The Sunset is home to many things — fog, crowded trains, and good, affordable food. Here are 10 places to enjoy the area's cuisine on a budget:
Quesadillas at La Fonda ($3.50-$6.95)
La Fonda (712 Irving St.) serves a range of inexpensive tacos, tamales, fajitas, and quesadillas. The latter comes with plain cheese for just $3.50, but the chicken or steak version is $5.95; sour cream and guacamole add another $1.
La Fonda also serves fresh watermelon, lime, and cinnamon horchata and has free chips at its salsa bar.
Shanghai dumplings at Yummy Dumpling ($6)
The little dumpling shop at 1708 Irving St. churns out more than 3,000 frozen dumplings daily, as well as buns and wontons. No muss, no fuss: just take a frozen bag of these treats home and boil them for 10 minutes.
Gelato at Holy Gelato ($3.50 – $8.80)
For less than $10, you can gorge yourself on up to a pint of creamy, sweet gelato served up at this store at 1392 9th Ave. Most of Holy Gelato’s offerings are under $10, from sundaes to shakes, floats, Italian sodas, and coffee drinks. Holy Gelato also carries a number of vegan options and sorbets.
Sandwiches, fries, and salads at Pluto’s ($3-$9.50)
A dish of curly fries at Pluto’s (627 Irving St.) costs about $3, and a root beer adds another $1.95. Sandwiches toasted over an open flame are on offer for $7.50 to $9.50.
Sweet crepes at Crepevine ($8.50)
Another California chain with two San Francisco locations, Crepevine (624 Irving St.) has a sweet crepe for $8.50, and three large salads (tossed, Caesar and Athena) big enough for two people to share at $9.95.
This location also serves up hearty breakfast eats, including a $7.95 American breakfast and a variety of French toast, pancakes, and waffles, ranging from $8.25 to $9.95.
Sweet or savory pie at Peasant Pies ($3.85)
Yelp reviewers say Peasant Pies (1039 Irving St.) is “a great place to go for a snack." The shop recommends two of their pies per person; nine savory pies and six sweet ones are on the menu for $3.85 each.
Hot dog at Underdog ($5 – $7)
Underdog at 1634 Irving St. serves only non-GMO soy products and organic meats. A classic Underdog is $5, as are the store’s vegan options. Pork, chicken, and specialty hotdogs cost $7.
Gyro wrap at Park Gyros ($8.50)
Wraps at Park Gyros (1201 9th Ave.) cost $8.50 for marinated, slow-cooked, thinly-sliced meat, served with your choice of lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce in lavash bread. An $8.25 vegetarian option comes with falafel, dolma, hummus, and feta cheese.
Happy hour sushi rolls at Wild Sushi ($7.99)
Wild Sushi on 1524 Irving St. offers a range of affordable rolls between 4:30 and 7 p.m. for happy hour. Thirteen items that typically cost $11.99 and up — including the Lion King, Rainbow, Caterpillar, Dragon, and 49er rolls — only cost you $7.99 in that timeframe.
Boba and snacks at Quickly ($1.99-$4.99)
Quickly (2116 Irving St.) is part of a global chain, but diners can up for very little money. A black boba tea costs $1.99, but popcorn chicken adds $3.99 and a fried egg roll is $2.99.
Where are your favorite cheap eats in the Sunset? Tell us in the comments.
