Welcome to the vibrant food scene of Philadelphia, where you can find culinary delights at every corner without breaking the bank.

In a city known for its rich history and diverse culture, it’s no surprise that Philadelphia offers many affordable dining options that satisfy your taste buds and your wallet.
From the bustling stalls of Reading Terminal Market to the authentic flavors of Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House and the mouthwatering hot dogs of Johnny’s Hots, this article will guide you through some of the best cheap eats in Philadelphia.
Best Cheap Eats in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Check out these lists of cheap eats spots you should visit!
Fountain Porter
1601 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
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Fountain Porter is a popular neighborhood bar. This establishment is known for its laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food and drinks.
One of the highlights of Fountain Porter is its mouthwatering – but tiny – menu.
Fountain Porter offers one of the best burgers in Philly for only $6. The burger, french fries, and pickles are the only food offerings, so you really can’t go wrong.
From local brews to unique concoctions, their beverage menu provides ample choices for beer enthusiasts and cocktail lovers.
This is a great local place that will make you feel like you’re a Philadelphia resident.
Stargazy
1838 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: 215-309-2761
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Stargazy is a charming and unique British pie shop located at 1838 E Passyunk Ave in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Named after the famous English dish “Stargazy pie,” this cozy eatery is known for its inventive and delicious savory pies.
The menu features a variety of handcrafted pies filled with classic British ingredients, such as steak and ale, chicken, and leek, and vegetarian options, like mushroom and spinach.
Each pie is encased in perfectly flaky pastry, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors at very reasonable prices.
Goldie
1911 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 267-239-0777
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Goldie is a vegan Israeli restaurant that is best known for its falafel. Goldie has become a go-to spot for those seeking flavorful and satisfying vegan cuisine in the city’s heart.
In addition to their famed falafel, Goldie offers an array of flavorful sides and dips. Indulge in their creamy hummus, tangy pickles, and refreshing salads that perfectly complement the main dishes.
They also offer a selection of delicious desserts, such as vegan tahini milkshakes and soft-serve ice cream, all at great prices.
Reading Terminal Market
1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-922-2317
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Reading Terminal Market is a vibrant and historic indoor food market located at 1136 Arch St in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
It has been a beloved culinary institution in the city since its establishment in 1892 and continues to attract locals and tourists alike with its diverse array of food stalls, fresh produce, and unique specialty items. With so many options, you can find plenty of meals at any price point.
The market is housed in a stunning historic building, which adds to its charm and character.
Inside, you’ll find a bustling marketplace filled with an impressive variety of vendors, each offering its own specialty products and mouthwatering culinary delights.
Federal Donuts
1909 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 215-665-1101
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This unique eatery has gained a cult following for its irresistible combination of hot and fresh doughnuts and mouthwatering fried chicken.
Founded by a team of culinary masterminds, Federal Donuts has garnered national recognition for its innovative and delectable offerings, but their menu has remained affordable.
The menu revolves around two main staples: doughnuts and fried chicken. Their doughnuts come in a variety of flavors, ranging from classic options like glazed and powdered sugar to more adventurous choices like maple bacon and cookies and cream (the latter is so delicious!).
John’s Roast Pork
14 E Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: 215-463-1951
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John’s Roast Pork is a legendary South Philly sandwich shop. The star of the menu is their mouthwatering roast pork sandwich, which has gained widespread acclaim, but they’re also known for their cheesesteak.
Tender and flavorful slices of slow-roasted pork are piled high onto a fresh, crusty roll, creating a sandwich that is both hearty and satisfying.
The succulent pork is complemented by sharp provolone cheese and topped with a choice of spinach or broccoli rabe, along with a sprinkle of hot or sweet peppers to add an extra kick of flavor.
This sandwich offers a filling meal at a cheap price.
Love & Honey Fried Chicken
1100 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: 215-789-7878
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This neighborhood eatery has gained a loyal following for its deliciously crispy and flavorful fried chicken, offering a menu that combines classic Southern comfort with creative twists.
The inviting and cozy atmosphere at Love & Honey Fried Chicken creates a welcoming space for diners to enjoy their meal.
What sets Love & Honey Fried Chicken apart is its selection of unique and inventive sauces.
Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House
1022 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-923-1550
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Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House is a well-loved destination for delicious noodles in Philadelphia.
The heart of Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House lies in its flavorful broths. The chefs take pride in simmering their broths for hours, infusing them with rich and aromatic flavors.
Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House specializes in hand-pulled noodles, a technique that involves stretching and pulling the dough to create long, thin strands.
The result is a texture that is both chewy and satisfying. You can get a filling and flavorful meal here for a great price.
Dalessandro’s Steaks
600 Wendover St, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone: 215-482-540
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Dalessandro’s Steaks is a legendary cheesesteak joint. Since its establishment in 1960, this family-owned eatery has gained a devoted following for its delicious and authentic cheesesteaks, solidifying its place among the city’s top spots for this iconic sandwich.
The menu revolves around their truly incredible cheesesteaks.
These feature thinly sliced ribeye steak cooked to perfection on the grill. The tender and flavorful meat is paired with melted cheese and served on a fresh roll, creating a sandwich that taps into Philadelphia’s past.
Beiler’s Bakery
51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 267-318-7480
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Established in 1988, this family-owned bakery has gained a dedicated following for its delectable assortment of handcrafted pastries, doughnuts, and baked goods.
Situated in the heart of Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market, Beiler’s Bakery offers a wide array of freshly baked treats that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
From traditional doughnuts to mouthwatering pies, cakes, cookies, and more, Beiler’s Bakery is a haven for anyone who loves pastries.
The bakery also features an assortment of cookies, cakes, cinnamon rolls, and bread, all made with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Miller’s Twist
51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 123-456-7890
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Miller’s Twist is a popular pretzel shop that offers a variety of freshly baked pretzels that are both delicious and satisfying.
They’re best known for their Philly cheesesteak pretzel. Each pretzel is carefully crafted and baked to perfection, resulting in a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various dipping sauces.
The menu at Miller’s Twist extends beyond pretzels. Customers can also indulge in other delicious offerings, such as pretzel sandwiches, nuggets, and desserts.
Siddiq’s Real Fruit Water Ice
264 S 60th St, Philadelphia, PA 19139
Phone: 215-410-6513
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Siddiq’s Real Fruit Water Ice is a popular destination for refreshing frozen treats. Siddiq’s Real Fruit Water Ice offers various water ice flavors to satisfy every palate.
Water ice, or Italian ice, is a frozen dessert made with fruit puree, water, and sweeteners.
At Siddiq’s, they take it to the next level by using real fruit in their recipes, resulting in a vibrant and authentic taste experience.
The friendly and welcoming atmosphere at Siddiq’s Real Fruit Water Ice adds to its appeal.
Dizengoff
1625 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 215-867-8181
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Dizengoff is a popular Hummusiya located at 1625 Sansom St in Philadelphia. Inspired by the vibrant culinary scene of Tel Aviv, this eatery specializes in serving freshly made hummus and a variety of flavorful toppings, offering a taste of Israeli cuisine in the heart of Philadelphia.
Their hummus is made from scratch using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods. The result is a creamy and velvety hummus that serves as the perfect canvas for various toppings.
Each bowl is generously topped with ingredients such as roasted vegetables, spiced meats, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and flavorful sauces that I couldn’t get enough of.
Hardena
1754 S Hicks St #2217, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Phone: 215-271-9442
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Tucked away in the diverse neighborhood of South Philadelphia, Hardena offers an authentic taste of Indonesian flavors and dishes that have captivated the local community and visitors alike.
The menu showcases a range of beloved Indonesian dishes, each prepared with care and attention to detail.
From fragrant curries and spicy sambal dishes to aromatic rice and noodle dishes, the flavors at Hardena reflect the diverse Indonesian culinary heritage.
The cozy and unassuming atmosphere at Hardena adds to its charm. The family-owned and operated establishment exudes a warm, welcoming ambiance that made me feel right at home. It’s one of the best restaurants in the city at an amazing price.
Johnny’s Hots
1234 N Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: 215-423-2280
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Standing out on this list is Johnny’s Hots, a hot dog restaurant that’s been serving up delicious hot dogs and other classic American fares since 1946.
Their menu features a variety of hot dog options, including the classic beef hot dog served on a fresh bun.
Customers can customize their hot dogs with an array of toppings, such as mustard, ketchup, onions, relish, sauerkraut, and more.
Johnny’s Hots is a no-frills restaurant with a loyal following that creates a laid-back environment for enjoying a satisfying meal or grabbing a quick bite on the go.
Termini Bros Bakery
1523 S. 8th Street. Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: 215-334-1816
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Termini Bros Bakery offers a wide range of sweet treats, including cannoli, biscotti, cookies, cakes, and specialty pastries.
The welcoming atmosphere of Termini Bros adds to its appeal. Step into the bakery, and you’ll be greeted by the sight and aroma of fresh pastries lining the display cases.
Over the years, Termini Bros has become a Philadelphia institution, earning a reputation for its exceptional pastries and desserts.
The bakery’s commitment to preserving the flavors of traditional Italian baking has made it a favorite among locals and a destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Italy.
Sarcone’s Bakery
758 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: 215-922-0445
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Sarcone’s Bakery is known for its bread, rolls, and specialty items. One of their best-known offerings is their signature seeded loaf, which has become a staple in many Philadelphia households.
The bread is made using traditional methods and the finest ingredients, resulting in a crusty exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.
Each bite is a testament to the bakery’s dedication to preserving the art of bread-making. Customers can also indulge in their sandwiches made with freshly baked rolls or satisfy their sweet tooth with pastries and desserts.