Comments on: How to Eat in San Francisco on the Cheap

on 11/22/2005 It's possible to get completely filled up for under $5 in Chinatown. Also try the Haight or the Richmond district for cheap eats!

on 11/22/2005 If you want to see the real San Francisco and get a good, cheap meal, head away from the tourist areas. I like West Portal because it is easy to get to as a major Muni rail station, and there is a lot there!

Pay the $1.50 ($.50 for seniors, disabled w/ Medicare card, and children) to get to West Portal Station (see sfmuni.com for detailed directions and times). Save your transfer. There are many, many places to eat in the area! There is anything you can imagine eating and the prices aren't too bad. Plus, finish your meal and get back to Muni before the time on your transfer card (90 minutes from when you bought), and you won't have to pay for the return fare. Or, walk around and take in the scenery. There is some very interesting architecture.

on 11/22/2005 Taqueria Cancun has the *best* and biggest burritos in the city - and they're very cheap too. Two locations: Mission/19th and Market/6th. (Careful - both neighborhoods can become slightly unsafe at times.) Enjoy!!!

on 8/8/2006 When in doubt, ask a local where to go. A hotel concierge is always a great source. Check with the barrista that makes your coffee in the morning or the bartender in the hotel lounge. Also check out local review websites like or the free local papers, like The Guardian or SF Examiner.

on 8/8/2006 I know several people have mentioned Chinatown for cheap eats--just make sure you get off the main drag. The Capital Restaurant is especially good, and it's about a block off of Grant, though you can see it from there. Be good at using chopsticks--they have no western utensils.

Also good is Japantown, which has a lot of noodle shops; those tend to be very cheap.