Boston's Best Cheap Eats 2008

Cool cocktails and classic comfort food define this laid-back subterranean lounge.

Reviews:

• “Techno Music Restaurant AAAA OK!!”
• “a good 1st visit”
• “Great value”
• “Snobby Hostess – GREAT bartenders”
• “best first date ever!”

Tips: At a mere $10 above cost, all of Silvertone’s wine and champagne bottles are a bargain. The same offerings can sometimes go for three times as much at other area establishments.

Silvertone Bar & Grill

Some of the city’s best, most authentic tacos and burritos are wildly popular with budget-conscious students.

Reviews:

• “One of my favorite restaurants”
• “Not impressed, much better options for Mexican out there”
• “the best in boston!”
• “Best fish tacos and burritos, ever”
• “Best fish tacos and plantains”

Tips: Keep an eye on the Sox schedule. When there’s a game, parking will be impossible to come by, and lines may be long. And remember, you can bring your burritos into the park (just no drinks).

El Pelon Taqueria or email El Pelon Taqueria

Massive margaritas and affordable Tex-Mex fare combine to yield one of Harvard Square’s most popular restaurants.

Reviews:

• “The most disorganized and lying management ever!”
• “Easy, cheap and fast!”
• “Do not go there as the folks running the place are extremely rude!”
• “HORRIBLE service (especially manager)”
• “Good food, horrific attitude”

Tips: Vegetarians take heart: The restaurant offers a full page of meatless menu options.

Border Cafe

Welcoming Charles St. restaurant has been serving fluffy French toast and savory steak tips since 1937.

Reviews:

• “Decent at Best”
• “Cheap, tasty eats”
• “You might want to go to the McDonalds drive-thru if you’re looking for a comparable experience”
• “loved it”
• “Can’t go wrong…just don’t go during busy times”

Tips: The Paramount’s eggs and pancakes prove very popular on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Expect to wait or show up early.

The Paramount or email The Paramount

With its fresh, affordable dishes, this casual Greek eatery is a favorite among Cambridge residents.

Reviews:

• “The last of the true family restaurants”
• “Yummy Greek to go.”
• “Great Food at Great Price”

Greek Corner Restaurant

Local bastion of roast beef sandwiches and fried seafood thrills area families with several area locations.

Reviews:

• “Grease Grease and more Grease”
• “Still a classic after all these years — and best value (and chicken fingers) anywhere”
• “The fries smell good”
• “Cheap???? Are you on medication? "
• “good food not cheap”

Tips: Scared of birds? Enjoy your food in your car; otherwise you’ll have to deal with super-aggressive seagulls and pigeons.

Kelly’s Roast Beef

Popular local chain sells straightforward, overstuffed burritos and quesadillas, served fast and cheap.

Reviews:

• “Biggest and best burritos "

Tips: Sorry, senor: The restaurant serves no alcohol. If you really crave a Corona with your burrito, take it to go.

Anna’s Taqueria

All aboard for a whistle-stop tour of Southern barbecue cuisines, all without leaving Newton.

Reviews:

• “Go here! Go here!”
• “Where did we go”
• “May be best BBQ in Boston, but cannot compare to what you can get in the south”
• “finger licking good”
• “Possibly the best BBQ in New England”

Tips: Save a few bucks (and some tough decisions) by ordering a bountiful “feedbag” (assorted meats and sides) for either four or six people.

Blue Ribbon BBQ

This Cambridge sibling to the Back Bay’s popular beer bar updates the original’s formula with stellar results.

Reviews:

• “Mostly good people, allways good food and beer.”
• “Staff leaves a bad taste in my mouth”
• “Great beer selection, decent food, not crowded for mid-week lunch”
• “This place s@cks.”
• “great cheap food and 99 beers!”

Tips: No credit cards are accepted. Forgot? Don’t fret: There’s an ATM in the back.

Bukowski’s Tavern