Dine Out on a Budget in Boston

Boston is revered as a favorite foodie destination. World-renowned chefs, like Ming Tsai and Jody Adams, come to show off their stuff and many others get their start in small, local kitchens. For a town filled with fresh talent and innovative eateries, you’ll find no shortage of delicious dining deals for the traveler on a budget.

Many restaurants around the city offer unbeatable “happy hour” menu deals on the daily. The Marliave, one of Boston’s most historic restaurants, shucks $1.50 oysters and $1 clams from 4–6 p.m., and Grendel’s Den in Harvard Square has a half-price menu Sunday–Thursday from 5–7:30 p.m., and again from 9–11:30 p.m. BBQ rib dinner for $6? Yes. please!

You can dig in to a bargain bite nearly every day of the week. On Mondays, stop by The Avenue in Allston to feast like a burger king on $2 sliders, served all day. Then, don’t miss $1 Taco Tuesday at Zuma Tex-Mex in Faneuil Hall Marketplace, starting at 5 p.m. Zuma is also the home of the $4 House Margarita!

Be on the lookout for frugal food truck finds parked just around the corner. Roxy’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese turns your favorite childhood lunch into art. Classic melts go for $4.50, and you can add bacon to anything for just a buck more. Also keep an eye out for Bon Me, serving up fresh Vietnamese dishes like a take-out box of soba noodles and greens with fillings, including miso-braised pork or roasted paprika tofu ($7). Keep on point with the food truck schedule, and look out for other meals on wheels near you.