clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
3 summer rolls
The summer rolls at Ginger Deli
Ginger Deli

The Most Affordable Restaurants in Ann Arbor

Where to eat for $10 or less

View as Map
The summer rolls at Ginger Deli
| Ginger Deli

Finding a great meal is easy when money isn’t a concern, but doing so on a budget can be a challenge. But just because a meal is affordable, doesn’t mean you have to forgo taste and quality.

Ann Arbor's status as a college town means that there are plenty of choices geared toward students’ nearly empty wallets and big appetites. Don't expect to find your standard fast-food fare on the map. Many of these spots are independently-owned eateries. From tacos to pizza and sandwiches, below find 13 culinary gems that not only serve delicious food but ensure that their patrons feel full for as little as $10 or less.

The latest CDC guidance for vaccinated diners during the COVID-19 outbreak is here; dining out still carries risks for unvaccinated diners and workers. Please be aware of changing local rules, and check individual restaurant websites for any additional restrictions such as mask requirements. Find a local vaccination site here.

Read More

Zingerman's Bakehouse

Copy Link

The appearance of Zingerman’s on a cheap eats map is sure to come as a surprise to many. However, the industrial park-based creamery and coffeeshop Zingerman's Bakehouse serves a rotation of hearty soup bowls along with a piece of their famous bread and wallet-friendly prices.

No Thai! S. Main

Copy Link

In a just few short years, No Thai! has expanded to multiple locations, including one in East Lansing perhaps in the hope of fostering unity between the two rival college towns. Updated noodle dishes, curries, and fried rice are available in spice levels ranging from mild to “Death Touch”.

Biercamp Artisan Sausage & Jerky

Copy Link

Meatlovers flock to this charming shop for its sausages, jerky, and bacon, all produced in-house. For lunch, grab one of Biercamp's pulled-pork sandwiches, smoked sloppy joes, or bratwursts. Beer is available to wash it down or, if work beckons, in growlers for later.

Dimo's Deli & Bakery

Copy Link

While Dimo’s wide selection of donuts, massive omelets, and other breakfast specialties often steal the show, the hearty deli offerings including sandwiches are filled with quality meats and condiments, making them one of Ann Arbor’s best-kept secrets .

Taco King

Copy Link

Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other Mexican favorites are available with several kinds of meat at this eatery inside Tienda La Libertad — a Latin-American grocery filled with hard-to-find items. It's an ideal spot to explore while that burrito gets prepared.

Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger

Copy Link

Burgers with smashed patties have become wildly popular in the last few years and Blimpyburger has been serving up that style since 1953. There’s a wide variety of buns and toppings from which to choose, but the Peppersteak Bullet with its three patties, grilled peppers, onions, cheese, and ranch dressing is a must-have. 

Jerusalem Garden

Copy Link

This casual Middle Eastern restaurant has been a downtown fixture for almost 35 years. Their menu features thirteen different sandwiches — vegetarian and with meat — under $8, which leaves enough for a side of decadently sweet baklava.

Joe's Pizza NYC

Copy Link

The original Joe’s Pizza is a Greenwich Village landmark whose Brooklyn-style pizza is considered one of the best in New York City. Its South University location opened in late 2019 and is its first venture outside of the Big Apple. Diners on a budget can grab two slices of their legendary pizza for under $10.

Songbird Cafe

Copy Link

The nondescript outside belies Songbird's cozy interior filled with warm earth tones and vintage touches. This Northside cafe serves up affordable coffee, baked goods, and sandwiches, often with unique twists and the weekend brunch is one of the best in Ann Arbor.

Tmaz Taqueria

Copy Link

Flavor and variety are represented well on the menu at this taqueria. The tacos and tortas come with a wide selection of meats — from the familiar grilled steak to Cochinita Pivil, a shredded pork hailing from the Yucatan Peninsula. The pozole, a spicy pork soup is a must-have.

Yee Siang Dumpling

Copy Link

Yee Siang's menu is filled with appetizers and entrees from all over East Asia, but it’s the namesake dumplings that are the main attraction. The handmade dumplings are filled with different meats and vegetables and are served in quantities of 10 and 18. While it may be tempting to order them boiled or steamed, the pan-fried versions are worth the extra calories.

Ginger Deli

Copy Link

Ginger Deli’s small downtown storefront serves sensational Vietnamese food for limited dine in or grab-and-go. Its banh mi is served on freshly-baked baguettes with flavorful herbs and vegetables and is among the best sandwiches in town. The fresh summer rolls are also a can’t-miss affordable option.

Zingerman's Bakehouse

The appearance of Zingerman’s on a cheap eats map is sure to come as a surprise to many. However, the industrial park-based creamery and coffeeshop Zingerman's Bakehouse serves a rotation of hearty soup bowls along with a piece of their famous bread and wallet-friendly prices.

No Thai! S. Main

In a just few short years, No Thai! has expanded to multiple locations, including one in East Lansing perhaps in the hope of fostering unity between the two rival college towns. Updated noodle dishes, curries, and fried rice are available in spice levels ranging from mild to “Death Touch”.

Biercamp Artisan Sausage & Jerky

Meatlovers flock to this charming shop for its sausages, jerky, and bacon, all produced in-house. For lunch, grab one of Biercamp's pulled-pork sandwiches, smoked sloppy joes, or bratwursts. Beer is available to wash it down or, if work beckons, in growlers for later.

Dimo's Deli & Bakery

While Dimo’s wide selection of donuts, massive omelets, and other breakfast specialties often steal the show, the hearty deli offerings including sandwiches are filled with quality meats and condiments, making them one of Ann Arbor’s best-kept secrets .

Taco King

Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other Mexican favorites are available with several kinds of meat at this eatery inside Tienda La Libertad — a Latin-American grocery filled with hard-to-find items. It's an ideal spot to explore while that burrito gets prepared.

Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger

Burgers with smashed patties have become wildly popular in the last few years and Blimpyburger has been serving up that style since 1953. There’s a wide variety of buns and toppings from which to choose, but the Peppersteak Bullet with its three patties, grilled peppers, onions, cheese, and ranch dressing is a must-have. 

Jerusalem Garden

This casual Middle Eastern restaurant has been a downtown fixture for almost 35 years. Their menu features thirteen different sandwiches — vegetarian and with meat — under $8, which leaves enough for a side of decadently sweet baklava.

Joe's Pizza NYC

The original Joe’s Pizza is a Greenwich Village landmark whose Brooklyn-style pizza is considered one of the best in New York City. Its South University location opened in late 2019 and is its first venture outside of the Big Apple. Diners on a budget can grab two slices of their legendary pizza for under $10.

Songbird Cafe

The nondescript outside belies Songbird's cozy interior filled with warm earth tones and vintage touches. This Northside cafe serves up affordable coffee, baked goods, and sandwiches, often with unique twists and the weekend brunch is one of the best in Ann Arbor.

Tmaz Taqueria

Flavor and variety are represented well on the menu at this taqueria. The tacos and tortas come with a wide selection of meats — from the familiar grilled steak to Cochinita Pivil, a shredded pork hailing from the Yucatan Peninsula. The pozole, a spicy pork soup is a must-have.

Yee Siang Dumpling

Yee Siang's menu is filled with appetizers and entrees from all over East Asia, but it’s the namesake dumplings that are the main attraction. The handmade dumplings are filled with different meats and vegetables and are served in quantities of 10 and 18. While it may be tempting to order them boiled or steamed, the pan-fried versions are worth the extra calories.

Ginger Deli

Ginger Deli’s small downtown storefront serves sensational Vietnamese food for limited dine in or grab-and-go. Its banh mi is served on freshly-baked baguettes with flavorful herbs and vegetables and is among the best sandwiches in town. The fresh summer rolls are also a can’t-miss affordable option.

Related Maps