Springfield, MO, is known for its vibrant culture and diverse culinary scene. The up-and-coming city has many dining options ranging from affordable family dinners to upscale modern dining.
Finding restaurants that serve high-quality food, have great service, and do not break the bank is a must for many people who enjoy the company and ambiance of a meal out without breaking the bank.
In this restaurant, we’ll highlight some of the best cheap eats in the city that give you that high-quality finding experience without the price tag. We’ll mention the must-haves at these spots, as well as their price ranges and any popular activities close by.
Let's get into it!
Image Source: PaPPo's Pizzeria
PaPPo’s Pizzeria is a great, family-friendly Italian restaurant. Known for their never-ending range of stone hearth pizzas, it is a great compromise between price and quality.
Their menu also boasts a long list of other classic Italian dishes, including pasta and American fusion classics, such as meatballs.
PaPPo’s Pizzeria has happy hour specials from 3-6 pm with discounts on appetizers, liquor, and craft beers, making it great for those looking for a late lunch or early dinner. They also have a lunch special from Monday to Friday, offering a pizza, calzone, sub, 6 wings or meatballs, and a salad for $11.99.
If you pop into Pappos’ Pizzeria for lunch, consider popping into the Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, which is just a 10-minute drive away. Alternatively, take the kids to McDaniel Park, a leisurely mile stroll from PaPPo’s Pizzeria.
Image Source: Greek Belly
Greek Belly is a small, family-owned restaurant that serves authentic Greek food. With a focus on freshness, quality, and flavor, their meals are beloved by locals and visitors to Springfield.
Their menu has extensive options, which start at just $7 for an appetizer and pita wraps for $8.50, for example. The Greek chef prides himself on their Gyros and the popular Baklava. And if you’re looking to take the family out for dinner and are on a budget, the family platter serves around 7 people and is a crowd-pleaser.
For people with dietary restrictions, the Greek Belly menu also accommodates those who are gluten intolerant, dairy-free, and vegan. They have gluten-free pitas and numerous vegan options to accommodate many people who may struggle to find budget-friendly restaurants that cater to their needs.
The nearby History Museum on the Square is a great place to take the kids beforehand and work up an appetite.
Image Source: FD's Grillhouse
Rated as one of the top 5 restaurants in Springfield, MO, on TripAdvisor, FD’s Grillhouse is the home of great value and high-quality food. It is a great spot if you are looking for a great, quality restaurant without breaking the bank, especially for couples on dates.
On the menu, you’ll find modern twists on pub classics, as well as a range of fresh seafood. Some of the most popular dishes are the Sirloin, which starts at $14.50, as well as the Ruby Red Trout, which is seasoned with Cajun spices and is priced at a very reasonable $15.95. The Homemade Key Lime Pie is a great after dinner treat and comes at under $6.
If you are spending the day at the Twin Oaks Country Club, FDs Grillhouse is nearby and is the perfect way to finish a great day outdoors.
However, the busy restaurant is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, so it is recommended that you book in advance to secure a table.
Image Source: Cedars
“Great food just like Grandma made.”- This perfectly summarizes Cedar, a popular, no-thrills restaurant that offers delicious, budget-friendly meals. The restaurant is almost always busy, and you’ll often see friendly staff buzzing around with a smile on their face.
The serving sizes are generous, to say the least, and the prices are cheap. Looking to share a meal, have hungry teenage boys or are hungry beyond measure? Cedars is a great place to stopover for a casual meal. Their burgers start at $5.99, and hearty meals such as chopped steak are priced at only $6.79.
Some of the most popular meals include the pork tenderloin sandwich and the cheeseburger, served with two cheese types. They also have specials every day of the week, so it pays to check what these are. They are open from breakfast all the way through to dinner, so are the perfect stop-over at any time of day.
They are located just a 3-minute drive to the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Springfield. If you are looking to treat the family to dinner and a movie, this is the perfect family night itinerary that won’t break the bank.
Image Source: Tortilleria Perches
Tortilleria Perches is a vibrant Mexican restaurant that prides itself on offering budget-friendly, authentic food all day long.
Whilst their tacos usually sit at just $3.50, you can enjoy 99-cent tacos on taco Tuesdays. For families, Tortilleria Perches offers family packs that include enchiladas, tacos, and tamales, for example. These offer budget-friendly ways to feed the whole family.
Some of the most popular meals, other than the tacos, include meals from the ‘Family Recipes’ section. This section offers authentic Latin American meals, such as tamales a la diabla and chuletas de puerco.
Located in the Elfindale Centre, parking is easy and makes the restaurant a great stop after a day of shopping or for a quick lunch between work breaks, for example.
Image Source: Queen City Deli
J Parrino's Queen City Deli is an Italian deli and restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner. The top-rated deli has a relaxed atmosphere that is great for grabbing a quick bite for lunch and a nice simple meal for dinner.
Some of the most popular items include sandwiches and pasta for lunch, which are all reasonably priced. One of the highest-rated sandwiches includes the LoRusso Special Muffuletta, which is made with plenty of Genoa salami, ham, mortadella, provolone, and mozzarella cheese, and our homemade olive salad on round Italian bread. Aside from the sandwiches, there are also plenty of vegetarian-friendly options.
The deli is close to the Battlefield Mall, one of the best-known malls in Springfield, making it a great stop for a quick, budget-friendly lunch after a day of shopping.
Image Source: Red’s Giant Hamburg
Located on historic Route 66, Red Giant Hamburg claims to be the home of the first drive-through. The busy diner has a fun retro vibe, with a colorful interior that is always bustling with people. Booths line the walls and are a great place to perch up and enjoy a quick meal.
All meals are reasonably priced. They also run specials for each day of the week, which offers cheap $5 meals that change daily. Some of these daily specials include $5 Tenderloin sandwiches and $5 fried fish sandwiches, for example.
Located on Route 66, it is a great stopover for a road trip on the historic highway, making for the most authentic road trip experience.
From experiencing the full Route 66 experience with a burger from the historic Red Giant’s Hamburg or a fresh Greek meal at the Greek Belly, you’ll find a range of cheap eats in Springfield.
These restaurants offer budget-friendly dining options without compromising flavor and hospitality. Whilst finding a cheap and nice restaurant can take some experimenting, these restaurants are tried and tested, with great reviews and even greater reputations.
If you’re looking to enjoy a great meal without worrying about the bill, give these restaurants a try.
