Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
5 Cheap Eats Under $8 in Tucson, Volume 6

5 Cheap Eats Under $8 in Tucson, Volume 6

Nov 5, 20192 min read

Even though holiday shopping is around the corner, you still deserve to eat well.

Here are 5 cheap eats for $8 or less. Prices are subject to change.

4th Avenue Delicatessen

425 N. Fourth Ave.
Cali.L.T. at 4th Avenue Delicatessen (Credit: Melissa Stihl)
Cali.L.T. at 4th Avenue Delicatessen (Credit: Melissa Stihl)

One of the more affordable restaurants on Fourth Avenue, 4th Ave Deli features hot dogs from $3 – $4.25, BLTs from $5 – $6.50, and sandwiches starting at $7.50.

The Cali.L.T. is a favorite for our resident BLT aficionado, Melissa Stihl.

For more information, visit 4thavedeli.com.

Los Olivos Pizzeria en Menlo Park

937 W. Congress St.
Salad at Los Olivos Pizzeria (Credit: Taylor Noel Photography)
Salad at Los Olivos Pizzeria (Credit: Taylor Noel Photography)

You won’t leave Los Olivos with a whole pizza for under $8, but you can get a Calzone ($6.99), Stromboli ($7.49), Meatball Sandwich ($6.95), Panino Al Italiano ($6.95), or Southwest Chicken Salad ($7.95).

Honorable mention for the $12.95 Seafood Cioppino.

Read our January 2018 article Los Olivos Pizzeria is a charming hidden gem on Tucson’s west side.

Keep up with Los Olivos Pizzeria en Menlo Park on Facebook.

Luke’s Italian Beef

1615 S. Alvernon Way • 6741 N. Thornydale Rd., #157
Chicago Dog at Luke's Italian Beef (Credit: Adilene Ibarra)
Chicago Dog at Luke’s Italian Beef (Credit: Adilene Ibarra)

For a classic Italian Beef SandwichChicago Dog and Fries, or countless other Chicago sandwiches, check out Luke’s. Most items will be under $8, but the price might go over if you add cheese and giardiniera.

Keep up with Luke’s Italian Beef on Facebook.

St. Mary’s Mexican Food

1030 W. St. Marys Rd.
Burrito at St. Mary's Mexican Food (Credit: Brielle Farmer)
Burrito at St. Mary’s Mexican Food (Credit: Brielle Farmer)

A Tucson institution, St. Mary’s Mexican Food has kept their exceptional scratch-made food at inexplicably affordable prices for decades. Their carne seca plate is the only thing for one person that costs more than $8… and it’s $9.

Read our March 2019 article article St. Mary’s Mexican Food: Fresh Tortillas, Tamales To Go & Legendary Red Chile Burros.

For more information, visit stmarysmexicanfood.com.

Broadway Pizza Cafe

4558 E. Broadway Blvd.
(Credit: Broadway Pizza Cafe)
(Credit: Broadway Pizza Cafe)

From 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., order a humongous slice of cheese pizza for $4.50. Add $2 for a topping and a soft drink.

For more information, visit broadwaypizzacafe.com.

To see additional affordable eating options, read:

Stay in the Tucson Foodie Loop

Weekly digest of new openings, events, and guides. No spam.

Advertisement

Article written by:

Jackie Tran

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is 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.

An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.

Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.

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

Advertisement

Get the Tucson Foodie app

Explore everything, build your foodie profile — and unlock the Insiders Club with perks at 100+ local spots.

Follow @TucsonFoodie on Instagram

Follow along for daily food inspiration, event updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at Tucson's culinary scene.

4.6K

posts

133.5K

followers

See More On Instagram
GIVEAWAY! We’re giving away 3 pairs of VIP tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival on Saturday, August 8!🎉

Experience an unforgettable evening featuring tasting experiences from 30+ celebrated Southwest chefs, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy everything from heritage moles and handmade tortillas to fresh ceviches, carne asada, cochinita pibil, live music, art, and more at @Westinlapaloma. VIP tickets include early entry at 5 PM plus exclusive access to the VIP Lounge.

How to enter:
• Follow @artstateaz, @westinlapaloma & @tucsonfoodie
• Like this post
• Tag the friend you’d bring (unlimited entries!)

Winners will be randomly selected on August 3.

Looking to buy tickets instead? Head to the link in @artstateaz’s bio and use code 15FOODIE26 for 15% off your tickets!

21+ event.

#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsGIVEAWAY! We’re giving away 3 pairs of VIP tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival on Saturday, August 8!🎉 Experience an unforgettable evening featuring tasting experiences from 30+ celebrated Southwest chefs, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy everything from heritage moles and handmade tortillas to fresh ceviches, carne asada, cochinita pibil, live music, art, and more at @Westinlapaloma. VIP tickets include early entry at 5 PM plus exclusive access to the VIP Lounge. How to enter: • Follow @artstateaz, @westinlapaloma & @tucsonfoodie • Like this post • Tag the friend you’d bring (unlimited entries!) Winners will be randomly selected on August 3. Looking to buy tickets instead? Head to the link in @artstateaz’s bio and use code 15FOODIE26 for 15% off your tickets! 21+ event. #tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsIT’S WEEK 11! 

Steak & Carne Asada Week starts today and runs through Aug 2 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🥩🔥

🏆THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
•Tickets to Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge
•(2) $50 @asadataqueria gift cards
•(2) $100 Visa gift cards
•$20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
•4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
•(1) gift card to @redbird_scratchkitchen 
•(1) $50 gift card to Charro Concepts

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @ameliastucson, @pinnaclepeaktucson, @casadelrioaz, @elcorraltucson, @agavehousetucson, @calletepa, @asadataqueria, @cielostucson 

Let’s support local ❤️

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazIT’S WEEK 11! Steak & Carne Asada Week starts today and runs through Aug 2 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🥩🔥 🏆THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: •Tickets to Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge •(2) $50 @asadataqueria gift cards •(2) $100 Visa gift cards •$20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe •4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum •(1) gift card to @redbird_scratchkitchen •(1) $50 gift card to Charro Concepts ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @ameliastucson, @pinnaclepeaktucson, @casadelrioaz, @elcorraltucson, @agavehousetucson, @calletepa, @asadataqueria, @cielostucson Let’s support local ❤️ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonazFor nearly 20 years, Diana and Jun Arai have helped shape Tucson’s Japanese dining scene.

When @ginzatucson opened in 2008, it became the first restaurant in Tucson to feature an izakaya style menu, bringing Japan’s popular shareable dining experience to the city. Today, it’s still the only restaurant in town with a dedicated izakaya menu, along with one of Tucson’s largest curated selections of sake, Japanese beer, and shochu.

In 2018, the couple expanded again with @raijinramen, Tucson’s first restaurant dedicated entirely to ramen. Known for its rich tonkotsu broths and seasonal specialties, Raijin helped pave the way for the city’s growing ramen scene.

From fresh fish flown in daily from Japan and California to chef’s choice omakase experiences, Ginza continues to showcase authentic Japanese cuisine while Jun and Diana regularly travel to Japan to bring back the latest culinary trends.

📍 Ginza Sushi & Izakaya: 5425 N. Kolb Rd.
📍 Raijin Ramen: 2955 E. Speedway Blvd.

Read @ediebjarolim’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com.

Photos by @sea_lyon 
#tucsonlocal #tucsonazFor nearly 20 years, Diana and Jun Arai have helped shape Tucson’s Japanese dining scene. When @ginzatucson opened in 2008, it became the first restaurant in Tucson to feature an izakaya style menu, bringing Japan’s popular shareable dining experience to the city. Today, it’s still the only restaurant in town with a dedicated izakaya menu, along with one of Tucson’s largest curated selections of sake, Japanese beer, and shochu. In 2018, the couple expanded again with @raijinramen, Tucson’s first restaurant dedicated entirely to ramen. Known for its rich tonkotsu broths and seasonal specialties, Raijin helped pave the way for the city’s growing ramen scene. From fresh fish flown in daily from Japan and California to chef’s choice omakase experiences, Ginza continues to showcase authentic Japanese cuisine while Jun and Diana regularly travel to Japan to bring back the latest culinary trends. 📍 Ginza Sushi & Izakaya: 5425 N. Kolb Rd. 📍 Raijin Ramen: 2955 E. Speedway Blvd. Read @ediebjarolim’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com. Photos by @sea_lyon #tucsonlocal #tucsonazBreakfast & Brunch Week runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 

🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival 
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards 
• $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: 

@5pointstucson 
@ajocafetucson 
@bajacafetucson 
@barista_del_barrio 
@bluewillow.tucson 
@bobos_az 
@theofficialbreadandbutter 
@buendia.breakfast.lunch 
@cafealacarttucson 
@cafepassetucson 
@cappysbreakfastcafe 
@hotelcongress 
@delcielotamal 
Frank’s Restaurant 
@ghinisfrenchcaffe 
@gourmetgirlsglutenfree 
Gus Balon’s Restaurant 
@knellersdelicatessen 
@lachaiteria 
@lebuzzcaffe 
@lebuzzcaffeplaza 
@localetucson 
@lovinspoonfulstucson 
@nookdowntown 
@prepandpastry 
@raptorcanyoncafe 
@rencoffeehouse 
@sunny_daze_cafe 
@teaspoontucson 
@coronetrestaurants 
@thehungryfoxrestaurant 
@themonicatucson 
@tohonochulgardenbistro 
@tumerico 
@urbanfreshaz 

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazBreakfast & Brunch Week runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @5pointstucson @ajocafetucson @bajacafetucson @barista_del_barrio @bluewillow.tucson @bobos_az @theofficialbreadandbutter @buendia.breakfast.lunch @cafealacarttucson @cafepassetucson @cappysbreakfastcafe @hotelcongress @delcielotamal Frank’s Restaurant @ghinisfrenchcaffe @gourmetgirlsglutenfree Gus Balon’s Restaurant @knellersdelicatessen @lachaiteria @lebuzzcaffe @lebuzzcaffeplaza @localetucson @lovinspoonfulstucson @nookdowntown @prepandpastry @raptorcanyoncafe @rencoffeehouse @sunny_daze_cafe @teaspoontucson @coronetrestaurants @thehungryfoxrestaurant @themonicatucson @tohonochulgardenbistro @tumerico @urbanfreshaz #tucsonfoodie #tucsonazMassaman tofu curry at Char’s Thai. Stop by and show them some love.❤️ 

5039 East 5th Street, Tucson, AZ

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz #localtucsonMassaman tofu curry at Char’s Thai. Stop by and show them some love.❤️ 5039 East 5th Street, Tucson, AZ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz #localtucsonA sunset gathering featuring chef-made plates, plant medicine experiences, live music, and a deep connection to the Sonoran Desert.🌵✨

Join us Saturday, August 29 after sundown at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a celebration of the Sonoran Desert’s edible and medicinal plants through food, herbalism, music, and story.

Stroll through the gardens while enjoying chef-prepared plates inspired by native desert ingredients, a botanical welcome cocktail, and hands-on experiences like sound healing, acupuncture, massage therapy, tarot, astrology, cacao ceremony, herbal workshops, and more.

Chef lineup + dishes will be announced shortly.

Your $75 ticket includes all food, workshops, experiences, and a welcome cocktail. Space is limited, and we expect to sell out in advance. 

❤️Tucson Foodie members get 50% off
🎟️ Ticket link in bio

Photos by @jackie_tran_ 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsA sunset gathering featuring chef-made plates, plant medicine experiences, live music, and a deep connection to the Sonoran Desert.🌵✨ Join us Saturday, August 29 after sundown at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a celebration of the Sonoran Desert’s edible and medicinal plants through food, herbalism, music, and story. Stroll through the gardens while enjoying chef-prepared plates inspired by native desert ingredients, a botanical welcome cocktail, and hands-on experiences like sound healing, acupuncture, massage therapy, tarot, astrology, cacao ceremony, herbal workshops, and more. Chef lineup + dishes will be announced shortly. Your $75 ticket includes all food, workshops, experiences, and a welcome cocktail. Space is limited, and we expect to sell out in advance. ❤️Tucson Foodie members get 50% off 🎟️ Ticket link in bio Photos by @jackie_tran_ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!