Get Some Cheap Eats On The Las Vegas Strip

The food of Las Vegas is as diverse as the guests who visit. Walking along the 4-mile block of the Las Vegas strip, you’ll feel as if you’re traveling throughout the world. Noodle houses, diners, pubs, taco shops, pizzerias and Thai kitchens all line the sidewalks and contribute to the overwhelmingly savory smell of flavors that float above the strip. But the real delights are the food courts, strip malls and often overlooked combination restaurants that take all the classic elements of cuisine and turn them into something unique that can only be experienced in Las Vegas.

For those coming from Harry Reid Airport, good food is more than welcome after any flight. While the fine dining experience at hotels is often one worth splurging for, there are an equal number of cheap eats that offer the same amount of flavor for those who may have missed their reservation windows. These smaller establishments offer every take imaginable on home cooking from around the world and serve up memorable meals without the pretension that comes with small plates and an overwhelming atmosphere.

These restaurants may be some of the cheapest options in Las Vegas, but their flavor profiles will trick you into thinking you’ve discovered a hidden secret within the city. Finding the perfect hole-in-the-wall restaurant is the equivalent to hitting the jackpot on the nickel slots.

The Restaurants

In addition to the hotels and food courts and quick snack shops, Las Vegas is home to several unique restaurants located both on or near the strip. They range in flavor and price, but the following list are affordable gems.

Village Pub & Cafe

4178 Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Located just off the Las Vegas strip and inside Ellis Island Casino, Village Pub and Cafe is well-known by locals for having a $6.99 Steak and Eggs special, which includes two eggs any style and potatoes along with a choice of toast. Cooked to order, the food is fresh and served with a smile. Additional specials include the Chicken Fried Chicken for $11.99 which is topped with homemade white gravy and served with their famous green beans.

Divine Dosa

3049 S Las Vegas Blvd #15, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Located within the Gold Key Shops on the strip, this Indian restaurant serves up all the traditional classics for cheap. In the mood for naan, biryani, kabobs or a good mango lassi? Divine Dosa has you covered. Fried Papadums are served in twos for just $1.99 and an order of vegetable Samosas are just $5.99. Known for their over 30 different options of Dosas, they are available to try starting at just under $10 along with a variety of other entrees.

Stage Door

4000 Linq Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Stage Door, an American bar located at The LINQ known for its iconic stickers that cover the front doors of the restaurant. Stage Door is a sit down bar that provides an affordable restaurant with an atmosphere to match. Cocktail drinks can be ordered for just $5 and Budweiser or Bud Light are just $2. Attached to the bar is the Stage Door Convenience Store as well which offers a variety of foods for cheap ranging from snacks to fresh produce.

Via Focaccia

4178 Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Via Focaccia is a new fast-casual restaurant located just one block east of the strip. Known for their diverse selection of sandwiches, they serve the Cotto & Fontina with imported ham, and Fontina cheese with a bechamel sauce for under $10. All the bread is made fresh daily. The Chicken Pizzaiola for $10 is worth trying as well, which features a fried chicken cutlet, ham, roasted tomato spread, shaved Parmesan cheese, Burrata and is topped with oregano.

Kokoro Ramen

9484 W Flamingo Rd #175, Las Vegas, NV 89147

When Kokoro Ramen first opened on Flamingo Blvd., it made headlines with its world-class food served at just $8 a bowl. Guests can choose between their classic ramen, signature ramen dishes and cold ramen. Additional items include Chicken Karaage for just $6.75 and a mixed tempura plate with 7 pieces for under $10. There are also a variety of bento options to try for as low as $12.

Coronado Cafe

9777 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89183

Coronado Cafe is a local favorite for being open twenty-four hours a day and for being a diner that also serves Chinese food. Located within the South Point Hotel and Casino, guests can help themselves to a giant Porterhouse steak for only $15. There are also daily specials available for $11.45 that range from Salisbury Steak to Chicken salad and a Prime Rib French Dip Sandwich.

Frijoles & Fresca

2490 E Desert Inn Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89121

With six locations throughout Las Vegas, Frijoles & Fresca has become a staple establishment throughout the city. The origin story is inspiring as well. Alberto, a bus boy who moved from Mexico City to Las Vegas worked his way up before opening a place of his own, now serving up family classics like shrimp tostadas available for just $5. There’s also the filling Chicken quesadilla for just $8.

Cafe Sanuki

4821 Spring Mountain Rd Suite G, Las Vegas, NV 89102

For authentic Japanese cuisine at an affordable price, Cafe Sanuki is the best option Las Vegas has to offer. All the ingredients are native to Sanuki and are flown in daily for authentic flavor profiles. Their famous Udon and Ramen bowls are just under $10 and there are a variety of appetizers available as well like the Gyoza that remain under $5.

Big Wong

5040 Spring Mountain Rd Unit 6, Las Vegas, NV 89146

This hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant is authentic and with over 35 menu items, you’re sure to find something you love. The Authentic Hoi Nam Chicken is served over rice in a generous portion for just $6.50 and their steamed chicken with mushroom and sausage is only $7 as well.

Viva Las Arepas

1616 S Las Vegas Blvd #120, Las Vegas, NV 89104

Viva Las Arepas has not only delicious cheap food, but the awards to go with it. Voted Best Latin Restaurant in Las Vegas, a variety of hand-held arepas are the perfect accompaniment for walking along the strip. Whether you want to try the wood fire beef and chicken options or the reina peppiada for the experimentalist, all the options remain under $8

Munchbox

6105 S Fort Apache Rd #304, Las Vegas, NV 89148

A great spot to grab either breakfast options or one of their quick lunch specials, Munchbox is a Las Vegas landmark. Munchbox gives guests the option to build their own breakfast sandwich which includes a choice of bread, two eggs, a protein and veggies for just $8.99. There are also several sandwiches available including the Avocado Grilled Cheese, the Chicken Club and the Crispy BLT, all for under $10. There’s also the delicious Bacon Cheddar Cheese Burger for just $8.49 as well which includes the special Munchbox fries.

Archi’s Thai Cafe

9350 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89117

Founded by Arichai Silpasuvun who came to Las Vegas from Thailand, he first established his restaurant in 2002, which later expanded into a Las Vegas chain. The affordable and authentic cuisine includes some of the best appetizers to share including Thai Egg Rolls, Crispy Fried Wontons and Pork and Chicken Satay, all available for under $10.

CrunCheese Korean Hot Dogs

4284 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102

The CrunCheese Korean hot dog stand is one of many hot dog stands throughout Las Vegas. But with its Korean infusion, it stands out for its unique take on the American classic. Offering options like their take on the traditional hotdog for just $1.99, the restaurant also sells experimental mashups like their squid ink hot dogs for just $3.99 and their potato covered hot dog for $4.49.

Donut Bar

124 S 6th St #140, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Everything at the Donut Bar is made fresh every morning and their massive donuts are both delicious and affordable. All the menu items range from $3 to $5 and vary by taste from their Vermont Maple Bacon classic to their Birthday Cake Oreo and their Nutella Overload. Their most expensive item on the menu is the Big Poppa Tart Donut, but at just $5, it’s still an affordable luxury.

The Hotels

While the hotels of Las Vegas are home to some of top the Michelin star and James Beard award-winning dining destinations throughout the world, the hotels also contain cheap and convenient food options for those on the go or those looking to save money to spend on the casino floor. These restaurants, while located in Las Vegas hotels, are affordable and worth checking out.

Secret Pizza, Cosmopolitan

Located in The Cosmopolitan is Secret Pizza, one of the best Las Vegas pizza shops on the strip. Wander to the third floor of the Cosmopolitan and after walking down the record-lined hallway, there’s a humble pizza stand hidden in the hotel. Grab one of the Secret Pizza New York-style slices including White Pizza or Sicilian for just $5. Just make sure to try the house-pickled peppers for only $1 more.

Eggslut, Cosmopolitan

Eggslut is an iconic establishment known throughout Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Inside The Cosmopolitan, Eggslut has left its humble food truck beginnings and has turned into one of the most iconic breakfast sandwich joints in the business. Served on freshly baked brioche buns, try the egg salad sandwich served with chives mixed in a honey mustard aioli and topped with arugula for just $10.

Ocean One Bar and Grill, Planet Hollywood

Located within the Miracle Mile shops at Planet Hollywood, this restaurant is known around the world as the busiest spot in Las Vegas, but with good reason. A key factor in its popularity is the $4.9 lunch menu, where all the items including appetizers, tacos, sandwiches and chef specials are all available for under $5.

Moon Palace, The Venetian

Located within The Venetian is the other-worldly creation from David Chang known as Moon Palace. Burgers are served on a King’s Hawaiian roll and a single one costs just $5.99. Enjoy one of the breakfast options such as the single sandwich with a rolled omelet, American cheese and luau sauce for under $5.

Topgolf, MGM Grand

Topgolf at the MGM Grand isn’t just known for its driving range and climate-controlled bays, the venue also offers some of the most delicious and affordable menu items for a reasonable price. While hanging out with friends in the range or at the bar, try Topgolf’s wok charred edamame, the queso blanco or the deviled egg sampler, all available for under $10.

BBQ Mexicana, Mandalay Bay

This grab-and-go ambitious operation by chefs Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger is one of the highlights of staying at the Mandalay Bay. Looking for the perfect burrito? Try the Burnt Ends with slow-smoked brisket, chipotle coleslaw, crispy potatoes, Mexican cheese and house spicy pork BBQ sauce, or the Avocado Chicken Burrito with mesquite smoked chicken, crispy potatoes, avocado, red rice, cilantro, coleslaw, black beans and avocado cream, both for under $15.

Pin Up Pizza, Planet Hollywood

Pin Up Pizza has quickly turned into one of Las Vegas’ most iconic pizza establishments on the strip. Located in front of Planet Hollywood, Pin Up Pizza is known for having the largest New York-style slices on the strip. The hand-tossed pies are served by the slice and you can try a classic cheese for just $6 or go big with a Big Meat or Chicken & Spinach slice for just $7.

The Food Courts

One of the unique aspects of Las Vegas are the places to escape the heat. In addition to malls and restaurants, Vegas offers a variety of food courts both in hotels and located along the strip that offer a variety of options all within one convenient setting. The restaurants range from sit-down establishments to to-go counters, but the food courts are home to some of Las Vegas’ best dining experiences.

Village Street Eateries, New York New York hotel

In the New York New York hotel is one of the best food courts in all of Las Vegas. Try Greenberg’s deli where you can get the croissant sandwich for just $6.95 or the NYC Deli Burrito with pastrami, corned beef, eggs and Swiss cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla for just $6.95 as well. The Village Street Eateries are also home to the Broadway Burger Bar, Sirrico’s Pizza, Chin Chin and Gonzalez Y Gonzalez.

Miracle Mile Shops, Planet Hollywood

The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood are always worth a visit with iconic restaurants like Flights and La Salsa Cantina. There’s also several other classic establishments for good, cheap eats as well including Auntie Anne’s pretzels, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle, Earl of Sandwich and Nacho Daddy. For the best deals, check our Earl of Sandwich, where you can try the pizza sandwich, the grilled cheese, or Turkey ‘N Swiss for just $3.99 each.

The LINQ Promenade, LINQ

Located in the LINQ Promenade are the best bang for your buck restaurants. Want to avoid the high price tag of his Hell’s Kitchen restaurant? Try Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips spot at The LINQ Promenade. There’s also Flour & Barley for some artisan pizza or the cupcake ATM from Sprinkles which serves up fresh cupcakes in a matter of minutes for just $4.59.

Casino Royale Food Court, Casino Royale

The Casino Royale Food Court is home to some of the cheapest eats in all of Las Vegas. Take the Foot Long Hot Dog stand for example, which serves up their foot-long franks with toppings for just $1.99. There’s also your other quick bite classics like Subway and White Castle available in the food court as well.

Grand Bazaar Shops, Bally’s

Looking for worldly flavors in your food court experience? Check our the Grand Bazaar Shops located Bally’s hotel and casino. Try Dirt Dog where you can try loaded dogs with experimental flavors including the Elote Dog and the DUI Dog for under $10. There’s also Ramen Ya Katana which serves Shoyu Ramen and Lemon Shio bowls for under $10. Also worth checking out are Wahlburgers, Giordanos and Sin City Brewing Co. among the 17 distinct eateries and a magic shop.

Block 16 Urban Food Hall, The Cosmopolitan

Block 16 Urban Food Hall within The Cosmopolitan has every food imaginable within walking distance. Bang Bar by Momofuku, District: Donuts, slider and brew, Ghost Donkey and Hattie B’s Hot Chicken sandwiches. Craving Japanese instead? Check out the Tekka Bar as well which serves a variety of hand rolls including salmon, toro and yellowtail all for under $10.

Forum Food Hall, Caesars Palace

Caesars Palace will make you feel like a royal anywhere you are inside the hotel and casino, and their Forum Food Hall is no different. Try Bobby’s Burgers for a cheap way to enjoy the cooking of celebrity Chef Bobby Flay. There’s also a variety of international options including Difara Pizza which is open until midnight and Crepes and more which will satisfy your hunger any time of day. For the best deals, visit the Halal Guys where you can get falafels for just a little over $1 each.

Fashion Show Mall, Las Vegas Strip

Fashion Show Mall on the Las Vegas strip is home to several cheap eats including Luke’s Lobster where you can feel like a king ordering a shrimp roll for just $12. With over 36 restaurants located within the strip mall your options are endless including India Masala Cuisine, Johnny Rockets, Kung Fu Tea and Crazy Crepes, all within the affordable price range.

Resorts World Famous Foods Street Eats

In this Singapore-style hawkers market, there are 16 restaurants that are affordable and contain a flavor profile as diverse as Las Vegas itself. Whether its Geyland, Ah Chun Shandong Dumplings, Mozz Bar, Kuru Kuru Pa Yakitori or Pepitia’s Kitchen, there’s bound to be a restaurant that meshes perfectly with your style. Head on over to Kuru Kuru Pa Yakitori for experimental cuisine that’s affordable. You can try kurobuta pork jowl, angus beef tenderloin and quail eggs all for under $10.

Tacos

If Vegas is known for one food group above all else, it is surprisingly tacos. The traditional Mexican dish is easy to replicate but often mishandled, underestimating the complexity despite the simplicity of the meal. Las Vegas has several affordable options to try the perfect taco, but both a public and critic consensus place one restaurant at the top of the taco list:

Tacos El Gordo

3041 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

The best taco in Las Vegas, Tacos El Gordo, is the perfect blend of delicious food at affordable prices. Try the Taco Azteca for just $2 or the Taco De Cabeza for just $2 as well. There’s also the variety of Sopes available for just $4 with your choice of meat.

Durango Taco Shop

1380 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119

While Tacos El Gordo may take the top spot for the best taco in Las Vegas, Durango Taco Shop is not far behind. You can order three queso birria tacos for just $10 that are served with onions and cilantro on the side.

Taco Bell Cantina

3717 S Las Vegas Blvd Suite 140-A, Las Vegas, NV 89109

One of the most iconic fast-food restaurants in Las Vegas is the Taco Bell Cantina which serves up all the classics as well as alcoholic beverages like the the Party Punch with rum, the Cantina Margarita with agave wine and the Berry Frozen Rose, all available for under $10.

KoMex

633 N Decatur Blvd H, Las Vegas, NV 89107

Merging traditional Mexican food with Korean classics, this mash-up restaurant serves up unique cuisine at an affordable price. 5 pieces of the Fried Wontons are available for just $1.50 and a Calamari, Shrimp or fish taco is just $2.79. For other fusion favorites, check out the Bulgogi chicken for $6.99 or the Carne Asada plate for $8.99.

Comfort Bites You’ll Recognize

In addition to the Las Vegas signatures and restaurants that can only be tried in the town, there are a variety of quick bite options that visitors from all over the world might recognize. They are your staple cheap and easy-going restaurants that no matter where they are found, offer the consistency that you’ll recognize and have come to enjoy.

Shake Shack

One of the most iconic but delicious restaurants around is Shake Shack, and those french fries and burgers are available in Las Vegas as well. While not the cheapest burger option, it’s still affordable in comparison to the other establishments in Las Vegas. Try the single SmokeShack burger for just $6.69 or the Shack Stack for just $9.49.

In N Out Burger

Craving the comfort of their animal-style french fries or one of their signature shakes? No need to worry, Las Vegas have you covered with several different In N Out burger locations throughout the city. While everyone knows about their not-so-secret menu, did you know the Las Vegas locations allow you to add chopped chilies to your burger or your fries? There’s also the option to get extra toad on your buns as well as your fries “well done,” making them extra crispy. Spending some time with your dog too? Ask for the puppy patty from the cooks for your pet to enjoy. And if you’re feeling tired from all the walking, ask for their secret item, the Root Beer Float, which will add some of their vanilla shake to the bottom of your drink to quench your thirst.

Pizza Hut

One of the most affordable pizza options in Las Vegas in Pizza Hut. A hand-tossed medium pizza is only $11.99 and individual pan pizzas are available for just $4.99 as well.

With a wide selection of restaurants, quick food, convenience stores and delicious meal options, Las Vegas is a culinary hub ranging from iconic and recognized establishments to unique restaurants and food courts that can fulfill any desired taste. Search out the undiscovered restaurants, try the flavors that might intimidate you, and don’t be afraid to order that menu item that you might not be able to pronounce. After all, this is the place where risks can pay off handsomely.

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