Cheap Eats Philadelphia: The 10 Best Meals Under $10

A city best known for cheesesteaks and hoagies isn't hurting for affordable meal options. But there's far more to the cheap eats Philadelphia scene than that. Don't believe us? Check out this list, which comprises everything from pizza and burgers to dumplings and omelettes, all for under $10 per meal. Read on and you'll be convinced: you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy some of the best restaurants in Philadelphia.

1. Thin-Crust Tomato Pie at Tony's Famous Tomato Pie

6300 Frankford Ave. | Mayfair

You can call this dish a pizza if you want—but Tony's doesn't. They use the term "tomato pie" because it emphasizes how much effort goes into the tomato sauce, which is seasoned and pureed in house. $10.

Click to see deals at Tony's Famous Tomato Pie starting at $15.

2. Rendang at Hardena

1754 S. Hicks St. | Point Breeze

This tiny South Philly Indonesian spot turned heads when it became an unlikely James Beard Award nominee in 2018. If you've never had Indonesian, the beef rendang—slow-braised caramelized beef in coconut milk and spices—is the place to start. $8+.

3. Handmade Dumplings at Humpty's Dumplings

705 E. Passyunk Ave. | Queen Village

Don't expect typical dumplings at Humpty's. The menu is full of surprises, with dumplings stuffed with everything from buffalo chicken to shrimp 'n' grits to cheesesteak. They come fried by default, but you can get some varieties steamed if you prefer. Five dumplings for $7.

Click to see deals on Humpty's Dumplings starting at $9.

4. Cheesesteak at Delco's Original Steaks and Hoagies

1201 Baltimore Pike | Chadds Ford

To give you some idea of the prevailing ethos at Delco's, their foot-long hoagie is officially considered a "small." This generously sized sandwich comes piled high with fresh-cooked steak and carefully melted cheese on a roll from the famous Sarcone's bakery. So while it may not have the name recognition of Geno's or Pat's, plenty of fans still put it in the running for best cheesesteak in Philadelphia. $9+.

Click to see deals at Delco's Original Steaks and Hoagies starting at $16.

5. Lunch Pasta Menu at Mangiamo

444 N. 4th St. | Spring Garden

Stop in for lunch at this Spring Garden standby and you'll find an abundance of inexpensive options, including half a dozen pasta dishes for under $10. Try the shrimp with diced tomatoes and in pesto cream sauce over rigatoni, or go for the roasted chicken and broccoli in a light alfredo sauce over penne. $8+.

Click to see deals at Mangiamo starting at $24.

6. 3-Piece Chicken Meal at Love & Honey Fried Chicken

1100 N. Front St. | Northern Liberties

Be ready to wait—it's a small place and the chicken is cooked to order. Also be ready to not mind the wait in the least after you taste the tender golden perfection that arrives at the end of it. This meal comes with a breast, a thigh, and a drumstick, plus a cornbread muffin with addictive honey butter. $9.25.

7. Slice Burger at P'UNK BURGER

1823 E. Passyunk Ave. | East Passyunk Crossing

The owners of P'UNK BURGER also own Slice Pizza, so this dish is something of a crossover. It's a winning combination: topped with San Marzano tomato sauce and fried mozzarella, it evokes a hot slice of pizza without overwhelming the juicy burger flavor. $10.

Click to see deals at P'UNK BURGER starting at $12.

8. Omelette at Amy's Omelette House

302 Cuthbert Blvd. | Cherry Hill, NJ

We're gonna level with you. There are more than 200 omelettes on the menu here, and picking one to recommend seemed impossible. Go some time when you're not in a hurry, find one that strikes your fancy—The Little Italy? The Anchorage? The Kielbasa King?—and enjoy. $8.95+.

Click to see deals at Amy's Omelette House starting at $12.

9. Strawberry Lavender Donut at Federal Donuts

Multiple Locations

Federal Donuts exploded onto the scene in 2011, and soon had itself a burgeoning empire thanks to delicately balanced donuts like this one, which is served hot with a light dusting of sugar. They also serve killer fried chicken if you need something heartier first. $1.75.

10. Falafel Sandwich at Mama's Vegetarian

18 S. 20th St. | Center City

Nobody leaves Mama's hungry, thanks to generously portioned meals like this overstuffed pita sandwich, made with tasty hummus, crunchy falafel, and fresh veggies. Grab a side of grape leaves and a baklava dessert to round out the meal. $8.50.