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5 Fabulous Cheap Eats Under $8 in Tucson, Volume 4

5 Fabulous Cheap Eats Under $8 in Tucson, Volume 4

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Do textbooks or summer vacation have your budget hurting?

Here are five fabulous picks for cheap eats for $8 or less. Prices are subject to change.

Nur Market & Restaurant

3565 E. Speedway Blvd. Ste. 171

Hidden in plain sight on Speedway, Nur Market also has a restaurant hidden in the back.

While the signature Lamb Shank ($15.99) and Goat or Lamb Roast ($15.99) are twice the price limit for the article, the Sambusas ($1.50) are less than a fifth of the way there. The triangular deep-fried pockets are filled with ground meat (lamb or beef?) and a piquant sauce packed with spices. The spicy tomato sauce on the side is worth slurping directly from the container.

The sambusas are sizable for the price too, so just two are enough to satisfy the average appetite.

For more information, visit nurmarketaz.com.

Greek House

1710 E. Speedway Blvd.
Feta Fries at Greek House (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Feta Fries at Greek House (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The addictive Feta Fries ($7.25) feature an addictive combination of tart-sweet lemon sauce, salty feta crumbles, and aromatic oregano. While deceivingly simple, the lemon-feta combo will strike a nerve and create a monthly craving that nothing else will satisfy.

For more information, visit azgreekhouse.com.

Bombolé Eatery

100 N. Stone Ave.
Empanadas, a pasty, and a latte from Ike's Coffee at Bombolé Eatery (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Empanadas, a pasty, and a latte from Ike’s Coffee at Bombolé Eatery (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Only the Bombo Combo ($8.35) breaks the $8 limit for this article; every other menu item costs less.

Hearty empanadas are only $3.85 and come in four varieties: Aloo Matar Samosa, Matar Paneer, Butter Chicken, and Pork Curry. Breakfast varieties are also available, along with pasties ($3.85), gluten-free dossas ($3.85), and rice plates with daal and cabbage salad ($6.75).

What’s more impressive, they keep these low prices in a downtown location with a chic interior. Props to you, Bombolé.

For more information, visit eatbombole.com.

Barista del Barrio

1002 N. Grande Ave.
Breakfast Bowl with bacon from Barista del Barrio (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Breakfast Bowl with bacon from Barista del Barrio (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Instead of a single massive burro, Barista Del Barrio gives two smaller Breakfast Burritos in each order for $4.75. The burritos include potato, eggs, cheese, beans and your choice of bacon, chorizo, or sausage. It also comes with a side of potent, oregano-fragrant spicy salsa.

To go tortilla-less, get the Breakfast Bowls ($4.75) or the Vegan Tamale ($5.25).

Keep up with Barista Del Barrio on Facebook.

Rollies Mexican Patio

4573 S. 12th Ave.
Picoso Torta at Rollies Mexican Patio (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Picoso Torta at Rollies Mexican Patio (Credit: Jackie Tran)

You won’t go hungry with the generous portions at Rollies. The Picoso ($7.95) is a Sonoran chili fried chicken torta with habanero coleslaw and pickled onion served with fries (tots pictured above).

Keep up with Rollies Mexican Patio on Facebook. 

To see additional affordable eating options, read:

Article written by:

Jackie Tran

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer and photographer. Best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.

Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments and petting pets.

If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.

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Experience the warmth and hospitality of Greece right here in Tucson! Head downtown to Jácome Plaza for delicious Greek food, lively music, folk dancing, shopping, and plenty of cultural celebrations. 

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Jácome Plaza | 101 N. Stone Ave. 
Final day: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026Experience the warmth and hospitality of Greece right here in Tucson! Head downtown to Jácome Plaza for delicious Greek food, lively music, folk dancing, shopping, and plenty of cultural celebrations. Take the “How Greek are you?” quiz: tucsonfoodie.com/opa Gyros, baklava, saganaki, and so much more. @Tucsongreekfestival🎉 Jácome Plaza | 101 N. Stone Ave. Final day: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
@Proofbread is staying in Tucson!

After an October pop-up, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill has decided to keep both former @Cafefrancaistucson locations open.

The decision follows a warm response from the Tucson community, with new customers discovering the bakery and returning week after week.

Both locations are open Wednesday through Sunday, 7 am to 2 pm. 

📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Road, Suite 113
📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd.

More details on Tucsonfoodie.com@Proofbread is staying in Tucson! After an October pop-up, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill has decided to keep both former @Cafefrancaistucson locations open. The decision follows a warm response from the Tucson community, with new customers discovering the bakery and returning week after week. Both locations are open Wednesday through Sunday, 7 am to 2 pm. 📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Road, Suite 113 📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. More details on Tucsonfoodie.com
Stephen and Toby are BACK

Both former @penelope.woodfired bartenders are making their return for a special tiki pop-up next Tuesday from 7–10 pm. 

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DRINKS
- Longboi Island
- Tai’d Up
- Sfumungle Bird
- Mammoth Tusk
- Banana Bastard
- The Witch of November
- Miami Vice Jello Shots
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- Seared mortadella and pineapple skewers brushed with Japanese BBQ sauce
- Hawaiian mac salad with house-made pasta and charred scallion cream sauce

Penelope is typically closed on Tuesdays, so come out for this special one-night pop-up🏖️

Photo by @addiewankenobiStephen and Toby are BACK Both former @penelope.woodfired bartenders are making their return for a special tiki pop-up next Tuesday from 7–10 pm. Here’s what’s on the menu: DRINKS - Longboi Island - Tai’d Up - Sfumungle Bird - Mammoth Tusk - Banana Bastard - The Witch of November - Miami Vice Jello Shots - Rusted Root Bombs FOOD - Seared mortadella and pineapple skewers brushed with Japanese BBQ sauce - Hawaiian mac salad with house-made pasta and charred scallion cream sauce Penelope is typically closed on Tuesdays, so come out for this special one-night pop-up🏖️ Photo by @addiewankenobi
Tucson’s Greek dining scene offers spanakopita, slow-roasted lamb, and fresh-baked baklava across the city. This guide focuses on kitchens that cook Greek food as their core identity rather than Mediterranean restaurants with Greek dishes.

Whether you want a quick lunch near campus or a long dinner with friends, this guide points you to Greek cooking. 

Make sure to stop by the @Tucsongreekfestival at Jácome Plaza this Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7! 

More details on Tucsonfoodie.comTucson’s Greek dining scene offers spanakopita, slow-roasted lamb, and fresh-baked baklava across the city. This guide focuses on kitchens that cook Greek food as their core identity rather than Mediterranean restaurants with Greek dishes. Whether you want a quick lunch near campus or a long dinner with friends, this guide points you to Greek cooking. Make sure to stop by the @Tucsongreekfestival at Jácome Plaza this Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com