Looking for great food in Palm Springs without spending a fortune? Whether you’re craving tacos, burgers, pizza, or breakfast, Palm Springs has plenty of cheap eats and budget-friendly restaurants scattered across its walkable neighborhoods. Here's your complete guide to affordable dining in Palm Springs that's not fast food, organized by location for easy planning.
Downtown Palm Springs
Bill’s Pizza
119 S Indian Canyon Drive
Why it’s affordable: Gourmet pies without the high-end price tag. Slices and whole pies make it perfect for groups or solo meals. All large slices of pizza are under $5.
Try this: Elton John pizza, margherita, Bill's Favorite
La Bonita's
[Mexican] 330 N Palm Canyon Drive
Why it’s affordable: This family-owned Mexican eatery offers generous portions, a wide menu with tacos, burrito bowls, and house favorites like carne asada fries—all at fair prices.
Try this: The à la carte menu items like the Bonita taco, tostada, queso taco, bean/cheese burrito, and cheese quesadilla are all $8 or less.
Tyler’s Burgers
[Lunch] 149 S Indian Canyon Drive
Why it’s affordable: A burger stand tucked in La Plaza with classic flavors and old-school prices. Meat is ground fresh daily. Most things on the menu are $15 or less.
Try this: Burgers, sandwiches, salads, and soups.
Bongo Johnny’s Patio Bar & Grill
[American] 301 N Palm Canyon Dr (upstairs)
Why it’s affordable: Big portions, fun brunch menu, and daily food and drink specials.
Try this: Johnny's Jump Start breakfast (served until 4 pm) is under $10 and includes 2 eggs, hashbrowns, and a choice of toast. For lunch, the healthy Reuben is under $15 and served with your choice of side.
Java Caliente Cafe Palm Springs
[American] 601 S Palm Canyon Dr
Why it’s affordable: Specialty coffee, baked goods, and light breakfast/lunch fare—all in a cozy café atmosphere without upscale pricing. It is located in the Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, and they also offer a food menu including a variety of specials. Chef specials are available after 11 am with a rotating daily menu ($12).
Try this: The Bid Breakfast is served 7 - 10:30 am, including eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, and pancakes ($13). Pizzas in the $10-$11 range.
LuLu California Bistro
[American] 200 S Palm Canyon Drive
Why it’s affordable: Happy Hour is Monday through Friday, 3 - 6 pm, with a nice menu. Bar bites $8 - $11 (available in the bar and cocktail area)
Try this: Loaded tots, beet salad, fried calamari.
Taqueria Tlaquepaque
[Mexican] 362 S Palm Canyon Drive
Why it’s affordable: Family-run taqueria with authentic recipes and low prices, with many items under $10. They offer an extensive selection of combination plates in the $11 - $13 range.
Try this: Tortas, tacos, quesadilla, tostadas
Castaneda's on Indian Canyon
[Mexican] [Late Night & 24/7] 432 S Indian Canyon Drive (there is also a location by the Palm Springs Airport at 415 S Paseo Dorotea)
Why it’s affordable: Open 24 hours and serving big portions at small prices, Castañeda’s is a go-to for late-night eats, quick breakfast burritos, or hearty combo plates. Most breakfast and à la carte items are under $10.
Try this: Breakfast burrito, carnitas torta, carne asada taco, supreme tostada, chicken flautas
Casa Blanca Restaurant
[Mexican] 140 S Palm Canyon Drive
Why it’s affordable: A casual, full-service Mexican spot with an extensive menu—from tacos and fajitas to seafood and burritos. Known for hearty portions and a patio ambiance without premium pricing. Many breakfast plates are under $10 (served until 11:30 am). Most combination plates are under $14, and the tortas, tostadas, and burritos are under $9.
Try this: Huevos a la Mexicana, carnitas burrito, al pastor torta, or a taco combination plate with rice and beans.
Sammy G's Tuscan Grill
[Italian] 265 S Palm Canyon Drive
Why it’s affordable: Sammy Gs has a large bar/lounge area and offers a happy hour Sunday through Thursday all day and 4 pm to 7 pm on Friday and Saturday. Not only do they offer drink specials, but they also have a happy hour menu with a large selection.
Try this: Pizza, calamari, eggplant parmesan, steamed clams or mussels, or lasagna —all in the $12-$13 range.
Uptown Design District
John’s Restaurant
[American] 900 S East Palm Canyon Drive
Why it’s affordable: No-frills diner serving all-day breakfast, burgers, and Greek options. John's is loved by locals and often overlooked by visitors.
Try this: Huevos rancheros, chicken avocado club, burger, nightly dinner specials.
Denny's
[Late Night & 24/7] 1201 N Palm Canyon Drive
Why it’s affordable: This classic American diner chain is known for value-packed meals, especially breakfast. Open 24/7, it’s perfect for early risers, night owls, or anyone craving comfort food on a budget.
Try this: Go for one of the Denny's Deals, all under $10, like the Super Slam that includes two pancakes, two eggs, two sausage links, two strips of bacon, and hash browns.
North Palm Springs
Loco Charlie’s Mexican Grill
[Mexican] 1751 N Sunrise Way. Suite F1
Why it’s affordable: Daily specials and full-flavored meals made fresh with generous servings. Rather than ordering the platters, go for the à la carte items, which are under $10.
Try this: Street tacos ($3 and $2 on taco Tuesday), flauta, taquito, enchiladas, chile relleno
South Palm Springs
Townie Bagels
[Breakfast] 650 E Sunny Dunes Road
Why it’s affordable: Grab a fresh bagel or bagel sandwich for a satisfying and inexpensive breakfast.
Try this: The Townie bagel with egg and cheddar (under $5), Sunny Dunes with sausage, egg, and cheese.
Dining on a budget doesn’t mean missing out on great food or great experiences. These affordable Palm Springs restaurants prove you can eat well and still have plenty left over for poolside drinks, art walks, or that hotel upgrade. Start mapping out your wallet-friendly vacation today with more places to stay, eat, and explore across Greater Palm Springs.
Disclaimer: Menu offerings and prices are subject to change. While we strive to keep information current and accurate, we recommend checking directly with the restaurant for the latest updates on availability and pricing.
