35 of the Best Things to Eat in Cleveland for Under $15
One of the good things about living in a more affordable big city is the plethora of good dining options for a reasonable price. Yes, there are a ton of high end steakhouses and seafood joints where you can spend an arm and a leg, but there are also a ton of choices for a great meal where you don't have to dig deep into your bank account to pay for. These are our favorite affordable meals in town, from Chinese soup dumplings and pho to brunch, sandwiches, shawarma and gyros and more.
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11472 and 234 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Otani Noodle, from the same owners of long-standing Mayfield Heights hibachi restaurant Otani, recently took over this Euclid space. If you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out. The tonkatsu broth used for their ramen is delectable.
6504 Detroit Ave., and 7403 Denison Ave., Cleveland
Offerings of Puerto Rican cuisine here reflect African, Indian and American influences. Fritters are popular, and Rincón’s appetizer list features two kinds: relleno de papas (potato balls) and alcapurria (banana balls). The hot-pressed sandwiches are all under $15 and very tasty, especially the jamon y queso.
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401 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
This locally-sourced pizza place has some of the freshest ingredients around and makes for a perfect lunch pie. All of their signature pies are between $10 and $12.
3615 Superior Ave., Cleveland and Roaming Locations
Just trust us when we tell you that you have to try one of these biscuit sandwiches from this pop-up breakfast outfit. They change up locations so be sure to check their website for where you can find one of their awesome breakfast sandwiches. The biscuits themselves are worth getting these and they’re all under $10.
1717 East Ninth St., Cleveland
This Middle Eastern deli serves everything from lean corned beef to rolled chicken shawarma and is the perfect spot for whatever lunch fixing you’re looking for in the middle of downtown Cleveland. They also do daily lunch specials, like their beef bean burrito for $8.99.
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1200 West 76th St., Cleveland
Good Company opened in 2019 and in short order has become one of the most consistent restaurants in town. A colorful menu scripted in a playful, retro-chic font is a diner's first clue that this isn't your average corner pub. The placemat-size roster is populated by familiar-sounding foods like wings, potato skins, burgers, fries and milkshakes. Their wings are out of this world and their sandwiches are unique and awesome and mostly around the $15 mark.
Multiple Locations
Whatever side of town you’re on, you’re likely to be close to a Dave’s Cosmic Subs. All regular subs are between $5 and $8 and larges are under $15. The meatball is out of this world.
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3471 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights and 3407 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights
Known mostly for their artisan breads and mouth-watering pastries, we had to include this spot because we love their baguette sandwiches. They may be simple, but the freshly baked bread they come on takes them to another level. The prosciutto sandwich with honey butter and arugula and the banh mi are our favorites but you really can’t go wrong.
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11621 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
The fast-casual craze has co-opted nearly every other cuisine, so it might as well have claimed Puerto Rican food too. That's the scene over at the new Cleveland Mofongo Latin Grill, which opened in 2017 on the Cleveland/Lakewood border. Dishes like the roasted pork shoulder and the chicharron are satisfying, filling and delicious.
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5801 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
This Cleveland staple was featured on Best Thing I Ever Ate. There are more than 60 toppings, and while we recommend being adventurous, don’t get too crazy. Pair a dog or two with some tater tots for the perfect cheap meal.
