Las Vegas has a reputation as an expensive city, but it is actually one of the best cities in the United States for cheap eating — if you know where to look. The casino economics that allow luxury restaurants to operate at a loss also subsidize casual dining: casino coffee shops, food courts, and counter-service restaurants are often priced well below market rate to keep guests in the building. Add the city's large immigrant communities (particularly in Chinatown on Spring Mountain Road) and you have a city where $10–$20 can buy a genuinely excellent meal.
How I researched this guide: I have visited Las Vegas more than a dozen times since 2016, and I eat out extensively on every trip — both on the Strip and in the local neighborhoods that most tourists never reach. Every restaurant in this guide is one I have personally visited and paid for out of my own pocket. I update this guide after each visit to reflect current menus, pricing, and quality.
The Cosmopolitan Food Court
The Cosmopolitan · $ · Best food court in Las Vegas — Secret Pizza, Eggslut, Milk Bar
The Cosmopolitan has the best food court in Las Vegas — not a traditional food court, but a collection of excellent counter-service concepts spread across the property. The standout is Secret Pizza, a hidden pizza restaurant on the 3rd floor that serves excellent New York-style slices for $5–$8. Eggslut (gourmet egg sandwiches) and Milk Bar (famous cereal milk soft serve) are also excellent. All are under $20 per person.
| ✓ Pros | ✗ Cons |
|---|---|
| Secret Pizza is one of the best cheap eats in Vegas | Can be crowded, especially Secret Pizza |
| Eggslut and Milk Bar are genuinely excellent | Limited seating at most concepts |
| All under $20 per person | Cosmopolitan resort fee applies if you're staying there |
Ellis Island Casino & Brewery
Off-Strip (Koval Lane) · $ · Legendary $12.99 steak dinner — best value in Las Vegas
Ellis Island is a Las Vegas institution — a local casino off the Strip that has been serving a $12.99 steak dinner (8oz sirloin, sides, and a beer) for decades. The steak is genuinely good for the price, and the overall value is extraordinary. Ellis Island also has a brewery on-site with excellent craft beers. The casino is small and local-focused, but the food is the real draw.
| ✓ Pros | ✗ Cons |
|---|---|
| $12.99 steak dinner is the best value in Las Vegas | Off-Strip — requires a rideshare or short walk |
| House-brewed craft beers are excellent | Steak dinner has limited hours |
| No resort fee, free parking | No frills atmosphere — not for a romantic dinner |
Spring Mountain Road (Chinatown)
Off-Strip (Chinatown) · $ · Best cheap ethnic food in Las Vegas — Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese
Spring Mountain Road (Las Vegas Chinatown) is the best destination for cheap, authentic ethnic food in Las Vegas. The strip of restaurants running west from the Strip includes excellent Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Filipino restaurants at prices that are 50–70% lower than comparable Strip restaurants. Highlights include Pho Kim Long (Vietnamese, $10 for a large pho), Monta Ramen (Japanese ramen, $14), and numerous Korean BBQ options.
| ✓ Pros | ✗ Cons |
|---|---|
| Best cheap ethnic food in Las Vegas | Off-Strip — requires a rideshare |
| 50–70% lower prices than Strip restaurants | No casino atmosphere or entertainment |
| Authentic quality — not tourist-oriented | Can be difficult to navigate without local knowledge |
In-N-Out Burger (Strip Location)
Near the Strip (multiple) · $ · California fast food institution — best fast food in Vegas
In-N-Out Burger is a California institution, and Las Vegas has several locations including one very close to the Strip. The Double-Double Animal Style (double patty, double cheese, grilled onions, special sauce) is one of the best fast food items in the United States at $5–$7. The quality is consistently excellent, and the lines — while long — move quickly.
| ✓ Pros | ✗ Cons |
|---|---|
| Best fast food in Las Vegas — genuinely excellent | Lines can be 20–30 minutes during peak hours |
| Double-Double Animal Style is extraordinary for the price | Limited menu — not for everyone |
| Fresh, never frozen beef | No delivery — must visit in person |
Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Location | Price/Person | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secret Pizza (Cosmopolitan) | The Cosmopolitan | $5–$8/slice | Best cheap pizza on the Strip | 4.5 ★ |
| Ellis Island Steak Dinner | Off-Strip | $12.99 | Best value meal in Las Vegas | 4.3 ★ |
| Chinatown (Spring Mountain) | Off-Strip | $10–$20 | Best cheap ethnic food | 4.4 ★ |
| In-N-Out Burger | Near Strip | $5–$10 | Best fast food in Vegas | 4.2 ★ |
FAQ
What is the cheapest good food in Las Vegas?
The $12.99 steak dinner at Ellis Island Casino (off-Strip) is the best value meal in Las Vegas. In-N-Out Burger's Double-Double Animal Style at $5–$7 is the best fast food value. In Chinatown (Spring Mountain Road), you can eat an excellent bowl of pho or ramen for $10–$14.
Is there cheap food on the Las Vegas Strip?
Yes — the Cosmopolitan's Secret Pizza ($5–$8/slice), the casino coffee shops (most serve breakfast for $8–$12), and the food courts at various casinos offer good value on the Strip. The Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas also has several cheap eating options.
What is the best food hall in Las Vegas?
The Cosmopolitan's collection of counter-service concepts (Secret Pizza, Eggslut, Milk Bar) is the best food hall experience in Las Vegas. The Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally's also has several good options. For a traditional food hall format, the Container Park in Downtown Las Vegas has a good selection.
