Finding tasty things to eat can be hard. Finding delicious things to eat on a budget can be even harder. Whether you’re a college student just getting by, or just sick and tired of spending tons of cash on ‘small plates’..we’ve all been there and can relate. Luckily, we’ve put our heads together to compile a list of cheap eats in Oakland, so you can save some money and put it towards that new designer purse you’ve been eyeing! We sampled a lot of places, searched far and wide, and found the five best eateries on a budget.
1. Las Palmas (326 Atwood St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213)
This grocery store contains a hidden gem: street tacos! If you come at the right time, the grocery store wheels out a taco cart that is delicious and hard to beat. It’s hard to find a good authentic taco in Pittsburgh. Most restaurants serve Tex-Mex food, which is delicious, but doesn’t quite fill the gap of longing that only authentic tacos can stuff up. Luckily, Las Palmas, located in the heart of Oakland, serves tacos for only two dollars a pop, with different choices of fillings that include steak, lengua (beef tongue), chorizo (spicy sausage) and others.
2. Szechuan Express (125 Oakland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213)
From the outside, this hole in the wall Chinese restaurant doesn’t seem to stand out from the row of Asian restaurants that fill up Oakland Avenue. Take a closer look though and it’ll become clear that this is place that is hard to beat. With the best pan-Asian selection in the city, and the cheapest prices, it’s clear why this made it into our top second spot! No dish cost over $6, and the food always comes out within minutes, steaming and heaped with tasty Asian delicacies.
3. Antoon’s Pizza (247 Atwood St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213)
For those nights where a good pie is just needed, considering hitting up Antoon’s Pizza. Often described as the perfect college meal, pizza is honestly great for those of any age. Antoon’s makes it even more desirable since a large cheese pizza won’t dent your wallet! Despite it being take-out only, the five-dollar price tag attached to the large cheese pizza that always comes out hot enough to burn tongues makes it unbeatable by other pizza parlors.
4. Groceria Merante (3454 Bates St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213)
This is another grocery store that contains hidden treasure—amazing Italian subs. For ten dollars, a whole loaf of bread is made up into a delicious sandwich with imported Italian goodies. For those who can’t finish a whole loaf, the grocery store also offers a five-dollar sandwich, which is made up of half a loaf. The classic Italian sandwich is always a safe choice, but they also have a create-your-own. Don’t be afraid to load up on the peppers that are offered!
5. Museum of Art Café (4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213)
If you’ve spent the day wandering museums, or even if you’re just looking for a good place to eat, the Museum of Art Café is always a good bet. The place functions as a cafeteria style eatery: you can pick up sandwiches and cold foods from the front cases, or order hot food and it’ll be delivered to your table. Although museums often get a rep of being overpriced, this café serves delicious, tasty fresh food with meals all being under ten dollars!
We hope this list has whetted your appetite. Do you hear your stomach growling? Why are you still here? Go hit up these amazing places and tell us what you think!
