Shakespeare's Pizza
Pizza for Two
A Columbia institution since 1973 and a rite of passage for Mizzou students, famous for its hand-built Masterpiece pizza. Midwest prices mean two can share a small or medium pie for around $20.
Booches
Griddle Burgers for Two
A billiards hall and burger counter since 1884 — among the oldest in Missouri — sliding small griddle burgers onto wax paper with chili and hot dogs (no fries, cash only). Several burgers each runs well under $20.
Ernie's Cafe & Steak House
Diner Breakfast for Two
The oldest full-service restaurant in Boone County, serving since 1934 — a classic diner with all-day breakfast, hand-cut hashbrowns, omelettes, and the Chopped Cow burger. Two eat a full breakfast for around $20.
Broadway Diner
Classic Diner for Two
A beloved downtown diner where breakfast is served anytime and the signature Stretch — hashbrowns piled with chili, cheese, and onions — is big enough to share. Two people split the Stretch or grab a daily special and eat for well under $20.
Cafe Berlin
Brunch for Two
Columbia's favorite brunch spot, locally sourced and a little funky, known for the Walt waffle sandwich and a big vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free spread. Two share brunch plates for around $20. Closed Tuesday.
El Fogón Veracruzano
Tacos for Two
Veracruz-style Mexican serving street tacos on fresh tortillas, birria and quesabirria, empanadas, and aguas frescas, with a 4.8 rating. Cheap and fresh; two eat for well under $20.
Como Smoke & Fire
BBQ Lunch for Two — Under $20
A local barbecue spot (two locations, north and south) doing pulled pork, brisket, and smoked turkey with Southern sides like fried green tomatoes. Two share a couple of plates for around $20.
Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream
Ice Cream for Two
A one-of-a-kind downtown ice cream shop churning 30-plus locally sourced flavors on site, from the classics to wild seasonal experiments. Two cones or sundaes for well under $20.
Uprise Bakery
Bakery Cafe for Two
A downtown bakery-cafe attached to Ragtag Cinema, baking its own bread for sandwiches like the pulled-pork Cuban, plus pastries and Lakota coffee. Excellent value; two eat for under $20. Closed Sunday.
Pizza Tree
A Slice + Drink Each — ~$18
Columbia's funnest pizza shop, slinging big New York-style slices and late-night slice windows downtown. A few slices each puts two right around $20.
Eating cheap in Columbia: almost everything here is in The District downtown, walkable around 9th Street and Broadway — Booches, Shakespeare's, Ernie's, Sparky's, and Uprise are all within a few blocks. Booches is cash only with no fries (just burgers, chili, and dogs), Cafe Berlin is closed Tuesdays, and Uprise closes Sundays. Lunch specials and by-the-slice spots stretch a twenty furthest in this college town.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Two Combos under $20
Cooked-to-order steakburgers, shoestring fries, and made-to-order frozen custard, with locations around Columbia. Two combos with a custard treat usually land under the cap. Confirm current pricing in-store or via the app.
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.
Taco Bell
Two $5 Luxe Cravings Boxes — $10 for two
The $5 Classic Luxe Cravings Box bundles a full-size main, a taco, chips, and a drink, so two boxes feed two people for about $10. Step up to the $7 Supreme box and two still land near $14. The Luxe Value Menu adds ten items at $3 or less, and Happier Hour pours $1 drinks from 2 to 5 PM.
Cracker Barrel
Meals for Two — $19.99
Two full-size entrees plus a shareable starter or dessert from $19.99 — Chicken 'n Dumplins, the pancake breakfast, the Barrel cheeseburger, and more. Dine-in, weekdays all day. Off I-70 on the east side of Columbia.
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