Las Vegas can be an expensive city whether for food, hotels, transportation, or shows. But, you can still find cheap eats all over the city if you know where to look. One of the best places in Las Vegas to find cheap food is downtown. For years, locals and tourists have flocked to downtown for its affordable restaurants, bars, and casinos.
While the Las Vegas Strip is more popular these days with its mega resorts, downtown is where it all started. It is here where you will find some of the most iconic places. For years, casinos and restaurants have tried to lure visitors away from the strip with affordable prices and deals. Today, it seems like every hotel offers a deal on steak and eggs, shrimp cocktails, and prime rib.
In recent years though, downtown Las Vegas has been going through a revitalization. New resorts, restaurants, breweries, and bars seem to pop up all the time. Unfortunately, prices have gone up and many deals have disappeared. But, if you know where to look, you can still find cheap eats under $10, especially around Fremont Street. This is my list of 12 of the best cheap eats on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas.
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Table of Contents
1 – Lanai Express
The first spot on my list of the best cheap eats on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas brings us to Lanai Express located in Fremont Hotel & Casino. Lanai Express serves an assortment of affordable American and Chinese dishes. But, you want to come here for the famous shrimp cocktail. This shrimp cocktail, which dates back to 1976, is still $2.99, making it the cheapest eat on my list.
When you pull up to the cafeteria style counter, be sure to ask for the shrimp cocktail as it is not on the menu. Even though it’s less than a dollar, and served in a plastic cup, they sure don’t skimp on the shrimp. More than half of the cup is full of tender, salty baby shrimp. And, it’s fresh. Complementing the salty shrimp is a fresh cocktail sauce that is both spicy and tangy. Mixed in with the shrimp and sauce is fresh celery and mint, which adds texture, flavor, and color. At $2.99, the shrimp cocktail at Lanai Express is one of the best deals in downtown Las Vegas.
What to order: Shrimp cocktail
Lanai Express
Address: 200 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (located in Fremont Hotel and Casino)
Hours: Open daily 11:00AM-7:00AM
2 – Binion’s Cafe
Binion’s Café, located in Binion’s Gambling Hall, is a late night, no-frills diner that caters to a wide variety of customers. While their food won’t win any awards, their menu mixes affordability with quality. The menu features breakfast, appetizers, sandwiches, chicken wings, salads, pasta, entrees, soups, and desserts. They are also known for Binion’s Famous Burger ($8.99), a tradition dating back over 65 years. There is sure to be something for everyone on the Binion’s Café menu. While not the cheapest item on the menu, I like to order Binion’s Special ($8.99). This dish comes with two eggs, hash browns, and a choice of toast, English muffin, or a biscuit. For an extra $1 you can add bacon or sausage. With hearty plates, affordable prices, fast service, and late night hours, Binion’s Café is a great spot in downtown Las Vegas.
What to order: Binion’s Special, Binion’s Famous Burger
Binion’s Cafe
Address: 128 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (located in Binion’s Gambling Hall)
Hours: Open daily 7:00AM-1:30AM
3 – Binion’s Deli
Also located in Binion’s Gambling Hall is Binion’s Deli, the smaller sister restaurant of Binion’s Cafe. They even share some of the same items on the menu. With no table service, Binion’s Deli is the perfect spot for a quick and inexpensive meal. Order from the front and grab a seat at the counter or at one of the surrounding tables. If you sit at the counter, you will get a front row seat of the chefs at work as food sizzles on the grill. All food, made fresh to order, is simple. Items include hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, salads, breakfast, and even frozen custard.
One of the best deals on the menu is Binion’s Famous Burger ($5.99) served with a house-made potato salad. Topping this burger, made with fresh ground beef grilled to perfection, is lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on a soft, toasted bun. If you want cheese, it will be an extra $1.29. Bacon is an extra $2. While far from the best burger I have ever had, the burger is fresh and tastes homemade. Also, be sure to check out their hand crafted root beer from nearby Chicago Brewing Company.
What to order: Binion’s Famous Burger
Binion’s Deli
Address: 128 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (located in Binion’s Gambling Hall)
Hours: Open daily 12:00PM-8:00PM and 12:00AM-7:00AM
4 – American Coney Island
American Coney Island is an iconic Detroit eatery which has been serving Coney island hot dogs for over 100 years. In 1917, Greek immigrant Gust Keros opened his restaurant in downtown Detroit. Since then, the shop has gained a following for its Coney dog. These dogs, made with a natural casing Dearborn hot dog, chili, mustard, and sweet onions, are served in a warm, steamed bun.
In 2012, American Coney Island opened at The D Casino & Hotel, a Detroit themed resort located on Fremont Street. It was their first location outside of Michigan. While small, the red, white, and blue themed restaurant is always packed, even late at night. What makes the Coney Island Hot Dog ($3.95) stand out is the snap of the hot dog and the blend of secret spices found in the chili and dog. The crunchy, sweet onions and tangy mustard add to the distinct flavor that you can’t find anywhere else. Other than dogs, the 24 hour joint serves burgers, gyros, and fries.
What to order: Coney Island Hot Dog, Gyro Sandwich
American Coney Island
Address: 301 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (located in The D Casino & Hotel)
Hours: Open 24 hours
5 – Evel Pie
The first stop for pizza on our list of the best cheap eats on Fremont Street brings us to Evel Pie. Evel Pie is a 70s themed pizzeria and dive bar. It’s named after stuntman Evel Knievel who is most famous for his failed jump over the fountains at Caesars Palace. Inside, you will find Evel Knievel memorabilia including motorcycles, statues, photos, and a pinball machine. This pizzeria, located in the Fremont East Entertainment District, is one of the best places in downtown Las Vegas for a slice of New York pizza.
The motto of Evel Pie is Live Hard, Ride Fast, Eat Pizza. And, like the man himself, the pies are over the top and big. You can order pies whole or by the slice. I like to keep it simple and order the Pepperoni Slice ($4.50) with its oily, rich, salty cups of pepperoni. The crust of each slice is thin, chewy, and crispy. The sauce is sweet and tart complemented by the perfect amount of gooey mozzarella. The slices are good to the last bite. Other than pizzas, the menu features a calzone, salads, garlic knots, meatballs, wings, and a good selection of cocktails and craft beers.
What to order: any slice of pizza
Evel Pie
Address: 508 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Hours: Saturday-Wednesday: 11:00AM-1:00AM; Thursday-Friday: 11:00AM-3:00AM
6 – Chicago Brewing Company
Chicago Brewing Company is a micro brew pub located in Four Queens. If you enjoy hand crafted micro brews, live sports, and good food, then this is your spot. Located in a small nook inside the casino, Chicago Brewing Company feels like a local sports bar you would find on any corner in America. Adding to the cozy and inviting ambiance is dark wood, red brick, and low ceilings. The menu features typical pub food including sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and appetizers. One of the cheapest items on the menu is The Chicago Dog ($7.99). This dog, made with a Vienna dog, sweet relish, onions, tomatoes, sport peppers, and mustard, is like something you would find in Chicago. Served on the side is a generous portion of french fries. The Chicago Dog paired with a local micro brew is the perfect match.
What to order: The Chicago Dog
Chicago Brewing Company
Address: 202 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (located in Four Queens)
Hours: Open daily 11:30AM-11:00PM
7 – Market Street Cafe
Market Street Cafe is a diner located in California Hotel & Casino on Ogden Ave, one block from Fremont Street. The menu at Market Street Cafe features dishes ranging from American classics to Hawaiian specialties. And, with many items under $10, such as chicken & waffles and biscuits & gravy, you might have a tough time deciding what to order. Whether you want an omelet, pancakes, french toast, burgers, sandwiches, or a salad, you are sure to find it on the menu. While they are best known for their breakfast, the lunch and dinner plates are great, too.
I like to order the Phillipine Favorite ($9.99). This dish includes three eggs and sweet, salty, smoky, tender pork that reminds me of teriyaki. Served on the side is rice, toasted bread, and fried garlic. While there are cheaper items on the menu, you get a lot of food for your money.
What to order: Phillipine Favorite, Chicken & Waffles, French Toast
Market Street Cafe
Address: 12 E Ogden Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (located in California Hotel & Casino)
Hours: Open daily 9:00AM-7:00PM
8 – Pizza Rock
Our second stop for pizza brings us to Pizza Rock, located on Ogden Ave near Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino. Pizza Rock is best known for their large menu featuring Italian and American pizzas and Italian classics. They serve a variety of pizzas prepared in four different ovens. This includes Neapolitan, Classic Italian, Classic American, Roman, and Sicilian. But, they also serve slices of pizzas from the counter near the front. Slices are the perfect quick bite to enjoy at one of the outdoor sidewalk tables.
While there are many great options to choose from, my go to is the Pepperoni Slice ($5.25). This big slice of pizza has a thin, chewy dough that is crispy and charred on the bottom. The tomato sauce is sweet, bright, and tart while the pepperoni cups are rich and salty. Covering the slice is the perfect amount of melted and roasted mozzarella. Topping the slice off is a dusting of herbs including basil and oregano. This is one of the best looking slices in downtown and it tastes as great as it looks. Pizza Rock also has a happy hour Monday through Friday from 3:00PM to 6:00PM. Happy hour specials include appetizers and personal pizzas ranging from $4 to $8.
What to order: Pepperoni Slice
Pizza Rock
Address: 201 N 3rd St Las Vegas, NV 89101
Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 11:30AM–10:00PM; Friday-Saturday: 11:30AM-12:00AM
9 – Tony Roma’s
It seems these days that finding prime rib for less than $10 in Las Vegas is all but impossible. But if you know where to look, you can still find it. At Tony Roma’s, located in Fremont Hotel & Casino, you can order their prime rib special for $8.99. This special, which includes a baked potato and vegetables, is available daily from 4:30PM to 6:30PM. While inexpensive, you get an impressive eight ounces of prime rib cooked to your liking. The meat is smoky and salty with a distinct beefy flavor and melt in your mouth tenderness. The baked potato, while simple, comes to life when topped with creamy sour cream and spicy horseradish. If you’re planning on visiting Tony Roma’s for this special, come early or plan to wait for a table. The line out front often starts well before 4:30PM. They also have a steak and lobster special available daily from 9:00PM to 11:00PM.
What to order: $8.99 prime rib special, $11.99 steak and lobster special
Tony Roma’s
Address: 200 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (located in Fremont Hotel & Casino)
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 4:30PM-11:00PM; Friday-Saturday: 4:30PM-12:00AM
10 – Pop Up Pizza
Our 3rd and final stop for pizza brings us to Pop Up Pizza. This New York pizzeria, located at Plaza Hotel & Casino, is popular for their signature pies and slices. Pop Up Pizza uses scratch made dough, homemade tomato sauce, and fresh ingredients for their pizzas. While you can order a whole pie, I choose to order by the slice. Slices range in price from $4 to $5. This includes the simple Crispy Pepperoni Slice ($4.75) with crispy and rich pepperoni, tart yet sweet tomato sauce, and whole milk mozzarella. The crust is chewy, thin, and light with a salty and smoky flavor thanks to the perfect amount of char on the bottom. Other than pizza, Pop Up Pizza serves garlic knots, wings, chicken strips, fried pickles, mozzarella sticks, and a salad, all for under $10. If you are looking for a slice of pizza on the western side of Fremont Street, then Pop Up Pizza is your spot.
What to order: Crispy Pepperoni Slice, Mike’s Hot Pepperoni Slice
Pop Up Pizza
Address: 1 S Main St Las Vegas, NV 89101 (located in Plaza Hotel & Casino)
Hours: Open daily 11:00AM-12:00AM
11 – Joy of Hot Dog
Located at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Fremont Street, not far from Evel pie, is Joy of Hot Dog. This neon-lit trailer serves unique dogs using unconventional toppings on pillowy, toasted hoagie buns. All dogs, which are $8, use fresh ingredients including 100% natural Angus beef hot dogs. I enjoy the BLT Club with a bacon wrapped dog, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, bacon bits, and garlic chips. The combination of a rich, salty dog, crispy bacon bits, fresh veggies, and crunchy garlic is something special. Or how about The Al Capone with tomatoes, pesto, onions, pepperoni, and mozzarella. Looking for something sweet? Try the unique Elvis Dog with banana, peanut butter, bacon bits, and peanuts. And, they even have a vegan option. The kitschy trailer is open late, so if you are looking for a late night meal on Fremont Street, then this is your spot.
What to order: BLT Club, The Al Capone, Elvis
Joy Of Hot Dog
Address: 506 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Hours: Thursday-Saturday: 8:00PM-until late; Sunday-Wednesday: Closed
12 – Magnolia’s Veranda
The final spot on my list of 12 of the best cheap eats on Fremont Street goes to Magnolia’s Veranda located next to Chicago Brewing Company at Four Queens. This cozy, traditional diner overlooks the casino floor. The Magnolia’s Veranda menu is quite extensive. You will find appetizers, breakfast favorites, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, pizza, salads, dinner entrees, and desserts on the menu. While there are some expensive items on the menu, there are plenty of options under $10. One of the cheapest yet filling option is the Biscuits and Gravy ($5.99). This dish, made with two jumbo fresh buttermilk biscuits and house-made sausage gravy, is an American classic. If you are here for lunch, check out the Queen’s Burger ($8.99) or the Gourmet Grilled Cheese ($8.99).
What to order: Biscuits and Gravy, Queen’s Burger, Gourmet Grilled Cheese
Magnolia’s Veranda
Address: 202 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (located in Four Queens)
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 7:00AM-12:00AM; Friday-Saturday: 7:00-AM-2:00AM
Last Updated on February 20, 2024
Going to vegas next week!!! Thank you!!!
Finn,
Glad I could help! Hope you enjoyed your trip.
Lanai Express was awful. The four of us tried one bite and tossed the rest. Noodles tasted like dirty seafood, teriyaki chicken watered down, beef broccoli was mushy.
Cheryl,
I am sorry you had a disappointing experience. I only tried the shrimp cocktail on my visit to Lanai Express, so I can only speak of that.