The Valley is filled with unique and affordable restaurants. Whether you crave takeout, delivery or a full, sit-down experience, you’re sure to find something to your liking.
But money is tight and it’s not always easy to dine on a dime. Here are some top Valley restaurants—ranging from Mediterranean to vegan alternatives to American classics—where you can eat well and save money.
Cheba Hut, 825 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix, 602.281.6689
Other Valley locations: chebahut.com
With décor and sandwiches themed after cannabis, Cheba Hut is going on 20 years strong after opening in Tempe. Its favorites include White Widow, Chronic and Dank in a variety of sizes like nug, pinner and blunt. You’ll spend about $5 to $10 on them. Founder Scott Jennings says the key to Cheba Hut’s success is keeping the prices in check. “We love our customers,” he says. “We’ve been trying not to gouge them.” Cheba Hut will celebrate two decades of serving up munchies in January with a smokin’ concert to be announced soon.
Chicago Gyros, 717 W. Union Hills Drive, Suite 1, Phoenix, 602.978.4976
Other Valley locations: chicagogyros.biz/
This Mediterranean restaurant features many classic Greek and Chicago favorites, such as pita dishes, patty melts and fish and chips. Most combos, which come with fries and a drink, average at $10. Located at Seventh Avenue and Union Hills for more than 10 years, this busy restaurant helps maintain the popularity of Mediterranean food in the city.
Chino Bandido, 15414 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix, 602.375.3639, chinobandido.com
Serving a fusion of Asian, Mexican and Caribbean dishes, Chino Bandido was founded by the husband-and-wife duo of Frank and Eve Collins in 1990. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant, which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, offers bowls in the $7 to $8 range, depending on the number of items. Options include carnitas, jerk chicken and teriyaki chicken.
Green New American Vegetarian, 2022 N. Seventh Street, 602.258.1870
Other Valley locations: greenvegetarian.com
Who says vegan food can’t be affordable? This 100-percent vegan restaurant has many dishes priced around $4 to $10. From rice bowls like karma curry to the big WAC burger, Green serves up healthy and animal-free alternatives to common favorites. And when you’re finished, you can head over to the neighboring Nami, a partnering vegan establishment, for treats.
Half Moon Sports Grill, 2121 E. Highland Avenue, Phoenix, 602.977.2700
Other Valley locations: halfmoonsportsgrill.com
This Chicago-turned-Arizona “Windy City Sports Grill” features a great sporty Chicago atmosphere paired with a humorous theme. Whether you want their wings ($5.99 for six) or a classic chili cheese dog ($4.99), Half Moon is a great sit-down restaurant that doesn’t tread too far into expensive territory. And if you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can even try their nuclear sauce wings that are dubbed “stupid hot.”
Noodle Bar, 114 W. Adams Street, Suite C-103, 480.462.7059, noodlebarphx.com/
Noodle Bar is one of the most popular Japanese restaurants in Phoenix—and for good reason. The downtown location is walking distance from Valley Bar and the Orpheum Theatre, and makes for the perfect preshow snack Noodle Bar has a great ramen and pasta menu, spearheaded by Chef Marco Di Santo. While many dishes fall around $10, the Izakaya menu, which consists of small plates, is slightly more affordable. Options like the Karaage Fried Chicken come with crispy marinated chicken, yakiniku, yuzu aioli and scallions for only $7.50, while Gyoza is minced pork, garlic chives, cabbage and ponzu for $5.50.
Pita Jungle, 1001 N. Third Avenue, Suite 4, Phoenix, 602.258.7482
Other Valley locations: pitajungle.com
Founded in 1994, Pita Jungle delivers a healthy alternative to traditional fast food, like wood-fired pizzas, shawarma and burgers. Pita Jungle specializes in Mediterranean dishes, most of which are priced at less than $10.
Sandbar, 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.585.5900
Other Valley locations, visit sandbaraz.com
Located at Desert Ridge, Sandbar may seem like your typical Mexican grill and bar, but it is far from it. With its energetic and popular outdoor seating/bar, as well as its standard indoor restaurant, Sandbar is a great hotspot. But the real kicker is its Taco Tuesdays. While most meals generally cost around $13, prices drop drastically on Tuesdays. Tacos are mostly $2, with margaritas and Dos Equis priced at $4 and $2, respectively. (Pictured)
Two Hippies Magic Mushroom Steakburgers, 802 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.489.7373, magicmushroomburger.com
This burger shop, which opened in 2008, is likely one of the most affordable joints you’ll find in the Valley. A burger, fries and drink will cost you a five-spot. Two Hippies is a throwback to the ’60s, from the décor and atmosphere to the back-to-basics burger pricing.
Valle Luna, 3336 W. Bell Road, Phoenix, 602.993.3108
Other Valley locations: valleluna.com
Founded in 1983 by Tia Rita, Valle Luna has built a reputation as one of the best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix. Although Valle Luna is slightly higher priced than many of the other restaurants on this list, its large portions give you more bang for your buck. For $12.95, Valle Luna offers many “combinaciones,” but if you’re looking to spend even less, you can order from the a la carte menu, on which its classic high-value tacos are $4.25 each.
Zipps Sports Grill, 1515 Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, 602.266.1600
Other Valley locations: zippssportsgrill.com
This sports grill makes its mark throughout the Valley, with locations in Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe or Phoenix. Sports fans can grab a bite to eat, admire the atmosphere and catch a game while munching on the likes of a chicken breast sandwich ($6.75) or a Buffalo focaccia sandwich ($7.95). Looking for a classic grilled burger? Look no further than Zipps, where it is priced at $8.49.
