Maybe H-E-B Chairman Charles Butt still has a latte budget, but most San Antonians are likely feeling the pinch of food inflation. Still, that doesn’t mean locals have to revert to a college diet of Top Ramen and Totino’s Pizza Rolls. Some of Alamo City’s best restaurants also happen to be the cheapest. It doesn’t take a billionaire’s bankroll to dine at these beloved local spots — and you’ll have plenty of leftovers for quick meals later in the week.
The Jerk Shack
This Michelin Bib Gourmand winner is rightfully known for its chicken, marinated in a complex spice mixture that includes allspice, thyme, and fiery Scotch bonnet peppers. When tightening the wallet, save that for a dinner party and opt for the fiery pork.
It comes in two sizes, eight ounces ($8) and a full pound ($12), and it’s infinitely remixable. Add single servings of mac’ n’ cheese and pineapple slaw (both $6.50) and mix and match. The slaw is particularly tasty in a pork sandwich served on a grilled brioche bun, slicked with a slight spoonful of mayo.
Pho Kim Long
It’s been a long time since locals could feast on pho for $6, but by keeping the price $15.95, this Olmos Park classic still serves a bargain. The choice of protein is up to individual palates, but try the ultra-filling combination with brisket, rare steak, beef tendon, and sproingy meatballs. Leftovers are a given; just make sure to pack the noodles and broth in separate containers.
While at it, order an $8 bowl of the broth to take home. Freeze that for later and defrost for an almost-instant pantry meal. Add any kind of noodle, make it into a rice porridge, or get creative. Griddle some leftover roast and cheese in a tortilla and use the stock as consomé. Voila, Viet-Mexican quessabirria.
Get a whole chicken at Pollos Asados Los Norteños and dine for the week.Pollos Asados Los Norteños/ Facebook
Pollos Asados Los Norteños
Sure, you can snag a scrawny rotisserie chicken on your way home from work, but it can’t compete with the marinated, mesquite-grilled birds from this Southeast Side gem. Guests can score a half chicken for under $10, but wise customers know to always order the full meal.
Our favorite rent week hack is to order the whole chicken deal at $17.89, which comes with rice, tortillas, and San Antonio’s sprightliest green salad. Eat it straight out of the container as soon as you get home, then pick the bones clean. There will be enough for tacos on Tuesday, snacks on Wednesday, and a Chipotle-style power bowl at the end of the week.
Sichuan House
A more demure sibling to the glamorous Dashi, this Northwest Side spot still sets the standard for San Antonio Sichuan cuisine. None of the dishes will force you to take out a second mortgage, but the kickier dishes like Swimming in Spice ($15) and the delightfully named Twin Flames: Papi’s Pepper Pandemonium ($15) make for many happy returns.
But the fried rice ($11-$12) is a gift that keeps on giving. With a few eggs and some frozen shrimp, it can find new life as a frittata, but don’t overthink it. Add a few drops of water to the refrigerated pile and zap it — it’ll still be just as good.
Sichuan House is the key to rent week bliss.Sichuan House/Facebook
Station Cafe
During the weekend lunch service, this King William deli has a steady throng of regulars eager to order stuffed muffulettas, towering clubs, and the signature Turkey Chupacabra slathered in a fiery serrano sauce. Save for some stripes on the wall and floral oilcloth on the tables, the spot is lean on atmosphere. But who cares? The staff is colorful enough without the frills.
The sandwiches, all made with house-baked bread, are a steal $9 — and they’re hearty enough for two meals. Bigger appetites might want to supplement them with a briny Greek side salad or a cup of bowtie pasta dressed in a zippy pesto. Either will only set you back $4.95.