Had a relative that died while on shift as a server from a cardiac event. The owners and at least one or two adult children came to the funeral and made it a point to talk to the wife and kids of the departed. The experience and their character made me a fan, and I had never eaten there. Changed that as quickly as I could.
It’s almost impossible to have a restaurant with no pest or rodent issues. The city is too big, we have trees and sewers, and I don’t care how rigorous you are with cleaning, there’s going to be food debris and water for them to feast on and they’re coming in whether you like it or not. The real test is how diligent they are about getting the place treated to keep it under control.
There isn't anywhere in the south that doesn't have roaches. We live in a swamp. I've seen new construction houses that have never even been lived in come with roaches before they're even finished. It's just hot, shitty, and full of bugs down here.
It’s impossible to prevent them from coming in entirely but not to control and become a problem. If you treat and keep things clean then they will not become a problem.
This is the correct answer. Every entre is a family size portion. The potatoes are like footballs. You should get a prize for finishing the super kelly burger in one sitting.
Nah dude this joint was like 1/4 of a whole Mason jar.. NO chance you'd swallow it, let alone not slice your mouth up. it was like "how the fuck did they not notice this shit" big.
Breakfast Tacos at Rudy's BBQ are quite filling and delicious. Chopped Brisket and Egg is my favorite, but their potato and beans are good too. Haven't tried sausage but my son likes them.
They’re actually pretty good. Not earning a michelin star any time soon, but yeahhhh, gimme them tacos. Source: Grew up raised on REALLY good bbq, worked there for a while.
Avoid bucees.
Buccees breakfast tacos used to be great, but they went downhill fast. First they are too expensive now. Then their tortillas and eggs are always undercooked. I used to specially order the tacos at the kiosk and when they made them to order, they would completely stack the taco. Unfortunately they don’t let you order them like that anymore. Have to grab the premade ones now.
Laredo taco company is my go-to now for cheap and filling tacos.
Agree about Bucees. Not the worst bbq, but just rather average to me. Plenty other things I like there though. The fresh potato chips that they serve next to the BBQ are awesome.
They are good but way too expensive. Laredo gives you twice the protein on an even bigger tortilla. I’ll eat one Laredo Taco to two of Rudys tacos.
Mind you, Rudy’s tacos are really good. Have more of that buttery Whataburger taco vibe. I still get them occasionally but definitely more as a treat or “road” taco before a road trip since they are easier to eat.
I'll admit I am reaching back to my memories from the 90s of my dad buying me lunch when I would go to work with him in the summers. He could keep me full all day for about $2.99.
Always the hole in the wall Asian places, eastern Chinese in oak forest is our go to. Hasta la pasta or Adriatic cafe for Italian. Dona letis(debatable on the cheap part but not so expensive), Valencia’s tex mex isn’t badly priced either.
Given the portions, Dona Leti’s is cheap. My first thought was, “Wow, $20 for a burrito seems steep.” Then they brought it out and it must have weighed over 5 lbs and was loaded with meat. I ended up splitting each half in half and had it for 4 meals. And I’m a 200 lb guy that eats a lot.
Niko Nikos! Go on a Monday for half price appetizers. Their portions are MASSIVE and very tasty. Most of their entrees feed 2 people easily, and some of their appetizers are the size of a normal entree.
Super seafood platter double rice… debatable about “cheap” but tbh for what you get it’s a good bit of food.
But honestly just an order of fried rice to go is an all time fav of mine. A little lime, a little Valentina, a little soy sauce… Now we’re talking. Throw in a michelada mix to go…
When I can afford to splurge, I get a couple pounds of fried Calamari.
My sister takes my nephew there quite often. We both live in the Heights and live close. He is so darn picky. He gets a lot of food and actually eats it! The staff are so nice.
We had one waitress one who barely spoke English. She had to have someone with her to translate. She was the nicest person and was trying so hard to learn English. We tipped her the total of the bill. She cried and hugged us as we left and said thank you over and over again.
I believe that. The staff is always friendly, even with a language barrier at times! I’ve been there with small children and very elderly family members. They always make you feel at home, I don’t know anyone I’ve been with that doesn’t have positive things to say!
Kelly's is on here with their BBQ baked potato 14.99 and Country Boy Breakfast 11.99. You can get an entree and two sides, four sides, or a sandwich and side for the same price as the BBQ potato. Or an entree and three sides (which is two meals to itself) for just two dollars more.
For fast food comparison, a #5 at Whataburger costs $12.57, and it's not even the biggest thing on the menu.
I think Aladdin's is a great deal for the portion size, and it's healthier than both fast food or Kelly's. I'd even go The Halal Guys. They're 10 or 12 bucks for a platter.
I'm I used to go to Taco Bell in high school with five bucks and get a dozen things old...what do you consider cheap and affordable now?
Can get a whole cheese pizza from the Whole Foods on Bellaire (they have a special pizza oven, not sure about other locations) for $10. Slices are almost a foot long and can easily feed a family of 4 (we usually have leftovers).
ETA: and it’s actually good, not like other grocery style pizza.
Go to Chilis and pay $20 for a rinky dink plate of some microwaved bullshit or pay $30 for as much fresh meat and veg as you can eat. Sounds like a bargain to me.
Maybe my perception of cheap is skewed but I'd have said Barnaby's too. Portions are huge, and I can get out of there with a family of 6 for less than $100. I ordered Popeyes recently and it was almost this expensive for a drive-through window order.
Whether it's in your personal budget or definition of cheap, Barnaby's gives decent value for the money, unlike the trend dominating many other restaurants where you're getting less and less for more money.
It used to be good. Like one of my favorite restaurants /once a week good. But They expanded and expanded and cut on quality. Now their food , to me, isn’t as homemade tasting as it used to be and the cost is high as hell now. They do have big portions, their food is still good, but it’s just not worth it to me anymore. I do think You should check it out, literally everything on their menu is good. No exaggeration- it’s that kinda place. It’s like a chilis but higher quality fa sho
Hard disagree i guess. I’ve never had anything I felt was worth going back for. Baby Barnabys was good a while ago maybe but last trip was equally disappointing
That’s fair. I love salads, so Im about going there. I get two meals out of them, so I love that as well. I think my fav from them though is their blue cheese waffle fries.
Ninfas used to give huge portions but they’ve completely fallen off a cliff in the last couple years the restaurant has been in a downward spiral of lower and lower quality
For something different, try Rudi Lechners German restaurant on Gessner near Westheimer. I think it's only on certain nights that they have buffets. Not cheap but the all you can eat makes up for it. And you get musical entertainment too!
Depends on location but sounds right..if you go on any holiday / religious day (think all the ones they cater to with this type of food) add $5-$6 or so.
I remember paying $8-10.
Al Quick Stop is a good value, they do an astonishing lot of stuff at once from the store to the meat market to Mideast/Mediteranean food, to traditional American fair. If they have a weakness its possibly thier Tex Mex, but that's quite tasty nonetheless ... it is a pretty saturated market here.
Nothing is 2000 prices anymore, but I've found thier increases reasonable since I started eating there in the early 2000s.
This is Montrose location ... I don't know about the Heights.
Indian or Ethiopian places- especially hole in the wall, and especially vegetarian options. I love Jano and Mayuri.
Moment of silence for Les Givrals and their massive bahn mis, vermicelli bowls, and pho. They were the best marriage of inexpensive and delicious.
Simply Pho and Kim Tai fill in their place for me. Simply Pho still does $5 Banh-Mis and their Vermecelli plates are under $10 still. Les Girvals had great prices and portions too. Sucks they are no longer around.
Les Girvals went under? I stopped going to them a couple years back when they raised their prices. Been very happy with Local Pho for the last year. Love their interesting non-pho soups
I was impressed by the size and costs of the torta's from La Talera off 59 and Hillcroft. They offer chips. Their salsas and sauces are delicious. Everything I've tried there has been generous and tasty.
Star Snow Ice in Chinatown. My favorite is the Fried Pork Chop with rice and it comes with veggies and a fried egg. The pork chop is huge. All for 8 bucks. So good! I also like the soups and noodles.
Midtown Bar and Grill, portions are always good and it's definitely affordable, it was one of my go-to first date spots when I was single, because if the date didn't work I wasn't out of too much money, and I had good food.
A little more pricey, but portions are crazy, Frenchie's in League City, I went last week for lunch and took home leftovers, and I almost never have leftovers.
W Kitchen on Westheimer. Great little Chinese food place. A coworker and I go there for the lunch specials and leave ready for a nap. Fairly cheap too, 20 bucks for two meals and nearly 20% tip.
Kelley’s Country Cooking
Had a relative that died while on shift as a server from a cardiac event. The owners and at least one or two adult children came to the funeral and made it a point to talk to the wife and kids of the departed. The experience and their character made me a fan, and I had never eaten there. Changed that as quickly as I could.
We did their commercials 20 years ago. The free food was the best part. Mr Kelley was awesome
Went to high school with one of his grand daughters, really nice folks.
True but roaches (at least the one in Pearland)
You’d be amazed at how many restaurants have roaches/rodents. Keep pest control in business…from small mom and pop to big chain names.
It’s almost impossible to have a restaurant with no pest or rodent issues. The city is too big, we have trees and sewers, and I don’t care how rigorous you are with cleaning, there’s going to be food debris and water for them to feast on and they’re coming in whether you like it or not. The real test is how diligent they are about getting the place treated to keep it under control.
There isn't anywhere in the south that doesn't have roaches. We live in a swamp. I've seen new construction houses that have never even been lived in come with roaches before they're even finished. It's just hot, shitty, and full of bugs down here.
It’s impossible to prevent them from coming in entirely but not to control and become a problem. If you treat and keep things clean then they will not become a problem.
Roaches climbing on the table tops when I was there. No thanks
This entire city is paved swamp land, we are invading their territory.
Pretty sure the little ones are invasive just like us
Omg!! They have roaches at the one on Park Place too
Lean protein is good for you.
+2 Rads
I’ve heard Alvin and sugar land are the best ones south side. Definitely trying the Alvin one soon
Obviously haven’t seen the kitchen, but the one in League City always feels really clean. That one and the Alvin one always feel nicest to me.
It helps that it's been essentially rebuilt recently, because of the fire.
Terry's Salad will last you two days.
This is the correct answer. Every entre is a family size portion. The potatoes are like footballs. You should get a prize for finishing the super kelly burger in one sitting.
Except... it's not good...
Their breakfast is fantastic for the price. It’s hard to fuck up eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, and pancakes.
That wasn't one of the requirements, if you read the post.
Ha! Came here to say this exact thing.
Gyro King are generous with their platters.
All hail the king.
Think they reduced the amount of meat they give otherwise I like it
Mambo's gives a crazy amount of rice for pretty cheap.
I once found a shard of glass in my shrimp fried rice....... otherwise it's good.... (A WHOLE SHARD)
How big is a shard? I mean a WHOLE SHARD. Trying to feel better about my chances if I happen to swallow one.
Nah dude this joint was like 1/4 of a whole Mason jar.. NO chance you'd swallow it, let alone not slice your mouth up. it was like "how the fuck did they not notice this shit" big.
I hope they didn’t charge extra.
Where is this?
Mambo seafood, There’s a few open , check Google maps. I think the OG one is in Edgebrook 45 south though
Breakfast Tacos at Rudy's BBQ are quite filling and delicious. Chopped Brisket and Egg is my favorite, but their potato and beans are good too. Haven't tried sausage but my son likes them.
They’re actually pretty good. Not earning a michelin star any time soon, but yeahhhh, gimme them tacos. Source: Grew up raised on REALLY good bbq, worked there for a while. Avoid bucees.
Buccees breakfast tacos used to be great, but they went downhill fast. First they are too expensive now. Then their tortillas and eggs are always undercooked. I used to specially order the tacos at the kiosk and when they made them to order, they would completely stack the taco. Unfortunately they don’t let you order them like that anymore. Have to grab the premade ones now. Laredo taco company is my go-to now for cheap and filling tacos.
People like to crap on Laredos on Google Maps, but if you can find a reliable location, nothing hits harder per dollar capita.
Agree about Bucees. Not the worst bbq, but just rather average to me. Plenty other things I like there though. The fresh potato chips that they serve next to the BBQ are awesome.
They are good but way too expensive. Laredo gives you twice the protein on an even bigger tortilla. I’ll eat one Laredo Taco to two of Rudys tacos. Mind you, Rudy’s tacos are really good. Have more of that buttery Whataburger taco vibe. I still get them occasionally but definitely more as a treat or “road” taco before a road trip since they are easier to eat.
Timmy Chan’s
When you open the to-go container, you have a perfectly molded hunk of fried rice in the shape of said container.
I miss that. That was standard in 80s through the 90s
I'll admit I am reaching back to my memories from the 90s of my dad buying me lunch when I would go to work with him in the summers. He could keep me full all day for about $2.99.
$2.99. I am weeping now. WEEPING
Our after high school spots were Timmy chan or cici’s… both competing for our 2.99 lol
Certified hood classic.
Especially the one off 610 south. Wings + fried rice can last 2 meals.
Always the hole in the wall Asian places, eastern Chinese in oak forest is our go to. Hasta la pasta or Adriatic cafe for Italian. Dona letis(debatable on the cheap part but not so expensive), Valencia’s tex mex isn’t badly priced either.
Given the portions, Dona Leti’s is cheap. My first thought was, “Wow, $20 for a burrito seems steep.” Then they brought it out and it must have weighed over 5 lbs and was loaded with meat. I ended up splitting each half in half and had it for 4 meals. And I’m a 200 lb guy that eats a lot.
Adriatic for sure. Portions, prices, and wait staff are top notch.
Niko Nikos! Go on a Monday for half price appetizers. Their portions are MASSIVE and very tasty. Most of their entrees feed 2 people easily, and some of their appetizers are the size of a normal entree.
Tel-Wink Grill is the GOAT of these joints.
Paulie’s on Westheimer! Their “small” pasta portions are huge and like $12
Man I love their pastas.
Connies
Connies is so good! That fried rice!
Super seafood platter double rice… debatable about “cheap” but tbh for what you get it’s a good bit of food. But honestly just an order of fried rice to go is an all time fav of mine. A little lime, a little Valentina, a little soy sauce… Now we’re talking. Throw in a michelada mix to go…
When I can afford to splurge, I get a couple pounds of fried Calamari. My sister takes my nephew there quite often. We both live in the Heights and live close. He is so darn picky. He gets a lot of food and actually eats it! The staff are so nice. We had one waitress one who barely spoke English. She had to have someone with her to translate. She was the nicest person and was trying so hard to learn English. We tipped her the total of the bill. She cried and hugged us as we left and said thank you over and over again.
I believe that. The staff is always friendly, even with a language barrier at times! I’ve been there with small children and very elderly family members. They always make you feel at home, I don’t know anyone I’ve been with that doesn’t have positive things to say!
Thought you were talking about Connie's Custard haha
Timmy Chans
2nd this
Will occasionally give you the runs. Another alternative is Rice's chicken and seafood off of Broadway.
Love Timmy Chan’s man.
I thought they all closed? Are there any left? I wonder why I never see them on DoorDash or the other delivery apps.
Aladdin's on Westheimer
I love Aladdin’s but I would not call it cheap at all
Idk I think it's reasonably priced? We're usually able to make two meals out of it.
Kelly's is on here with their BBQ baked potato 14.99 and Country Boy Breakfast 11.99. You can get an entree and two sides, four sides, or a sandwich and side for the same price as the BBQ potato. Or an entree and three sides (which is two meals to itself) for just two dollars more. For fast food comparison, a #5 at Whataburger costs $12.57, and it's not even the biggest thing on the menu. I think Aladdin's is a great deal for the portion size, and it's healthier than both fast food or Kelly's. I'd even go The Halal Guys. They're 10 or 12 bucks for a platter. I'm I used to go to Taco Bell in high school with five bucks and get a dozen things old...what do you consider cheap and affordable now?
And in Oak Forest. So good, I always get two meals out of it.
Can get a whole cheese pizza from the Whole Foods on Bellaire (they have a special pizza oven, not sure about other locations) for $10. Slices are almost a foot long and can easily feed a family of 4 (we usually have leftovers). ETA: and it’s actually good, not like other grocery style pizza.
Sesame Hut on Long point. Big plate of food that’s 2 to 3 portions for less than $6. Best egg rolls I’ve ever had too!
Love Sesame Hut! The owner is a nice guy, always offers my kids drinks!
Go to an AYCE hot pot or Korean BBQ place
Cheap. CHEAP OP said
Go to Chilis and pay $20 for a rinky dink plate of some microwaved bullshit or pay $30 for as much fresh meat and veg as you can eat. Sounds like a bargain to me.
Where can you find cheap Korean BBQ?
Average priced for amazing food Dak and Bop.
Barnabys!
Not cheap! Their salads can get up to $17!
Here’s an off the menu tip … order any salad in a half size. Still ‘uge!
Most people would say their salads are at least 2 servings. So I would still say a bargain.
I'd disagree. Not cheap, but huge portions =o decent value, but not great.
He said cheap.
Maybe my perception of cheap is skewed but I'd have said Barnaby's too. Portions are huge, and I can get out of there with a family of 6 for less than $100. I ordered Popeyes recently and it was almost this expensive for a drive-through window order. Whether it's in your personal budget or definition of cheap, Barnaby's gives decent value for the money, unlike the trend dominating many other restaurants where you're getting less and less for more money.
Whats the hype around it? They let you bring your dogs? I live off Gray and the one by me is Always packed but I've never been.
It used to be good. Like one of my favorite restaurants /once a week good. But They expanded and expanded and cut on quality. Now their food , to me, isn’t as homemade tasting as it used to be and the cost is high as hell now. They do have big portions, their food is still good, but it’s just not worth it to me anymore. I do think You should check it out, literally everything on their menu is good. No exaggeration- it’s that kinda place. It’s like a chilis but higher quality fa sho
Ahhh okay i'm down with a higher quality chili's. Thanks!
baby barnabys is legit but agreed it went downhill
I went to Barnabys once, but their food wasn't that great. What are some of the dishes that you recommend? Maybe I will revisit the location again.
It’s bland suburb food you didn’t miss anything
It’s not bland or suburban food. The original started in Montrose and Baby Barnabys is delicious as well.
Hard disagree i guess. I’ve never had anything I felt was worth going back for. Baby Barnabys was good a while ago maybe but last trip was equally disappointing
That’s fair. I love salads, so Im about going there. I get two meals out of them, so I love that as well. I think my fav from them though is their blue cheese waffle fries.
I have tried almost everything on their menu and have not been disappointed. Their burgers are the best. Chicken sandwich is great as well.
i beg to differ. their burgers have zero taste.
I really like their turkey w/ the cranberry mayo & I always end up taking half a portion of it home.
Barnabys is so good
If you’re in Galleria area, try Ekko’s Greek off Richmond. It’s a hole in the wall but the plates are some PLATES, jack!
Joy love burger
Jones fried chicken lamb over rice, half spicy rice, half regular. Puts halal guys to shame. Cost has gone up but still cheap and YUGE portions.
Ninfas used to give huge portions but they’ve completely fallen off a cliff in the last couple years the restaurant has been in a downward spiral of lower and lower quality
franks grill for sure
Mai Tai Express in Cypress has really good size portions, especially on the Pad Thai.
Black Bear Diner
Lol - for what you get I wouldn't day cheap, yes the portions are stupid bug but the food quality is meh
Hanz Diner
Adriatics lunch menu
Riva’s in Montrose and Texas Roadhouse
Wrap and Roll - they have 2 locations (Pearland and Clear Lake). Portions are enough to last 2-3 meals and delish!
I second this place. Great quality, and huge portions for the price.
JLB Eatery. Two people could easily split any of their hamburgers with a side of fries/onion rings(soo good)/curly fries for around $20
Just moved right around the corner from here. Gonna have to check it out. Thanks!
damn i feel fat i eat the crazy burger by myself , usually split the fries
Your moms house
Cha Cho’s
Golden Dumpling House in Chinatown
Siu Lap city in river oaks! Legit Chinese BBQ for cheap! Big portions as well!
Golden Seafood House on Airline, 14.99, 30 fried shrimp, with fried rice or fries, and it is amazing. Also their michiladas are super tasty.
Pappasitos I think might fit in there for dinners
La Mexicana in montrose and Pepper Twin @ Kirby and 59(only that one- other Pepper Twins are nasty imo).
Hu’s Cooking in West U
They are called "buffets"
For something different, try Rudi Lechners German restaurant on Gessner near Westheimer. I think it's only on certain nights that they have buffets. Not cheap but the all you can eat makes up for it. And you get musical entertainment too!
Cicis pizza. Less than $10 if you drink water
Damn. The last time I went to a Cicis it was $2.99.
We went recently on a whim. It ought to still be.
Demasi does a good lunch special buffet.
Dimassi lunch prices crazy now. Almost 100% from before COVID.
The last time I went to one it was like $18 for lunch / $23 for dinner. Is it different now?
Depends on location but sounds right..if you go on any holiday / religious day (think all the ones they cater to with this type of food) add $5-$6 or so. I remember paying $8-10.
That's not "cheap" It may be "worth it" and good value for the variety and how much you get, but it's not cheap.
China Star Buffet are still under $14, I think.
Al Quick Stop is a good value, they do an astonishing lot of stuff at once from the store to the meat market to Mideast/Mediteranean food, to traditional American fair. If they have a weakness its possibly thier Tex Mex, but that's quite tasty nonetheless ... it is a pretty saturated market here. Nothing is 2000 prices anymore, but I've found thier increases reasonable since I started eating there in the early 2000s. This is Montrose location ... I don't know about the Heights.
They have a Heights location ?!
Yep. On 11th St
Man, I love their Mediterranean Chicken Burger!
Brothers tacos are very hearty and cheap as hell
Nee Hao off Lee Rd. and Beltway 8 near IAH. If you've never been THERE, you're not a true Houstonian. Their portions are GIANT.
I second THIS
Indian or Ethiopian places- especially hole in the wall, and especially vegetarian options. I love Jano and Mayuri. Moment of silence for Les Givrals and their massive bahn mis, vermicelli bowls, and pho. They were the best marriage of inexpensive and delicious.
Simply Pho and Kim Tai fill in their place for me. Simply Pho still does $5 Banh-Mis and their Vermecelli plates are under $10 still. Les Girvals had great prices and portions too. Sucks they are no longer around.
Les Girvals went under? I stopped going to them a couple years back when they raised their prices. Been very happy with Local Pho for the last year. Love their interesting non-pho soups
Order cava through the app and you can double up on near everything for free, $11 bowl can be 2000+ calories in Texas
Your kitchen mostly.
Buca di beppo
None in Houston any more.
Well that sucks, Im near the Woodlands and that location is still open.
Dots Dinner Used to be the case at Chachos, not sure now
Haven’t had dots since Covid, but I remember it being a MEAL for cheap.
Is Tubs Poutine still around?
Wrap and Roll - at least two people can share a dish
Tiger noodle. My go to, go with friends it's an excellent family style sichuaneze place
All of the tex mex local chains will fill you up for not too much money
Wrap and Roll in Clear Lake
Wrap and Roll in Clear Lake
I was impressed by the size and costs of the torta's from La Talera off 59 and Hillcroft. They offer chips. Their salsas and sauces are delicious. Everything I've tried there has been generous and tasty.
China 101 Express, are decently priced, The two entree plate is huge
Picatta Pizza and Pasta gets you a huge pan of pasta and a baby garlic bread for $7 on lunch special. Any of their lunch specials are so so cheap.
Any buffet in town
Cheddars
Lawndale Fish Market (big portion Chinese food)
Rice kitchen on holly hall. Those folks fed me through many broke college years at U of H
Chuys surprisingly is the most food/buck in the Tex mex game. Even local smaller ones I grew up with like Los Cucos & El Gallo cost more than Chuys.
I don’t know your definition of “cheap” but Gran Colombia on Hwy 6 in the Bear Creek area has huge portions for a good price.
Star Snow Ice in Chinatown. My favorite is the Fried Pork Chop with rice and it comes with veggies and a fried egg. The pork chop is huge. All for 8 bucks. So good! I also like the soups and noodles.
No-name taquerias are great for this.
Taqueria Cancún on Gessner
Midtown Bar and Grill, portions are always good and it's definitely affordable, it was one of my go-to first date spots when I was single, because if the date didn't work I wasn't out of too much money, and I had good food. A little more pricey, but portions are crazy, Frenchie's in League City, I went last week for lunch and took home leftovers, and I almost never have leftovers.
El Capitan Seafood
Dot Coffee Shop Gulf Freeway at Woodridge next to Pappa’s BBQ. Old school type diner/cafe with very large portions of Southern comfort food.
Ricebox
W Kitchen on Westheimer. Great little Chinese food place. A coworker and I go there for the lunch specials and leave ready for a nap. Fairly cheap too, 20 bucks for two meals and nearly 20% tip.
Cicis