Are we in a recession? Economists will tell you no, even with a cooling labor market and tariffs nudging prices upward. But scroll through social media and you’ll see a different story — Gen Z and millennials have turned “recession indicator” into a trend, and searches for buffets and happy hours are spiking. In other words, people are watching their wallets. If you’re looking to stretch your dining dollars without skimping on flavor, we’ve pulled together 20 local spots across Baltimore where you can sit down and grab a full meal — appetizer or dessert included — for $30 or less any night of the week.
Kori Skillman contributed reporting.
EJJI
711 S. Central Avenue
Located right above the Whole Foods, EJJI is a place you can go for an early ramen dinner as they close at 7 p.m. As the only place in the city with handpulled noodles, they also follow Whole Foods’s Food Ingredient Quality Standards, which means no MSG for EJJI. To add in more flavor to their noodles, the team here works with Monument City Brewing Company, adding their rye to add flavor into their dough. Their broth is slow-cooked for 24 hours and features a vegan and veggie ramen option. For the meat eater, we recommend The Wet Bird ($16) and the Miso Corny Ramen ($16) for vegetarian or vegan (available without butter). A bowl of ramen will satisfy the hungry but if you want to indulge, get an order of their Kingdom Wings ($9.95), which strays from their Malaysian-Chinese style and features a Korean-style fried wing with a spicy and tangy Ejji Sauce. (Ana Bak)
Harbor Tandoor
803 S. Caroline Street
Perhaps the best Indian restaurant in the city, Harbor Tandoor is also one of the most reliable spots. As the portions are large, we recommend going with a friend or partner to share and to get the most bang for your buck and your palate. Start your meal with a popular Indian street snack like the Dahi Poori ($8) or the heartier Samosa Chaat ($10), then follow it with a curry such as the crowd-pleasing butter chicken ($19) or its vegetarian twin, paneer makhani ($19). Add a side of garlic naan ($4) and you’ll land between $27 and $29, comfortably under the $30 mark before tax and tip. To wash it down, swap your appetizer to stay under $30 with a cold pint of local Zadie’s Lager or a refreshing mango lassi(both $5). Harbor Tandoor’s combination of spicy curries, bright chutneys, and comforting breads makes it a spot where you can share plates, layer flavors, and leave full without blowing your budget. (Ana)
Jong Kak
18 W. 20th Street
Jong Kak is more than Korean BBQ. It’s been a staple in the heart of Station North and even got a nod in The New York Times’ 36 hours in Baltimore, albeit in 2017. It’s still one of the best Korean spots in the city. To stay comfortably under $30, we recommend you try their jjigaes ($15-$20), Korean stews that are served piping hot and come alongside an assortment of banchan (those beloved little side dishes that stretch the meal with kimchi, pickles, and veggies). If you want to go above the threshold, their charcoal sizzling tabletop grills also come with banchan, so even a single entree feels like a feast. A plate of bulgogi ($27.95) or pork belly ($25.95) is enough for dinner, but if you split an order of the crispy seafood pajeon ($10.99) — a Korean pancake — with a friend, you’ll still land right at the $30 mark. The atmosphere is unassuming, lively, and communal, and the portions are generous enough to make you feel like you’ve gotten away with something in this economy. (Ana)
iBar
2118 Maryland Avenue
iBar has been holding down Station North and Charles Village for years as a late-night anchor where the menu stretches far beyond typical pub grub. The wings are their calling card — billed as “Baltimore’s only authentic Buffalo wings” — offered in dozens of sauces and heat levels, with 10 pieces for $12.95 or 20 for $19.95. Burgers are another safe bet, like the chili-cheddar ($12.95) or farm house burger ($12.95), both built on a half-pound Angus patty with fries. If you want to stretch your wallet, the iBar Signature Fettuccine Alfredo($12.95 to $17.95 based on choice of meat) or shrimp jambalaya($18.95) still keep you under $30. Add a beer or rail drink ($5-$7), and you’ve got a hearty dinner that fits the budget. (Ana)
My Thai Go
804 N. Charles Street
At My Thai Go in Mount Vernon, the pad thai with crispy pork belly is an absolute showstopper. At $16, it falls into the standard range for Pad Thai, but what makes it a true cheap eats gem is the upgrade. For just $1 extra, you get a mountain of crispy pork belly that feels like highway robbery in the best way. The pork is everything you want it to be: thick, juicy, and tender on the inside with a perfectly crackling, golden-brown crust that shatters with each bite.
The pad thai itself hits all the right notes of traditional Thai cooking. It’s defined by tender rice noodles tossed in a tamarind sauce, balancing sweet, salty, tangy, and savory flavors. Crunchy bean sprouts, bright scallions, and a sprinkling of crushed peanuts give the dish texture and freshness, while the egg and noodles weave everything together into one cohesive, flavorful bite. Add that pork belly on top, and you’ve got a dish that feels luxurious without breaking the bank. (Kori)
Koco’s Pub
4301 Harford Road
Koco’s is often hailed as the best crabcake in the city. The trick to keeping it under $30 is the Junior Crab Cake Platter (6 ounces, $29), which comes with french fries, coleslaw, lettuce, and tomato. This deal is available Wednesday through Friday until 4 p.m., so it’s definitely an early dinner, but a great way to try one of Baltimore’s most beloved crab cakes without blowing your budget. Or if geriatric dining time isn’t your style, get their platters: fish and chips platter ($21) or the imported baby back ribs platter ($25), each comes with fries and slaw or a salad. Add a side salad ($6) or appetizer like chicken tenders ($10) if you share or skip an expensive drink, and you land around $28-$30. (Ana)
Maggie’s Farm
4341 Harford Road
Maggie’s Farm has built a reputation for making farm-to-table food approachable and comforting, all the while staying true to its eclectic charm. The interior, despite the “farm” name, is heavily red and suede, reminiscent of a 1970s bar. If you commit to the right combo, Maggie’s can absolutely give you a dinner under $30. Try starting with Sticky Honey Sriracha Cauliflower Wings ($18) or grilled peach salad ($14), and pair it with their MF House Burger ($23). Skip the high-end mains, and you’ll hit $28 to $30 before drinks or dessert. (Ana)
The Gift
2102 Harford Road
For almost two decades, The Gift was a low-key neighborhood carryout. Then TikTok found their fried fish sandwich, and overnight the spot became a viral sensation. Now, snagging one might mean waiting two, three, even five hours in line, so this isn’t for the faint of heart. It could take a full-day commitment for a $9 sandwich that’s become Baltimore’s most talked-about cheap eat. The Whiting Fish Sandwich ($9), stacked with cheese, tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato, onions and hots is so big you could split it in two. Add a slice of lemon-frosted cake ($5) or another dessert from behind the counter, and you’re still comfortably under $15. (Ana)
Chaps Pit Beef
720 Mapleton Avenue
Chaps has been serving pit beef in the city since 1987, turning out smoky, charcoal-grilled roast beef sliced to order and piled high on a Kaiser roll. A regular pit beef sandwich runs about $12 to $15 depending on toppings, and if you add fries ($5) and a soda ($3), you’re looking at a full dinner for around $22 to $25. Portions are generous, flavors are bold, and while you could splurge on a platter, the classic sandwich-and-sides combo keeps you well under $30 and leaves you full. (Ana)
Chuck’s Trading Post
1506 W. 36th Street
Chuck’s is tucked away on a hilly stretch of Hampden that even neighborhood regulars sometimes overlook — but never their loyal fans. It’s part neighborhood cafe, part general store, part bar, and not usually open for dinner, which makes Burger Night all the more special. On Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., you can score a burger, fries and a beer for $15. The place hums with a steady flow of dine-in crowds and takeout orders. If they’re not slammed, the staff will make you a crush in lieu of a beer and not charge you the difference. Their smash burger patty stands out here, which you can incorporate into their 10 or so burger options depending on the season. (Ana)
Spring Cafe
900 W. 36th Street
Spring Cafe is one of Hampden’s most underrated gems. With a zero corkage fee, you can BYOB and settle in for Afghan home cooking that feels both comforting and adventurous. For $30 we recommend the Kabul Chaynaki ($13) — a clay pot stew of onions, carrots, potatoes, and split peas simmered for hours, served with Afghan bread. Vegan-friendly, with beef or lamb options available. Pair it with a branch of cauliflower ($8.50), roasted with garlic and house seasoning, and a Roat — Afghan sweet bread-like pastry ($3) for dessert for $25 to $27. (Ana)
Ribaldi’s Pizza & Subs
3600 Keswick Road
Ribaldi’s is a straightforward neighborhood pizza joint where the pies are big, the toppings are classic and the prices for the basic 16-inch thin-crust pizzas are still reasonable (around $14 to $17, some specialty pies run upwards of $24.95). If you split a cheese or one-topping pizza with a friend and tack on a garden or Garibaldi’s salad (around $9 to $11), you’ll still be under $30 per person. It’s not flashy, but among New York-style pizza lovers it’s respected, generous, and exactly the kind of spot that makes cheap dinner feel like a win. (Ana)
Chiyo Sushi
1619 Sulgrave Avenue
In Mount Washington, Chiyo Sushi offers fresh, delicious Japanese fare in a laid-back setting. For a non-sushi experience, start with a tempura appetizer ($8 to $10) and then go for a chicken teriyaki or salmon teriyaki dinner ($17 to $20), and you’ll land right around $28 to $30. For sushi, it still won’t break the bank: specialty rolls like the Chiyo Roll ($13.75), Rainbow Roll ($13.50) or Beauty Alaska Roll ($17.50) are standouts. Pair one of those with a classic maki like a spicy tuna roll ($8.25) or shrimp tempura roll ($7.50), and you can build a satisfying two-roll dinner for around $22 to $26. (Ana)
Rocket to Venus
3360 Chestnut Avenue
Rocket to Venus in Hampden is a quirky, dimly lit dive bar with an edgy diner feel and warm hospitality. I went for the shrimp and grits, a dish that runs about $15 here — nearly half the price of what you’d find for the same dish elsewhere. They’re a little grainier than the silky Southern standard, but the flavor holds its own and the portion is hearty enough to leave you full. The shrimp themselves were cooked a touch past tender, but the flavor more than made up for it. They were both savory and buttery. The minced garlic added a wonderful crunch that played beautifully against the creaminess of the grits. (Kori)
Blue Agave
1032 Light Street
If you’re looking for an unbeatable happy hour in Baltimore, Blue Agave is the spot. Their happy hour tacos start at just $2.50 each, and the portions are generous enough that you can leave full while spending under $10 before tip. I tried the blackened tilapia, pulled chicken and blackened shrimp tacos. The tilapia was tender and flaked apart beautifully, while the shrimp was cooked perfectly, carrying a sharp, bold seasoning that lingered in my mouth long after. The pulled chicken had a classic, comforting flavor that felt familiar but still satisfying. The tacos come tucked in warm street tortillas, packed with enough food to feel substantial without weighing you down. (Kori)
Taqueria Vargas
301 S. Highland Avenue
A Highlandtown staple where you’ll find authentic Mexican food: tacos, tortas, burritos, quesadillas and full platters — all priced so you can eat big without breaking $30. Regular tacos (asada, pollo, al pastor, carnitas) are just $3 each, while lengua, buche, tripa andtacosarabes are $4. On Mondays through Wednesdays, they offer a special on smaller tacos — five for $10 — one of the best deals in town. Tortas and burritos are $8.99, quesadillas$7.99 (or $9 for two) and full platillos like carne asada, pollo asado, or bistec a la Mexicana are $12.99. If you love breakfast for dinner (and who doesn’t), you can satisfy your craving with huevos rancheros, chilaquiles and other plates hovering around $8 to $9. And if you want to end on a sweet note, desserts like flan, tres leches or choco flan are $3.99. Vargas proves you can eat authentically, abundantly and cheaply — no matter what time of day you show up. (Ana)
Simply Marie’s
3023 Elliott Street
Tucked just off Canton Square, Simply Marie’s is a cozy, Black-owned breakfast gem that serves home-style meals with generous portions and heartfelt hospitality. Let me tell you, the sandwiches taste far better than they look — no shade to the presentation, but the flavors absolutely deliver. Think no-frills breakfast staples elevated by care and attention. Priced at around $5, each sandwich is a steal for how filling it is. I’ve never seen a meal so hearty feel this budget-friendly. The sandwiches are generously portioned, packed with what felt like three scrambled eggs each. You also get to choose your bread — rye, white, whole wheat, multigrain — and cheese if you want. I got a sausage sandwich with pepper jack on multigrain, plus a bacon sandwich with American on rye. I realized midway through that the “and” of my order was a mistake; these are not dainty eats.
The sausage was hearty, the bacon salty-good, and the bread choices complemented both. I was absolutely full; these are among the most satisfying, affordable breakfast sandwiches Baltimore has to offer. Simply Marie’s combines straightforward, soul-nourishing food with cozy charm and genuine warmth. It’s a place where the price matches the unpretentious deliciousness. (Kori)
Snake Hill Tavern
418 S. Clinton Street
Snake Hill Tavern in Highlandtown serves up in-house sausages that feel both inventive and comforting. I tried two standouts: the ghost pepper alligator sausage ($9) tucked into a soft LeBus brioche bun and a vegan Italian-style sausage ($8) nestled in a potato bun. The alligator sausage was dense and deeply satisfying, with a subtle heat from the ghost pepper that teased rather than overwhelmed. Its flavors felt layered, distinct notes working alongside each other, like a chorus of spices. In contrast, the vegan sausage, made with eggplant, fennel, red wine and garlic, came together seamlessly. Every bite carried a singular, well-married flavor that was earthy, aromatic and almost indistinguishable from a traditional Italian sausage. (Kori)
Jollof Bowl
1065 S. Charles Street (Cross Street Market)
Hailed as the West African Chipotle, the new location inside Cross Street Market (it opened around the summer) serves up $15.99 build-your-own bowls that have quickly taken off on social media. Diners pick a base of rice, noodles, or greens, then layer on toppings with options like suya chicken or beef, grilled onions, and slaw — plantains are always included, so you’re essentially getting a side with your entree. Shrimp, vegan medley, goat, and lamb are available for an upcharge, while pork rib bowls ($19.99) and oxtail ($25.99) push the menu into our price limit. With portions big enough to last into the next meal, Jollof Bowl is one of the best deals in Federal Hill for flavor and fullness under $30. (Ana)
Empa511
1627 Thames Street, Suite A
Empa511 is Jose Victorio Alarcon’s love letter to Peruvian handheld food. The new casual cafe shares branding with his first restaurant, Puerto511, but brings things down to a more approachable level. There are seven flavors of empanadas baked with slightly sweet dough (the Peruvian differentiator) and bold, home-style fillings. At $5.95 each (which is a steal as one can fill you up), options include lomo saltado (beef stir-fry with fries and sweet plantain), anticuchera (spiced chicken thigh) and vegetariana. Add a drink — we cannot recommend the chicha morada enough (a cold drink made from Peruvian purple corn, cinnamon, pineapple, raw sugar and fresh lime) ($4) — or a dessert like an alfajor($2.25), and you’ve got a full meal for $15 to $20, or $25 if you get two empanadas. Just as notable is Empa511’s sustainability mission: biodegradable dishware and paper products, no plastic water bottles (customers refill from a free water station), and an intentional reduction of single-use plastics across the board. (Ana)
Helmand Kabobi
855 N. Wolfe Street
Helmand Kabobi is the fast-casual sibling of Baltimore’s iconic Helmand restaurant, founded in 2014 to bring authentic Afghan food to the Johns Hopkins community. A family-run business, the menu focuses on flame-grilled kabobs with rice and salad — hearty, straightforward plates that rarely top $20. Favorites include the chicken kabob ($17.95) and Kabuli with boneless chicken ($17.95), while lamb and beef tenderloin kabobs are a little higher ($21.95-$22.95). Vegetarian diners can opt for a cauliflower and chickpea bowl ($14.95). Add a side of Kaddo Borani (roasted pumpkin with yogurt, $8.95) or dumplings, and you’ll still stay under $30. (Ana)