Amato's
Birthplace of the Italian Sandwich
Portland's contribution to American food: in 1902, Italian immigrant Giovanni Amato started selling a roll stuffed with meat, cheese, tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives and oil to dockworkers — and the 'Italian' sandwich was born. Grab one (or their cheap-for-Portland lobster roll) and split it; it's a piece of edible history. Two eat for around $14.
Becky's Diner
Working-Waterfront Diner Since 1991
Right on the working waterfront on Commercial Street, Becky's has fed fishermen, locals and tourists since 1991, opening at 5 a.m. for blueberry pancakes, corned beef hash, fried clams and lobster rolls. Budget-friendly, no reservations, and the real Portland deal. Two eat for around $18.
Susan's Fish-n-Chips
Hole-in-the-Wall Fried Seafood
A nautically themed, garage-like hole-in-the-wall on Forest Ave that locals swear by for fried seafood that's fresh, generous and fairly priced — fish and chips, sweet onion rings, simple clam chowder and a buttered lobster roll. Skip the overpriced tourist traps and come here. Two eat for around $18.
The Highroller Lobster Co.
Creative Lobster Rolls
A colorful, diner-vibe lobster shack in the East End that has the most fun with Maine's crustacean — get a lobster roll flight (try the mango-habanero or lobster-ghee), the lobster grilled cheese, or the famous lobster corndog. The most playful, and often best-value, lobster in town. Two eat for around $20.
Po' Boys & Pickles
Fried Oyster Po'Boys
A casual Forest Ave sandwich shop bringing New Orleans to Maine — golden fried-oyster po'boys with lettuce, tomato and red pepper mayo on French bread, plus other overstuffed subs. Cheap, generous and a local lunch favorite. Two eat for around $14.
Duckfat
Belgian Fries in Duck Fat
A tiny Old Port icon built around Belgian fries fried in duck fat and served with dipping sauces, alongside excellent paninis and thick milkshakes. There's almost always a line; split the fries and a panini and you've eaten very well for very little. Two eat for around $18.
Gilbert's Chowder House
Waterfront Chowder
A no-frills, much-loved chowder house on Custom House Wharf with waterfront outdoor seating. The clam chowder is so good you might skip the roll — or go hungry and get both. Lobster rolls run about $25, so the budget move is chowder, fried seafood and sharing. Two eat for around $20.
Asmara
Ethiopian & Eritrean
After years in Portland, plenty of locals still call Asmara their favorite cheap-eats spot. Spiced Ethiopian and Eritrean stews — meat and vegetarian — arrive on a big round of injera you tear and scoop by hand. Order a combo, share it, and two eat richly for not much. Two eat for around $18.
Pai Men Miyake
Ramen & Izakaya
Chef Masa Miyake's ramen-and-izakaya counter is a Portland favorite for steaming bowls of miso and tonkotsu ramen, steamed buns and shareable small plates. A cozy, affordable bowl that hits hard on a cold Maine night. Two eat for around $18.
MAMI
Japanese Street Food
A buzzy izakaya-style spot doing affordable, exacting Japanese street food — onigiri, gyoza, karaage and more — in a fun, quick-moving room. A great way to graze through a few plates for two without spending much. Two eat for around $18.
Taco Escobarr
Tacos & Margaritas
A lively Congress Street cantina for street tacos, nachos and oversized margaritas at easygoing prices. Order a few tacos each and a round of drinks and two stay comfortably in budget. Two eat for around $16.
Great Lost Bear
Portland Brewpub Institution
A gloriously eclectic, family-friendly Portland institution stuffed with vintage signs and one of the region's deepest tap lists. The comfort-food menu runs long — pulled-pork nachos, cheesesteaks, the famous PB&J wings — and it's one of the last affordable, classic Portland bar/diners around. Two eat for around $18.
💡 Pro tip: Lobster is never cheap — Portland rolls run about $25-35, so share one, hit the walk-up windows (often a couple dollars less than table service), or chase fried-clam and haddock baskets instead. The genuinely cheap, genuinely local moves are an Amato's Italian, a diner breakfast, an Ethiopian combo or a bowl of ramen. Old Port is walkable; the waterfront spots are seasonal-busy. We linked official menus where we could confirm them. Hours and prices change, so check first. If something's expired, flag it on our main directory.
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Buffalo Wild Wings
Pick 6 — Meal for Two from $19.99
The Pick 6 lets two people build a shared meal — choose six items across wings, tenders, and sides — starting around $19.99. A reliable two-for-$20 play at any BWW. Dine-in or takeout; pricing varies slightly by market.
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