This Korean restaurant tucked into the strip mall in front of Carrollton’s H-Mart serves steamer baskets filled with plump pork or kimchi-filled dumplings for $5 each.

Gentrification long ago swept through and transformed North Oak Cliff, but somebody forgot to tell El Jordan Cafe. It remains unchanged, excepting a few shiny new menus, as an unassuming, breakfast-and-lunch-only Tex-Mex spot in the middle of Bishop Arts. El Jordan hits the spot without breaking the bank.

This Dallas dining stalwart has been open since 1955, and it’s dedicated to maintaining that old-school vibe. The steaks here are grilled over mesquite wood, they actually come with sides, and the eternally popular bacon-wrapped filet mignon will only set you back $13.

The little brother of DFW fried chicken phenom Babe’s, Bubba’s has been serving cheap chicken-fried fare since 1981. The food here certainly isn’t light — chicken-fried steak, chicken strips, chicken and dumplings, and a whole lotta gravy — but the prices are.

Starting out at 7 a.m. every day but Sunday, this East Dallas taqueria grills up some of the city’s finest breakfast tacos and burritos. For less than $4, score a giant burrito filled with sausage, eggs, and potato.

With protein-packed salads (or wraps) for less than $6 and breakfast burritos for $3, Salad and Go just might be the healthy-yet-inexpensive combo everyone’s been wishing for. Wishes do come true: drinks at Salad and Go are just a dollar, including cold brew and the not-too-sweet frozen strawberry lemonade.

This beloved Italian market hides a sandwich counter that is one of the area’s worst-kept secrets. Everyone in Dallas is obsessed with Jimmy’s, and giant Italian subs stuffed with mortadella, capicola, sopressata, pepperoni, and provolone start at only $5, depending on the size.

Vacationing in Europe is expensive, but the classic European sandwiches at Henk’s are cheap. Try a hot pastrami sandwich for $6.50, or consider a knackwurst plate, served with sauerkraut and German potato salad, for $9.

A true Dallas icon, Keller’s has been serving its burgers and tater tots for more than 50 years, and the prices haven’t changed a whole lot in the ensuing decades. Ordering the $4.25 “Number 5 special” — a double-meat burger topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and “special dressing” — is an absolute must. Note that this spot is cash only.

This off-the-beaten-path Iraqi bakery in Richardson serves piping-hot pita, creamy hummus, and falafel sandwiches, all at ridiculously reasonable prices. Order a beef shawarma sandwich served in Iraqi bread for $6, then score a take-out bowl of hummus and pita to snack on later for $4.

A favorite of chefs and Chinese food enthusiasts alike, Jeng Chi offers a lengthy and budget-friendly menu. Start with marinated eggs ($4), then order a bounty of “juicy dumplings,” all priced around $11 for 6 or 8.

Plano is home to some of DFW’s finest Sichuan restaurants, and Little Sichuan is one of the best and most budget-friendly restaurants in the category. Giant plates of mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, noodles and more await, priced at around $10 and all big enough to share. Need a cheap lunch for just one person? Order the soft noodles with spicy fermented broad bean paste and the thinly-sliced chilled cucumber floating in chili oil.

The Dairy-Ette is another classic hamburger institution in Dallas, where simple $4 cheeseburgers and root beer floats are among the most-loved items.