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Bar food favorites such as fries, chips, dip, fried pickles, and wings. Independence Beer Garden

The Best-Value Restaurants of Philly

Great deals on pho, falafel, fried chicken, roast pork sandwiches, empanadas, and more

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With one of the strongest sandwich games around and a diverse array of casual neighborhood spots, Philly is an eating destination even — and sometimes especially — for diners on a budget. It would be impossible to name all of the most affordable dishes that keep this city running, but to start, here are some of Philly’s best bets for pho, falafel, burgers, bánh mì, empanadas, and much more.

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Paladar Latin Kitchen

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Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner — most dishes at this Latin restaurant in King of Prussia is under $25. Their rum-glazed Cuban pork ($21), paldar gulf shrimp bowl ($19), and lamb burger with adobo fries ($17) are satisfying and reasonably priced simultaneously.

Libertee Grounds

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This fun place for adults impressively have all of their entrées (including masala nachos, kimchi grilled cheese, Korean double smashed burger) for under $20. Even more worthwhile? Diners can add a round of mini golf for just $10.

Love & Honey Fried Chicken

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After getting Questlove’s seal of approval, Love & Honey was an instant Philly hit. For $10, enjoy 7 buttermilk-fried chicken tenders, or for $12.50, get a crispy Nashville hot chicken sandwich with slaw and sweet pickles. Sides include Nashville tater tots and Southern-style potato salad. The shop at the border of Northern Liberties and Fishtown only does takeout.

Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House

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Come for the hand-pulled and -shaved noodles, served in soups or stir-fried dishes, in a number of combinations that should satisfy almost any taste — and then keep coming back to eat through the rest of the menu. Portions are bountiful and prices are affordable across the board, making Nan Zhou one of Chinatown's many must-tries.

Saad's Halal Restaurant

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It’s easy to see why Saad’s Halal Restaurant is a West Philly favorite, between its Middle Eastern halal dishes and student-friendly prices. The vegetarian side of the menu trends toward $9, while other items like hearty sandwiches (shawarma, kebabs, falafel, and more) mostly come in just above $10. Beyond falafel and kebabs, Saad's also makes a good cheesesteak.

NAM Vietnamese Kitchen

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University City has been a haven for college students and diners alike who want a great deal while eating out. NAM Vietnamese Kitchen are serving up a $17 pho lunch special (that includes pho, a spring roll, and drink) and a $43 dinner special for two (that includes two street bites, two entrées, and the choice between drinks or splitting a dessert). All of their báhn mì hoagies are remarkably under $11 and pho under $17.

Jezabel’s

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At Jezabel Careaga’s eponymous cafe, diners fill up on empanadas, alfajores, and more Argentine delights. Try a variety pack of four crispy empanadas filled with the likes of spicy vegan lentils or chicken with olives for $18 or the breakfast pastry box, a chef’s selection of eight delicious pastries such as croissant-like vigilantes with custard and quince for $32.

Fringe Bar

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For those looking for a great place to eat and watch a game — this hotspot has all of their entrées (such as their tasty crab linguine, and fried fish platter) under $30. With a range of bites that can be served as a small plate (such as deviled eggs, cheese curds, and fire-roasted tomato soup) or large (shrimp remoulade salad, Nashville hot chicken sandwich, and vegetable peanut curry), there’s something for everyone on a budget.

Goldie (multiple locations)

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Goldie, the falafel spot from the team behind the award-winning Zahav, has a tight menu of sandwiches, fries, and some of the city’s coolest drinks: tehina shakes. The few flavors are delicious, dairy-free, and cost just $7. For under $20 you should be able to walk out of any of the mini chain’s four locations, including in Franklintown, Fishtown, University City, and Center City West. Another good Center City West option from the same owners is Dizengoff, where hummus is a full-on meal with meats and seasonal vegetables plus fresh-out-of-the-oven pita, Israeli pickles, and chopped salad.

Hard Rock Cafe

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The majority of dishes (barbecue bacon cheeseburger, boneless wings, and steak salad) at this Center City mainstay is under $25 and they have a happy hour with even cheaper prices (such as wings, nachos, sliders, pretzels, and fries for only $8). From kid’s menu options to full course entrées, there’s plenty of affordable choices for diners.

Independence Beer Garden

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Everything on Independence Beer Garden’s expansive menu — fried pickles, chips & guacamole, chicken wings, brunch sandwiches, burgers — are all impressively under $16. Translation: There’s something for everyone (at a reasonable price) at this vibrant outdoor restaurant.

Kilimandjaro/youma

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West Philly is a treasure trove of excellent eats, including flavorful fare from Ethiopia and parts of West Africa. Kilimandjaro, a Senegalese favorite in University City that has moved from Chestnut Street to join forces with Youma on Baltimore Avenue, serves whole grilled fish, rotisserie chicken, lamb chops, and more in portions that are much bigger than you’d expect for the cost.

Giorgio On Pine

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All of the pasta (such as their spaghetti a la vodka, gnocchi, and bucatini) at this Midtown Village restaurant are under $20, with most entrées (such as their veal with prosciutto and stuffed chicken breast) under $25. As if things couldn’t get better, Giorgio On Pine is completely BYOB — so bring a bottle of fine wine to pair with these Italian classics.

Fountain Porter

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A great neighborhood bar is important. A great neighborhood bar that serves an outstanding $6 burger is indispensable. And the price tag at this South Philly gem is really just icing: For fans of classic backyard-style burgers, Fountain Porter’s is arguably the best in the city.

Stargazy

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Among the bounty of restaurants on East Passyunk Avenue sits this little British pie shop serving traditional savory pies. Keep it classic with beef and onion or try whatever filling chef-owner Sam Jacobson is making special for the day — just be sure to order a side of mashed potatoes in a parsley liquor. You can also get sausage rolls and sweets.

Paladar Latin Kitchen

Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner — most dishes at this Latin restaurant in King of Prussia is under $25. Their rum-glazed Cuban pork ($21), paldar gulf shrimp bowl ($19), and lamb burger with adobo fries ($17) are satisfying and reasonably priced simultaneously.

Libertee Grounds

This fun place for adults impressively have all of their entrées (including masala nachos, kimchi grilled cheese, Korean double smashed burger) for under $20. Even more worthwhile? Diners can add a round of mini golf for just $10.

Love & Honey Fried Chicken

After getting Questlove’s seal of approval, Love & Honey was an instant Philly hit. For $10, enjoy 7 buttermilk-fried chicken tenders, or for $12.50, get a crispy Nashville hot chicken sandwich with slaw and sweet pickles. Sides include Nashville tater tots and Southern-style potato salad. The shop at the border of Northern Liberties and Fishtown only does takeout.

Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House

Come for the hand-pulled and -shaved noodles, served in soups or stir-fried dishes, in a number of combinations that should satisfy almost any taste — and then keep coming back to eat through the rest of the menu. Portions are bountiful and prices are affordable across the board, making Nan Zhou one of Chinatown's many must-tries.

Saad's Halal Restaurant

It’s easy to see why Saad’s Halal Restaurant is a West Philly favorite, between its Middle Eastern halal dishes and student-friendly prices. The vegetarian side of the menu trends toward $9, while other items like hearty sandwiches (shawarma, kebabs, falafel, and more) mostly come in just above $10. Beyond falafel and kebabs, Saad's also makes a good cheesesteak.

NAM Vietnamese Kitchen

University City has been a haven for college students and diners alike who want a great deal while eating out. NAM Vietnamese Kitchen are serving up a $17 pho lunch special (that includes pho, a spring roll, and drink) and a $43 dinner special for two (that includes two street bites, two entrées, and the choice between drinks or splitting a dessert). All of their báhn mì hoagies are remarkably under $11 and pho under $17.

Jezabel’s

At Jezabel Careaga’s eponymous cafe, diners fill up on empanadas, alfajores, and more Argentine delights. Try a variety pack of four crispy empanadas filled with the likes of spicy vegan lentils or chicken with olives for $18 or the breakfast pastry box, a chef’s selection of eight delicious pastries such as croissant-like vigilantes with custard and quince for $32.

Fringe Bar

For those looking for a great place to eat and watch a game — this hotspot has all of their entrées (such as their tasty crab linguine, and fried fish platter) under $30. With a range of bites that can be served as a small plate (such as deviled eggs, cheese curds, and fire-roasted tomato soup) or large (shrimp remoulade salad, Nashville hot chicken sandwich, and vegetable peanut curry), there’s something for everyone on a budget.

Goldie (multiple locations)

Goldie, the falafel spot from the team behind the award-winning Zahav, has a tight menu of sandwiches, fries, and some of the city’s coolest drinks: tehina shakes. The few flavors are delicious, dairy-free, and cost just $7. For under $20 you should be able to walk out of any of the mini chain’s four locations, including in Franklintown, Fishtown, University City, and Center City West. Another good Center City West option from the same owners is Dizengoff, where hummus is a full-on meal with meats and seasonal vegetables plus fresh-out-of-the-oven pita, Israeli pickles, and chopped salad.

Hard Rock Cafe

The majority of dishes (barbecue bacon cheeseburger, boneless wings, and steak salad) at this Center City mainstay is under $25 and they have a happy hour with even cheaper prices (such as wings, nachos, sliders, pretzels, and fries for only $8). From kid’s menu options to full course entrées, there’s plenty of affordable choices for diners.

Independence Beer Garden

Everything on Independence Beer Garden’s expansive menu — fried pickles, chips & guacamole, chicken wings, brunch sandwiches, burgers — are all impressively under $16. Translation: There’s something for everyone (at a reasonable price) at this vibrant outdoor restaurant.

Kilimandjaro/youma

West Philly is a treasure trove of excellent eats, including flavorful fare from Ethiopia and parts of West Africa. Kilimandjaro, a Senegalese favorite in University City that has moved from Chestnut Street to join forces with Youma on Baltimore Avenue, serves whole grilled fish, rotisserie chicken, lamb chops, and more in portions that are much bigger than you’d expect for the cost.

Giorgio On Pine

All of the pasta (such as their spaghetti a la vodka, gnocchi, and bucatini) at this Midtown Village restaurant are under $20, with most entrées (such as their veal with prosciutto and stuffed chicken breast) under $25. As if things couldn’t get better, Giorgio On Pine is completely BYOB — so bring a bottle of fine wine to pair with these Italian classics.

Fountain Porter

A great neighborhood bar is important. A great neighborhood bar that serves an outstanding $6 burger is indispensable. And the price tag at this South Philly gem is really just icing: For fans of classic backyard-style burgers, Fountain Porter’s is arguably the best in the city.

Stargazy

Among the bounty of restaurants on East Passyunk Avenue sits this little British pie shop serving traditional savory pies. Keep it classic with beef and onion or try whatever filling chef-owner Sam Jacobson is making special for the day — just be sure to order a side of mashed potatoes in a parsley liquor. You can also get sausage rolls and sweets.

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