Dubbed ‘The Emerald City’ for the city’s year-round greenery, Seattle has plenty to offer for every member of your holiday party. Whether you’re headed for the city’s best-hidden gems or can’t wait to hit the most popular tourist spots, you’re sure to be kept busy in this bustling city, which happens to be the largest in the state of Washington. From annual fairs and festivals to art shows and conventions, there’s a new experience to be had no matter the time of your visit. When you aren’t busy exploring all the city has to offer, don’t forget to fuel up on the city’s best eats that’ll keep you going throughout your vacation days. Keep reading for ten of the city’s top cheap eats that can also be enjoyed by travelers on a budget.
1. Rain City Burgers
Rain City Burgers offers a variety of American diner-style dining options, such as burgers, chicken, and even vegetarian options for travelers with dietary restrictions. Some highlights include, but are not limited to, their Huskies Burger that’s packed with onion rings and rich American cheese, or the 12th Man Burger that’ll give you a run for your money! And what’s the best accompaniment to burgers? Beer, of course! Try a few local beers on tap at the restaurant, available in both pints and pitchers. For the kids, the restaurant also serves hearty milkshakes that would go well with any of their meal options. The restaurant also has extended opening hours on Fridays and Saturdays if you’d like to spend your Friday and Saturday nights out in the town.
Rain City Burgers
Address: 6501 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Website: Rain City Burgers
Price Range: Under 10 USD
2. El Camion
This Mexican eatery offers all your standard Mexican grub at a price that’s friendly for your wallet too. Treat your palette to some authentic soul food like the traditional enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and even less popular dishes like the Camarones a la Diabla. Their comforting dishes have even been described by one satisfied customer as “life-changing”! That’s certainly one reason to try the franchise’s grub if you needed one. Apart from a traditional restaurant you can find along 15th Avenue, the El Camion also has a number of food trucks that you can find scattered around the city.
El Camion
Address: 6416 15th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Website: El Camion
Price Range: Under 10 USD
3. Hot Mama's Pizza
If you were ever hit with the hunger pangs at an odd hour of the night while on holiday, keep Hot Mama’s Pizza in mind! They stay open until 12 am from Sundays through Wednesdays, with their doors staying open till 2 am on Thursdays, and till 2.30 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Whoever said you had to go to New York to get a dose of authentic New York-styled pizza was sorely mistaken! Hot Mama’s, which has been in operation since 1995, offers delectable NY pizzas for a satisfying supper treat when the hunger pangs hit. They offer a variety of mouth-watering pizza options; the House Combo and Mama’s Choice look particularly appetizing.
Hot Mama's Pizza
Address: 700 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
Website: Hot Mama’s Pizza
Price Range: Under 10 USD
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4. Paseo Caribbean Food
Paseo Caribbean Food boasts a wide variety of sandwiches, bowls, salads and sides that are undoubtedly reminiscent of lazy afternoons along the Caribbean coast. Menu highlights include the Caribbean Bowl and Caribbean Plato, which come with a choice of roasted pork or chicken thighs, with a mix of sides depending on which dish you opt for. Non-meat-eaters will be happy to hear that they have a number of vegetarian options, such as the Tofu Delight sandwich, so you can enjoy a taste of the Caribbean too. Travelers should note that Paseo Caribbean has two outlets in the Seattle area that operate under different hours, so be sure to double check the outlet you’re headed to and the timings it would be open for before heading over.
Paseo Caribbean Food
Address: 4225 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 or 1760 1st Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98134
Website: Paseo Caribbean Food
Price Range: Under 10 USD
5. Chili's South Indian Cuisine
Enjoy the best of Indian cuisine at Chili’s South Indian Cuisine, which recently received a Seattle Award and can now call itself a member of the Seattle Business Hall of Fame. Its specialties menu is both comprehensive and extensive, so you’re sure to find something on the menu that will suit your fancy. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 9.30 pm, so remember not to head there on a Monday or you’ll find yourself sorely disappointed. As a final note, if your schedule permits, try to head over between 11 am and 2.30 pm on weekdays to enjoy a lunch buffet for an even more satisfying meal.
Chili's South Indian Cuisine
Address: 4220 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Website: Chili’s South Indian Cuisine
Price Range: 11-30 USD
6. Pecos Pit Bar-B-Que
With their roots tracing all the way back till the 1980s, Pecos Pit Bar-B-Que is a time-loved classic American barbecue house, prized for its exquisitely roasted meats that are well-accompanied by rich, tasty sauces. Get your fix of these beloved sandwiches, salads, platters and the like from any of the food trucks scattered across the city. It doesn’t hurt that you get to enjoy these sweet meats at a humble price tag too.
Pecos Pit Bar-B-Que
Address: 4400 35th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126
Website: Pecos Pit Bar-B-Que
Price Range: Under 10 USD
7. Emerald City Fish & Chips
Here’s something different from all the meat-heavy options that have come before. Emerald City Fish & Chips sells fresh battered Alaskan cod, halibut, catfish and salmon dishes with a side of tasty chips for a truly satisfying meal. The establishment has humble beginnings, with the owner Stevie Allen having adopted the recipes for the dishes he sells today from his own grandmother’s cooking which he enjoyed while growing up. It’s definitely worth taking a quick drive to this hidden gem.
Emerald City Fish & Chips
Address: 3756 Rainier Avenue, Seattle, WA 98144
Website: Emerald City Fish & Chips
Price Range: Under 10 USD
8. Pike Place Chowder
Ever wanted to try some award-winning chowder? Since a “friendly” competition in 1991, the restaurant’s signature recipe has been constantly improved and innovated to give a final product dubbed “Seattle’s Best Chowder” — a badge which Pike Place Chowder wears unabashedly.
Pike Place Chowder
Address: 1530 Post Alley, Seattle, WA, 98101 or 600 Pine Street, 4th Floor, Seattle, WA 98101
Website: Pike Place Chowder
Price Range: 11-30 USD
9. Red Mill Burgers
The second burger place of our top 10 Seattle cheap eats, Red Mill Burgers’ flame-broiled burgers gives customers a fantastic bang for their buck. Choose from a comprehensive menu of beef, chicken or veggie burgers, and round off the meal with a side of sinful yet satisfying chips or onion rings.
Red Mill Burgers
Address: Phinney Ridge, 312 North 67th St or Interbay, 1613 W Dravus St
Website: Red Mill Burgers
Price Range: Under 10 USD
10. Tilikum Place Cafe
This last cheap eat is a dream for avid Instagrammers. The quaint cafe is a great place to unwind with a coffee in hand while enjoying a scrumptious cafe brunch of eggs, toast, pancakes and the like. It’s also a pleasant change from the hearty American meals you probably have stuffed yourself silly with already.
Tilikum Place Cafe
Address: 407 Cedar Street, Seattle, WA 98121
Website: Tilikum Place Cafe
Price Range: 11-30 USD
Good and affordable food
All in all, Seattle has a multitude of affordable eating options that are diverse, and these top 10 cheap eats should offer you plenty of great choices during your vacation. While you check out these 10 eateries for starters, keep your eyes peeled for more cheap eats while you explore the city!
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