DineSpin

Best Cheap Eats in Portland

Find the best cheap eats restaurants in Portland, OR. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Portland's cheap eats scene runs on food carts and neighborhood spots where the owner remembers your name and the portions embarrass the price. You're not paying for ambiance—you're paying for fresh ingredients, consistency, and genuine hospitality. Most of these places are cash-preferred, takeout-only, or both. That's not a flaw; that's the whole point.

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Best Cheap Eats in Portland

1.

Koko Teriyaki

95/100

Koko Teriyaki is a highly-regarded casual restaurant celebrated for its remarkably friendly service, consistently delicious and fresh food, and great value. Diners frequently celebrate the owners and staff for creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring a quick, high-quality dining experience.

Pro tip: The owners are amazing and make you feel at home!

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, flavor, and quality, with many diners highlighting the tender meats and well-cooked vegetables.

Delicious, fresh food and super friendly service

👋Service98

Excellent and friendly service is a hallmark, with staff frequently described as kind, welcoming, and attentive, often going above and beyond.

Service is outstanding and the friendliness unmatched

Vibe85

The atmosphere is casual and inviting, with a strong emphasis on the warm and friendly interactions from the owners and staff.

Immaculate vibes

💰Value95

Diners find the portions generous and the prices very reasonable, offering first-rate value for the quality received.

Very reasonably priced. Great job.

📍 13613 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97229, United States
5$$PortlandJapanese
Ideal for
Casual dining with a focus on friendly serviceDiners seeking fresh, well-prepared teriyakiThose who appreciate value and generous portions
2.

Ooh Pasta

95/100

A renowned food cart that sells $13 meals designed to feed two people. Owner Tony has spent nine years nailing perfectly al dente pasta with house-made sauces, and he remembers regulars enough to slip them extra garlic bread without asking. The parking lot access is genuinely awkward, and you're eating in a pod with minimal seating, but the value and personal attention make both irrelevant.

Pro tip: Go early or late to avoid the pod crowds. The line moves fast, but seating is minimal.

🍽️Food95

Pasta dishes are well-regarded for their fresh ingredients, perfect al dente texture, and delicious, flavorful sauces. Portions are notably generous.

The flavor was really good

👋Service95

Service is overwhelmingly described as friendly, sweet, kind, and excellent, with the owner frequently highlighted for his positive demeanor and personalized attention.

Very friendly service

Vibe75

As a food cart, the vibe is casual and functional, with a focus on quick service and delicious food rather than a specific ambiance.

This is how a food cart should be!

💰Value95

Customers consistently find the value to be outstanding, with large portions and high-quality food offered at very reasonable prices.

Great price. Quick.

📍 8145 SE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97266, United States
4.9$$PortlandItalian
Ideal for
Quick and delicious lunchAffordable and satisfying dinnerPasta lovers seeking quality
3.

Small Pharaoh’s PDX

95/100

Small Pharaoh's PDX is a highly-regarded food truck in Portland, celebrated for its consistently delicious and fresh Egyptian cuisine, particularly its lamb gyro and falafel. Diners celebrate the generous portions, excellent value, and remarkably friendly service from the owners and staff.

Pro tip: Amazing food Everytime great atmosphere gz 2 1 nightingale

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded for its outstanding flavor, freshness, and generous portions, with standout dishes including the lamb gyro and falafel.

Best falafel I've had!

👋Service95

Service is frequently described as friendly, fast, and professional, with owners and staff often going above and beyond for customers.

The owner gave us some to go

Vibe85

The food cart pod offers a pleasant outdoor dining atmosphere, with some noting it as a lucky find in the heart of the city.

Awesome little food cart pod

💰Value95

Diners consistently find the portions to be generous and the prices to be very reasonable, offering first-rate value.

Huge for the price!

📍 SW 5th Ave &, SW Harvey Milk St, Portland, OR 97204, United States
4.9$$SW Harvey Milk StMediterranean
Ideal for
Quick and delicious lunch — fast service and portable foodDiners seeking authentic flavors — well-regarded seasoning and ingredientsValue-conscious eaters — large portions at reasonable prices
4.

Perras Pupusas Food Truck

95/100

Perras Pupusas is a well-regarded food truck in Portland, celebrated for its remarkably delicious, fresh, and authentic Salvadoran cuisine, particularly its pupusas. The friendly and excellent customer service, combined with affordable prices, makes it a standout local favorite.

Pro tip: Hands down the best pupusas and empanadas I’ve ever eaten. The food was super delicious, fresh and authentic!!!

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded as outstanding, authentic, and delicious, with many diners calling the pupusas the best they've ever had.

Best pupusas I’ve ever eaten

👋Service95

Customer service is frequently highlighted as friendly, sweet, first-rate, and phenomenal, with staff described as nice and helpful.

Super friendly customer service

Vibe85

The food truck environment is described as having a good environment with nice people working there.

Good environment

💰Value95

The prices are noted as affordable and very good, offering top-notch value for the quality and authenticity of the food.

Prices are super affordable

📍 15710 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97230, United States
5$PortlandSalvadoran
Ideal for
Authentic Salvadoran food seekers — well-regarded for genuine flavors.Budget-conscious diners — noted for affordable prices and high value.Quick and friendly meal — food truck format with top-notch service.
5.

El Pollo Chano

95/100

El Pollo Chano is a highly-regarded food truck in Portland, celebrated for its authentic and flavorful Mexican cuisine, particularly its perfectly smoked pollo asado and carnitas. Well-regarded for the fast, friendly service and excellent value, making it a local favorite.

Pro tip: Amazing food! The tacos and burritos are packed with flavor, the pollo asado is always cooked perfectly.

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded for its authentic Mexican flavors, particularly the pollo asado and carnitas, which are noted for their smoky, perfectly cooked quality and fresh ingredients.

Amazing food! The tacos and burritos

👋Service95

Service is frequently described as friendly, fast, and outstanding, with multiple mentions of the owners being welcoming and efficient.

First-rate service from the owners.

Vibe75

The atmosphere is described as low-key and casual, fitting for a food cart with a small seating area, suitable for those who prioritize food over ambiance.

Low key food cart

💰Value95

The restaurant is considered an top-notch value, with generous portions, especially for whole chicken meals, offered at affordable prices.

Incredible value!

📍 11108 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97220, United States
4.9$$PortlandMexican
Ideal for
Quick and delicious lunchAuthentic Mexican food cravingsValue-conscious diners
6.

Rosita's Place

92/100

"Never had a bad meal ever," is what regulars say about this SE Portland truck, and the asada tacos are the reason why. Authentic Mexican street food—tacos, burritos, chimichangas, churros—at portions that defy the price. The location is genuinely hidden (wedged between KFC and Papa Johns), and parking is tight, but if you find it, you'll keep coming back.

Pro tip: It's hard to find; look for it on the street between the big chains. The asada and the handmade tortillas are non-negotiable; everything else is a bonus.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its authentic Mexican flavors, fresh ingredients, and delicious preparation, with many dishes highlighted as excellent.

The best rolled tacos/taquitos

👋Service88

Service is generally described as friendly and fast, though there are a few mentions of it being mundane.

Great service

Vibe75

The atmosphere is that of a typical, no-frills food truck, which is generally well-received for its casual nature.

Small food truck

💰Value95

Diners consistently find the prices to be fair and the portion sizes generous, offering outstanding value.

Value is terrific!!!

📍 3405 SE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97266, United States
4.7$PortlandMexican
Ideal for
Casual authentic Mexican foodQuick and affordable lunchesDiners seeking generous portions
7.

Khao Niew Lao Food Cart

92/100

Bold, authentic Lao food on the Portland State campus at prices that shouldn't be possible. The owner is genuinely kind and truly consistent—the kind of person who remembers how you like your order. Lunch hour gets packed, and the cart's campus location requires a walk, but if you're nearby, this is the lunch you're having.

Pro tip: Order ahead if possible and avoid peak lunch hours (11:30–1 PM). Campus-based orders sometimes get rerouted; confirm your pickup location.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its authentic, bold, and flavorful Lao cuisine, with many dishes described as excellent and reminiscent of home.

Authentic and full of flavor.

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as friendly, kind, and pleasant, with staff going out of their way to accommodate customers.

The owner is super kind

Vibe75

As a food cart, the atmosphere is generally functional and convenient, with no strong emphasis on ambiance.

Great environment too

💰Value95

Customers consistently highlight the great prices and generous portions, considering the food to be an outstanding deal.

Great prices and great portions.

📍 979 SW Harrison St, Portland, OR 97201, United States
4.8$PortlandThai
Ideal for
Quick and authentic lunchDiners seeking value and large portionsStudents and staff on PSU campus
8.

El Pato Feliz Mobile

92/100

El Pato Feliz Mobile is a highly-regarded food truck in Portland, celebrated for its authentic and delicious Mexican cuisine, generous portions, and excellent value. The friendly service and vibrant salsa bar further enhance the dining experience.

Pro tip: Best Mexican food I have ever tasted in Oregon.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its authentic Mexican flavors, generous portions, and high-quality ingredients, with many diners highlighting specific dishes like burritos, tacos, and salsas.

Best Mexican food option in the neighborhood

👋Service90

Staff are frequently described as friendly, sweet, and kind, contributing to a positive customer experience.

Folks are really friendly

Vibe80

The atmosphere is casual and friendly, fitting for a food truck, with some outdoor seating available.

Nice outdoor seating area

💰Value95

The restaurant is consistently lauded for its affordable prices, large portion sizes, and overall outstanding value for money.

Absolutely incredible food at really affordable prices

📍 5523 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
4.6$$PortlandMexican
Ideal for
Casual Mexican food cravingsDiners seeking valueLunch or quick dinner
9.

Rice & Spice Teriyaki

92/100

Rice & Spice Teriyaki is a long-standing Portland establishment celebrated for its consistently delicious, fresh, and generously portioned teriyaki dishes at excellent value. While the ambiance is basic, the food quality and friendly, efficient service make it a highly recommended takeout spot.

Pro tip: Best teriyaki I’ve eaten hands down!! So glad I discovered this place.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, flavor, and quality, with many highlighting the teriyaki chicken and katsu as standouts.

Best food and it’s almost always

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly and efficient, though mentioned a rude interaction.

Great affordable food, great service

Vibe65

The ambiance is frequently described as a 'hole-in-the-wall' or 'bare bones,' with a focus on food rather than decor.

Not fancy. The ambiance is not

💰Value95

Well-regarded for the generous portion sizes and affordable prices, noting it as outstanding value for money.

Getting my moneys worth. Jumbo teriyaki

📍 4430 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213, United States
4.6$$PortlandJapanese
Ideal for
Takeout and quick mealsDiners seeking value and large portionsTeriyaki enthusiasts
10.

Gastro Mania Deli NW

92/100

Gastro Mania Deli NW is a highly-regarded Mediterranean deli known for its remarkably fresh, flavorful, and high-quality food, particularly its gyros, octopus, and brisket. Well-regarded for the generous portions and excellent value, coupled with friendly and efficient service.

Pro tip: Absolutely freaking amazing !!! don't listen to any of the bad reviews about this place

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, flavor, and quality, with many dishes, particularly the octopus, gyros, and brisket, receiving high marks. The use of fresh ingredients is frequently noted.

Food is delicious and fresh

👋Service90

Service is generally described as friendly, fast, and accommodating, with staff making diners feel welcome and well-cared for.

Great service

Vibe75

The atmosphere is described as cozy and small, with some noting a European or moody feel, but it is not a primary draw for diners.

Cozy place

💰Value95

The restaurant is widely recognized for offering outstanding value, with generous portions and high-quality food at very reasonable prices.

Great value

📍 1986 NW Pettygrove St, Portland, OR 97209
4.8$$PortlandMediterranean
Ideal for
Quick and delicious lunchDiners seeking fresh Mediterranean flavorsValue-conscious eaters

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