Best Cheap Eats Restaurants in Livermore
23 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
KoKoLo Donburi
Well-executed Japanese donburi with speedy ticket times.
Notable Picks
8.5
Japanese rice bowls built with crisp tempura, teriyaki, and katsu over fluffy rice, plus miso and sides. Efficient service and sub-$20 combos make it a reliable value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Katsu Don, Tempura Udon + Mini Don Combo, Beef Teriyaki Don
What Makes it Special: Well-executed Japanese donburi with speedy ticket times.
#2
The Press
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Daytime artisan café using quality breads and local produce for pressed sandwiches and salads. It’s the downtown move for a satisfying lunch under $20.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Pressed Sandwich, Turkey Avocado on Ciabatta, Tomato Basil Soup
What Makes it Special: Thoughtful pressed sandwiches with quality bread and produce.
#3
Viet Noms
8.3
Modern Vietnamese counter spot with clean broths and crunchy-fresh veggies. Vegetarian pho and tofu bánh mì are light, satisfying options that travel well for takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegetarian Pho, Tofu Bánh Mì, Fresh Veggie Spring Rolls
What Makes it Special: Vegetarian pho with clear broth and crisp herbs.
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Counter-service taquería downtown known for trompo-cut al pastor and handmade tortillas. Quick ticket times and late hours make it a reliable move after events on First Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor street tacos, Quesabirria with consomé, Carne asada tacos (hand-pressed tortillas)
What Makes it Special: Fresh-pressed tortillas and hot-off-the-trompo al pastor until late.
8.2
Counter-service Mediterranean with crisp falafel, creamy hummus, and fresh salads made to order. Fast lines and late hours make it a go-to for affordable vegetarian meals downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Plate, Hummus with Pita, Dolmas
What Makes it Special: Vegetarian plates assembled fast with bright, fresh toppings.
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Counter-service New York–style spot known for slices, quick service, and straightforward toppings. Families use it for no-fuss dinners and downtown grab-and-go before or after events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni Slice, White Truffle Slice, Italian Combination Slice
What Makes it Special: Downtown slice shop with true NY-style thin crust and fast pacing.
8.1
Jalisco-style counter spot serving generously filled tacos, burritos, and late-night bites. Locals lean on it for fast service and consistent salsas right on First Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp taco, Birria taco with dipping consomé, Al pastor taco
What Makes it Special: Downtown Jalisco standards with generous portions under $15.
#8
Donut Wheel
8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Sweet Treats Escapes
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
24-hour donut counter turning out old-school raised, cake, and apple fritter classics at true bargain prices. Locals use it for early coffee runs and late-night cravings alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Apple Fritter, Glazed Old Fashioned, Ham & Cheese Croissant
What Makes it Special: Round-the-clock donuts with decades of local nostalgia.
Worthy Picks
Counter-service spot for pho, vermicelli bowls, and under-$10 banh mi on East Avenue. Portions are generous and the line moves quickly at lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Pork Banh Mi, Beef Pho (Pho Tai), Lemongrass Chicken Vermicelli
What Makes it Special: Well-priced banh mi and pho with fast counter service.
7.9
Neighborhood taqueria long favored for consistent burritos, friendly staff, and quick ticket times. Portions are hearty and the menu covers all the classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Super Burrito, Carne Asada Burrito, Chile Relleno Burrito
What Makes it Special: Reliable, generous burritos with warm, efficient counter service.
7.9
Counter-service taqueria turning out hefty burritos with fast ticket times and a broad salsa bar. Popular downtown stop for lunch breaks and casual dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Super Burrito, Carnitas Burrito, Breakfast Burrito (weekends)
What Makes it Special: Speedy burritos with plenty of protein options and salsas.
7.8
No-frills taqueria known for street tacos and late-night hours to 11:30pm. Solid salsas, quick tickets, and plenty of parking make it a dependable final stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos with consomé, Al pastor mulita, Carnitas plate
What Makes it Special: Reliable 11:30pm close with classic taqueria staples.
7.8
American tavern that draws crowds for Taco Tuesday deals alongside drink specials. Not a Mexican spot, but the Tuesday taco lineup and bar energy make it a go-to for budget-friendly HH tacos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco Tuesday street tacos, Loaded nachos (HH), House margarita
What Makes it Special: Taco Tuesday with HH-level pricing and bar specials.
#14
Saigon Café
7.8
Downtown standby serving classic Northern-leaning beef pho with a richer, beefier broth and straightforward service. It’s a reliable, budget-friendly choice near First Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (house combo), Phở tái (rare steak), Gỏi cuốn (shrimp & pork rolls)
What Makes it Special: Classic beef-forward broth with generous portions at lower prices.
7.8
A scratch-dough, by-the-slice operation run by Italian owner Matteo, turning out NY-style thin crust that keeps Livermore regulars coming back for fast, affordable pizza. The format is grab-and-go or casual dine-in—order at the counter, grab a slice or a whole pie, and keep the bill low. A polarized review spread (68% five-star, 12% one-star) suggests most visits land well, but the occasional miss keeps it from locking in full reliability.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pizza by the Slice, Buffalo Wings, Garlic Twists
What Makes it Special: NY-style thin crust pizzas made from scratch daily with dough by Italian owner Matteo, available by the slice for quick, affordable meals
7.8
No-frills counter-service staple for bubbling soon tofu, bibimbap, and affordable barbecue plates. It’s a quick, satisfying stop with friendly service and generous banchan.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Soon Tofu Soup, Spicy Pork Bulgogi, Bibimbap
What Makes it Special: Comforting soon tofu and BBQ plates at true budget prices.
#17
Best Donuts
7.8
Neighborhood strip-center shop known for friendly service, steady quality, and fair prices. The case runs classic glazed, old-fashioneds, and hearty fritters, with quick grab-and-go flow.
Must-Try Dishes:
Old-Fashioned, Raised Glazed, Apple Fritter
What Makes it Special: Classic donut lineup at true budget prices with fast service.
7.7
Old-school counter-service fish-and-chips shop doing crisp fried cod, prawns, and chowder at wallet-friendly prices. Go for quick meals, takeout, and reliable fry work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cod Fish & Chips, Prawn Basket, Clam Chowder
What Makes it Special: Classic fish-and-chips at fair prices with speedy service.
#19
Americano
7.7
Counter-service Italian deli and pasta spot known for hefty sandwiches and straightforward pasta plates. Easy parking and fast service make it a low-stress option with kids in tow.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meatball marinara sandwich, Chicken pesto penne, Lasagna slice
What Makes it Special: Big-value Italian sandwiches and speedy counter service.
7.7
Casual counter-service spot with fast turnarounds and generous noodle plates. Strong value for weekday lunches or quick takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), Pad See Ew
What Makes it Special: Speedy counter-service with dependable noodle standards at friendly prices.
7.7
Casual downtown spot serving a broad, old-school Chinese menu with quick pacing. Reliable for budget-friendly combo plates and takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orange Chicken, Kung Pao Shrimp, Pork Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Downtown convenience with fast pacing and wallet-friendly pricing.
7.7
Neighborhood spot south of downtown serving hearty plates and tortas with friendly pricing. It’s a comfortable, no-frills choice for weeknight tacos and family meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Torta cubana, Carnitas tacos, Chicken enchiladas
What Makes it Special: Generous portions and friendly pricing in a low-key setting.
#23
Casa Mexico
7.6
Compact East Avenue spot with a neighborhood feel, full bar, and documented happy hour deals. Portions run hearty and prices stay friendly, making it a solid value stop for casual tacos and combo plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole enchiladas, Carne asada tacos, Shrimp fajitas
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood Mexican with wallet-friendly happy hour and full bar.