Thinkin' this city is getting a little big for its britches?
$15 cocktails are making us think so. While we love Austin in all its forms, we miss the days of dollar beers, cheap double cheeseburgers, and live music that doesn't break the bank. Do these things even still exist?!?! We wanted to find out. Here's our investigative report on all the cheap stuff you can still eat, drink, and do in Austin.
For daily cheap deals, check out our roundup of Happy Hours in Austin.
For daily cheap deals at bougie spots, check out our list of Happy Hours at Fancy Places.
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CHEAP EATS
photo via instagram
2538 Elmont Dr
Frazier's is a local favorite, known for serving some of the best and most affordable food and drinks in Austin. With daily menu items starting at just $3, you can easily enjoy a full meal and a drink for under $20. They also have some great specials that are hard to beat—like $2 Coors all day on Thursdays. Check out the full menu here.
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Photo via Electric Gravy
1050 E 11th St
From the crew that brought you Old Thousand (and it's literally next door!), this new east side spot is a little Mumbai, a little Austin. Or, as they put it, "authentic Indian ingredients with a uniquely Texan disposition." Sounds good to us, especially when we browsed their menu and found some deliciously affordable options, and a pretty stellar Happy Hour, too.
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Photo via Facebook
Various Locations
If you want to save some money, but still eat like a king, why not ball out on P. Terry's? Arguably some of the best fast-food fries, keep it under budget with this local favorite. Order a bounty of burgers, a landslide of shakes, or a pool of fries. Plus, you won’t have to figure out how to safely turn your stove on.
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Photo via Yelp
2300 E Cesar Chavez St.
Legendary Tex-Mex joint Juan in a Million has a taco so large it could feed an army. It's called the Don Juan El Taco Grande, with enough potato, egg and bacon tastiness to share with the whole table (and for only $8.50). Make sure you're good and hungry for this one. And don’t forget to order a nice, cold glass of Horchata while you're at it.
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Photo via Yelp
1000 E 41st St Suite 200
This Mediterranean spot located near the Hancock HEB will run you about $9 for a wrap and $12 for a plate. Considering it's some of the best Mediterranean food in town (along with some of the quickest and cheapest), what are you waiting for? We recommend the Veggie Supreme wrap.
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Photo via Thundercloud
Various Locations
Thundercloud reigns supreme if we're talkin' subs. White or wheat won't be the only question you're faced with here, as you pore over the menu options and decide whether you want to add thundersauce (you do), spicy pepper relish (you do), and a big pickle on the side (you do). Even with all the add-ons you can imagine for a sub, you'll likely walk away with less than a $10 bill.
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CHEAP DRINKS
100 North Loop Blvd #B
Deemed the “neighborhood bar of the North Loop,” Workhorse can best be described as an esteemed dive bar. A jukebox, cheap cocktails, and a chill patio create a relaxed environment, while locally-sourced burgers and an extensive local beer list keep it classy. We suggest ordering their signature Workhorse Marg, which'll cost you a whopping $6 and leave you feeling like much more.
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Photo via Instagram
1806 E 12th St
This unassuming spot on East 12th is actually Austin's coolest new sports bar, and the drinks are cheap, as is the grub. Cocktails start at $10, and they have great weekly specials like $1wings on Mondays, $2 hot dogs on Wednesdays, and $5 burgers on Sundays. Even when they're not on special, the food here is VERY affordable. See the menu for yourself.
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Photo via Yelp
2108 S. Lamar Blvd.
A casual bar with an awesome atmosphere, Black Sheep Lodge has everything you could need in an eating and drinking establishment: a dog-friendly patio, tons of TVs, shuffleboard, darts, pool, the “Best Burger in South Austin,” and Wi-Fi for all your fantasy football needs. They’ve also got 125 bottled beers on offer, along with 26 on tap, and on the infamous White Trash Wednesdays, you can score certain cans (Lone Star, PBR, High Life, etc.) for only $2. It’s classier than it sounds, swear.
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photo via Yelp
2911 San Jacinto Blvd
Opened way back in 1987, Crown & Anchor is a classic neighborhood pub located in Hyde Park that's been keeping college kids drunk and satiated for years now. With over 30 taps, 100 bottles/cans, darts, and pool, and an incredible menu that offers classic, no B.S. pub food (burgers, cheese fries, sandwiches, etc.), Crown & Anchor is without a doubt an Austin dive bar staple. With rotating beer specials and cheap drafts, your wallet will thank you.
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Photo via Violet Crown
1111 E. 6th Street
Not to be confused with the movie theater of the same name, Violet Crown Social Club has some of the cheapest drinks and heaviest pours on East 6th. Of particular note is their famous Orange Whip, a delicious frozen drink that you'll have a hard time ordering only one of. The fact that it's only $5 makes it an easy choice to order more.
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Photo via Yelp
2538 Guadalupe St.
Since it opened its doors in 1974, Hole in the Wall has been a local go-to for musicians, tourists, performers, and music lovers alike. A longtime stalwart in Austin's live music scene, Hole in the Wall has nurtured great bands like Spoon, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, and Fastball. Catch a show any night of the week and enjoy daily specials including discounted Lone Stars.
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CHEAP FUN
Photo via Do512 Family
10300 Taylor Ln
If you grew up in Austin or have a child in elementary school, chances are you’ve been on a field trip to Crowe’s Nest Farm. But did you realize that it's not just for field trips?! We at Do512 love this charming 100-acre working farm and animal sanctuary located just a short drive to Manor, Texas. At Crowe’s Nest, you will meet plenty of adorable domestic farm animals including bison, llamas, cows, donkeys, longhorns, ostrich, pigs, goats and much more. The farm is open for self-guided tours on Tuesdays through Saturdays (weather permitting) from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m for only $10 for adults.
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Photo via Do512 Family
Park 1600 City Park Rd
Located in West Austin, there’s a five-dollar entry fee per person to enter Emma Long Park, and it's an easy $5 well-spent. In addition to volleyball courts, basketball courts, and a huge array of picnic tables, Emma Long Park is unique in that it also offers several designated swimming areas alongside primitive camping while still inside Austin city limits.
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photo credit: Instagram user @texashighways
3809 W. 35th Street
If you’re looking for some zen in a busy week, consider a visit to Laguna Gloria. One of Austin’s most unique and romantic museums, Laguna Gloria is right on the Lake Austin waterfront. Bring a picnic and check out the peacocks next door at Mayfield Park after you’ve walked around the museum grounds. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 if you're a student, and totally free for all visitors every Thursday. Advanced ticket reservations are recommended.
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Fellow cheap-o?
