Boston Cheap Eats

Boston ranks amongst the top ten most expensive places to live in the United States. No wonder Bostonians covet a good, cheap meal. It seems as if there are so many high-society swank eateries scattered throughout the city landscape, but after stopping in to dine at many of them, the excuses to buy a 30 dollar plate over some 7 dollar grab-and-go delicacies seems less than reasonable.

Ernesto's-$3.50-$4.75 a slice
Cheap, quick and delicious are three words that come to mind readily when describing Ernesto's pizza slices. Locals in the North End of Boston are generally spoiled compared to the rest of the city when it comes to high quality food per square block. But, nothing beats Ernesto's massive slices from their 16 inch pizzas. Walking in the door there is are a few tables scattered about the tiny pizza shop with most of the front area being taken up by the heated display case holding at least a dozen pre-made pies. The toppings vary from plain cheese or pepperoni to an Irishman's quirky favorite in the banana pepper, bacon and potato slice pizza. Ernesto's simply doesn't make a bad slice of pizza and the beers are cheap too if you'd like to sit in the often sweltering shop while your pizza warms up. Ordering an entire pie can take a while, so the best course of action is to go in feeling flexible and you'll come out with some of the best pizza in Boston in no time at all.

El Pelon Taqueria-Items from .55 cents to $6.00
El Pelon makes the best burrito in Boston. A bold claim indeed, considering Massachusetts is nowhere near a border state to Mexico and most of the competition consists of cookie cutter, albeit popular chain restaurants. Many a burrito lover will walk into El Pelon a skeptic as they've clearly developed strong bonds of loyalty to their favorite taqueria. But, after unwrapping the tin foil off of the plump stuffings of the El Guapo Burrito anyone who respects the art of making a quality burrito will be made a fan instantly. Tender beef, moist rice, fresh guacamole and salsa and the unexpected but utterly crucial pieces of fried plantains are the signature of the El Guapo. Other specialties are tacos, rajas tamals and fresh corn chips. The line can extend out of the door at times but the staff is very friendly and calls out to each customer by name when their food is ready. Don't forget to get a punch card available at the counter which provides for a free burrito after buying a certain amount. This will pay dividends for those chronically addicted to El Pelon's south-of-the-boarder treats.

Chacarero-$4.80-$8.00 per sandwich
Those who have worked, walked, shopped or even driven through Downtown Crossing in Boston with a strong hunger have certainly lamented the utter lack of clean, cheap and tasty places to grab a quick bite to eat. Chacarero offers clean, cheap and tasty options with a courteous and efficient approach to a Chilean specialty sandwich. The chacarero styled sandwich offers generous portions of sliced steak, chicken or grilled vegetables layered onto fresh baked bread with muenster cheese, fresh tomatoes, steamed green beans, salt, pepper and a heavenly avocado spread all put together on an assembly line of at least 5 people to keep the orders coming. The lines to Chacarero can be impressive, but the wait is not so long and entirely worth it. With two locations downtown on Arch and Province Street, Chacarero is an easy and quick choice for cheap and delicious sandwiches.

http://ernestosnorthend.com
http://www.elpelon.com
http://chacarero.com