Best Budget Eats in Boston
Eating on the cheap is easier than you might think in Boston, Massachusetts. The city has such a high concentration of colleges and universities that local eateries have to offer reduced prices if they want to compete for the most business. While many of the following restaurants are located near campuses and are frequented by students, there’s no reason why business travelers and vacationing families can’t save a little money on food as well. From gourmet burgers to authentic Chinese food, here are five of our favorite places to eat in Boston for under $20 a plate.
Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage: They don’t call them “the best burgers in America” for no reason! Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage grills up a mean gourmet burger. Every item is creatively named, which is half the fun in eating there! A place that keeps up with the times, customers can choose from a variety of politically-inspired burgers (that’s right, choose between The Republican or The Democrat, or even The Tea Party, if you prefer) and pop-culture themed items (The Jersey Shore, The Lady Gaga, and The Facebook). Each juicy, 7 ounce burger costs less than $15, and is served with a side of fries. The restaurant is centrally located near Harvard University. For more information, call 617-354-6559.
T. Anthony’s: Where do you go when you’re craving a cheap pizza pie? College students from Northeastern and Boston Universities rely on T. Anthony’s to get their fill. Located between Kenmore Square and Allston (right across from BU), this popular pizza place has been serving quality traditional-style pizza for over 30 years. And if pizza isn’t your thing, T. Anthony’s menu features a wide variety of items from subs, wraps and sandwiches to salads, appetizers and daily homemade specials. The most expensive item on their menu is the large 16” Combo Pizza at just over $16. However, most of the food ranges in price from $8-$15. For more information, call 617-734-7708.
Border Café: We’d be worried if the Mexican food was too cheap, but at Border Café, the prices are just right. With establishments located across Boston, Border Café features an array of tantalizing appetizers, Cajun food, fajitas, quesadillas, and of course margaritas, at affordable prices. Burgers, tacos and salads are all priced under $10 (in fact, the majority of the menu offers scrumptious meals under $10), and nothing costs more than $20, unless you count the Blackened Chicken Fajitas for two at $20.85! For more information, contact their Cambridge location at 617-864-6100.
Aceituna Café: Hard to find, if you’re not searching for it, Aceituna Café near MIT offers a healthy mix of gourmet fast food, with an emphasis on Mediterranean and Lebanese cooking. Fresh ingredients and large portions are two of Aceituna’s stand-bys. Be sure to stop by for lunch, featuring delicious combos with Falafel, Chicken Shawarma, Beef Shawarma and Pita, all for under $10 per meal. The restaurant is situated in the fast-growing business area of Kendall Square. For more information, call 617-252-0707.
Shanghai Gate: What’s a good food round-up without a quality Chinese restaurant included? Shanghai Gate is one of the few authentic Chinese restaurants you can still find in the Boston area, so don’t expect to order any Americanized dishes here. While the portions may on the smaller side, the price is great if you’re dining on a budget. The average price for a dinner entrée is $8. Choose from a number of seafood, chicken, beef, pork and vegetarian options. Shanghai Gate is located in the heart of Boston’s multicultural Allston Village. For more information, call 617-566-7344.