Two samosas for $3.66, masala dosa (wrapped with spiced potato and onion served with chutneys) for $7.99, and pan-fried tilapia fish in homemade batter for $8.99: this U-District location has plenty of options to get your full, spiced up, and back in the world with money to burn.

Hattie’s is good at all hours of the day, but we recommend brunch. $6.50 for biscuits and gravy ($3.50 for a half order) or $10 for the Chang’s Migas (peppers, onions, tomatoes, Serrano chiles, and cheddar scrambled eggs with a fried corn tortilla.) This cozy spot will satisfy.

Giant pizzas that could serve a family of four or an army of 400, this East Coast-inspired spot on 1st will whet your appetite. A large pie is $22, but it is easily split between three people–that’s less than $7.50 each for a trio of full bellies.

Sometimes you have to give a little on the decor when you want to eat cheap. That’s not the case with this charming Phinney bar (or at its new Magnolia outpost.) Oliver’s Twist offers a $9 amazing grilled cheese sandwich with a tomato cappuccino. If you haven’t had this at least once in your life, you’re missing out.

Okay, there’s most likely going to be a line, but Paseo really is worth it. This sandwich hub might have the best food in town–and they know it, confidently disallowing any removals or substitutions. Try the $8.50 chicken breast sandwich or the tofu delight.

Café Racer, with its Obama room of art, arcade games, and acoustic guitars, also offers an affordable menu, including $5 hot dogs, $8.95 chili dogs, $7.95 burgers, and an incredible $5.50 breakfast burrito—they keep some wrapped up and ready to go during all business hours. Plus, tater tots.

Chinese comfort food at its best, Tai Tung has all the staples (fried rice plates for $5.95 and lo mein with oyster sauce for $4.25,) plus Chinese-style steak for $8.95, deep fried shrimp for $9.25, and squid with ginger for $8.75.