Cheap Restaurants in Santa Cruz

Just because a meal doesn't leave a dent on your pocket book doesn't mean it can't leave an impression on your taste buds. Santa Cruz is home to thousands of college students. Though they don't have a lot of extra spending money, they are anything but starving thanks to the cornucopia of cheap restaurants located within the city limits. Jack's Hamburgers is the perfect place to grab a juicy burger, basket of thick-cut fries, and a frothy milkshake, all under $10. This local hot spot is a Santa Cruz classic and feels like a throwback to burger joints of lore. Each burger is made to order and comes out hot and fast. While they have add-ons like chili and bacon, you're best bet is to go for a plain ol' hamburger or cheeseburger and a serving of crispy fries. Saddle up to an outside table and hunker down with a burger from the eatery that takes the Number One spoke on this cheap eats list. Tacos Moreno, tucked away in Merrill College on the campus of UC Santa Cruz, isn't fancy, but they whip up a mean quesadilla, soft shell taco, and burrito. Catering to the students going to and fro classes, travelers of all ages are welcome at this surprisingly cozy taqueria. Thanks to its delicious food, amicable ambiance, and affordable prices, Tacos Moreno snags the Number Three spot. Many restaurants feature dollar-friendly menus, including Little Shanghai Chinese restaurant, which serves a $5 lunch buffet Monday through Friday. Sitar India Cuisine on Pacific Ave. also offers a $5 lunch buffet. This one is unlimited and comes with large slices of naan bread and white rice. While the dishes are vegetarian only, diners can add a meat dish for just a few dollars more. From salad to chutney to curries to dessert, the Sitar India Restaurant offers heaping servings for little, granting them the Number Eight slot.

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