San Francisco’s Dirt Cheap Diners

Whatever happened to going out with 20 bucks and spending only as much? We think it can be done and if you can save big on late-night chow, it’s a good start.

Here we highlight a few eateries all over San Francisco that offer meals with variety for a measly five bucks, or less.

Yes, there is a cost: most of these places are cash only. You can’t expect to be catered to like a prince. White linen just isn’t part of the decor. But if you can handle that, then these joints will prove that fast food isn’t the only thing $5 will buy you.

San Francisco’s Dirt Cheap Diners Open Late:

Tommy’s Joynt – Tenderloin
[ Open 11 am until 1:40 am, everyday except Christmas. ]
You know this place. You’ve passed by it a million times but if you’ve never been in this city landmark, get to it. Bring your appetite too and leave your vegan pal at the door: it’s meats galore here and there’s tons of it. But the best part: the prices are stuck in pre-inflation days. I mean $4.25 for a stomach-busting BBQ Sloppy Joe Turkey Sandwich with Mashed Potatoes? Meatball Sandwich for $3.95? BBQ Brisket Sandwich for $5.50? If you’re still hungry get a side of Pasta of the Day with meat sauce for $2.95 or a daily special (Monday: Polish Sausage w/ Sauerkraut and Potatoes for $5.95.) It’s also decidedly no frills: order fast cafeteria style, don’t expect lettuce with those meats (they might just call you a weenie) and get your own damn fork. There’s also about 100 beers to choose from (about $3 for domestic) and—behold the sophistication—about 10 different coffee beans to brew.
– 1101 Geary Boulevard at Van Ness

Sam Wo Restaurant – Chinatown
[ Open 11 am to 3 am everyday, except Sunday until 9:30 pm. ]
Most of the seating’s in the 2nd and 3rd floor and you have to walk past the kitchen to get there. Your food follows you in a dumbwaiter. That’s pretty cool right there. But it’s also close enough to North Beach so can get all the MSG you need to soak up those drinks. The servers can be laughably rude but that just comes with the place. And the food’s worth it: the $2.60 BBQ Pork Rice Noodle Rolls are favorites but the Duck Noodle Soup ($3.25), Mixed Vegetables Chow Fun and Curry Chicken over Rice (both $4.50) are also good picks. Oh yeah and they don’t have a liquor license but don’t see to mind if you bring in your own beer in.
– 813 Washington Street at Grant Avenue

Crepes A Go-Go – SoMa
[ Open nearly all night, sometimes until 5 am, depending on supplies. ]
As meals go, crepes are awesome because they just cut the crap and go right to the crux of eating: will it be sweet or savory? And a cheap meal it is with 25 of the 30 sweet crepes under 5 bucks at this truck stand that’s always got a queue. Will you go for staples like Nutella ($3.75), Sugar & Butter ($2.50) or more advanced fare likes the Strawberries, Kiwi & Honey crepe ($5)? The savory crepes are the same way, with an average of $5.01 (we did the math) for crepe toppings that veer from pizza-like Cheese, Tomatoes & Mushrooms ($5) to the sublime but more French crepe with Roasted Eggplants, Zucchini, Bell Peppers, Fresh Basil, Sundried Tomatoes and Herbed Feta Cheese for a “pricey” $6.
– 350 11th Street between Folsom Street & Harrison Street

Taqueria El Farolito – Mission
[ Open until 3 am Mon-Thu, until 4 am Fri-Sun ]
This entry is no surprise at all, since it’s already one of the most popular late night spots in the nightlife-rich Mission. But it’s got a reputation (4.5 stars on Yelp after 1,400 reviews) for a good reason: the servings are huge and the prices are cheap. Tacos are just $1.95, Burritos will run you $4.75 and add a buck to make it “super.” But Mexican food isn’t just about the Americanized fare and they also serve authentic dishes like Birria (spicy stew of goat or lamb) and Menudo (soup made with tripes) on weekends—because it’s more festive. Small place so grab a table when you can and stand in line; it looks long but it moves fast.
– 2779 Mission Street between 23rd and 24th streets

Handy Delicatessen – Outer Sunset
[ Open until 2 am, deli food made until 1:45 am ]
The Outer Sunset can get a little remote but it’s good to know there’s a deli still at it in the wee hours. Get there before 1:45 am and they’ve got Roast Turkey Sandwiches for a mere $4.25 and Roast Beef for $4.49. For a cool five bucks you can get good-size Salama, Pastrami or BLT. Bread’s fresh from Boudin and they pride themselves in the beer selection. But then they also have Piroshkis and Pierogies if you want something more “exotic.”
–1815 Irving Street between 19th & 20th Avenues

Nizario’s – Inner Richmond
[ Open until 2 am everyday ]
Late nights, Geary’s a speedway and this place is tailor-made for a quick bite so you don’t go to sleep hungry. And it’s dirt cheap. Slice of cheese pizza’s $2.50. Pepperoni or Pesto just a 50 cents more. Then you get fancy with the Hawaiians and Greco (Feta, Olives, Pesto) for no more than $4. People rave about the $3.23 Cheesy Garlic Bread. One thing that’s said over and over again is that Nizario’s just gets the crust right, never greasy or soggy like many by-the-slice joints. If you’re in a hurry (gonna hurl/pass out or on the run) tell them and they’ll give you what’s ready. Oh yeah and there’s no hum-hawing here: get in line and be ready to order.
– 3840 Geary Boulevard at 2nd Avenue

What are your favorite dirt cheap diners in San Francisco?
Leave us a comment below and we’ll pick the best ones for our next update of this article!