Budget
7 articles
Budget Eats in Detroit: Eight Great Meals Under $20
The city with $45 entrees at Selden Standard also has $4 tacos on Vernor Highway. Both versions of Detroit are real.
Detroit's dining revival has been well documented. Less discussed: you can still eat extraordinarily well for under $20 in every neighborhood that matters. Here are eight places that prove it.
Encuentro Latino Feeds Its Block for Under Twelve Dollars
At 228 W Michigan Ave in Ypsilanti, Guatemalan and Latin American food priced for the neighborhood.
Encuentro Latino at 228 W Michigan Ave in Ypsilanti serves Guatemalan and Latin American food, including pupusas, tamales, and combination plates, with most items under $12.
Pita Kabob Grill Does Not Need Your Attention to Be Good
At 529 East Liberty, the other Middle Eastern counter on the block keeps feeding the neighborhood without the line out the door.
Pita Kabob Grill at 529 E Liberty St serves falafel wraps, shawarma plates, and beef kebabs at prices that make East Liberty Ann Arbor's best affordable lunch corridor.
Bill's Drive-In Has Not Changed. That Is the Entire Point.
Since 1939, the mustard-colored building on East Michigan Avenue has been serving root beer and hot dogs from the same window.
Bill's Drive-In at 1292 E Michigan Ave in Ypsilanti has been open since 1939. House-made root beer in a chilled mug, carhop service, and hot dogs that taste like they always have.
Tmaz Taqueria Beyond the Fold
The Packard Street taqueria earned its spot in our taco series. Here is everything else on the menu.
Tmaz Taqueria at 3182 Packard St serves tacos, pupusas, tamales, and enchiladas until 4 a.m. The full profile of Ann Arbor's best late-night taqueria.
BTB Burrito Feeds You for Under $10 and Does Not Apologize
On South University, a burrito counter built for the budget and the clock.
BTB Burrito at 1140 S University Ave serves customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos at counter speed. The salsas are made in-house and the habanero has real heat.
Budget Eats in Ann Arbor: Nine Great Meals Under $15
The affordable middle is disappearing. These places are still holding the line.
Nine Ann Arbor restaurants where you can eat well for under $15: Dos Hermanos, Frita Batidos, Fleetwood Diner, Jerusalem Garden, Tomukun, and more. Updated April 2026.