Looking for cheap eats in SLO? Here are 10 local spots with meals under $10
After years of high inflation and rising food prices, finding an affordable meal out can feel like an impossible task.
In 2024, overall food prices are predicted to rise by 2.2% and food prices outside of home are expected to increase 4.1%, according to the federal Consumer Price Index.
However, inflation has not stopped people from eating out.
In August, restaurant purchases increased by 4% when compared to August 2023, the Consumer Price Index reported.
Fortunately, the San Luis Obispo area offers several affordable deals for hungry folks who don’t want to cook.
Reddit user Glorious_Centaur recently asked where to find the best budget lunch places and meals in the San Luis Obispo area, so The Tribune compiled a list of cheap eats for the cost-conscious.
Here are 10 restaurants, coffee shops and grocery stores in SLO where you can find a tasty meal for $10 or less:
Where can I find affordable food in SLO?
Palo Mesa Pizza | 3536 South Higuera St, No. 206, San Luis Obispo
This local pizzeria chain has served salads, breadsticks and pizzas since 2007. It now has a total of four locations in Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo.
The pizza lunch special offers the most bang for your buck. For just $8, you can nab a small two-topping pizza. The deal is available for dine-in or takeout, but not delivery, according to the restaurant’s website.
What: $8 for a small two-topping pizza
When: 11:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
Tonita’s Mexican Food | 1024 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo
Located in downtown San Luis Obispo, this Mexican restaurant dishes out tacos, burritos and combo plates, with several inexpensive options.
What: $7 for various burritos
When: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday
High Street Market and Deli | 350 High St, San Luis Obispo
This sandwich spot has been a beloved fixture of San Luis Obispo’s Railroad District for nearly a century. Prices for its 4:20 p.m. special have doubled over the years, but you can still get a deli sandwich for less than $10.
What: $8.50 for any deli sandwich
When: 4:20 to 5:30 p.m. daily
Woodstock Pizza | 1000 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo
This student-oriented pizzeria has been cranking out pies in the area since 1980. The menu includes two budget meals depending on how big of an appetite you have.
What: $7.25 for one slice and a soda or $9.95 for all-you-can-eat pizza
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday
Edna Valley Market | 4021 Broad St., San Luis Obispo
This family-owned gas station doubles as a deli. Menu offerings include hearty sandwiches as well as breakfast burritos filled with scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheddar, salsa and your choice of meat.
What: $8.50 for a Broad Street breakfast burrito
When: 6 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday
Firestone Grill | 1001 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo
The popular barbeque joint serves up burgers, salads and a full spread of sandwiches in a sports bar environment. Cheap eats are abundant at this establishment, with more than 15 meals coming in under $10.
What: $8.49 for an Asian chicken salad, $7.99 for a grilled chicken sandwich or $7.49 for a cheeseburger
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
Nautical Bean | 2010 Parker St., San Luis Obispo
The coffeeshop chain offers a selection of pastries, bagels, breakfast burritos and sandwiches at three San Luis Obispo locations. There are several standout breakfast options.
What: $7.50 for a breakfast burrito, $6 for a croissant sandwich or $6.95 for a bagel with egg, cheese and avocado
When: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Taqueria San Miguel | 5 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo
Stop by the taqueria’s walk-up window for authentic Mexican cuisine. This casual eatery’s biggest sell is a Taco Tuesday deal; tacos cost $1.49 each with the purchase of a drink. Other inexpensive items are offered daily.
What: $9.99 for a burrito, $6.99 for two super tacos or $1.49 for a taco on Tuesdays
When: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday
Taqueria Santa Cruz Express | 1308 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo
With two locations in San Luis Obispo, this fast-casual restaurant dishes up several Mexican food classics, including tacos, tortas, burritos and quesadillas.
What: $5.78 for a meat quesadilla, $9.40 for a torta, $7.88 for a bean, rice and cheese burrito or $9.40 for a veggie burrito
When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Sprouts Farmers Market | 13 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo
This specialty grocery store known for its organic and natural items has one of the best sandwich deals in town. For less than $7, you can munch on a sandwich of your own creation.
What: $4.99 grab-and-go sandwiches or $6.99 build-your-own sandwiches
When: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
