes sandwiches, salads, desserts, pork dishes, and more.


Saus Boston

Address: 33 Union Street, Boston, MA 02108

Opening Hours: Mon-Wed: 11:30am-9:00pm / Thurs: 11:30am-2:00am / Fri & Sat: 11:30am-2:00am / Sun: 11:30am-8:00pm

Website: Saus Boston

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3. Anna's Taqueria

Still as good as I remember: Steak super burrito from Anna's Taqueria
Source: Photo by Flickr user Pete Jelliffe used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Anna’s Taqueria is a fast food restaurant that focuses on Mexican fusion. They take pride that their food is only made with love, hard work, and natural and local ingredients. Their main menu includes burritos, tacos, quesadillas, salad bowls, and Mexican bowls, partnered with lots of side dishes and different fillings.

Anna's Taqueria

Address: 1412 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 9:00am-11:30pm

Website: Anna’s Taqueria

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4. Kelly's Roast Beef

Are you on the lookout for an affordable and delicious lobster roll or roast beef sandwich? If so, Kelly’s Roast Beef is the end of your search. It is a local fast food restaurant in Massachusetts that serves freshly made sandwiches, tasty seafood, crunchy salads, mouthwatering onion rings, delectable fries, and the best roast beef in town. The bestsellers on their menu includes their Roast Beef Sandwich, Fried Clams, Fish and Chips, Lobster Roll, Hot Dog, and Chicken Finger Plates.


Kelly's Roast Beef

Address: 35 Revere Beach Parkway Medford, MA 02155 United States

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 10:00am-1:00am

Website: Kelly’s Roast Beef

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Boston Tour Guide

Naim Benmayor

Naim Benmayor

As a Boston tour guide, I have the added experience of being a world traveler. For many years, I frequently visited Europe, Asia, and Latin America on business. During this time, I also organized tours of the USA, Europe and Asia for my business clients. I now bring this passion, excitement and expertise to the Boston area.By exploring the globe, I was exposed to various cultures, and this unique perspective has taught me what appeals to people when visiting a new part of the country or a new part of the world. My fluency in English and Turkish, and my advanced skills in Spanish and intermediate skills in French, also help me to service a wider range of tourists and business people.I moved to Boston, Massachusetts several years ago, and I now reside in Brookline. I have three children, so I develop my tours to accommodate families with kids, couples, and individuals who want to visit and learn about the rich history and culture of Boston. As a parent, I know that Boston is a great place for higher education, and I have knowledge of the colleges and universities in the area.I customize tours to suit the needs and preferences of my customers. Whether you want a walking tour, a riding tour, or a little of both, I can create an itinerary that showcases the best of what Boston has to offer.My one day tours are educational and entertaining, and include the history, culture, personalities, architecture and, even the shopping areas of this renowned city. At the end of the tour you will be happy and satisfied when you realize you've seen so much in just a short time.I am here to share my knowledge of Boston, Cambridge and all of New England with you, and help you to enjoy your visit so you can explore the must-see parts of this great city. I look forward to meeting you and guiding you around the city, so please send me a message if you have any questions.Thank you for reading.

5. Union Square Donuts

Amazing Union Square doughnuts
Source: Photo by Flickr user Bex Walton used under CC BY 2.0

Are you tired of eating at the usual donut joint and having the same flavors every single time? Then you have to try this artisan donut shop in Massachusetts named Union Square Donuts. They serve handmade, freshly baked, high-quality donuts that can satisfy your cravings. They have the classic flavors, like honey glazed, cinnamon, chocolate, caramel, and more. And they are never afraid to experiment with other unique tastes that you can exclusively buy in their store.

Union Square Donuts

Address: 409 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 7:00am-6:00pm

Website: Union Square Donuts

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6. Zaftigs Delicatessen

If you’re a fan of brunch, this Jewish-inspired restaurant in Massachusets is an ideal place to eat. They serve an all-day breakfast and food that includes pastrami, corned beef, challah French toast, and more. You should also watch out for the witty t-shirts on their waiters, for they deserve a laugh.


Zaftigs Delicatessen

Address: 335 Harvard Street Brookline MA 02446

Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs: 8:00am-9:00pm/ Fri-Sat: 8:00am-10:00pm

Website: Zaftigs Delicatessen

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7. Chacarero

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


If you’re in Boston and looking for cheap eats, you have to give Chacarero a chance to fill your stomach with good food at a very affordable price. It is a famous restaurant that serves chacarero, a Chilean sandwich, which they make with homemade bread and, for Chilean flavor, cheese, fresh tomatoes, green beans, and avocado. This restaurant has a humble beginning and they began by selling their sandwich in a food cart. They soon climbed the ladder because of their hard work and perseverance. You can get also get empanadas, oven fried potatoes, fruit salad, rice pudding, and more here, all for less than five dollars.

Chacarero

Address: 101 Arch Street, Boston, MA 02108

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00am-6:00pm

Website: Chacarero

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8. Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe

If you’re a fan of affordable Chinese food, Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe should be on your radar. This restaurant offers authentic Western and Chinese dishes that include hand-pulled noodles and flatbread sandwiches. Other food on their menu includes their Hot Sour Dumpling Soup, Lamb Stew, and more, which you can get for less than a dollar. So, what are you waiting for? Head down to this Chinese fusion restaurant and have a wonderful meal.


Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe

Address: 175 Littleton Rd, Westford, MA 01886

Opening Hours: Tue-Sun: 11:30am-8:00pm

Website: Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe

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9. El Pelon Taqueria

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

For authentic Mexican food in Boston, you can always count on El Pelon Taqueria. They serve freshly made, high-quality Mexican dishes, like the burritos, tacos, and the like, since 1998. For diversity, they also have gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan dishes. Apart from their food, they also have an annual chili pepper eating contest.


El Pelon Taqueria

Address: 92 Peterborough St, Boston MA 02215

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:00am-11:00pm

Website: El Pelon Taqueria

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10. Picco Restaurant

If you’re looking for the best pizza in Boston, you have to try this underrated restaurant named Picco that offers thin-crust pizzas, homemade ice cream, fine wines, and cold brews. Apart from the food, you’ll also love the retro vibe of the place, with their brightly colored chairs, soda fountain, and jazz music in the background.


Picco Restaurant

Address: 513 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02116

Opening Hours: Sun-Wed: 11:00am-10:00pm/ Thur-Sat: 11:00am-11:00pm

Website: Picco Restaurant

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Eat in Boston

artsy food platter
Source: Pixabay

Boston, the city for every kind of traveler, will make you happy with its delightful food scene. In case you don’t know where to start your restaurant hopping in Boston, follow our list of cheap eats in Boston under five dollars and have a happy holiday ahead.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Michelle, a devoted writer and travel enthusiast, endeavors to make a living through her love for words. Her objective is to explore the world, connect with diverse individuals, and motivate others...Read more

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