Eating out in Traverse City can get expensive fast, but you don’t have to totally blow your budget to enjoy good food around here. As a local, I’ve put together my go-to list of the best budget friendly spots where you can eat well without overspending.
I’ve really enjoyed putting together this cheap eats series for places all over the world, and I figured it was about time my hometown got the same love.
Whether you’re visiting or just trying to save a little on nights out, this guide rounds up my favorite budget friendly eats in town. These are the places I actually go to and the spots I recommend to friends and family when they ask where to eat in Traverse City on a budget.
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Quick Picks
If you’re just here for the highlights, I’ve got you:
- Best Sandwich Under $10
- The Gobbler – Mary’s Kitchen Port (Get there before they close Aug. 1st 2025) — View on Google Maps
- Best Budget Burger:
- Slabtown Burgers — View on Google Maps
- Cheapest Sit-Down Meal:
- U&I Lounge (with a bar) — View on Google Maps
- TC Taqueria (without a bar) — View on Google Maps
- Best Deal Day:
- Taco Tuesday at Mama Lu’s (only in the off-season) — View on Google Maps
- Sit-Down Lunch Spot:
- Grand Traverse Pie Co. — View on Google Maps
- Sit-Down Breakfast:
- J&S Downtown — View on Google Maps
- J&S South Airport — View on Google Maps
Where to Eat in Traverse City on a Budget
I’ve divided this list by price range to help you find something that fits your budget. The categories are approximate, but I’ve also included typical price ranges for each spot so you know what to expect.
Under $12
U&I Lounge
Lunch & Dinner – Table service
A place we frequent often. Dive bar vibes. We usually go for the gyros, and the veggie gyro (my go-to) is still under $10. Plus drinks are cheap if you do want to partake. It’s pretty dark inside, so it’s more of a cozy, rainy day or late-night kind of spot for me.
Slabtown Burger
Lunch & Dinner – Counter Service
Some of the best burgers in Traverse City – and a great price. Burgers run $7–10, add a couple more bucks for fries. Small indoor dining room with lots of TC history on the walls and some nice outdoor seating in the summer.
TC Taqueria
Lunch & Dinner – Counter Service
Tacos are around $3 each, so you can mix and match and still eat cheap. These are the best authentic tacos in TC. I would say they mostly do takeout, but they do have tables to dine-in at. I’ve dined-in at both locations a few times and it’s usually not busy at all to get a table.
Silver Lake Rd Location: View on Google Maps Three Mile Location: View on Google Maps
Bario
Mostly dinner or late lunch (lunch available on weekends) – Table service
Tacos can be ordered individually on the build your own taco menu (4.25 each), so you can get exactly what you’re hungry for — and they bring out chips and salsa, which is always a win. Drinks will definitely bump up your bill (especially if you’re like me and love a good margarita), but if you hit happy hour, it’s even better — I’ve listed the details below. Great for groups, we like to come here with friends.
Traverse Bay Cafe
Breakfast & Lunch – Table service
Smaller breakfast bites are 6-7, breakfast plates are 10-13.
Cousin Jenny’s
Lunch – Counter Service
They’re known for their Cornish pasties, which are $11–12. Sandwiches run about $10, salads $11–14, and soups $7–9. Small indoor dining room and outdoor seating in summer.
Under $15
Grand Traverse Pie Company
Breakfast & Lunch — Counter Service
Most of the menu is priced between $11.50–$14 and includes pot pies, sandwiches, salads, and the GT Combo — where you can mix and match two options like a half sandwich, half salad, mac & cheese, soup, or a slice of quiche. For breakfast, the scramble wraps are just under $7, and the breakfast sandwich comes in just under $8. Lots of indoor tables at both locations and some outdoor seating during summer at both locations as well.
The Filling Station
Lunch & Dinner — Hybrid service: you’ll be seated by a host, then order at the bar.
Most pizzas are right around $15 and all salads are under $10. Beer and cider are reasonably priced. I would consider the pizzas just larger than personal size but we usually order our own and have a few slices of leftovers. But for a light meal you could split. This is great value for a meal in downtown traverse city and great vibes.
Identity Brewing Co.
Lunch & Dinner — Counter Service
Brewery with small food menu. Sandwiches 12-14, Bowls 14. Salads and Wraps. 12-16. Indoor dining and outdoor tables during summer.
Spanglish
Lunch & Early Dinner (they close at 6) – Counter service
The 3-taco plate is usually $13–15, and most items are between $10–15. The dine-in space is small but cute. There are some outdoor picnic tables and a park across the lot as well. Great for takeout too.
Mama Lu’s
Lunch & Dinner – Table service
Great fusion tacos at $4.50 each. If you’re ordering small plates or margaritas, the bill can definitely climb and won’t really stay in the budget-friendly range. If you’re just grabbing a few tacos and a beer, cider, or glass of wine, you can keep it pretty reasonable. Their Taco Tuesday deals in the off-season are where they really shine for budget eats (you can find those details below).
J&S Hamburg – Downtown
Breakfast & Lunch – Table service
Classic diner vibes. Most breakfasts are $10–13, and burgers and sandwich baskets are $13–14.
J&S Hamburg – South Airport
Breakfast & Lunch – Table service
Classic American diner. Most breakfast plates run $11–14, most sandwiches are 11-13 and most burgers are 13.
let’s talk about The Little Fleet
Lunch & Dinner — Seasonal Outdoor Food Truck Court
One of my favorite summer hangout spots, but not always the most budget-friendly. Most food trucks have offerings between $13-$15 but in my opinion can be a little overpriced depending on what you order. Still, sometimes it’s cheaper than a sit-down restaurant (unless you’re sipping cocktails – those add up fast). Just know that food truck doesn’t always mean more affordable. View on Google Maps
Crocodile Palace (open year-round inside The Little Fleet) has awesome student noodles and ginger & scallion noodles for $15. Highly recommend!
Sandwiches
If you’re looking for a quick lunch or something to take on a picnic, these sandwich spots are a great option.
Mary’s Kitchen Port
Home of the famous Gobbler sandwich. They’re sadly closing August 1st, so this is your last summer to grab one. The Gobbler isn’t under $6 anymore, but at $8.49 it’s still one of the best-priced sandwiches in town.
Chef’s Inn
Sandwiches here run just over $10.
Fogarelli’s
Sandwiches range from $10–14, and honestly, they’re some of my favorite best in town. High quality and worth the price — especially if you’re grabbing something for a picnic or beach day.
Budget-Friendly Date Nights
If you’re looking for a date night spot with a little more ambiance, these places offer a more upscale vibe still at good prices without crossing the $40 mark (before tip). Whether you’re visiting with a partner or just want a nicer night out, these are some of my favorite more affordable date nights.
Sample Date Nights (Under $40)
These are based on two people with two drinks — and still keeping it around $40 total before tip. Prices may vary slightly depending on what you order, and will be less if you’re not drinking alcohol, but this should give you a good idea of what’s doable!
- Mama Lu’s View on Google Maps
- 6 tacos ($27) + wine ($6–7) + cider/beer ($5–7)→ ~$39 total Great vibe, delicious fusion tacos.
- Flying Noodle View on Google Maps
- 2 personal pizzas or sandwiches (~$15 each) + 2 house wines ($6 each)→ ~$42 total. Stylish interior with a good deal on house wine — the pastas are no longer very budget friendly (sad face) but they have some other options to keep the bill low.
- The Filling Station View on Google Maps
- 2 pizzas (~$15 each) + 2 pours of beer/cider/seltzer ($5-7 each)→ ~$40 total. Casual date night with awesome pizza and solid local brews.
Local’s Tip: Both Mama Lu’s and Flying Noodle get BUSY at peak times. Just a warning – maybe have a backup if you dont make a reservation and their waitlist is long. They are small restaurants.
Best Happy Hours & Restaurant Deals in Traverse City (For Food or Drinks)
Looking for a more affordable night out? Happy hour is the move. These are a few of the best happy hours in Traverse City.
The Burrow View on Google Maps
Happy hour at the bar, Tuesday–Saturday, 3–6pm
- All small bites $8
- House wine $5
- Cocktails $6–7
Chic atmosphere and solid drinks – perfect for a date night.
The Parlor TC View on Google Maps
Happy Hour: Daily, 4–7pm
- 50% off all drinks (!!) Hands down the best happy hour in town for cocktails.
Barrio View on Google Maps
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday, 3-6pm
- $1 off tacos
- $5 house margs
- $1 off draft beer
- $ 4 shots of Sauza Blanco or Reposado
Paired with their already low prices for tacos, this is a fantastic deal for a meal and drinks on a budget.
7 Monks Taproom View on Google Maps
- Burger Monday: Burger + fries for $10
- Wednesday Bowl Feature: Rotating special bowl for $7
Great beer list, solid food, and a good spot for a casual weeknight meal deal.
Mama Lu’s View on Google Maps
Taco Tuesday (off-season only)
- $3 rotating taco special
- $2 beers
One of the best deals in town – just don’t forget it’s only available in the off season. Regular menu prices are closer to $4.50 per taco, and if you add drinks or appetizers, the bill can climb fast.
Another Way to Save: Grocery Store Picnics
Of course, one of the easiest ways to save money while traveling (or as a local) is to skip eating out altogether, but since this post is about where to eat out more affordably, I won’t go too deep into that route.
That said, don’t overlook grocery stores as a budget-friendly option – especially if you’re visiting in the summer when Traverse City is basically made for picnicking. Grab some chips, hummus, a salad, snack tray, or even a few kombuchas and head to the beach or a park. It’s cheaper than dining out, chill, and you still get the experience of being “out”.
If you’re trying to keep costs down, I recommend Aldi for the best prices in town. They’ve got everything from wraps and pre-made salads to fruit, chips, dips, and deli style containers of pasta or potato salad on the back wall. Grab a baguette, cheese and different fillings for sandwiches. Easy to grab a few things, throw it in a bag, and head to The Open Space, Volleyball Beach, or to the many parks or beaches around town.
💬 Restaurant Owners — Let’s Connect!
Are you a restaurant owner with a great deal or happy hour I should know about? I’d love to hear from you – feel free to shoot me an email!