The Best Cheap Food and Drinks in Las Vegas When You’re on a Budget

Dining in downtown las vegas, the food is full of various foods and drinks.

With prices being what they are these days, we know what it’s like to have to stretch your budget, and Las Vegas is a vacation destination that can help you do just that. Our team has scoured Sin City for the best deals on food and drinks that are easy on the wallet but big on satisfaction. We’ve also got tips to get the most out of every dollar during your Vegas trip. Let’s dive in.

See Vegas like never before on the SlotZilla Zipline. Book your tickets today.

How Much Are Drinks in Las Vegas?

To get an idea of what your Vegas drink budget should be, you first have to understand what drinks typically cost. On average, a cocktail or mixed drink will run somewhere between $18 to $25. If you’re more of a wine person, you can expect a glass to cost you about $14 to $24. Rather have an ice-cold beer? You’re looking at $10 for a drink, give or take.

With all that said, your Las Vegas drinking budget will depend on your preferences, finances and these factors:

  • Where you’re drinking (the Strip or downtown)
  • What you’re drinking (think domestic or imported)
  • How much you’re drinking (obviously)
  • How long you’re staying in Las Vegas (you do the math)

Something to keep in mind is that many places inflate their prices or add hidden service charges that will bump up the bill. Keep an eye out for these fees, or ask before ordering.

What’s a Reasonable Food Budget in Las Vegas?

If you’re on a tighter budget and are willing to look for the best cheap food in Las Vegas, you could probably get away with spending about $50 to $75. People with a little more wiggle room can expect to spend $100 to $150 per day at Las Vegas restaurants (with decent tips for servers). Splurging on fine dining can add up quickly and really dip into your vacation budget.

Eight Tips To Eat and Drink in Las Vegas on a Budget

Now that you have an idea of what food and drinks might cost you, let’s look at how you can stretch your budget to cover your trip. Check out these tips to make the most of your Vegas vacation without breaking the bank.

1. Find the Best Happy Hours

Tip number one: keep it cheap with Las Vegas happy hours. Many restaurants and bars in downtown Las Vegas have a window of time when you can get significant discounts on food and drinks. If you time out your meals just right, you can indulge in the good stuff without spending the big bucks.

Here are a few places you need to check out around the Fremont Street Experience:

2. Take Advantage of Specials and Limited-Time Offers

Las Vegas has impressive deals on food and drinks if you take the time to look. Check social media accounts of different Las Vegas bars and restaurants to see what special offers they have. You may even find limited-time deals at places you initially thought you couldn’t afford.

For example, some establishments will offer complimentary appetizers or drinks if you check into their location, or post pictures on your social media. You could also qualify for a deal if it’s your birthday or other special occasion. Take a peek at locations near you for any specials.

3. Dine in Downtown Las Vegas

The cost of three square meals a day in Las Vegas can add up before you know it. However, you can always find the best cheap food in downtown Las Vegas; no matter what time of day you crave something satisfying.

The fine dining restaurants in downtown Las Vegas have a sophisticated vintage vibe that’s hard to find anywhere else. Along with this “old school” atmosphere comes reasonable pricing and that classic high-end service that was a Vegas staple of days gone by.

If you want to have a special meal with your friends and loved ones in Las Vegas, downtown is your best bet to stay on budget. Check out these award-winning restaurants:

Also, many of these restaurants offer prix fixe menus, giving you a chance to try their signature dishes and favorites at a set rate. This can help you shave off a few dollars.

4. Get Free Drinks While Gaming in Downtown Las Vegas

It’s true that Las Vegas doesn’t offer as many freebies as it used to, but you can still get free drinks when gaming downtown. If you decide to test your luck at the tables or slots, cocktail servers come around regularly to take your drink orders with no bill.

How does it work? Well, for one, you must be actively gaming to get a free drink. You can’t just sit down and expect the cocktail servers to be at your beck and call. So, put a little into a slot machine, or take a chance at your favorite table game. Before you know it, you’ll have a free drink in your hand.

Also, remember to keep it classy. Many casino workers, including cocktail servers, earn the bulk of their income from tips. While the drinks are free, tipping a few bucks will go a long way and keep your server coming back around to ensure you aren’t running on fumes.

5. Check out Food Courts, Counters and Trucks

Don’t assume that food courts, stalls, trucks or counters are somehow subpar. Many of these establishments are backed by bonafide chefs and culinary professionals who deliver delicious food at a bargain. A few places that come to mind include:

6. Snack It Up

Don’t underestimate the power of a good snack. If you want to save on food and drink expenses, try bringing a few snacks with you while you’re out. This will curb your hunger and help you avoid indulging in overpriced items. Temptations abound in Las Vegas, so play it safe with a trusty snack in your purse or pocket. If you can hold off until lunch or dinner, you’ll have a little more in your budget to play with.

7. Stretch Your Budget With Free Entertainment

Las Vegas is known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World” for a reason. With the biggest names in music and comedy coming through Sin City regularly, there is no shortage of concerts, shows and other live entertainment somewhere in Las Vegas. However, expensive tickets can cut into your spending allowance quite a bit.

Luckily, finding cheap or free things to do is right up our alley. The Fremont Street Experience offers free Viva Vision light shows and headliner concerts by major musical artists at our Downtown Rocks free concert series. If you’re not here while Downtown Rocks is in full swing, we still have free live music across three stages in the pedestrian mall every night. Rock out with your crew while keeping those dollars in your pocket.

See upcoming events in downtown Las Vegas.

8. Skip Expensive Resort Fees

Many Vegas visitors can be caught off guard by expensive resort fees at their hotels. Some properties charge $50 or more in resort fees, which is in addition to the cost of your room. In some cases, this can double how much you think you’re spending on accommodations.

Fortunately, many of the downtown Las Vegas hotels have very low to no resort fees, giving your food and drink budget a boost. Check out Four Queens for no resort fees, and Main Street Station, Fremont Hotel & Casino and The California for low resort fees.

What Are the Best Affordable Restaurants in Las Vegas?

Dining in downtown las vegas. An aerial view of a variety of pizzas as friends make a toast with their wine glasses above it.

Now, to the good stuff. Here’s where you can get the best cheap food in downtown Las Vegas without sacrificing on flavor and variety.

Tony Roma’s at Fremont Hotel & Casino

Tony Roma’s inside the Fremont Hotel & Casino has one of the best dinner deals in town. Pop into the restaurant between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. for their $12.99 prime rib special. Honestly, a fast food meal would probably cost you more. You get a generous portion of tender prime rib, a baked potato and mixed veggies for less than fifteen bucks. Winner, winner, prime rib dinner.

Evel Pie in Fremont East District

Evel Pie, named for the famous Evel Knievel, brings you pizza with fresh ingredients and big flavors at an affordable price. Get the full pie for your group for the best deal.

Garden Court at Main Street Station

If you miss affordable Las Vegas buffets, you need to head to Garden Court at Main Street Station. They serve all-you-can-eat brunch and dinner with an eclectic menu at rates you thought were long gone. Check it out.

Magnolia’s Veranda at Four Queens

Get that old-school diner experience at Magnolia’s inside Four Queens. Their portions are more than generous, with a good variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Want the best deals? Try the burgers, Magnolia’s famous Louisiana gumbo or the 10-ounce pork chop entree.

Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ and Brews at Binion’s

If you’re feeling particularly hungry, Benny’s at Binion’s has great deals on full or half racks of barbeque baby back ribs, chicken and briskets. Join Binion’s All Access Players Club in the casino to get the best discounts.

Where Can You Find Cheap Drinks in Las Vegas?

Need something to wash all that food down? We’ve got you. Check out these budget-friendly bars in downtown Las Vegas:

Check Out Fremont Street Experience for the Best Places To Eat In Las Vegas

If you’re on a tight budget, downtown Las Vegas is the place to be for the best cheap food and drinks. Check out the Fremont Street Experience for affordable restaurants, free entertainment and the best time you’ve ever had in Vegas on a budget.

One response to “The Best Cheap Food and Drinks in Las Vegas When You’re on a Budget”

  1. Fantastic beat I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site how could i subscribe for a blog site The account helped me a acceptable deal I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. * indicates a required field.

*

    Get the inside scoop with our free “Downtown Insider” e-newsletter. We promise to keep it classy (no spam).