The Best-Value Restaurants of Philly

And for now, we part ways with Paladar and Goldie. With one of the strongest sandwich games around and a diverse array of casual neighborhood spots, Philly is an eating destination even — and sometimes especially — for diners on a budget. It would be impossible to name all of the most affordable dishes that keep this city running, but to start, here are some of Philly’s best bets for falafel, burgers, empanadas, and much more.

For this latest map refresh, we add: big bowl slinger Yeeroh and pay-what-you-can Post Haste. And for now, we part ways with Paladar and Goldie.

Post Haste

The best deal in the city right now is an entire dinner for… whatever you can pay.

Every Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m., Post Haste hosts Pay What You Can, an opportunity for neighbors who couldn’t normally afford a beautiful sit-down dinner at one of the best restaurants in the city to treat themselves. You don’t have to quantify your need, just order anything on the menu (maybe the vegetarian-friendly baked pasta in wine cheese sauce topped with agrodolce, and breadcrumbs or the viral Billion Layer Lasagna in creamy tomato sauce) and pay what you can afford when the check arrives.

Libertee Grounds

Most entrees at this adult playground are priced under $20, including a Korean double smash burger, street falafel bahn mi, and a spicy chicken sandwich. And diners can add a round of mini golf for just $10.

Love & Honey Fried Chicken

After getting Questlove’s seal of approval, Love & Honey was an instant Philly hit. For $11, enjoy 7 buttermilk-fried chicken tenders, or for $13.75, get a crispy Nashville hot chicken sandwich with slaw and sweet pickles.

Sides include Nashville tater tots and Southern-style potato salad. The shop at the border of Northern Liberties and Fishtown only does takeout.

Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House

Come for the hand-pulled and -shaved noodles, served in soups or stir-fried dishes, in a number of combinations that should satisfy almost any taste — and then keep coming back to eat through the rest of the menu.

Portions are bountiful and prices are affordable across the board, making Nan Zhou one of Chinatown’s many must-tries.

Saad's Halal Restaurant

It’s easy to see why Saad’s Halal Restaurant is a West Philly favorite, between its Middle Eastern halal dishes and student-friendly prices.

The vegetarian side of the menu trends toward $9, while other items like hearty sandwiches, shawarma, kebabs and more) come in between $11 to $23. Saad’s also makes a good cheesesteak.

Jezabel’s

At Jezabel Careaga’s eponymous cafe, diners fill up on empanadas, alfajores, and more Argentine delights. Try a variety pack of four crispy empanadas filled with the likes of spicy vegan lentils or chicken with olives for $21 or the breakfast pastry box, a chef’s selection of eight delicious pastries such as croissant-like vigilantes with custard and quince for $38.

Fringe Bar

For those looking for a great place to eat with a view — this hotspot has all of their entrées (such as a creamy rigatoni smothered in pesto sauce and a grilled New York strip steak) under $30. With a range of small plates (such as lemon pepper wings and cheese curds) or large (Nashville hot chicken sandwich, smothered catfish), there’s something for everyone on a budget.

Independence Beer Garden

Everything on Independence Beer Garden’s expansive menu — fried pickles, chips & guacamole, chicken wings, brunch sandwiches, burgers — are all impressively at or under $20.

But, this seasonal garden does close for the winter each year; keep an eye on Instagram for the latest updates.

Kilimandjaro/Youma

West Philly is a treasure trove of excellent eats, including flavorful fare from Ethiopia and parts of West Africa.

Kilimandjaro, a Senegalese favorite in University City that has moved from Chestnut Street to join forces with Youma on Baltimore Avenue, serves whole grilled fish for $26, chicken dishes for $22, sauteed lamb for $22, and more in portions that are much bigger than you’d expect for the cost.

Giorgio On Pine

All of the pastaat this Midtown Village restaurant are under $20, with most entrées under $30. Try classics like chicken breast stuffed with spinach, prosciutto, and mozzarella for $21.25, or veal covered in sliced eggplant and tangy mozzarella for $23.50.

As if things couldn’t get better, Giorgio On Pine is completely BYOB — so bring a bottle of fine wine to pair with these Italian classics.

Yeeroh

There are lots of places to get a great gyro, considering Philadelphia’s robust Mediterranean community, but Yeeroh offers the widest variety of options, at the best value.

Most of the gyro sandwiches on the menu, over-stuffed with fresh vegetables, sauces, cheeses and the meat or vegan filling of your choice, will set you back just $12.49. Bowls (that will take you two days to finish) start at $14.49.

And there’s a host of side dishes, like lemon potatoes, zucchini fries, stuffed grape leaves and phyllo pies, for under $10.

Brazas BBQ Chicken

Tuck into juicy slabs of rotisserie chicken, crispy empanadas, blazing hot wings, and more from this Peruvian favorite on South Street. There’s a full menu to order from, but whatever you do, don’t miss that chicken: It’s brined for two days, marinated in vinegar, chili, and garlic, and then roasted over a spit.

And the whole roast chicken combo runs for just $32.93.

Fountain Porter

A great neighborhood bar is important. A great neighborhood bar that serves an outstanding $6 burger is indispensable.

The price tag at this South Philly gem is really just icing on the cake: Fountain Porter’s burger is arguably the best in the city, and at an atmosphere where everyone will feel comfortable.

Stargazy

Among the bounty of restaurants on East Passyunk Avenue sits this little British pie shop serving traditional savory pies starting from $7. Keep it classic with beef and onion or try whatever filling chef-owner Sam Jacobson is making special for the day — just be sure to order a side of mashed potatoes in a parsley liquor.

On the weekends, don’t miss the full English breakfast starting at $21 for two eggs, housemade banger, bacon rashers and black pudding, and more.