New Orleans is definitely a city in which you can eat great and
not spend a ton of money. Many of our famous food traditions started as peasant
dishes, and they were perfected over the years into local delicacies that can
feed a village for very little money. The humble po-boy is so named because it was made for out-of-work streetcar drivers, for example. While our grand dame restaurants draw
huge crowds, there are many places to visit where you can have a memorable meal
for just a few dollars.
If you're tight on money but still want the best food money
can buy, the following restaurants are ready to serve you for breakfast, lunch,
and dinner on the cheap. Some of them are even open 24 hours in case you need a late-night,
early-morning food fix.
10 Best Budget Restaurants in New Orleans
1. Melba's
1525 Elysian Fields Ave., (504) 267-7765
melbas.com
Melba's takes the top spot for cheap eats in NOLA, offering delicious and affordable meals around the clock. This 24-hour eatery serves up a diverse menu that caters to all tastes and cravings. From their famous breakfast po-boys to hearty lunch and dinner plates, Melba's has something for everyone at any time of day.
Recently, Melba's opened a second location at 3219 Tulane Ave. This new restaurant has an outdoor patio that is above street level, and it is also open 24 hours.
2. Felipe's Mexican Taqueria
Multiple Locations
felipestaqueria.com
Taking the second spot of top cheap eats in NOLA is Felipe's Taqueria, a beloved Mexican eatery that has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and tourists alike. With multiple locations across the city, Felipe's has become a go-to destination for those craving authentic, affordable Mexican cuisine. You can find their delicious offerings in Uptown, Downtown, and Mid-City, making it convenient no matter where you are in New Orleans.
Diners can customize their tacos, burritos, or bowls to their liking, ensuring a perfect meal every time. For those who prefer chef-curated options, Felipe's offers signature dishes like their Baja-Style Tacos with crispy fried shrimp or the Mexico City Tacos featuring flavorful al pastor.
3. Verti Marte
1201 Royal St., (504) 525-4767
vertimartenola.com
Despite its small size, this local favorite packs a big punch when it comes to taste, using fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a late-night snack, or need catering for a larger group, Verti Marte delivers on both taste and value.
4. Camellia Grill
626 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 309-2679
camelliagrillnola.com
This iconic diner was first opened in 1946, and it was known as the place where you sit at the counter and watch your food be made by the friendly staff, usually with lots of butter. Hurricane Katrina shuttered Camellia Grill for several months, but the regulars just couldn't bear to go on without it. Camellia Grill finally reopened and still attracts crowds of people every morning.
The menu consists of typical diner fare:
eggs, waffles, omelettes, and burgers. The menu gets more interesting when the
NOLA-only dishes come into play. The fried shrimp po-boys go great with a
steaming cup of gumbo.
5. Bratz Y'all
617-B Piety St., (504) 301-3222
bratzyall.com
The reason that Bratz Y'all is so good is that a native Berliner is cooking in the kitchen. The restaurant's tradition Bavarian fare is popular with people who can't get enough of brats, sauerkraut, and steins of beer. There are a few tables inside the restaurant, but most people opt to sit in the shaded biergarten outside, especially on days when the weather is nice. It's also the area where you can catch live musicians providing a beautiful musical backdrop.
Your biggest choice is going to be between sausages and sandwiches or a big platter. The Black Forest Beer Brat is a grilled and smoked beef sausage topped with mustard and sweet and sour caraway coleslaw. The Hunter Schnitzel Platter is fried pork or chicken in a mushroom sauce served with mashed potatoes.
6. Mother's Restaurant
401 Poydras St. (504) 523-9656
mothersrestaurant.net
It's pretty easy to spot Mother's when you're walking or driving down Poydras Street. There's usually a long line of people waiting to get in. Mother's immense popularity is certainly due to its down-home comfort food, as well as the fact that breakfast dishes are served all day, every day. In fact, Mother's is open every day of the week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., just to serve all of those people who wait in line for them.
Mother's has a "favorites" section of the menu
because they know what most people want. There you'll find seafood gumbo, Mae's
File Gumbo, shrimp Creole, red beans and rice, Jerry's Jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée. You're also going to want to try the "World's Best Baked Ham."
7. Clover Grill
900 Bourbon St., (504) 598-1010
clovergrill.com
For those seeking a delicious meal at any hour of the day or night, Clover Grill is the perfect spot. This iconic 24/7 diner in the heart of the French Quarter has been serving up classic American fare since 1939. Despite its prime location, Clover Grill remains a budget-friendly option with most menu items priced under $15.
We recommend trying their famous Clover Burger, cooked under a hubcap for a unique flavor, priced at around $10. Don't forget to save room for a slice of their homemade pie—a sweet ending to your meal that won't break the bank.
8. Café Maspero
601 Decatur St., (504) 523-6250
cafemaspero.com
Café Maspero may not be the least expensive place on this list, but it's the best restaurant to eat at in the French Quarter for amazing Creole fare for a fair price. It has been a quality restaurant enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike since 1971, and it's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so that you can enjoy every single meal here.
You'll probably want to start off with an appetizer like crawfish cakes or fried alligator before you move onto some chicken and andouille gumbo. Get a filling smoked turkey sandwich or Maspero's chicken sandwich before ending your delicious meal with beignet fries.
9. Juan's Flying Burrito
Multiple Locations
juansflyingburrito.com
If you're craving bold flavors and generous portions without emptying your wallet, Juan's Flying Burrito in New Orleans is your go-to spot. This funky Tex-Mex joint offers a vibrant menu of burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and more that will satisfy your taste buds from lunch to late night. While some specialty items might be a bit pricier, many of their classic dishes are under $12.
We recommend trying their signature Flying Burrito packed with your choice of protein, beans, cheese, and fresh veggies for around $10. Don't forget to check out their daily specials, which often feature creative twists on Tex-Mex favorites at wallet-friendly prices.
10. Guy's Po-Boys
5259 Magazine St., (504) 891-5025, facebook.com/guyspoboysnola
With most menu items priced under $15, Guy's offers an authentic local experience that's easy on the wallet. From classic fried shrimp and oyster po-boys to unique creations, there's something for every palate.
We highly recommend trying their famous fried shrimp po-boy, generously stuffed with crispy, perfectly seasoned shrimp for around $12. Remember, Guy's is cash-only, so come prepared for a delicious, budget-friendly feast.
Top New Orleans Joints For Cheap Eats
You really can't go wrong at any of these eateries. They're
full-on flavor and light on the wallet so there's no way you'll have buyer's
remorse. If you really want to fill up for cheap, get a po-boy sandwich. The bread itself
is enough to keep you full for a very long time.
New Orleans is very friendly to budget eaters, as well as
upscale diners. Many restaurants have their menus posted online or right
outside the front door so you know that you can get some cheap eats before you
walk in.
