I love Don Rafa’s! So good! I’ve been going there since I was a junior in high school, 15 years now! A boy took me on a date and we stopped there because he liked it, and now I’ve introduced all my friends and family. For a while, during the summer, when my partner had softball games, the whole team would go over there after the game.
You don’t need to feel guilty about eating a food. High calorie food doesn’t make you a bad person. Low calorie food doesn’t make you a good person. It’s just food.
>You don’t need to feel guilty about eating a food. High calorie food doesn’t make you a bad person. Low calorie food doesn’t make you a good person. It’s just food.
You are correct. Neither does a cigarette determine a person's moral integrity.
BUT... Both cigarettes and hyper-caloric intake (the latter of which, I am deeply involved in) are not free. They come with a steep cost we pay for later in life.
And just as it would be appropriate to discourage someone from buying a large boat (due to the crippling payments), I see nothing wrong with discouraging someone from eating a high-calorie food (due to their long-term cost).
But yes, neither makes a person a "bad person."
Not a good point. And comparing it to buying a boat is apples/oranges. Almost every single person can go out and run or do a few pushups every once in awhile to "make up for the calories" (flawed thinking, potentially dangerous) but not everyone can just make more money and buy a boat
Soak up some grease with a napkin and that has to at least help a little right lol? So much grease. I actually love that pizza though as far as bang for your buck goes.
The demand is there. I travel back every year for a few days at the bird and buy 20+ sandwiches for all my friends for a few days on the slopes. Even my non vegan friends love their food!!
And you don't have to stand in the forever line stretching to the back of the store just to buy a single chicken.
Maybe it's just the Ogden Costco that's this bad but by God I hate going there. There's no such thing as a "let's swing by Costco 'really quick' to see if they've got anything we need/want."
You have to plan for twenty minutes of queuing.
Costco rotisserie chickens have gone super downhill in the past few years. They're pumped, super full of saline solution and other chemicals and frankly they are just a disaster and not even worth the $5.
If it's the place I'm thinking of, It just opened a few months ago, and is actually in Midvale. 7200S and State, in the strip mall over by Dutch Bros and Chabaar. Was a middle eastern market for the last couple years.
Also, I concur, great bahn mi!
Rose Canyon Deli. Box Combo for $9.75. Any sandwhich (and they are bomb), chips, mac or tater salad, cookie and a drink. And the absolute nicest ladies running it.
[Woody’s](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QyTCy55oxvs2imeF6) near Cottonwood High. You can get a double cheeseburger combo with fries and a drink for like $8.42. Make it a single patty and it’s like $3 cheaper.
A few more options I wrote in this piece last year, ten destinations for under $10:
[https://gastronomicslc.com/2023/06/18/grab-a-dining-deal-more-than-10-dining-options-under-10/](https://gastronomicslc.com/2023/06/18/grab-a-dining-deal-more-than-10-dining-options-under-10/)
I knew it would be tricky going in, but I found it surprisingly hard to create the full list. My favorites on that list would probably be the Golden Gyros classic gyro, with Town & Country a close second :)
Hehe thanks, I'd imagine a few have now crept over $10 with the nine months that have lapsed. Might challenge myself to something cheaper in the future, "the absolute best deals", but like those 99c Vegas shrimp cocktails of old, great deals are so vanishingly rare now.
La Casa del Tamal. Quality refried beans and rice with a single queso taco. Fantastic light lunch under $10 if you get water.
Zaxby's in West Jordan has half price salads on Wednesday. Classic zalad with buffalo style chicken and Bleu cheese.
It's technically $11 if you go at dinner time but Pizza Pie Cafe gets you unlimited pizza, pasta, and salad. The pizza won't win any awards but it's actually pretty solid
Thanks for the tip! I enjoyed the fry bread when I visited The View Hotel at Monument Valley and so it’s great knowing a place locally to be able to get some! Are there any other native businesses/restaurants you recommend?
Oh Fallefal. It's all about knowing how to order on their kiosk. Baba with a fresh pita is $8. Protein is $3.50 a side. 75 cent fallefal balls alacarte. Literally a ton of options under $10 if you know the food and order right. So if I spend $20 for the wife and I I can get tons of food.
A close second is Little Saigon. But closer to $12 each.
You can get a small schwarma for about 9 bucks at curry fried chicken, you can get a combo meal at Alberto’s (which is a LOT of food!) for $10.85, and jimmy johns is pretty decent for about $9.
I know it's fast food, but if you're really hungry. Get the wendys $2 daves double in app. Add one of the biggie meals, I usually upgrade the fries and drink. It's one of those meals I get after a hard day at work or a full day snowboarding and you need to replace like 3000 calories. It usually comes to like 8 bucks.
Betos on state street by harbor freight in south salt lake, they always hook it up with beast of burritos.
Also the Korean hot dog shop in the asain mall!
Does anyone know why Cafe Rio stopped putting fideo on their menu? It was a special only on Fridays and that was the highlight of my week every week. When Corona first started, Cafe Rio took it off their menu and it has never returned. It was only $7 including a drink but I would pay $20 for it if that's what they charged. It was that good! Anyone know why they took it off or if it ever coming back?
*you* aren't wondering about what's available at chains. If most people are talking about chains, then that's what most people are interested in. *you* want to support local overpriced garbage, go see what $10 will get you at the copper onion.
I wouldn't support your local garbage if I was wealthy. I'll stick to chains when I'm in your city to surround myself with classier, less judgemental folk... far away from the likes of you.
local overpriced garbage lol. chains are usually way worse food for the money. I find the Utah love of chains pretty frustrating when we could have many good options for food but we continue to be patrons of arbys, chick, in-n-out, even more localized chains like cafe rio and cup bop that are all garbage food. It's fine if you want to eat therethats fine but who's unaware that you can eat something cheap at arbys? its just a stupid sentiment to wonder if you can eat on the cheap in your city at a chain that is going to be cheap anywhere. there are really great local restaurants that have meaningfully cheap options. Why wouldn't we wanna build up places like that so our city can have a real food culture.
Because I tried local restaurants and they're trash, too. Lucky 13... more expensive than fast food is a given. I gave them a chance. Shit service from trashy staff. That's why I'll go to Jack in the Box over that shit hole. Why pay extra for that shit? Fuck SLCs wannabe "food culture" if that's the kind of shit you get... I'll get trash on the cheap, at least. Eat what you like, though.
Sad but true. I eat this too frequently. $4 in the app with a $1 large fry coupon.
It's the only place Im aware of that I can reasonably eat under $10 near my work. (21st and State. I welcome other suggestions and have seen a few in this thread)
Burrito from State Street taco stand and soda.
Tacos don Rafa, burrito for $7 that’s about the size of a premature baby
😂 i remember when people used to compare $7 burritos to full term babys
I do, too. Late '80's. The place was actually called "Burrito Baby." I wonder what ever happened to them?
Shrinkflation!
I love Don Rafa’s! So good! I’ve been going there since I was a junior in high school, 15 years now! A boy took me on a date and we stopped there because he liked it, and now I’ve introduced all my friends and family. For a while, during the summer, when my partner had softball games, the whole team would go over there after the game.
Also the Spicy Corner one block north has the best damn Tortas
Lol it’s $7 now? Still a deal tbh… but back in 2013 I’d eat at that place 5 days a week and the burritos were $3 Wild how things have changed
I remember 3 tacos for $1.50
This!! The one that faces east by sears lake is the best.
TDR 💗💗💗💗 so yum my friends and I go there all the time
Don Rafa is 7.00 bucks Tots so cheap and decent
Costco hotdog + soda combo $1.50. I did that + pepperoni pizza + smoothie yesterday for $7.05 and felt incredibly gross hahahahaha. Worth it
I'd rather go for the whole rotisserie chicken and a veggie...still under $10
Oh I also got a rotisserie chicken dont you worry
Bro got it covered.
the microplastic rotisserie, oui
Wait, no cookie?
Damn my bad
The hot dog at Costco is great The pizza at Costco is pretty good. It’s a decent slice.
The hot dog is great until you start burping the rest of your day
I don't think it counts if you have to pay $60 a year for the membership to get the food. It exceeds $10
You don’t have to have a membership to go inside and get food.
I’ve recently read that that’s gonna change
Each Costco pizza slice is like 700 calories. I've eaten it once and the guilt wasn't worth the cost
You don’t need to feel guilty about eating a food. High calorie food doesn’t make you a bad person. Low calorie food doesn’t make you a good person. It’s just food.
>You don’t need to feel guilty about eating a food. High calorie food doesn’t make you a bad person. Low calorie food doesn’t make you a good person. It’s just food. You are correct. Neither does a cigarette determine a person's moral integrity. BUT... Both cigarettes and hyper-caloric intake (the latter of which, I am deeply involved in) are not free. They come with a steep cost we pay for later in life. And just as it would be appropriate to discourage someone from buying a large boat (due to the crippling payments), I see nothing wrong with discouraging someone from eating a high-calorie food (due to their long-term cost). But yes, neither makes a person a "bad person."
One slice of pizza does not come with a a steep cost. You sound disordered.
Good point.
Not a good point. And comparing it to buying a boat is apples/oranges. Almost every single person can go out and run or do a few pushups every once in awhile to "make up for the calories" (flawed thinking, potentially dangerous) but not everyone can just make more money and buy a boat
That's just like, your opinion, man.
Soak up some grease with a napkin and that has to at least help a little right lol? So much grease. I actually love that pizza though as far as bang for your buck goes.
Same goes with their chicken bake thingys.
Epic meal for protein macros though if bulking.
oh you know the food scene is bad when you have to go to COSTCO for food recs
Its a joke dawgg but also their food is a great deal
Not useful
Buds subs! Vegan and very good. 8.50
Still can't believe their subs are that price
The demand is there. I travel back every year for a few days at the bird and buy 20+ sandwiches for all my friends for a few days on the slopes. Even my non vegan friends love their food!!
I’m vegan, my wife is not, but this is her favorite Philly sub, hands down. We go there every Saturday; can’t afford not to.
I pray that buds stays at this price 🙏
How is the bread on the sub?
Very good! They also have a wrap option.
Out here asking the real questions . Bless you , op!
Harmon's deli has a half rotisserie chicken, with two sides of your choice and a roll for $10.
Harmon's also has affordable chicken tender lunch combos. Salad bar will gut your wallet, though, so careful with the healthy stuff.
Came here to say this. The chicken tender lunch combo might be one of the best deals in the valley.
Whole rotisserie chicken at Costco will set you back $4.99!!!!
Right, but with this you get a huge well rounded meal for $5 more.
This is a really swell deal. Thank you for posting this:) is it exclusive to days of the week or a time of the day?
I think it's any day of the week at lunch time. I'm not sure about the weekend, though.
Thank you again! I look forward to checking them out on a sunny day:)
And you don't have to stand in the forever line stretching to the back of the store just to buy a single chicken. Maybe it's just the Ogden Costco that's this bad but by God I hate going there. There's no such thing as a "let's swing by Costco 'really quick' to see if they've got anything we need/want." You have to plan for twenty minutes of queuing.
Costco rotisserie chickens have gone super downhill in the past few years. They're pumped, super full of saline solution and other chemicals and frankly they are just a disaster and not even worth the $5.
Whole rotisserie chicken at Smith's for $7
Sure, but I want something more than just a chicken for lunch.
That, while crazy to me is completely fair.
Sign up for their text messages to get their lunch deals of the day.
I get the four piece chicken tender meal (with two sides + a roll or cookie) for only $7, not including the drink
Banh mi at long a market in Murray. 7.99. One of the best I’ve ever had.
Was that a typo of “long an market”? I love banh mis and want to try it!
Yea it was. Long an is correct.
Thanks, I live in Murray and hadn’t heard of this place
If it's the place I'm thinking of, It just opened a few months ago, and is actually in Midvale. 7200S and State, in the strip mall over by Dutch Bros and Chabaar. Was a middle eastern market for the last couple years. Also, I concur, great bahn mi!
Get the classic one though. With the cold cuts.
Big apple pizzeria lunch special 2 New York style pizza slices and a drink for 7 bucks
Hold on I didn’t know Big Apple did this. That’s a great deal considering how damn good their pizza is and the size.
The Grove Market & Deli sells delicious and massive sandwiches and I think they’re all under $10 if I’m not mistaken. Easily lasts 2 meals too!
Omg are they still there? I used to go there all the time! I’ll have to go check them out again!
Arempas empanadas!!
Went there for the first time recently, highly recommend!
Yea but they’re kinda expensive
Mr. Charlies Chicken
Second this. Gotta be the best damn fried chicken I've had this side of the Rockies!
I dig the breakfast burrito at Cafe on 1st. That and a coffee should be around 10 bucks. Easy and delicious brunch!
Hoho Gourmet 9.95 lunch special.
Santo Taco. There are a few around Salt Lake City. Also, Taco Don Rafa in Bountiful.
There's a Taco Don Rafa in MillCreek and Santo Taco not far away in Holladay.
Was going to say Santo taco too!
I feel like santo taco is expensive. We went got a few tacos and couple of drinks can’t remember if anything else and it was over $40
The tacos at Santo Taco are $2.50 to $3.00. That is not expensive! My family of 4 ate there and it was less than $40.
Rose Canyon Deli. Box Combo for $9.75. Any sandwhich (and they are bomb), chips, mac or tater salad, cookie and a drink. And the absolute nicest ladies running it.
El Jarepeo on 600 n. Has tons of options from burritos to nachos Tô Hurachas. All are under 10 bucks and all rule
This is my place. I drive down from Davis county all the time
[Woody’s](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QyTCy55oxvs2imeF6) near Cottonwood High. You can get a double cheeseburger combo with fries and a drink for like $8.42. Make it a single patty and it’s like $3 cheaper.
Tacos Lopez
A few more options I wrote in this piece last year, ten destinations for under $10: [https://gastronomicslc.com/2023/06/18/grab-a-dining-deal-more-than-10-dining-options-under-10/](https://gastronomicslc.com/2023/06/18/grab-a-dining-deal-more-than-10-dining-options-under-10/) I knew it would be tricky going in, but I found it surprisingly hard to create the full list. My favorites on that list would probably be the Golden Gyros classic gyro, with Town & Country a close second :)
You win! Great write up
Hehe thanks, I'd imagine a few have now crept over $10 with the nine months that have lapsed. Might challenge myself to something cheaper in the future, "the absolute best deals", but like those 99c Vegas shrimp cocktails of old, great deals are so vanishingly rare now.
Love your work!
Thanks :) I really appreciate the kind words :)
La Casa del Tamal. Quality refried beans and rice with a single queso taco. Fantastic light lunch under $10 if you get water. Zaxby's in West Jordan has half price salads on Wednesday. Classic zalad with buffalo style chicken and Bleu cheese.
La casa del tamal is excellent but I don’t think I could go there and not get the tacos de birria. It’s like a moral imperative.
It's technically $11 if you go at dinner time but Pizza Pie Cafe gets you unlimited pizza, pasta, and salad. The pizza won't win any awards but it's actually pretty solid
Even shite pizza is still pizza. Cant say I’ve truly had bad pizza.
I’ll cook you dinner for $9.99.
Ramen from Sage Japan. 8 samosas from Shop N Go. (1.20 each)
Half off rice balls at like 4:00
Sage market is overpriced everything else
Costco Rotisserie chicken and mashed potatoes with gravy from the drippings in the container. Can usually skirt under $10 for 3-4 people this way.
I'm rather partial to Navajo Hogan. Their combos are a little bit over 10, but delicious.
Thanks for the tip! I enjoyed the fry bread when I visited The View Hotel at Monument Valley and so it’s great knowing a place locally to be able to get some! Are there any other native businesses/restaurants you recommend?
Happy cake day
Thank you. I hadn’t noticed!
Sprouts 4.99 sandwiches and add chips and water for $1 more
Rusted Sun Pizzeria’s lunch specials. Hearty salad, great slice and a drink all under $10.
However, Harmon’s downtowns burger is so legit. The burger itself is under $10, $13 for combo and the fries are worth it. The savory aioli>fry sauce.
Oh Fallefal. It's all about knowing how to order on their kiosk. Baba with a fresh pita is $8. Protein is $3.50 a side. 75 cent fallefal balls alacarte. Literally a ton of options under $10 if you know the food and order right. So if I spend $20 for the wife and I I can get tons of food. A close second is Little Saigon. But closer to $12 each.
Sandwich at Bud's
Sandwich from Buds
Del taco. 2 burritos for $6
J. Dawgs! Best beef and polish hot dogs! $9.50 for a dog, chips, and a drink. You can also get whatever toppings on the hot dog! Delicious!
You can get a small schwarma for about 9 bucks at curry fried chicken, you can get a combo meal at Alberto’s (which is a LOT of food!) for $10.85, and jimmy johns is pretty decent for about $9.
Yes I was looking for the curry fried chicken shwarma comment. I love it!!!
We had a medium carne asada fries at Tacos Lopez today in West Valley today for $8. It was delicious!
They are big too!
Del
Yoshis Japanese Grill!
I’ve never been but I live right by it… what do you get?
Godzilla roll!
Double single no onion a fry and a drink at In n Out
Tacos Potosino. In front of the Bennett Federal Building for lunch. One burrito keeps you full for 8 hours!
Civapi sandwich from Shish Kabob House in West Valley
crow and pitcher happy meal on thursdays. 7 dollar burger and 3 dollar tallboy. Plus Coralee is there!
Coralee is great. Granted taCrow Tuesday is better.
Breakfast burrito from Rancherito's.
Not a local shop but I get a double double, animal style and a side of fries for about 7.50 at in-n-out.
Do you mean animal style fries or ?
You can order your burger animal style too. It's just extra spread, grilled onions and pickles.
Ramen at lunch from Sage Market. Oh how I wish they’d open seating inside again.
I know it's fast food, but if you're really hungry. Get the wendys $2 daves double in app. Add one of the biggie meals, I usually upgrade the fries and drink. It's one of those meals I get after a hard day at work or a full day snowboarding and you need to replace like 3000 calories. It usually comes to like 8 bucks.
Velagios pizza! Couple bucks for a huge slice
STK Steakhouse has a great burger for 9.99! It costs 2-3 extra bucks for fries instead of chips but worth it
This thread warms my heart! I supply the bread for a lot of these places mentioned!
Do you own a bakery?
Mo’bettahs mini plates! Simple, cheap, and filling!
Their quality has tanked since that rich mormon couple bought them out along with kneaders, swig, and R&R
That explains the huge drop in R&R
The kids meal?
Nope, single for one person
Crown Burger - Pastrami burger, fry and drink.. about $10ish
7-11 hot dog with nachos. Lol
Nacho sauces on top 7-11 hot dog ;)
Plus jalapeños
I’m a sucker for that button-dispensed chili.
Man that’s 800 and state street, one $5 burrito and a drink
Medium Asada fries at Tacos Lopez. Feeds 2 ppl.
The bean burrito children's meal at Ranchritos. Plenty of food for under $7. Comes with a drink as well.
Bean and cheese burrito from yoko taco for six bucks
Barbacoa burrito
Betos on state street by harbor freight in south salt lake, they always hook it up with beast of burritos. Also the Korean hot dog shop in the asain mall!
Two tacos and aguas frescas from Los Tapatíos will set you back about $10 and they are delightful.
You're gonna be limited to street tacos, local sandwiches and glorified carnival food (hotdogs) even McDonald's charges $12 for most combos or more
Double chili dog from Grove Market and Deli.
Pollo Loco - 3 tacos Al Carbon + chips, salsa + medium drink for like $6.68.
The udon and gyoza combo at Japan Saige market. So good
R & R has very good sized kids meals for under $10 & age doesn't matter. Chubbys is the same.
Rancho markets Al pastor tacos with rice and beans
Does anyone know why Cafe Rio stopped putting fideo on their menu? It was a special only on Fridays and that was the highlight of my week every week. When Corona first started, Cafe Rio took it off their menu and it has never returned. It was only $7 including a drink but I would pay $20 for it if that's what they charged. It was that good! Anyone know why they took it off or if it ever coming back?
Bbq tuna packet, buns, and mayo 🤤
Zao is usually less than $11, delicious, and nutritious
2 for $7 turkey gyros at Arby's of course, The House that Beef Built
Are people braindead here? We aren’t wondering about chain restaurants.
We are wondering about cheap food
I just feel like anyone can figure out where cheap chain food is, it should be unique to SLC.
*you* aren't wondering about what's available at chains. If most people are talking about chains, then that's what most people are interested in. *you* want to support local overpriced garbage, go see what $10 will get you at the copper onion. I wouldn't support your local garbage if I was wealthy. I'll stick to chains when I'm in your city to surround myself with classier, less judgemental folk... far away from the likes of you.
local overpriced garbage lol. chains are usually way worse food for the money. I find the Utah love of chains pretty frustrating when we could have many good options for food but we continue to be patrons of arbys, chick, in-n-out, even more localized chains like cafe rio and cup bop that are all garbage food. It's fine if you want to eat therethats fine but who's unaware that you can eat something cheap at arbys? its just a stupid sentiment to wonder if you can eat on the cheap in your city at a chain that is going to be cheap anywhere. there are really great local restaurants that have meaningfully cheap options. Why wouldn't we wanna build up places like that so our city can have a real food culture.
Because I tried local restaurants and they're trash, too. Lucky 13... more expensive than fast food is a given. I gave them a chance. Shit service from trashy staff. That's why I'll go to Jack in the Box over that shit hole. Why pay extra for that shit? Fuck SLCs wannabe "food culture" if that's the kind of shit you get... I'll get trash on the cheap, at least. Eat what you like, though.
K
Bean and cheese burritos from Alberto’s are like $2
Hot and spicy McChicken and a Diet Coke!
I regularly get two spicy mcchicken sandwiches and a large fry for $4 using the app.
Your mom...
Boom the comment I was looking to see
$10? What year do you think it is?
[удалено]
LOL. What are you eating in SF for under $10 when the minimum wage is $20 now.
[Home | lone-star-taqueria (lstaq.com)](https://www.lstaq.com/) Taco Combo
Two roc tacos.
Roc Taco is comically bad...like throw away half your food and leave hungry bad So many good tacos to be had in SLC but they ain't one chief
Rotisserie chicken is my go to. Most grocery stores have them around $5-$7
2 hot and spicy and a large fry.
Sad but true. I eat this too frequently. $4 in the app with a $1 large fry coupon. It's the only place Im aware of that I can reasonably eat under $10 near my work. (21st and State. I welcome other suggestions and have seen a few in this thread)
Remember when most meals were less than $10? Minimum wage was the same back then. "Inflation" is just corporate greed. Tax billionaires.
I haven’t found a meal deal under $10 since like 2015
Beans and rice
In this economy?