10 great dishes for under $10

At a time of economic uncertainty and higher costs, we’re looking at ways to trim the budget. But that doesn’t mean dining out is no longer a viable option.

If you know where to look, these budget-minded dishes, from cheffy to best-in-class, will satisfy the wallet and the taste buds. We scanned the metro and beyond to land on these easy-on-the-palate offerings — all under $10.

What’s more is many of these gems are available on the regular menu and don’t require dining on a specific day and time frame. And for the places that take planning ahead, the bargain prices make it all worthwhile.

From the team behind Travail, Minneapolis’ Dream Creamery scoop shop not only offers a long list of housemade frozen treats but also features casual bites. That includes a quarter-pound, single-patty hamburger ($8) or cheeseburger ($9). This cheffed-up version of an everyday burger uses all quality ingredients, including the milk bun it’s served on.

Two Minneapolis locations: 816 Lowry Av. NE. and 4728 Cedar Av. S.; dreamcreamerymn.com

The counter-service restaurant at the back of this Korean market has long been known for its short ribs, sizzling bibimbap and other hot foods. But not to be overlooked is the kimbap, Korean rice and seaweed wraps stuffed with crunchy carrots, cucumber, pickled radishes, eggs and imitation crab. It’s the one prepackaged option available and can be served as an appetizer or main dish. The rolls ($7) served here are cut into 18 bite-sized pieces and can easily be a meal and a great on-the-go option.

735 45th Av. NE., Hilltop

802 Washington Av. SE., Mpls., kinzoudon.com

This Eastern European market that has been feeding families for generations is known for many things, including its house brats that are a staple around town and a must-get when at a Twins game. At the on-site cafeteria adjoining the market, you can enjoy these juicy pork numbers with a great snap ($9) year-round and without the stadium prices. Just as much of a bargain are the house pierogies at $2 each; order a few to build your own meal. With several available fillings, such as potato-cheese, meat (pork/beef), sauerkraut and mushrooms, there’s no lack of variety when it comes to these pillowy bites. Also in the under $10 category is the vegetarian mushroom-potato cabbage roll. It’s a bargain buffet.

215 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls., kramarczuks.com

Sure, you might find a breakfast burrito under $10 elsewhere, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a place locally that is executing the L.A.-style burritos stuffed with potatoes so well. On top of that, variety is the spice of life here, where six options at this price point or lower ($8-$10) are available: chorizo, sausage, bacon, vegetarian and more. Prices are based on the menu at the Richfield restaurant; note that dishes and prices may vary by location.

6519 Nicollet Av. S., Richfield; 901 W. Lake St., Mpls.; litos-burritos.com

400 Lowry Av. NE., Mpls., martysdeli.com

Pho Mai is already a destination for piping-hot bowls of pho, along with banh mi sandwiches, noodle salads, rice platters and other Vietnamese favorites. To start your weekend off just right, the Pho Mai location in Dinkytown, which is a hop, skip and jump from the U’s Minneapolis campus, hosts pho Fridays. For $5, you can get a bowl of pho tai (thin steak slices), but there’s a catch: you have to order another food item to get the deal. (It can be from the appetizer menu, which starts at $8).

When it comes to the $5 pho, the serving size is what the restaurant considers a “small” bowl. But if you’re familiar the generous portions here, it is filling. Gotta love a place near campus that keeps competitive, budget-friendly specials in mind. The deal is geared toward the college crowd, but available for everyone to enjoy.

319 14th Av. SE., Mpls., phomai.com

Tono Pizzeria and Cheesesteaks has gained a following for its 12-inch brick oven pizzas on a Sicilian-style crust. On Tuesdays, the local outfit has a deal that feeds the entire family with a 2-for-1 pizza and soda special. With pizzas regularly priced between $14 to $18, the BOGO deal breaks down to $7 to $9 per pizza. The special applies to dine in or takeout, with the caveat that you must order in person at the counter to nab this deal.

When we spent a day dining through Northfield, one restaurant stood out for best value and generous helpings of comfort fare. The Quarterback Club, an order-at-the-counter diner where food is brought to your table, features daily specials. On Wednesdays, those specials include a $9.95 turkey dinner, in which roast turkey is sandwiched between two pieces of bread, alongside mashed potatoes and a seasonal vegetable (stuffing is an extra $1), all generously ladled with gravy.

But there are even more reasons to head here, special or no special. On the regular menu, you’ll find items such as a $3.95 burger and $10 two-piece chicken dinner with sides, which we can also attest are excellent. There’s a reason Quarterback Club has been an institution since 1967, thanks to its nostalgic menu with practically throwback prices to match.

116 W. 3rd St., Northfield, quarterbackclubrestaurant.com

It’s not the worst problem to have when you can’t decide whether the restaurant’s ribs or wings is your favorite. That continues to be the case when ordering at this humble mostly takeout spot in a Blaine strip mall with a serious food game. The ribs are tender and juicy and the wings nicely coated and crisp. You can get any of these in combo plates: a quarter-pound rack of ribs ($10) or three, whole seasoned wings ($9) with fries, coleslaw and toast. The hearty portions at slim prices left us with no complaints, either.

10603 University Av. NE., Blaine, wingjointwings.com