The Best Cheap Eats in College Station

Billed as the place for Italian in Bryan, Caffe Capri is also a great way to manage the dining budget. This is thanks to a range of weekly specials and the Caffe Happy Hour. They even encourage diners to sign up for news and special offers. A converted grocery store, a marinara recipe that’s a closely guarded secret and an environmentally friendly ethos have combined to create one of the most popular Italian joints downtown. Booking recommended.

How many eateries combine both a farm and restaurant? Ronin’s farm, where many of the ingredients for the restaurant come from, is near Lake Bryan and guests can visit by appointment. Vegetables are often delivered to the restaurant and used that same day, so everything is as fresh as it can be. With that in mind, the menu is constantly updating- and always amazing value for the quality of ingredients on offer. A Texan gastronomic adventure.

Glass, wood, and tartan come together in this bright and welcoming eatery at The George Hotel. Small batch cooking and local ingredients are what Poppy is all about, plus letting diners have a glimpse at what goes on in the kitchen. The team takes the farm-to-table revolution seriously here, so expect regular changes to the excellent value menu. Lunch, in particular, offers some pocketbook-friendly treats, like the pork belly sandwich with pickled red onions on brioche. Upscale without breaking the bank.

This multi-award-winning restaurant is a top destination of Vintage Hills and the signature restaurant of the Messina Hof Winery and Resort. Fresh fruits, vegetable, and herbs come from all over the estate itself. Expert chefs create dishes with wine pairings in mind, making for a very sophisticated dining experience indeed. Brunch is the best way to enjoy an upscale dining experience for less, with Eggs Benedict, frittatas and waffles all given the luxury treatment.

When it comes to cheap eats College Station is lucky enough to have one of the finest all-you-can-eat options available. The only Brazilian steakhouse in the area, the concept consists of several superb cuts of meat cooked Brazilian barbecue style, served right from the skewer at the table. There’s no limit to how much diners can enjoy, including a salad bar that’s loaded with veggies, cheeses, and cold cuts. There’s even a salad only option. With excellent hospitality, Casa do Brasil is a relaxing and fun way to fill up for less.

The Republic exudes class, from the white tablecloths to the sumptuous dark leather and chandeliers. It’s regularly hailed as one of the best restaurants in College Station, and a popular destination for post-game celebrations and families of students. Expect a warm welcome, followed by a delectable menu that focuses on steak, whiskey, and wine. This isn’t the cheapest restaurant on our list, but for special occasions and a great Texan steak, The Republic offers excellent value. Seafood fans can indulge in pan-seared salmon, and there’s a tempting dessert menu for after. An indulgent treat and worth every cent.

For diners that love music too, what better way to save money than by combining those two passions into one exciting night? Luigi’s is famous for its live music nights, which allow guests to enjoy their authentic Italian fare with a spot of entertainment. There’s also a great value lunch menu, with delights such as the blackened tuna sandwich or the spaghetti pesto. A lovely courtyard style space encourages a relaxed visit, with time to savor every bite.

Amico Nave means “Friend of the Ship” which is a reference to its sister restaurant, Shipwreck Grill. The owners are former Aggies and have roots in Sicily which are very evident in the authentic Italian dishes available. Slow roasted vegetable pizza with squash and artichokes, basil-infused shrimp and grits, or a house special lasagna with Italian sausage- and all at great prices too. Soak up a little slice of Italy right here in Bryan. Booking recommended.

Conveniently next to the A&M Garden Apartments in Century Square, Porter’s is a popular dining destination, especially for big groups looking for something special. Bright, modern, and inviting, there’s a strong sense of Texan pride throughout both the dinner and brunch menus. Brunch includes everything from local quail to ham and eggs, so there’s plenty to choose from and all great value for some of the most premium ingredients in town. Perfect for special occasions.

Can world-class dining be a great value experience? At Christopher’s off Boonville Road, it certainly can. Christopher’s is famous for superb seafood and steaks with unusual twists and flavor combinations. Housed in a century-old Texan ranch, the place is full of history and recognized as one of the most romantic spots to eat out in College Station. Every weekday, from 4-6 pm, half-price drinks are on offer alongside two of the menus, for a cheaper way to enjoy this fine dining experience.

As the name suggests, this is a restaurant with a real passion for seafood. They’re also passionate about the environment, so they source all their ingredients in ways that are both sustainable and responsible. It’s great to know, then, that they’re also one of the best value restaurants in University Park. Endless shrimp for less than 20 bucks. Lunch combos and specials. A dedicated kids’ menu. Red Lobster has made seafood accessible again, so book now and don’t miss out.

Regularly lauded as one of the best restaurants in town, here is the place to grab some of the best cheap eats College Station has on offer. There are plenty of shareable plates (great for splitting the bill) such as chicken lettuce wraps and the potato skins platter. A burger stretches a bit past ten dollars but is a full plate with fries and trimmings. Save a bit more by exploring the exciting lunch specials, ranging from unlimited soup and salad to spaghetti and meatballs. Something for everyone.

With the motivating “Gig ‘em Aggies” mural on the back wall and a combination of space, wood, and cowhide, there’s a real mix of Texan flair and upscale dining at Brazos. Billed as a “culinary experience” located in the A&M hotel, Brazos is the perfect place for visiting relatives or prospective students to eat at, both for a taste of Texas and a sense of community. And, it’s less than you might think. Brazos might not be the cheapest menu on this list, but with regular happy hours on both food and drinks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a meal here for less.

When looking for cheap eats College Station locals don’t have to travel far. Mad Taco might be right next to the Bank of America but it’s unlikely diners will need to make a withdrawal. This Mexican inspired casual eatery bills themselves as the “Bad boy taco shop,” and even the “Ferrari of Tacos”. Smoked jalapeno margaritas and beet juice and tequila cocktails join braised pork, wild tuna, and red quinoa tacos. Power tacos or bowls combine superfoods with classic flavors, while brunch consists of breakfast enchiladas and French toast. Most tacos are under five dollars, and with a focus on wild and local produce, they don’t cost the earth, either.

Dixie Chicken in College Station has been an Aggie institution since 1974. Now in its fifth decade and counting, this local favorite is so popular it even has its own merchandise. If diners worry about saving rather than spending, though, the menu is more than budget-friendly. Sides start from just over two dollars, and even the most expensive plate on the menu is less than fifteen bucks. With dinner ranging from a juicy burger to fried chicken salad, there’s plenty to keep even the heartiest of appetites happy.

Right on College Hill Estates and a stone’s throw from the university itself, Blue Baker serves up pastries, sandwiches and more for hungry students and locals. Crisp and clean in blue and white, this craft bakery is as cute as it is tasty- and great value. Sit outside and soak up college life while tucking into seasonal treats like peach cobbler tart, Shiner Bock beer bread, or a stunning Blue Abyss sandwich, combining albacore tuna with salad and multigrain bread. All tasty, and all very affordable.

A hidden gem on Welsh Avenue serving Tex Mex delights, burgers, seafood and more, all with more than a touch of Mexican flair. The best thing about Coco Loco is that the prices are also loco! Every weekday sees specials including Taco Salad Mondays and Chalupas Friday, plus the regular menu is hardly bank-breaking, either. Tacos are some of the cheapest around, while the house Mexican burger with avocado, ham, two cheeses, jalapenos, pickles, and fries is less than eight dollars. A great place to fill up and relax with friends.

With consistently excellent reviews and a super convenient location, T. Jin China Diner is the Asian eatery of choice for those looking to save a few bucks. The lower price lunch menu is available all weekend, and includes favorites like the General’s Chicken, and Jalapeno beef with just the right amount of heat. Portions are well-sized, so no one goes hungry here! They make everything to order; fresh, hot, and the service is impeccable too. Don’t forget the spring rolls!

A popular haunt for Aggies and locals, Koppe Bridge serves up made-to-order burgers with a smile. There’s a fascinating history here. The actual Koppe Bridge which got washed away in floodwater in the 1920s became the wood that makes part of the floor of the restaurant building. The menu is very pocketbook-friendly with their award-winning burger basket coming in at under $10. A couple of bucks is all that’s needed for a side of chips and salsa, and there’s even a kids’ menu. Some of the best cheap eats College Station has to offer.