Charleston's Top Cheap Eats and Restaurants

Save some money.

by Erin Perkins@EaterCHS Mar 10, 2017, 9:00am EST

Running low on cash or just want to save some money? Seek out one of these essential cheap eats spots around the Lowcountry. From pizza to fried chicken to pho, there's a menu item under (or just at) $10 for every sort of craving. Want tacos? Find them for less in North Charleston or deep in Mount Pleasant. Need a pork chop, fried chicken, three sides, and two pieces of cornbread for under $13? Head to James Island. Want the best deal on corn dogs and PBR? There's a map spot for that too.

For all the complaints that Charleston restaurants have gotten too expensive, there are many places offering a deal. Continually check this guide when the bank account is running low

1 Jack Of Cups

There's only one item on the Jack of Cups menu over $10 and that's the fancy cheese plate, but you're not here to nibble on luxury cheese — you're at this Folly dive for deals on craft beer and ultra-filling curries by the beach. However, if you are feeling cheesy, we suggest the addictive red curry mac 'n cheese with a slightly spicy sauce, topped with diced pickles, tomatoes, cilantro, and parmesan.

34 Center Street
Folly Beach, SC 29439

2 Workmen's Cafe

Workmen's Cafe opened on James Island to feed hungry "working men." Though you don't have to be in construction to appreciate chef Angie Bellinger's famous lima beans and fried chicken. For only $12.95, customers can pick up a pork chop, a quarter of chicken, three side items, and two pieces of cornbread — don't leave without trying the fluffy cornbread.

Charleston
SC

3 JB's Smokeshack

Johns Island staple JB's Smokeshack is an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord of barbecue and sides for $9.75 at lunch. It's well worth the drive to fill up on Southern classics, such as pulled pork, hash and rice, and butterbeans. [Photo: JB's]

3406 Maybank Hwy
Johns Island, SC 29455

(843) 557-0426

4 Early Bird Diner

The paintings on the walls are quirky, and many on the waitstaff are artists or musicians. Slide into a booth at home cooking haven Early Bird Diner for Southern food done right. The most popular menu item is the delectable chicken and waffles (only $10), but there are plenty of other choices like a meatloaf melt or country fried steak. Be sure to end your meal with the banana pudding.

1644 Savannah Hwy
Charleston, SC 29407

(843) 277-2353

5 Los Parados

Stop by this taqueria for cilantro-flecked tacos at really cheap prices. Bonus: if you're a fan of offal, Los Parados offers lengua and tripe tacos and menudo. Food writer Jeff Allen says the soup, ".. cures all manner of medical ailments ..."

2625 Ashley Phosphate Rd
North Charleston, SC 29418

6 La Nortena

North Charleston stop La Nortena may look like a normal chain Mexican restaurant, but they make real-deal tacos. Order a plate full and soak the tortillas in the homemade (and free) salsas they put on the table.

6275 Rivers Ave
North Charleston, SC 29406

(843) 225-7055

7 Pho No. 1

Tucked inside H&L Super Market, Pho No. 1 is zero-frills, all-flavor dining at its best. Yes, it's known for its Vietnamese soup, but there are spring rolls and rice dishes on the menu as well. A giant bowl of pho will run you about $7.99 — it's enough to share.

5300 Rivers Ave
North Charleston, SC 29406

8 Sesame Burgers & Beer

Sesame has several stores, so it's likely there's one near you. With ingredients ranging from banana slices, to pineapple, to guacamole, there's something for everyone. The restaurant even has a choice of patties: beef, chicken, turkey, or bean (and none go above $9). This is the go-to for groups with varying tastes for affordable burgers.

4726 Spruill Ave
North Charleston, SC 29405

(843) 554-4903

9 Bertha's Restaurant

Established in 1979, iconic soul food stop Bertha's Kitchen is known for their affordable fried chicken and fish, and heralded for their Southern sides. Everyone from famous chefs and food writers to locals and tourists seems to make the trek to Bertha's to take in the now-famous dishes created by the late founder Albertha Grant.

2332 Meeting Street Rd
North Charleston, SC 29405

(843) 554-6519

10 Tattooed Moose

The entire menu at Tattooed Moose is pretty cheap, but if you want to go even more frugal, stop by during happy hour for deep discounts on beers, duck fat fries, wings, and corn dogs. You can fill up and get a buzz for less than $10.

1137 Morrison Dr
Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 277-2990

11 Moe's Crosstown Tavern

Wings are cheap and the beers are cheap — don't forget about the burgers either. Moe's has been flipping patties for years, and you can taste the perfected patina of the grill in every bite. On Tuesdays, the meaty minions are half-price.

714 Rutledge Ave
Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 722-3287

12 Dell'z Uptown

Many of the items at Dell'z Deli are meat-free, which helps keep cost down. But non-vegetarians shouldn't be concerned, this small shop could satisfy the appetite of a linebacker (and if you're really worried, they do have a few animal items). Try the Snobby Joe — a tempeh alternative to a classic Sloppy Joe for only $9.

511 Rutledge Ave
Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 641-0352

13 Nana's Soul Seafood

Some of the most economical plates on the peninsula, Nana's Soul Seafood offers garlic crabs at a discount price. A nine piece shrimp snack is only $4 or grab a grilled cheese for less than the price of soda at most restaurants.

176 Line St
Charleston, SC 29403

14 Bon Banh Mi

Pick a filling and then determine if you want a sandwich, salad, or tacos. From five spice tofu to red curry beef, there's something for everyone (under $10) at this petite Vietnamese sandwich shop.

162 Spring St
Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 414-7320

15 D'Allesandro's Pizza

It's a little funky, they serve cheap beer by the pitcher, and the waitstaff is made up of colorful characters — D'Allesandro's is the quintessential college town pizza parlor. There's usually a special running, and you can typically find a coupon to make your pie even cheaper.

229 Saint Philip St
Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 853-6337

16 Dave's Carry Out

The little corner fish shack Dave’s Carry-Out is unassuming with their plastic tablecloths and styrofoam platters, but they consistently serve up big plates of fried fresh catches and fixin’s. Shrimp platters are only $7.00 and you can add a deviled crab for $2.75.

47 Morris St
Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 577-7943

17 A C's Bar & Grill

It's not gourmet, and it won't win any awards for its cocktail program, but AC's offerings are some of the best greasy bar standards on King Street. Order the cheese fries or chicken Philly sub and you know exactly what you're getting — a cheap and delicious way to soak up booze. However, their brunch menus give the kitchen a chance to shine if you're into kitschy themes and hangover curing Benedicts on Sundays.

467 King St
Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 577-6742

18 Mama Kim's

The express bowl is the way to go at Korean place Mama Kim's. Choose from chicken, steak, or shrimp and the staff will fill a giant bowl of meat and rice for under $9. Fans of kimchee can fill up on the bul-go-gee — it's enough for two people to share.

349 King St
Charleston, SC 29401

(843) 577-7177

19 Queen Street Grocery

There's nothing over $10 on the extensive menu at classic shop Queen Street Grocery. This storied Harleston Village corner shop offers pressed paninis, crepes, and smoothies any time of the day. Check their specials board for a creative twist on their usual offerings.

133 Queen St
Charleston, SC 29401

(843) 723-4121

20 Breizh Pan Crepes

Everything on the Breizh Pan Crepes menu is under $10, so it's like traveling to a quaint French bistro without the cost of airfare. The selections go from sweet to savory, with almost any combination of classic flavors offered in the crepes. It's an easy stop for breakfast or lunch.

39 George St
Charleston, SC 29401

21 The Griffon Pub

Dive bar The Griffon is a Charleston legend. Co-owners Dan Wenz and Scott London keep the Vendue Range bar casual with an emphasis on good beers and affordable food. It's a great scene for a cheap lunch or late-night snack.

18 Vendue Range
Charleston, SC 29401

(843) 723-1700

22 Hannibal's Kitchen

The secret is out about Lowcountry legend Hannibal's. Tucked away in the Eastside neighborhood, Hannibal's has served classic Charleston dishes since 1985. Off the tourist path on Blake Street, this soul kitchen plates some of the best examples of Gullah cuisine, like crab rice, lima beans with smoked neck bones, okra soup, and local shark. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Hannibal's can meet your needs for authentic Lowcountry flavors any time of the day and mostly under $10.

16 Drake St
Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 722-2256

23 Gaulart & Maliclet French Café Fast and French Inc.

Gaulart & Maliclet, better known as Fast & French, transports patrons to Europe for less than $10. Choose the special of the day, and you'll be treated to a sandwich or light entrée with a soup, fresh fruit, and a glass of wine. For example, this week F&F served sautéed tomatoes and chèvre on baguette, chicken salad on a croissant, and spiced sweet potatoes over grains. The atmosphere of the cozy café is well worth the price of the plate.

98 Broad St
Charleston, SC 29401

(843) 577-9797

24 H&R Sweet Shop

Cheeseburgers are only $4.75 at Old Village legend H&R Sweet Shop. Hot dogs are just a dollar. The portions are large, and you won't leave hungry. A visit to H&R is like stepping back in time, when your money bought a lot more.

102 Royall Avenue
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

25 Carmen y Juan

The owners of Carmen y Juan's relocated to Charleston from East L.A. and set up shop in an unassuming strip mall in Park West. Those in search of cheap cilantro-and-onion-topped tacos may not need to chase taco trucks for the authentic fare — try this Mount Pleasant restaurant instead.

1118 Park West Blvd Ste B-1
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(843) 856-0805

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