Via Rutkowski 
Trying to eat on a budget-friendly basis in Hoboken + Jersey City may seem next to impossible, but we’ve done some digging around town to assemble a list of budget-friendly meals for $10 or less. With dozens of restaurants and eateries around every corner, we have a list of over 20 places with budget-friendly meals. Read on to see our discoveries.
In 2021, we rounded up our college edition here, and Reddit has a few threads on the subject as well — but we’ve continued to do the research, and here are our favorite picks as of 2026.
Hoboken
8th Street Tavern | 800 Washington Street
8th Street Tavern, a Hoboken local go-to bar, provides free hot dogs on Fridays during its happy hour, which runs from 12PM to 7PM.
Ali Baba | 912 Washington Street
Ali Baba’s Middle Eastern cuisine is a favorite among Hoboken locals. The eatery has several hearty menu picks for $10 or less, including a falafel sandwich ($10.50 to be exact), various soups ($8.50-$9), and spinach pie ($5.50).
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza | 96 Hudson Street
Artichoke Pizza is always on point with its creative gourmet slices. Locals can grab a vodka Sicilian slice ($6.90), a margherita slice ($6.90), or a slice of crab pizza or artichoke pizza for $8.05.
Bagels on the Hudson | 802 Washington Street, Unit A, Hoboken
A go-to Hoboken spot for classic breakfast and lunch, Bagels on the Hudson serves up fresh bagels, hearty sandwiches, and all the essentials for an easy, satisfying meal. From classic bagel with cream cheese combos to stacked breakfast sandwiches, this casual neighborhood favorite is perfect for a quick grab-and-go or a laid-back bite to start the day.
Basile’s Pizza | 89 Washington Street
Basile’s Pizza is a go-to for an affordable bite. With a variety of pizzas by the slice (starting at $4) and a list of Italian specialty rolls (pepperoni, spinach, broccoli, or sausage + pepper) for $7.95, there are plenty of toppings to explore here.
Black Bear Bar + Grill | 205 Washington Street
Every Thursday, Black Bear Bar + Grill celebrates its weekly Tacos + Tequila event, which features $9 chicken tacos in addition to other exciting drink specials. Patrons can add on a $10 margarita or a $6 Modelo draft to top off the night.
Chango Kitchen | 301 Willow Avenue
Chango Kitchen serves up some buzz-worthy Latin cuisine. The menu also features several items to enjoy on a budget, such as the Cubana salad ($9), empanadas ($4-$7), and various Cuban-style sandwiches ($7-10).
Choc O Pain | 157 1st Street + 1500 Hudson Street
Choc O Pain is a classic French bakery with two locations in Hoboken. Locals can stop in for a quick breakfast bite and try the baked egg sandwich with roasted tomato, garlic butter, and cheddar cheese on Bordelais sourdough ($8), quiches ($10), soupe de jour ($9), or a ham + cheese croissant ($5).
Read More: 28 Hoboken + Jersey City Spots with Secret Backyard Spaces
Empanadas Cafe | 121 Washington Street
Empanadas Cafe is a family-owned and operated eatery with signature empanadas that ring in well within our budget. With over 30 sweet and savory empanada flavors to choose from, all ring in under $4. From 7AM-2 PM, patrons can also enjoy breakfast sandwiches like bacon egg and cheese, Taylor ham egg and cheese, a BLT, and beyond all, ranging between $4.55-$5.80.
Imposto’s Pizza | 102 Washington Street
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Hoboken – no jokin’! This cozy spot is one of our faves for a lunch that’s light on the wallet but doesn’t skimp on taste. Slices of pizza start at $4.25 and Imposto’s has a lunch special that’s just $8.95: it includes two slices and a soda. Other lunch specials include salads and soups, and still ring up under $15.00
Karma Kafe | 505 Washington Street
The menu at Karma Kafe is bursting with flavor + includes plenty of budget-friendly options, including samosas ($7), gingery coconut chicken soup ($8), fresh tomato soup ($8), Chana Kachumber salad ($8), Bhel Poori ($8), and Pakoras ($8).
Hoboken Hot Bagels | 634 Washington Street
Hoboken’s first bagel shop, Hoboken Hot Bagels, opened in 1983 and is still a staple to locals. The bagel shop serves a wide range of bagel combinations at an affordable price such as a bacon egg and cheese ($6.50), egg sandwiches ($4.50+), BLT ($7.25), homemade soups ($5.75), deli sandwiches ($7.75+), or a classic bagel with cream cheese ($2.65+).
JP’s Bagel Express | 52 Newark Street
JP’s Bagel Express has dozens of satisfying picks for $10 or less. While we recommend checking out the full menu to hone in on your taste-buds needs, a few highlights have to be: the chicken caesar wrap ($8.99), a bagel with lox spread ($5.75), bagel french toast ($5.99), and a variety of omelets ranging from $6.50+.
Mamoun’s Falafel | 300 Washington Street
Mamoun’s Falafel has been serving top-notch Middle Eastern food since 1971. The eatery serves fresh falafel sandwiches ($7.85), a classic vegetarian sandwich ($9.06), and the West Village sandwich ($9.06), all served on fresh pita and under $10.
Mario’s Classic Pizza | 742 Garden Street
Mario’s Classic Pizza has a massive menu for locals to try. With a handful of stand-out menu items under $10, we have our eyes on the buffalo wings ($9.75), caesar salad (+ more for $9.75), cheese burger ($7.75), and various pizzas by the slice ($5.50+).
Marty’s Burgers | 488 Central Avenue
This cool and laid-back fast-food joint, originally from Fort Lee, offers a diverse menu featuring burgers, chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, griddle dogs, mac and cheese, and various types of fries. Desserts include chocolate milkshakes and other comforting treats.
Mexico Tacos | 57 Newark Street, Hoboken
This casual Hoboken spot is a go-to for authentic tacos and quick, flavorful bites. The menu features crowd favorites like carne asada, adobada (marinated pork), and pollo asado tacos, along with must-order sides like chips and guac for less than $7. Whether stopping in for a quick lunch or a chill dinner, Mexico Tacos delivers simple, satisfying eats in a no-frills setting.
Mr. Wraps | 741 Garden Street
Mr. Wraps is a go-to Hoboken hangout. The quick-service food and catering hub has a menu with just about everything. Some budget-friendly options include the $9+ customizable breakfast wraps and $7 soups and homemade chili ($7.95).
O’Bagel | 600 Washington Street
O’Bagel’s old-fashioned bagels are some of Hoboken’s favorites. On the menu are plenty of tasty finds under $10, including a classic bacon, egg, and cheese ($6.95), a bagel with cream cheese ($3.95+), and the famous Jersey Debate ($7.65).
OrGovia | 1119 Jefferson Street, Hoboken
This Hoboken spot serves up Chilean-inspired eats with a focus on fresh, flavorful empanadas and Latin American comfort food. Known for its perfectly baked empanadas, this local favorite keeps things simple and satisfying with options typically priced in the $$ range. Whether grabbing a quick bite or trying something new, OrGovia is a solid pick for a casual meal with bold flavors.
Papaya Dog | 54 Newark Street, Hoboken
This classic, no-frills spot is a go-to for quick, affordable bites in Hoboken. Known for its iconic hot dogs starting at just $3.75, Papaya Dog keeps things simple with a menu of hot dogs, sausages, and refreshing tropical drinks. It’s the kind of place you stop into when you want something fast, satisfying, and easy.
Pizza Republic | 406 Washington Street
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Pizza Republic might be known around town for its Mac and Cheese, but pizza is still the name of the game. For just $6, diners can get 2 slices of cheese pizza and a drink. If you like something a little more adventurous, pizzas with toppings still fall in-budget, ringing in at $8 for two and a drink.
Prato Bakery | 201 Washington Street
Tuscan eatery Prato Bakery gives locals a true taste of Italy. Besides delicious pastries and treats, Prato also serves fresh focaccia-style pizza slices ranging from $3.89-$6.09.
Tros Greek Street Food | 62 Newark Street
Tros Greek Street Food (formerly known as Plaka Souvlaki) has plenty of authentic Greek cuisine to enjoy on a budget. Patrons can try chicken orzo soup ($9.45), falafel ($9.45), stuffed grape leaves ($8.29), and various meat skewers ranging between $7.09 – $8.85.
Sirenetta | 1039 Washington Street
Sirenetta in Hoboken has to appear on this list for this super-foodie deal. The seafood-focused restaurant is known for its high-end quality dishes, but this raw bar deal is noteworthy. Every Tuesday from 4PM – 6PM, patrons can enjoy $1 oysters for a quick bite or a pre-meal treat.
Jersey City
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza | 246 Bay Street
Artichoke Pizza’s Jersey City location is always stocked with creative gourmet slices. Locals can grab a vodka Sicilian slice ($6.90), margherita slice ($6.90), or a slice of crab pizza or artichoke pizza for $8.05.
Basile’s Pizza | 116 Newark Avenue
Whether it’s a late-night find or a quick lunch, Basile’s Pizza is a go-to for an affordable bite. With a variety of pizzas by the slice (starting at $4) and a list of Italian specialty rolls (pepperoni, spinach, broccoli, or sausage + pepper) for $7.95, there are plenty of flavors to explore. Plus, Basile’s Jersey City location also has a Ralph’s Italian Ice window for a post-meal treat.
Choc O Pain | 530 Jersey Avenue + 330-332 Palisade Avenue + 244 Saint Pauls Avenue
With three Jersey City locations, Choc O Pain is a classic French go-to for locals. Patrons can stop into the bakery for a quick breakfast bite and try the baked egg sandwich with roasted tomato, garlic butter, and cheddar cheese on Bordelais sourdough ($8), quiches ($10), soupe de jour ($9), or a ham + cheese croissant ($5).
Ed + Mary’s | 174 Coles Street
Ed + Mary’s in Hamilton Park is a cozy eatery for drinks, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Those dining in for brunch can grab a breakfast sando with egg and cheese for $7 (add Taylor Ham for +$2.50), or for lunch/dinner, an impossible hot dog for $6.
Good Chicken | Hoboken
Good Chicken specializes in Korean fried chicken and also has menu items such as the popular Korean corn dogs. The menu also includes dumplings for $9, making it an easy spot to grab a quick, flavorful bite. Whether stopping in for crispy chicken or a casual meal, this Hoboken favorite delivers bold, satisfying options.
Healy’s Tavern | 374 Newark Avenue
Healy’s Tavern is a go-to for fresh brews and drinks. The bar and restaurant will also be serving a $10 lunch special from 11AM – 3PM Monday through Friday. Patrons can enjoy burgers, fries, and a draught Yuengling or Coors for only $10.
Lokal | 2 2nd Street
Another local oyster deal that is hard to beat has to be Lokal’s $1 oyster special, which runs from Monday – Sunday from 4PM – 6PM. Patrons can enjoy a minimum of six $1 oysters before their meal or as a quick stop-in treat after a long day.
Lucky 7 Tavern | 322 2nd Street
Jersey City locals know that Lucky Sevens is the go-to for affordable food and drink. The tavern’s menu highlights for $10 or under include: a hamburger ($10), veggie burger ($9), grilled chicken wrap ($10, quesadilla ($7), “chicken tendies” ($7), two hot dogs ($6), seven wings ($8), and “totchos” ($10).
Prato Bakery | 150 Bay Street + 371 4th Street + 296 Palisade Avenue
With three locations in Jersey City, the Tuscan eatery Prato Bakery gives locals a true foodie experience. Besides delicious pastries and treats, Prato also serves fresh focaccia-style pizza slices ranging from $3.89-$6.09.
See More: Your Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Dining in Montclair
Stella’s 24 Hour Eatery | 315 Grove Street
Stella’s 24 Hour Eatery in the heart of Jersey City is a longtime, family-run quick-service restaurant. The 24-hour spot serves affordable bites such as chicken nuggets ($8.75), Jamaican beef patties ($4.66), chicken vegetable soup ($6.71), breakfast sandwiches (starting at $3.79), salads (starting at $8.16), and pizza slices (starting at 2.75).
Tros Greek Street Food | 686 Bergen Avenue
Tros Greek Street Food opened its first Jersey City location back in December. Since then, the Greek eatery (formerly known as Plaka Souvlaki) has curated plenty of high-quality menu items to enjoy on a budget. Patrons can try chicken orzo soup ($9.45), falafel ($9.45), stuffed grape leaves ($8.29), and various meat skewers ranging between $7.09 – $8.85. Tros Greek Street Food also often releases special limited-time deals for treats like $8 gyros and $1 meat skewers. Follow along on Instagram to stay in the loop.
Disclaimer: Any exclusion is not intentional. If you know of another eatery serving meals for $10 or less, please email [email protected]
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