Taqueria$$oak-cliffDaily 07:00-22:00
Oak Cliff street taco institution where five tacos rarely cost more than $10, with bistek and chorizo fillings that regulars drive across the city to eat.
Order: Bistek taco; chorizo taco; carne asada; agua fresca
Tip: Cash preferred. Weekend mornings are the busiest time. Tacos run $2.50-3 each depending on filling.
American BBQ$$$bishop-artsMon-Thu 11:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00, Sun 11:00-21:00
The most accessible of Dallas's top BBQ spots, open seven days a week unlike Pecan Lodge or Cattleack. Open mon-thu 11am-9pm, fri-sat 11am-10pm, sun 11am-9pm.
Order: Half-pound brisket; jalapeño sausage link; pinto beans
Tip: The only top-tier Dallas BBQ open for dinner on weekdays. Come Monday evening for no queue and full pit availability.
Halal Mediterranean$$$knox-hendersonMon-Thu 11:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00, Sun 11:00-20:30
The weekday lunch buffet at Fadi's is one of the best-value restaurant meals in Knox-Henderson, unlimited Lebanese mezze, grilled proteins. At 3001 Knox St.
Order: Weekday lunch buffet; hummus with pita; grilled chicken shawarma
Tip: The lunch buffet runs Monday through Friday. Per-item ordering is also available for lighter budgets. The Knox location is the most central.
Texas Bbq$$$deep-ellumMon 11:00-15:00, Tue-Thu 11:00-20:00, Fri 11:00-21:00, Sat 11:00-22:00, Sun 11:00-21:00
Dallas's most celebrated BBQ pit is genuinely affordable: a half-pound brisket with a side costs under $20 and represents some of the best smoked meat.
Order: Half-pound brisket by weight; one jalapeño cheddar link; free bread and pickles
Tip: Order one meat plus one side for a filling under-$20 meal. The desserts (peach cobbler, banana pudding) are worth the extra few dollars.
Mexico City-style Street Tacos$$oak-cliffMon-Thu 07:00-15:00, Fri-Sat 07:00-16:00, Sun 07:00-14:00
Three Mexico City-style tacos and a agua fresca for under $10. The adobada and barbacoa are made from scratch and the tortillas are pressed fresh.
Order: Three taco plate (adobada, barbacoa, nopales); agua fresca
Tip: Bring exact cash. Closes when sold out, which can be as early as 1pm on weekends. One of the best taco values in Oak Cliff.
Tex-mex$$oak-cliffMon-Thu 08:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 08:00-23:00, Sun 08:00-22:00
Tex-Mex institution since 1949 with a lunch special under $12 that includes enchiladas, rice, beans, and a drink. The best-value sit-down Tex-Mex in Dallas.
Order: Lunch plate: two enchiladas, rice, beans; chile con queso; coffee
Tip: The weekday lunch combo plate is the best deal on the menu. Parking in the side lot. Cash and card both work.