Primanti Bros.
Two Signature Sandwiches
The Pittsburgh original since 1933 — sandwiches piled with fries and coleslaw right in the bun. A cheese or egg-and-cheese sandwich runs about $8–9 and classic meat sandwiches (capicola, the Pitts-burger) around $11, so two people each grab one for around $20. The most iconic cheap meal in town.
Pamela's Diner
Breakfast for Two
Pittsburgh's beloved cash-only breakfast institution, famous for crepe-thin hotcakes with crispy lacy edges. The signature crepe hotcakes are $5.95, omelets from $6.50, and stuffed French toast $8.95 — two people eat a full diner breakfast for well under $20. Cash only; expect a weekend line.
Noodlehead
Two Thai Plates
A wildly popular Shadyside Thai street-food spot where every noodle dish — pad thai, drunken noodles, Sukhothai — is $9.50, any protein. Two people each get a plate for $19. Cash only, and worth the wait.
Salem's Market and Grill
Falafel Feast for Two
A Strip District halal market and grill packed at lunch. Wraps are $8.99 and huge, and a five-piece falafel entrée with pita and two sides is $9.99 — two people each eat a big Middle Eastern lunch for around $18. Also a full halal butcher and international grocery.
Cop Out Pierogies
Pierogi Feast for Two
An Etna pierogi specialist with the area's biggest selection of fillings. A dozen (actually 14) classic potato-cheese, sauerkraut, or mac-and-cheese pierogies is just $8.25 — two people share a couple of dozens for well under $20. Specialty flavors run a bit more. Limited days; check hours.
Mike & Tony's Gyros
Gyro Special — $9
A family-run Pittsburgh Greek institution for 50-plus years, with locations downtown, on the South Side, and beyond. A gyro is about $5.50, and the gyro special — gyro, fresh-cut fries, and a drink — is $9, so two people each get their own for around $18.
Doce Taqueria
Street Tacos — $3 each
A South Side taqueria on East Carson Street beloved for fresh street tacos — carnitas, pollo, ground beef — at $3 each, with nachos $5–6. Two people each build a plate of tacos for well under $20. Open late on weekends.
Las Palmas Carniceria
Sidewalk Street Tacos — $2.50
A Brookline Mexican grocery and butcher with a sidewalk taco grill out front — steak, al pastor, chicken, and a free toppings bar — at $2.50 a taco, ordered at the register. Two people feast on a stack of tacos for under $20. Cash preferred.
Tram's Kitchen
Banh Mi — about $8
Pittsburgh's longest-running Vietnamese spot (Bloomfield, since 1997) — a cash-only counter where banh mi run about $8 and a bowl of pho about $13. Two people each grab a banh mi, or split a pho and a sandwich, for around $16–20. Cash only; ATM on site.
Pho Van
Banh Mi — about $8
A Strip District Vietnamese kitchen where the banh mi — pork belly, BBQ pork, grilled chicken, or tofu — runs about $8. Two sandwiches with rolls land around $18, each their own. The pho is pricier, so stick to banh mi to stay in budget.
S&D Polish Deli
Pierogi $6 · Kielbasa Bowl $7
A Strip District Polish deli, restaurant, and grocery rolled into one. Potato-cheddar pierogies are $6 for four and a smoked kielbasa-and-kraut bowl is $7, so two people each eat a hearty Polish plate for around $14. Daytime only.
Spak Brothers
Whole Pizzas — Large around $16–18
A Garfield pizza shop (whole pies only, no slices) famous for a deep vegan menu — soy-cheese pizza, seitan wings — alongside the classics. A large pie runs around $16–18 and easily feeds two, so split one for under $20. Pierogi and steak subs too.
Antoon's Pizza
16-inch Cheese Pizza — about $6
A Central Oakland late-night legend by Pitt's campus, where a 16-inch cheese pizza is about $6 for pickup. One pie feeds two for pocket change, with drinks still well under $20. Takeout only; open into the small hours.
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