Even cash-strapped college students have to eat. And with days spent cramming for finals, waking up to make it in time for that 7:30 a.m. class and accommodating those late-night study groups, they deserve more than a sad brick of ramen or even sadder soggy drive-thru burger. And, there’s only so many times a party-sized bag of generic potato chips will pass as dinner.
Thankfully, there are much better alternatives available within an easy stroll or bike ride from Arizona State University in Tempe. We've rounded up 14 of them — all within a two-mile radius of campus.
You won’t find fast food chain deals on this list, instead these spots are all fast-casual and sit-down establishments — most of which are independently owned and based in Arizona — where you can score breakfast, lunch or dinner for $10 or less, before taxes.All suggestions include an entree or combination of sides to make an entree and a beverage, and some even allow for a side or dessert.
Here are more than a dozen places to get a good, cheap meal near ASU Tempe.
Venezia’s Pizza Presto
This pizza joint has been a beloved institution for more than 25 years with several locations throughout the Valley. Its newest is in the heart of ASU territory at the Sun Devil Marketplace and offers barely $10 deals like a slice, salad and beverage meal($9.20) and two slices and a drink combo ($8.48). Extend your budget by a few cents and you can chow down on a trifecta of wings, salad and a drink ($10.74). It’s open daily and late on the weekends. Steps away from Mountain America Stadium, it’s a convenient pre- and post-game spot.
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Details: 660 S. College Ave., Suite 221. 480-992-9278, venezias.com.
Salad and Go
This healthy made-to-order salads and wraps shop has more than 130 locations across four states, but got its start with a single location in Tempe more than a decade ago. With a succinct focus on affordable healthy dishes and fast-casual model, it’s ideal for college-schedule eating. The menu features 11 entree-sized salads and 11 wraps, all with or without meat, as well as a build-your-own option, at $6.79 each. Options include fajita, buffalo chicken, caesar salad, barbecue ranch, cobb, Thai and Greek renditions. The 24-ounce beverages are a steal at $1.49. You can opt for a flavored tea, lemonade or an Arnold Palmer. But we like switching things up with the mint cucumber Arnold Palmer for the same price.
Details: 909 E. Broadway Road. 480-761-2717, saladandgo.com.
Shawarma Paradise
This petite well-kept eatery’s focus is on takeout orders, but there are seats should you wish to devour your lunch or late-night study sustenance immediately. The menu is loaded with burgers, shawarmas, wraps and platters that are kind on the digital wallet so you’ve got options aplenty. Bottled water or canned soda is $1.79, so there’s lots of room to explore. All dishes can be customized to add toppings or sauces, allowing you to pay what’s doable. A few possibilities: Single veggie falafel platter on rice or fries ($5.99), single samosa platter ($5.99), crispy chicken burger ($4.99), chicken shawarma ($4.99) or beef and lamb gyro ($5.99). Pick and choose from vegetable add-ons like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and pickles and sauces like tzatziki, hummus and garlic, all for 40 cents each. Its hours of operation are a bit tricky — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. to midnight — but at these prices, the pre-planning is worth it.
Details: 1045 E. Lemon St. 480-968-8646, order.toasttab.com/online/shawarmaparadise.
Mesquite Fresh Street Mex
This family-run local chain offers plenty of options for under 10 bucks. Go for the bean and cheese burrito ($5.99) or build a budget-friendly combo with a veggie taco ($1.89) paired with rice and beans ($3.99) or chips and guac ($3.49). There are flavored teas and soda for $2.99, but why not go for a Jarritos bottled soda for the same price?
Details: 505 S. Mill Ave. 480-550-7052, eatmesquite.com.
Nocawich
Head here before or between classes from Monday to Friday for a breakfast sandwich composed of eggs, cheddar and garlic aioli on focaccia ($6) or a breakfast burrito stuffed with eggs, cheddar and tater tots with tomatillo salsa ($7). At $8, the Caesar salad or wrap is an affordable lunch option. For $6, get a grilled cheese sandwich or smash burger topped with cheddar, pickles, red onion and burger sauce on a King’s Hawaiian bun — indulge by adding bacon for $2. Or use those funds to splurge on a bag of chips ($1.50). Soda and bottled water are $1.50.
Details: 777 S. College Ave.nocawich.com.
Haji Baba
For decades, this family-run hole-in-the-wall has been a go-to for satisfying dishes and sizable portions at college budget-friendly prices. Seven sandwiches come in at $6.49 each or less, including the falafel ($5.49), chicken shawarma ($5.99) and gyros ($6.49) Sip on the famous rosewater lemonade ($2.49). Do your accounting right and you can splurge with a piece of baklava ($1.89) that’s baked fresh daily for dessert.
Details: 1513 E. Apache Blvd. 480-894-1905, hajibabamiddleeasternfood.com.
Original ChopShop
Place your order online and get a 16-ounce tea, lemonade or Arnold Palmer for a buck, making your budget stretch a little further. An egg and veggie hash made of two over-easy eggs, sweet potato hash, smashed avocado, corn, onion, roasted red pepper and spinach with a whole wheat tortilla on the side ($9) is a good start to the day, as is the sunrise wrap stuffed with scrambled egg whites, onion, tomato, cheddar and avocado pesto ($9). There’s also classic avocado toast ($8.75). At $9 each, fruit-filled, granola-topped acai and pitaya bowls offer refreshing breakfasts or lunches.
Details: 222 E. University Drive. 480-307-9336, originalchopshop.com.
Someburros
Swing by before your first class and $7.45 will get you an egg and potato burro stuffed with chorizo or bacon. Or skip the meat and go with the onion version ($6.85). For lunch and beyond, choose from burros filled with beans and cheese, chicken, red or green chili beef or vegetables, each for $7.25 or less. If you go with a trio of taquitos filled with beef or chicken with guac ($6.85) you’ll still have enough for a 20-ounce fountain drink ($2.95). Or get bottled water ($2.55) or orange juice ($2.45) for that breakfast run.
Details: 1314 S. Rural Road. 480-446-8226, someburros.com.
Hummus Xpress
Big flavors are churned out at this small Lebanese spot tucked in a low-key strip mall. Build-your-own pita ($7.50) and pack it with your choice of meat, vegetarian and vegan options. Start with lemon garlic chicken, Aleppo beef, Lebanese falafel or fire-roasted gyro. Next, customize to your heart’s content with any of 25-ish fixings spanning grains, four flavors of hummus, cooked and raw vegetables and savory sauces. The combinations are nearly endless, making this spot prime for repeat visits. Soda is $2.50.
Details: 930 W. Broadway Road. 480-968-2311, hummusxpress.com.
Sacks Sandwiches
Build your own PB&J sandwich starting at $4.99. Get it toasted or grilled if that strikes your fancy. Stick with classic bread like 12-grain, baguette, white, marble rye or sourdough that come with no extra charge and you can splurge on a side of coleslaw ($1.49) or potato or pasta salad ($1.95) and have just enough for a small chocolate chip cookie (65 cents). The grilled cheese is doable starting at $6.29, that includes three cheeses of your choosing like Swiss, cheddar, pepper jack, American or provolone. You’ll still have room for a side or a large cookie ($1.95), but not both. A classic, simple egg salad sammie ($7.49) remains in reach. Depending on your tab, you can add on one of the assorted bottled and canned beverages ($1.99) or bottled water ($1.69).
Details: 839 W. University Drive. 480-967-2980, sackssandwiches.com.
The Chuck Box
This iconic, cash-only burger joint is known for its old-time charm and beefy offerings. The petite ⅕-pounder ($6.16) or a hot dog ($6.45) will satisfy. Get a small drink for $3.10.
Details: 202 E. University Drive. 480-968-4712, thechuckbox.com.
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The Halal Guys
It will take some creative menu planning, but match a side of hummus that comes with pita bread ($4.50) with an order of falafel (4 for $3.75) and you’ve got a solid lunch. Go 24 cents over budget, and you can snag bottled water ($1.99).
Details: 1015 S. Rural Road. 480-275-7502, thehalalguys.com.
Poke 2 U
Order a California, spicy California or veggie roll for $6.99. In addition to the expected fountain drinks and bottled soft drinks, canned Arizona mango and watermelon fruit co*cktail beverages and UCC iced coffee and tea are $2 each.
Details: 414 S. Mill Ave. 480-773-7454, poke2u.com.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
There’s lots to ponder at this longtime fixture on Mill Avenue. The cheese quesadilla ($5.59), bean and cheese burrito ($4.99) and bean and cheese nachos ($5.59) are debit-card friendly. Feel like breakfast for lunch? Burritos stuffed with egg and cheese with bacon, potatoes, chorizo or shrimp ($6.39) have you covered. A regular soft drink costs $2.99.
Details: 414 S. Mill Ave. 480-968-8226, fuzzystacoshop.com.
