For college students on a budget, going out to eat can sound implausible — but it doesn't have to be. Here are some delicious eats that won't break the bank. Not only are these spots cheap, but they're near campus too.
Kabuki
Kabuki, located at Tempe Marketplace, offers a surprisingly inexpensive happy hour deal. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends, sushi lovers can indulge in a wide range of cheap rolls, appetizers and beverages.
Ranging from $3.95 to $4.75 each, the eight-piece rolls on the happy hour menu were a delicious steal. The salmon roll was a standout in the group, with a cool, salty fish center encased in rice and a taut seaweed wrapping. Each table at the restaurant has access to unlimited pickled ginger and wasabi, as well as soy sauce for dipping.
The words 'cheap' and 'fish' do not usually pair well, but at Kabuki, they pair extraordinarily well. The fish was high quality, the garnishes were fresh and quickly refilled, and the service was attentive but relaxed.
Depending on your appetite, one meal at Kabuki during happy hour can easily cost around $10. This is a great option for students who want to grab a quick bite of quality sushi before shopping around.
Venezia’s New York Style Pizzeria
Venezia's New York Style Pizzeria's gargantuan slices of salty, hot pizza are sure to sate any student's appetite. Located on the second floor of Sun Devil Marketplace, Venezia's serves whole pizzas, slices and classic sides like salads and wings.
The best deal for a student's lunch is the 1 slice + drink combo, which runs anywhere from $5.67 to $6.42 (depending on what slice of pizza you choose). This price includes free refills and an exceedingly large slice of pizza.
The pepperoni pizza slice, a Venezia's classic, buckles under its own weight. Topped with enough cheese to bankrupt a dairy farmer and loaded with crispy pepperoni slices, this slice is a feast.
Venezia's unique location allows for students to admire views of Mountain America Stadium and University House. Floor to ceiling windows let natural light into the room and set the tone for an upbeat, pizza-fueled study session.
Taco Chelo
Taco Chelo has two locations: one near the Downtown Phoenix campus on Roosevelt Street and one near the Tempe campus on College Avenue. Its atmosphere is more date night than study session with Luis Miguel’s voice pouring from the outdoor speakers, but the tacos are legendary. The "Sonoran" and carne asada tacos are best paired with a bottled Coca-Cola, for a grand total of $14.07 — each taco is around $5. While this is the most expensive meal on this list, it has a great value as Taco Chelo's chefs do not hesitate to pile on the delicious ingredients.
Taco Chelo is a full sensory experience. Warm tacos and sweet soda are complemented by fresh salsa. The street taco is a very easy food to ruin. If the tortilla rips, your night is doomed. If the meat has gristle, it becomes difficult to eat. But Taco Chelo’s fare is street taco nirvana. Soft corn tortillas support a whopping amount of fillings, including well-seasoned meat, tangy salsa and crisp vegetables.
Sunny's Diner
Located in a nondescript strip mall on University Drive, Sunny's Diner is a solid choice for a hearty meal before 3 p.m. The interior may be dated, but the food is solid. Whether it be breakfast, brunch or lunch, Sunny's has a plethora of options. Savory or sweet, pancakes or eggs, this diner has almost too many options. In fact, the menu is so big that you and your dining partner can’t open your menus at the same time.
The banana chocolate chip pancakes are a Sunny's classic. Richly flavored and served in plentiful amounts, two thick, fluffy pancakes are filled with slices of ripe banana and chocolate chips. Topped with creamy butter and slathered with chocolate sauce, these pancakes are an experience. Served with an unhealthy dose of maple syrup, this dish is the perfect breakfast after a late night. At $12.50, this is a steal.
The "Two Eggs Classic" is the best option to satisfy students craving a home-style breakfast. Your two eggs can be cooked any way, and they’re served with a choice of breakfast meat and an optional side of fruit. This dish is another massive portion size. The only downside to Sunny’s level of affordability is their hot coffee. While it is served with free refills, the weak amber coffee is $3.89.
The Chuckbox
This classic Tempe burger joint on University Drive, offers large amounts of beef for a very cheap price. Hungry students can get a hamburger with a half of a pound of ground beef for only $8.55, called "The Great Big One." For slightly less hungry students, "The Big One" (one-fifth of a pound) might suffice. Popular sides include "Chuckbox Potatoes," the house fries, for $3.56.
"The Big One" with cheese is a delicacy. Rich, gooey cheese is complemented by the smoky charbroiled flavor of the meat. A simple sesame-covered bun keeps the burger together. The "Chuckbox Potatoes" are perfectly salted and paired with a large selection of sauces and burger toppings. In a salad bar-style setup, customers can add mayo, ranch, ketchup, white onions, pickles, tomatoes and lettuce to their meals.
Edited by Savannah Dagupion, Leah Mesquita and Audrey Eagerton.
This story is part of The Contrast Issue, which was released on March 26, 2025. See the entire publication here.
Reach the reporter at amazzill@asu.edu and follow @BellaMazzilli on X.
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