With inflation impacting communities across the country, it's getting harder and harder to find a decent meal for a decent price. This problem also complicates date nights because nobody wants to pay for two expensive meals out during these difficult times.
But here in St. Louis we have so many great restaurants — and a surprising number are willing to feed you in exchange for a ten-spot.
That's right, for $10 or less you can get some really great food at locations across the St. Louis area. This collection highlights some of our favorites.
For $10 or Less, You Can Get a Great Meal at These St. Louis Restaurants
By Riverfront Times on Fri, Oct 6, 2023 at 3:50 pm
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Mabel Suen
Havana’s
1131 Washington Avenue, 314-449-6671
It can be difficult to find a good lunch downtown, but Havana’s on Washington Avenue makes it happen. Known for their Cuban sandwiches ($12), Havana’s also has a large number of $10 and under sandwiches on the menu, including a “Classic Ham and Cheese,” a Medianoche sandwich and more. If you have a couple of extra bucks you can try their empanadas and pastries, too.
1131 Washington Avenue, 314-449-6671
It can be difficult to find a good lunch downtown, but Havana’s on Washington Avenue makes it happen. Known for their Cuban sandwiches ($12), Havana’s also has a large number of $10 and under sandwiches on the menu, including a “Classic Ham and Cheese,” a Medianoche sandwich and more. If you have a couple of extra bucks you can try their empanadas and pastries, too.
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Mabel Suen
Saucy Porka
3900 Laclede Avenue, 314-818-2700
It seems like Asian Latin American fusion food would be expensive (twice the flavors, right?). But Saucy Porka is here to hook you up. Located on the edge of Midtown, Saucy Porka’s exciting blend of culinary traditions has given us a variety of new foods to obsess over like Nutella doughnut bites and chorizo egg rolls — and most things on the menu are under ten bucks.
3900 Laclede Avenue, 314-818-2700
It seems like Asian Latin American fusion food would be expensive (twice the flavors, right?). But Saucy Porka is here to hook you up. Located on the edge of Midtown, Saucy Porka’s exciting blend of culinary traditions has given us a variety of new foods to obsess over like Nutella doughnut bites and chorizo egg rolls — and most things on the menu are under ten bucks.
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Mabel Suen
Songbird
4476 Chouteau Avenue, somgbirdstl.com
Located on the northern edge of Forest Park Southeast, Songbird is a great spot to get quality breakfast food for way less than you’d spend at most brunch establishments. Grits, poundcake and English muffins are all favorites here, but you’d be making a big mistake if you didn’t order the “Classic” which is aged white cheddar on toasted sourdough topped with sea salt and honey.
4476 Chouteau Avenue, somgbirdstl.com
Located on the northern edge of Forest Park Southeast, Songbird is a great spot to get quality breakfast food for way less than you’d spend at most brunch establishments. Grits, poundcake and English muffins are all favorites here, but you’d be making a big mistake if you didn’t order the “Classic” which is aged white cheddar on toasted sourdough topped with sea salt and honey.
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Mabel Suen
Station No. 3
1956 Utah Street, station3stl.com
Vegans often have to pay extreme prices for specially-made quality food, but not at Station No. 3 in Benton Park. Set in a former gas station, this quirky spot sells vegan food, vegetarian food and food for omnivores, but it’s all the same level of amazing. Most of the food here is vegan, but you’d never know it because it’s all so tasty and so cheap. Don’t skip the burnt ends or the nachos.
1956 Utah Street, station3stl.com
Vegans often have to pay extreme prices for specially-made quality food, but not at Station No. 3 in Benton Park. Set in a former gas station, this quirky spot sells vegan food, vegetarian food and food for omnivores, but it’s all the same level of amazing. Most of the food here is vegan, but you’d never know it because it’s all so tasty and so cheap. Don’t skip the burnt ends or the nachos.
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Mabel Suen
J's Pitaria
91 Concord Plaza Shopping Center, Sappington; jspitaria.us
From the $10 falafel to the $9 hummus, J’s has no problems filling a belly on a budget. Located in Sappington, J’s is a favorite spot for Mediterranean food in St. Louis and it’s easy to see why. Not only is the food delicious, but the prices are more than fair. You can get a meat, cheese, or potato pie or a cabbage and beef stew for just $9. Bring a friend so you can split the $7 Somun Bread & Nutella for dessert.
91 Concord Plaza Shopping Center, Sappington; jspitaria.us
From the $10 falafel to the $9 hummus, J’s has no problems filling a belly on a budget. Located in Sappington, J’s is a favorite spot for Mediterranean food in St. Louis and it’s easy to see why. Not only is the food delicious, but the prices are more than fair. You can get a meat, cheese, or potato pie or a cabbage and beef stew for just $9. Bring a friend so you can split the $7 Somun Bread & Nutella for dessert.
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Mabel Suen
DD Mau
Two locations including 11982 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights; ddmaustl.com
Even if you don’t live near Maryland Heights or Webster Groves, it’s totally worth it to take a special trip to one to dine at DD Mau. The fast-casual Vietnamese spot to sample their stellar banh mi ($10), fried rice ($10), spring rolls ($8) or bao sliders ($8). The bao sliders are particularly delicious. They’re freshly-steamed bao buns topped with veggies and your choice of protein.
Two locations including 11982 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights; ddmaustl.com
Even if you don’t live near Maryland Heights or Webster Groves, it’s totally worth it to take a special trip to one to dine at DD Mau. The fast-casual Vietnamese spot to sample their stellar banh mi ($10), fried rice ($10), spring rolls ($8) or bao sliders ($8). The bao sliders are particularly delicious. They’re freshly-steamed bao buns topped with veggies and your choice of protein.
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Photo courtesy of Yelp / Kitty W.
Chuck-A-Burger
9025 St. Charles Rock Road, St. John, 314-427-9524
For a taste of an old-time greasy spoon, hit up Chuck-A-Burger in St. John. The retro joint serves food that is nostalgic in taste and in calorie count. There’s no concern that something is too greasy or too bad for you here. The prices are retro, too. The Original Chuck-A-Burger with single chuck is just $5.40 and the french fries are $1.85, so you can feed the whole family for about $30 before tax and tip, you cool cat.
9025 St. Charles Rock Road, St. John, 314-427-9524
For a taste of an old-time greasy spoon, hit up Chuck-A-Burger in St. John. The retro joint serves food that is nostalgic in taste and in calorie count. There’s no concern that something is too greasy or too bad for you here. The prices are retro, too. The Original Chuck-A-Burger with single chuck is just $5.40 and the french fries are $1.85, so you can feed the whole family for about $30 before tax and tip, you cool cat.
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image via Google Maps
Nick and Elena's Pizzeria
3007 Woodson Road, Breckenridge Hills; 314-427-6566
Nick and Elena’s Pizzeria has so much more to offer than just pizza. Located in Breckenridge Hills, this place is famous for its St. Louis-style pizza. But for those of us who think Provel is an abomination, there are plenty of other cheap eats on the menu. Get a big order of golden brown toasted ravioli for $8.80 or breaded mushrooms for $7.70. The chicken tenders are just $8.25 and a small dinner salad is $5.25. It’s easy to eat well on a budget at Nick and Elena’s.
3007 Woodson Road, Breckenridge Hills; 314-427-6566
Nick and Elena’s Pizzeria has so much more to offer than just pizza. Located in Breckenridge Hills, this place is famous for its St. Louis-style pizza. But for those of us who think Provel is an abomination, there are plenty of other cheap eats on the menu. Get a big order of golden brown toasted ravioli for $8.80 or breaded mushrooms for $7.70. The chicken tenders are just $8.25 and a small dinner salad is $5.25. It’s easy to eat well on a budget at Nick and Elena’s.
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Mabel Suen
Honey Bee's
200 North Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood; honeybeesbg.com
Honey Bee’s biscuits are even better than they look in the pictures, believe it or not. The Kirkwood biscuit joint serves up all different kinds of ways to eat those biscuits, too, and they’re all $10 or less. The savory bacon + egg + cheese biscuit sandwich is $10 and an order of biscuits + gravy is $9. Or go wild and get the $6 french toast biscuit. You won’t regret it.
200 North Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood; honeybeesbg.com
Honey Bee’s biscuits are even better than they look in the pictures, believe it or not. The Kirkwood biscuit joint serves up all different kinds of ways to eat those biscuits, too, and they’re all $10 or less. The savory bacon + egg + cheese biscuit sandwich is $10 and an order of biscuits + gravy is $9. Or go wild and get the $6 french toast biscuit. You won’t regret it.
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Mabel Suen
Up Late
1904 South Vandeventer Avenue, uplatestl.com
Open exclusively at night, this south city spot is exclusively for the night owls, the weirdos, the drunks and the dreamers. Up Late is open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and they serve just the kind of food that you want to consume during those dark hours. From tacos to sandwiches and donuts and more, this spot will easily fill you up for less than $10. Word on the street is that the tacos, in particular, are a must-order item.
1904 South Vandeventer Avenue, uplatestl.com
Open exclusively at night, this south city spot is exclusively for the night owls, the weirdos, the drunks and the dreamers. Up Late is open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and they serve just the kind of food that you want to consume during those dark hours. From tacos to sandwiches and donuts and more, this spot will easily fill you up for less than $10. Word on the street is that the tacos, in particular, are a must-order item.
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Mabel Suen
Yolklore
8958 Watson Road, Crestwood; yolklore.com
Located in Crestwood, this breakfast and lunch spot is a great way to stuff your face with great food for a low price. All of the food here is made from scratch and the quality shows through at first taste. Catch a breakfast burrito, a frittata or a big order of biscuits and gravy for half the price you’d pay at a fancier location. And, friend, make sure to get an order the potatoes. You can thank us later.
8958 Watson Road, Crestwood; yolklore.com
Located in Crestwood, this breakfast and lunch spot is a great way to stuff your face with great food for a low price. All of the food here is made from scratch and the quality shows through at first taste. Catch a breakfast burrito, a frittata or a big order of biscuits and gravy for half the price you’d pay at a fancier location. And, friend, make sure to get an order the potatoes. You can thank us later.
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Mabel Suen
Union Loafers
1629 Tower Grove Avenue, unionloafers.com
Union Loafers is known for their incredible baked goods and their fantastic Little Gem Salad. For less than $10, you can score a LIttle Gem or any number of their amazing sides, including a pretzel, potato salad, cheesy bread or even just a simple order of bread with butter — their high-quality bread makes all the difference.
1629 Tower Grove Avenue, unionloafers.com
Union Loafers is known for their incredible baked goods and their fantastic Little Gem Salad. For less than $10, you can score a LIttle Gem or any number of their amazing sides, including a pretzel, potato salad, cheesy bread or even just a simple order of bread with butter — their high-quality bread makes all the difference.
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Mabel Suen
Fire Chicken
10200 Page Avenue, Overland; 314-551-2123
Fire Chicken is the talk of the town and it’s easy to taste why. This Overland spot located on Page Avenue is serving some of the best chicken in town and the prices are right, too. The menu serves fried chicken served through a Korean lens and the flavor combinations are, indeed, fire. Portions are huge so you and a friend can easily split an order of Teri Chicken Gangjung (deep-fried chicken, teriyaki sauce, scallions) and throw in an order of deep-fried pork dumplings, too.
10200 Page Avenue, Overland; 314-551-2123
Fire Chicken is the talk of the town and it’s easy to taste why. This Overland spot located on Page Avenue is serving some of the best chicken in town and the prices are right, too. The menu serves fried chicken served through a Korean lens and the flavor combinations are, indeed, fire. Portions are huge so you and a friend can easily split an order of Teri Chicken Gangjung (deep-fried chicken, teriyaki sauce, scallions) and throw in an order of deep-fried pork dumplings, too.
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Mabel Suen
Sides of Seoul
10084 Page Avenue, Overland; 314-942-8940
For some of the best traditional Korean food you’ll find in St. Louis, get to Sides of Seoul in Overland. Our food critic describes their kimchi pancake as a “fluffy masterpiece” and their kimchi jjigae as “liquid gold.” The Cheese Kimbop is legendary and the fish pancake is a must-try. Though there are some more expensive things on the menu, you will be plenty satisfied with even just the cheaper items from this amazing take-out spot.
10084 Page Avenue, Overland; 314-942-8940
For some of the best traditional Korean food you’ll find in St. Louis, get to Sides of Seoul in Overland. Our food critic describes their kimchi pancake as a “fluffy masterpiece” and their kimchi jjigae as “liquid gold.” The Cheese Kimbop is legendary and the fish pancake is a must-try. Though there are some more expensive things on the menu, you will be plenty satisfied with even just the cheaper items from this amazing take-out spot.
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Mabel Suen
Pizza Champ
2657 Lyle Avenue, Maplewood; pizzachampstl.com
Maplewood’s Pizza Champ is a must-visit spot with many dining options. At Pizza Champ you can either drive through or enjoy a pie at your leisure on their patio, but either way your wallet will be happy. For just $19, you can create your own half-and-half, which means that you an your friend can each get a half of a pizza made exactly how you want it. But if you’re not sure what pizza you want to try or you’ve had a few beers and you just want a little snack, they sell $5 slices, too.
2657 Lyle Avenue, Maplewood; pizzachampstl.com
Maplewood’s Pizza Champ is a must-visit spot with many dining options. At Pizza Champ you can either drive through or enjoy a pie at your leisure on their patio, but either way your wallet will be happy. For just $19, you can create your own half-and-half, which means that you an your friend can each get a half of a pizza made exactly how you want it. But if you’re not sure what pizza you want to try or you’ve had a few beers and you just want a little snack, they sell $5 slices, too.
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Lauren Milford
Half & Half
8135 Maryland Avenue, Clayton; halfandhalfstl.com
If you want all of the joys of brunch but without the bottomless mimosas pricing, Half & Half is your new favorite place. The Clayton coffeehouse is a great spot for breakfast, brunch and more and serves quality egg sandwiches, egg dishes, granola, oatmeal and more. And millennials will be glad to find out that they even have avocado toast on the menu for just $5.50.
8135 Maryland Avenue, Clayton; halfandhalfstl.com
If you want all of the joys of brunch but without the bottomless mimosas pricing, Half & Half is your new favorite place. The Clayton coffeehouse is a great spot for breakfast, brunch and more and serves quality egg sandwiches, egg dishes, granola, oatmeal and more. And millennials will be glad to find out that they even have avocado toast on the menu for just $5.50.
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Braden McMakin
Mission Taco Joint
multiple locations including 6235 Delmar Boulevard, University City; missiontacojoint.com
Mission Taco Joint has the goods and they’re inexpensive, too. With eight locations, Mission Taco Joint is a reliable place to find good food at a great price. And though their tacos are clearly the star of the show, it would be a mistake not to set aside a day to try their empanadas or their Mexican Street Corn Fritters, too. Yum.
multiple locations including 6235 Delmar Boulevard, University City; missiontacojoint.com
Mission Taco Joint has the goods and they’re inexpensive, too. With eight locations, Mission Taco Joint is a reliable place to find good food at a great price. And though their tacos are clearly the star of the show, it would be a mistake not to set aside a day to try their empanadas or their Mexican Street Corn Fritters, too. Yum.
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Mabel Suen
Corner 17
6623 Delmar Boulevard, University City; corner17usa.com
This legendary Chinese food restaurant has all of the noodles and bubble tea you could want, all for a fair price. Located on Delmar Boulevard in the University City Loop, Corner 17 has so many fantastic items to offer that you’ll make it a point to visit frequently so you can try them all. The Spicy and Sour Noodle bowl is alive with flavor and the Chicken Skewers are marinated in honey sauce and exactly how you want them to taste. Half of the items on the huge menu are under $10, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, too.
6623 Delmar Boulevard, University City; corner17usa.com
This legendary Chinese food restaurant has all of the noodles and bubble tea you could want, all for a fair price. Located on Delmar Boulevard in the University City Loop, Corner 17 has so many fantastic items to offer that you’ll make it a point to visit frequently so you can try them all. The Spicy and Sour Noodle bowl is alive with flavor and the Chicken Skewers are marinated in honey sauce and exactly how you want them to taste. Half of the items on the huge menu are under $10, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, too.
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Frank & Helen’s Pizzeria
8111 Olive Boulevard, University City; 314-997-0666
Frank & Helen’s has been the go-to spot for generations of families. At this family dinner joint, everybody can get fed and nobody is going to have to get a second job to pay for it. The University City pizzeria has more to offer than just pizza, though. In addition to the regular evening menu, there’s also a lunch menu, a kids’ menu and a gluten-free menu. Salads, toasted ravioli and even cheese curds can be had for less than $9, so everybody will leave happy.
8111 Olive Boulevard, University City; 314-997-0666
Frank & Helen’s has been the go-to spot for generations of families. At this family dinner joint, everybody can get fed and nobody is going to have to get a second job to pay for it. The University City pizzeria has more to offer than just pizza, though. In addition to the regular evening menu, there’s also a lunch menu, a kids’ menu and a gluten-free menu. Salads, toasted ravioli and even cheese curds can be had for less than $9, so everybody will leave happy.
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Mabel Suen
Soup Dumplings STL
8106 Olive Boulevard, University City; 314-445-4605
They put what they do right in their name so you know the perfect spot to head to when it’s time to do some slurping. Dinner will never be the same after you’ve had a taste of Soup Dumplings STL. The liquid-filled Shanghai-style dumplings are packed with flavor and filled with either pork, chicken, fish, beef or even vegetarian-friendly options. Most options are under $10, too, with the exception of the crab & pork dumplings, which seem totally worth the extra $2.
8106 Olive Boulevard, University City; 314-445-4605
They put what they do right in their name so you know the perfect spot to head to when it’s time to do some slurping. Dinner will never be the same after you’ve had a taste of Soup Dumplings STL. The liquid-filled Shanghai-style dumplings are packed with flavor and filled with either pork, chicken, fish, beef or even vegetarian-friendly options. Most options are under $10, too, with the exception of the crab & pork dumplings, which seem totally worth the extra $2.
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