Cheap eats in San Diego

San Diego is a much bigger city than Santa Barbara, which I wrote about visiting cheaply last week. I covered a lot of ground on foot but think the best way to see the city is by renting a bicycle or a segway, if you don’t like hills.

I divided my finds into two categories – cheap places to eat and cheap things to do. On my next visit I’ll cover nightlife and shopping.

Brickyard Coffee & Tea – Rest your feet and sip a cup of coffee in their shaded outdoor patio right off the trolley line on your way down to Seaport Village, a cute collection of shops on the water side of Harbor Drive. At $1.75 for a small the coffee isn’t cheap, but the atmosphere makes up for it. Lunch wraps start at $5.50, sandwiches are $8 and up. 675 West G St. 619-696-7220.

Sultan Shawarma – This tiny eatery in the Gaslamp district had some of the lowest lunch prices I saw. A falafel sandwich was $6, other sandwiches were $6.49. You could probably get by ordering just the baba ghanouj ($5) or get a bowl of soup ($2.50), side of hummus ($2) and pita bread ($.50). 543 4th Ave. 619-231-1824.

City Pizzaria – A long line spoke well of this joint, where slices of cheese or pepperoni were $2.50 each. All other slices were $3. Limited indoor and outdoor seating. 1125 6th Ave. 619-531-0955.

Jugos de la Fuente – This “cafe and rebel juice bar” had plenty of seating and great prices. Five different sandwiches were $5 each, a 1/2 sandwich 1/2 soup combo was $4, wraps were $4, and a large salad was $4.50. Get a 1/2 sandwich and 1/2 smoothie for $5. 1048 7th Ave. 619-696-1466.

Taco Express – This out of the way restaurant smelled delicious and had a fenced in patio. Burritos start at $3.50, tacos are $2.05 and up. Two enchiladas (beef, chicken or cheese) are $3.75. Combination plates that include rice and beans are $5.25 and up, house specialties start at $6.45. 1330 State St. 619-235-0311.

Hub Market and Deli – Their breakfast burrito with three eggs and bacon or sausage is $3. Add hash browns for $1. Most lunch sandwiches are $6. You will have to find your own seating, however, as this deli provides none.  748 6th Ave. 619-544-1917.

In the Market – This small market and deli has lunch specials for $5.50 and up. Regular salads and sandwiches are $6 and up. Breakfast starts at $5. 1036 7th Ave. 619-232-5175.