Seattle invented teriyaki as we know it, has incredible Vietnamese food, and Pike Place Market hides cheap gems among the tourist traps. Here's how to eat well in the Emerald City on a budget.
Seattle Teriyaki
Seattle-style teriyaki is its own thing: charcoal-grilled meat, sweet sauce, rice, and salad. A Seattle original.
Toshi's Teriyaki
Many credit Toshi Kasahara with inventing Seattle teriyaki. The original is still great.
Teriyaki 1st
No-frills teriyaki that locals love. Big portions, low prices.
Nasai Teriyaki
Student favorite with huge portions. Perfect cheap lunch near UW.
International District
Seattle's Chinatown-International District has excellent cheap Asian food.
Pho Bac
Seattle's first pho restaurant (1982). Still one of the best and most affordable.
Tamarind Tree
Vietnamese food in a bigger setting. Great for groups, reasonable prices.
Mike's Noodle House
Cantonese noodle soups and congee. Simple, cheap, satisfying.
Szechuan Noodle Bowl
Hand-pulled noodles and dan dan mian. Spicy, filling, affordable.
Other Cheap Gems
Dick's Drive-In
Seattle's beloved burger chain since 1954. A Deluxe and fries for under $8.
Paseo
Caribbean sandwiches that are messy, flavorful, and worth every penny.
Piroshky Piroshky
Russian hand pies at Pike Place. Cheap, portable, delicious.
Un Bien
Same owners as Paseo. The Caribbean Roast sandwich is legendary.
Beth's Cafe
12-egg omelets and diner vibes. Open late, cheap, massive portions.
Facing East
Taiwanese food worth the trip to Bellevue. Lunch specials are a great deal.
Seattle Budget Eating Tips
- International District: Best cheap Asian food in the Pacific Northwest
- Happy hours: Seattle restaurants have great 3-6pm deals
- Pike Place: Skip the restaurants, get food from the stalls
- University District: Cheap eats around UW campus
- Columbia City: Up-and-coming neighborhood with affordable gems
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