Camp Washington Chili
Cincinnati Chili for Two
A James Beard American Regional Classic serving Cincinnati chili since 1940 — three-ways, four-ways, and cheese coneys in a mid-century parlor open around the clock six days a week. Two eat the local specialty for well under $20.
Eli's BBQ
Barbecue for Two
A beloved riverside barbecue spot in Columbia-Tusculum doing hickory-smoked pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, and hot dogs with creamy slaw and jalapeno-cheddar grits. Cheap and generous; two eat for around $20.
Graeter's Ice Cream
Ice Cream for Two
A Cincinnati institution since 1870, hand-crafting French-pot ice cream in small batches — the black raspberry chocolate chip is legendary. Two cones or sundaes for well under $20.
Gomez Salsa
Tacos for Two
An Over-the-Rhine window-serve spot famous for the Turtle — a burrito sealed with an extra cheesy tostada crunch — plus tacos and housemade salsa late into the night. Two eat for well under $20.
Zip's Cafe
Burgers for Two
A Mt. Lookout neighborhood tavern that has been griddling the famous Zipburger for generations, alongside chili and cold beer. Two burgers and sides land two right around $20.
Sugar n' Spice
Diner Breakfast for Two
A Cincinnati diner since 1941 known for wispy-thin pancakes, overstuffed omelettes, and grilled goetta — the local German breakfast sausage. Two eat a full breakfast for around $20.
Pho Lang Thang
Two Banh Mi for Two — ~$20
A Findlay Market favorite serving steaming bowls of pho, crispy banh mi, and Vietnamese iced coffee since 2011. Two share pho and a banh mi for around $20.
Taste of Belgium
Waffles for Two
Born at Findlay Market, this Cincinnati waffle house built its name on authentic Liege waffles and chicken-and-waffles. Two share breakfast or a waffle plate for around $20.
Putz's Creamy Whip
Soft Serve for Two
A west-side creamy whip stand and Cincinnati summer ritual since 1938, dishing cones, malts, shakes, and brownie sundaes at budget prices. Two treats for well under $20. Cash only, seasonal.
Eating cheap in Cincinnati: the densest cluster is Over-the-Rhine and Findlay Market — Pho Lang Thang, Taste of Belgium, Gomez Salsa, and Graeter's OTR are all walkable, with Arnold's just south downtown. Order chili “three-way” (over spaghetti) and try goetta at breakfast — they're the local rites of passage. A few spots are cash-friendly (Putz's is cash only) and some keep limited days: Camp Washington is closed Sundays, Pho Lang Thang Mondays, and Arnold's Sundays and Mondays.
Skyline Chili
3-Way + Coneys for Two
Cincinnati's signature chili ladled over spaghetti and buried in shredded cheese, plus cheese coneys. A 3-way runs around $8 and coneys about $2.50 each, so two eat the local specialty for well under $20. A homegrown chain since 1949.
LaRosa's Pizzeria
Pizza for Two
A Cincinnati family pizzeria since 1954, known for its sweet, slightly Sicilian-style sauce. A medium pizza to share lands two right around $20, and slices or a hoagy come in cheaper. A Tri-State staple.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Pick 6 — Meal for Two from $19.99
2 entrees + 2 sides + 2 fountain drinks starting at $19.99. Entrees include 10 boneless wings, the All-American cheeseburger, or crispy chicken dippers; sides are fries, tots, or wedges. Dine-in or order via the BWW app. Pricing runs higher in a handful of states.
Penn Station East Coast Subs
Two Subs around $18
Grilled hot subs and fresh-cut fries from the chain founded in the Cincinnati suburb of Milford in 1985. Two regular subs land around $18, under the cap. Confirm current pricing in-store or via the app.
See all national chain deals →
See All 1,000+ Deals
Browse the full directory — 67 cities, national chains, updated June 2026.
Browse the Directory