In luxurious Wine Country, it can sometimes be hard to find a decent meal that doesn’t make your bank do a double-take. While Sonoma County is rich in gourmet dining, it lacks in satisfying cheap eats.
Yes, most restaurants have been hit with inflation and consequent rising costs of ingredients. But residents are feeling the strain on their wallets, too. So we set out to find where you can get a meal for under $20.
You won’t find artfully crafted, tweezer-perfect cuisine on this list. Rather, it’s an assortment of humble yet fulfilling dishes that are as affordable as they are tasty.
Read on below to find the most best budget bites in Sonoma County, and scroll through the gallery above for a sneak peek.
Santa Rosa
Fourth Street Deli
It doesn’t get much more “best bites on a budget” than this casual corner deli. All sandwiches are under $14 and make for a filling lunch (or two). Go for a made-to-order ham, turkey breast or roast beef sandwich ($10.95). Throw in a half-pint deli side, such as the orzo, broccoli crunch or southwest quinoa salads ($5.95 each). You could stop there for a satisfying $16.90 lunch, but why not throw in a housemade cookie ($3.25) for good measure? 300 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-573-9832, fourthstreetdeli.com
Mac’s Deli
Go à la carte for the best budget deals at this historic local delicatessen. For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with two eggs and toast ($7.75), home fries or hash browns ($6) and a choice of bacon, ham or sausage ($5.50) — a total of $19.25. Better yet, go for the short stack of pancakes ($10) and two eggs ($5) for a filling $15 breakfast. For lunch, go for the Reuben ($15.25) with a side of fries ($2); or the French dip served with au jus and choice of fries or potato salad for $15.50. 630 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-3785, macsdeliandcafe.com
A’Roma Roasters
This Railroad Square coffee shop has an artsy charm as well as an assortment of affordable meals. The breakfast sandwich ($7.75) comes with two eggs, cheddar and bacon or ham on a buttery croissant. For lunch, try the veggie burger ($9.25) with hummus, lettuce and tomato on ciabatta bread. Don’t forget to check out the goodies behind the counter, including scones, muffins, cookies and cinnamon twists. 95 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-576-7765, aromaroasters.com
Zoftig Eatery
Zoftig’s breakfast sandwich ($7.50) is simple but delicious, with eggs and cheddar on a housemade English muffin. Add-ons like avocado, bacon and ham are $2. For lunch, try the falafel wrap ($14.50) or the loaded Maccabi Bowl ($16.50) with falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, quinoa tabbouleh, mixed greens, beet and walnut dip, and whole wheat chips. 57 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-521-9554, zoftigeatery.com
Mel’s Fish & Chips
Look to the sides and craft your own combo at this local fish and chips institution. Try the one piece of fish ($7.99), clam strips ($5.99), chips ($4.99) and an individual side of coleslaw ($1). Plus, find corn dogs for $3.50 and fish tacos for $4.25. 1016 Hopper Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-578-1954, melsfishandchips.com
Roseland Taco Trucks
The trucks lining Roseland’s Sebastopol Road, including Mitote Food Park, boast delicious eats for a fraction of what you’d pay at most sit-down eateries. Best bets include Gio y Los Magos Mexican Grill for quesabirria tacos ($4.50); Delicias Elenita for tamales ($4); El Roy’s for tacos dorados (three for $12); and Pupusas Y Tacos Marquez for pupusas de carne ($4). Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa
Pho Vietnam
Consistently hailed as having the best pho in town, Pho Vietnam delivers on generous portions and reasonable prices. A great value meal is the rice plate with barbecue pork or lemongrass chicken ($13.45), which is served with a side salad, sweet and sour lime sauce, and a small bowl of soup. If you’re here for the prized pho (naturally), go for the pho ga, chicken soup with rice noodles ($12.25 for small, $13.25 for large, $14.75 for extra large). 711 Stony Point Road, Suite 8, Santa Rosa, 707-571-7687
Thuận-Phát Vietnamese Sandwiches
A locals’ favorite with some of the most affordable banh mi sandwiches around ($8.50 for all). Popular picks are the grilled pork and grilled chicken sandwiches with cilantro and pickled veggies on a French roll. Most dishes are under $10. 3020 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-889-3966
A Dog A Day
More than just a hot dog stand, this small food shack offers affordable breakfast and lunch staples. Find an egg and potato breakfast burrito ($7.99), a ham and Swiss sandwich ($9.15) and large country-style beef chili ($9). But, of course, you’re here for a dog. The Millers Giant Dog ($7.15) is a quarter-pound all-beef hot dog, ready to be dressed in whichever toppings you desire. 4055 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-772-7799
Pupuseria Salvadorena
With a variety of pupusas for $4.50-$4.75 each, you can try a handful and still be around the $20 mark. Fillings include beans, cheese, chicken, shrimp, pork, squash, spinach and loroco blossoms. Also, sweet and savory tamales are $4.50 each. 1403 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-544-3141
Bowl & Roll
This unassuming Korean and Japanese spot is known for its large portions and friendly service. The spicy chicken bowl ($16.95) is a bestseller — a heap of barbecued chicken sautéed with onions and spicy Korean sauce on a bed of rice, topped with sesame seeds and served with a side salad. 1331 Guerneville Road, Suite Q, Santa Rosa, 707-595-3772, bowlandrollrestaurant.com
Petaluma
Roy’s Chicago Dogs at the Yard
Tucked away at the Petaluma Livestock Auction Yard, Roy’s Chicago Dogs offers Vienna all-beef hot dogs. Go for the classic Chicago Dog ($8.50), D’s Killa Dog ($8.75) with chipotle barbecue sauce, chopped onions and coleslaw; or the Reuben Dog ($12) with pastrami, Swiss, sauerkraut and a pickle spear. 84 Corona Road, Petaluma, 707-774-1574
Petaluma Brunch Station
For a hearty pick-me-up at this all-day breakfast and lunch eatery, go for the Wake Up Scramble ($16) — three eggs scrambled with chorizo, corn, red onions and avocado, served with toast and home fries or hash browns. Or go big with the filling French toast combo ($17.50): three pieces of brioche French toast dipped in Kahlua batter and served with orange butter, plus two eggs and two pieces of bacon or sausage. For lunch, the sourdough burger ($15) includes two quarter-pound patties on fan favorite grilled sourdough with Swiss cheese, grilled mushrooms, red onions, bacon and house sauce. Burgers come with a choice of soup, salad or fries. 732 E. Washington St., Petaluma, 707-762-4095, thebrunchstation.com
Pete’s Henny Penny
This longtime Petaluma breakfast staple has a long menu of diner classics. The pancake combo ($12.95) is a great deal — featuring three buttermilk pancakes, two eggs and two pieces of bacon or sausage. For lunch, all sandwiches are under $20 and come with your choice of side: fries, salad, coleslaw, potato salad or cup of soup. 4995 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-763-0459, peteshennypennys.com
Chunky’s Taqueria
This inexpensive and community-minded taqueria near Santa Rosa Junior College’s Petaluma campus offers meals even broke college students could afford. The super burrito ($12) is as filling as it is delicious, especially with the carne asada or pollo rojo. Tortas are $7.50, tacos are $4 and corn tortilla quesadillas are just $2. 701 Sonoma Mountain Pkwy, Petaluma, 707-775-3325, chunkystaqueriagrill.shop
Donut Den
Doughnuts and Chinese food don’t sound like a typical match, but here, it works. Doughnuts and other pastries range from $2.29 to $4.29 each and include glazed, jelly-filled, maple bars, old fashions, apple fritters, French crullers and cinnamon rolls. For a quick breakfast, go for the sausage, egg and cheese on an English muffin ($6.99). Some favored lunches include the orange chicken ($14.99) and Mongolian beef with peppers ($16.99); each come with steamed rice. 1390 N. McDowell Blvd., Suite J, Petaluma, 707-792-1312
Rohnert Park
Art’s Place
The late, great Pasta King’s (Art Ibleto) Italian restaurant has everything from pasta and pizza to salads and sandwiches. Go for the meatball sub ($16), barbecue pulled pork sandwich ($14) or the spaghetti half & half ($19) with marinara and pesto sauces. Sandwiches come with choice of fries, minestrone soup or salad; and pastas are served with a side of garlic bread. 563 Rohnert Park Expressway, Rohnert Park, 707-588-2787, artsplacerp.weebly.com
Smokin’ Bowls
This casual eatery has something for everyone’s tastes, with everything on the menu under $11. Fan favorites include the Dragon Bowl ($8.75) — fried rice with bacon, chicken in a hot-sweet sauce, cashews and green onions — and the Bowl Named Sue ($9.25), with mashed potatoes, chicken, corn, bacon, green onions and gravy. 295 Southwest Blvd., Rohnert Park, 707-665-5265, smokinbowls.com
Sonoma
Baker & Cook
A must-stop for your morning pick-me-up and baked goods fix, this charming bakery has a cute garden patio and offers plenty of fresh pastries and baked breads under $10 daily. Try the cheddar and onion quiche ($6.50), morning bun ($5), jam-filled brioche doughnut ($5) and turkey bagel ($16) with turkey, bacon, sautéed onions, lemon cream cheese and arugula. 18812 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-938-7329, bakerandcooksonoma.com
Broadway Market
For over 70 years, Broadway Market has been supplying fresh produce, premium meats, local wines and deli sandwiches — all at reasonable prices for the high quality. Best bets include the pepper turkey sandwich ($7) and the tri-tip sandwich ($9.50). 20511 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-938-2685, broadwaymarketsonoma.com
Juanita Juanita
This unpretentious eatery brings California flare to its traditional Mexican cuisine. Go for the fish tacos ($3.95), regular quesadillas ($8.50) or the praise-winning Garlic Garlic Burrito ($16.99). The burrito is filled to the brim with a choice of meat or mushrooms, cheese, black beans, fresh spinach, mixed veggies, guacamole, salsa and sour cream. 19114 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-935-3981, juanitajuanita.com
El Huerto of Sonoma
Who said eating healthy has to be expensive? El Huerto serves fresh and nutritious smoothies, “glow bowls,” salads, paninis and more, all at fair prices. A great start to the day is the protein toast ($7.46) with almond butter, banana, chia seeds and chocolate chips. Other great options include any smoothie (from $8), the acai bowl ($11.95) and the Chicken Sonoma panini ($12.90) with grilled chicken, Swiss, spinach, kale pesto and tomato on a ciabatta roll. 19213 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-934-8791, el-huerto-fresh-bites.square.site
Sonoma’s Best
As a mercantile with an accompanying deli, wine shop and cottage lodge, Sonoma’s Best has it all with prices to fit every budget. Best bites include the breakfast croissant sandwich ($7.99), the Jumbo Dog with all the fixings ($8.99) and the caprese panini ($11.99). Also find muffins, scones, Danishes, croissants and turnovers all for $4-$6. 1190 E. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-996-7600, sonomas-best.com
Healdsburg
Downtown Bakery & Creamery
This humble bakery by the Healdsburg Plaza has been offering affordable, delicious treats since 1987. Nearly everything on the menu is $10 or less. Go for the breakfast sandwich ($10), with scrambled eggs, cheddar and ham or bacon on a housemade English muffin. Throw in a scone ($3.50) or doughnut muffin ($4) to add some sweetness to your breakfast. The grilled ham and cheese sandwich ($7), with housemade aioli and Dijon on a French baguette, makes for a quick and satisfying lunch. Also, grab a personal favorite brownie cupcake ($4) and thank me later. 308 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-431-2719, downtownbakeryhealdsburg.com
Taqueria Guadalajara
An unassuming hole-in-the-wall Mexican eatery, Taqueria Guadalajara is one of those places most adored by regulars and locals in the know. Fresh ingredients, generous portions, friendly staff and reliably affordable eats make this taqueria a true dependable gem. Best bites include the regular tacos ($3.79 each), chicken tostada ($6.95) and regular burrito with carnitas or al pastor ($11.85). A great value is the two chicken enchilada combo ($13.25), served with rice and beans. Do yourself a favor and order a housemade horchata ($3.25), speckled with fresh bits of cinnamon. 125 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-1052, ordertaqueriaguadalajara.com
Otoro Sushi
Otoro excels in fresh, colorful sushi rolls, light and crispy tempura, a cozy modern ambiance and fast, friendly service. Best bites include the miso soup ($3), beef or vegetable gyoza ($9), spicy California roll ($8) and shrimp tempura roll ($9). 1280 Healdsburg Ave., Suite 101, Healdsburg, 707-756-3932, otorohealdsburg.com
Big John’s Market
This family-run grocery store has been around for over 30 years, selling everything from organic produce and local baked goods to housemade sausage and sushi. Big John’s sandwich deli and pizza oven are great for affordable, made-to-order lunches (all sandwiches are $10.99 or under, and pizzas are $12.99 or under). Go for the Fitch Mountain sandwich ($10.99) with chicken breast, bacon, provolone, tomato, avocado and chipotle spread; the Center Street sandwich ($10.99) with prosciutto, fig, blue cheese and olive spread; and the Funghi pizza ($9.99) with fontina, oven-roasted mushrooms and thyme. 1345 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-7151, bigjohnsmarket.com
Flakey Cream Do-Nuts & Coffee Shop
More than a doughnut and coffee shop, Flakey Cream’s vast menu includes farm-fresh egg breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Best bites include the regular glazed doughnuts ($2 for one, $10 for half dozen); huevos rancheros ($16) with two eggs, chorizo, black beans, avocado and salsa on tortillas; and the Big Bird ($16) with two thick slices of French toast, two eggs and two pieces of your choice of sausage, bacon or grilled ham. 441 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-433-3895
Sebastopol
King Falafel
Specializing in Mediterranean fare, best bites here include the lebni sandwich ($9.25), regular falafel sandwich ($10.75) and lamb or chicken gyro ($12.50). You’ll also want to throw in the tabouli salad ($9.99) and baklava ($4.50). 100 Brown St., Suite 150, Sebastopol, 707-824-4800
Sebastopol Sunshine Café
Best bets at this casual diner include the spinach breakfast burrito ($9) with eggs, Jack cheese and hashbrowns in a spinach tortilla; two sweet cream pancakes ($10) topped with fruit and whipped cream; and the classic hamburger ($12.75) served with a choice of fries, coleslaw or fresh fruit. 124 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-827-3935, sebastopolsunshinecafe.com
Acre Pasta
Opened in May with affordable, family-friendly dining at the forefront, Acre Pasta delivers on fresh, nonna-style dishes. Go for the housemade spaghetti with Sunday red sauce ($12), made with onions, garlic, basil and San Marzano tomatoes. Add a side of grilled garlic bread ($5) and save room for olive oil cake ($9) with raspberry puree. 6751 McKinley St. at The Barlow, Sebastopol, 707-329-6734, acrepasta.com
Forestville
Carr’s Drive In
Back when El Molino High School was still in session, this was the spot for students to grab burgers, fries and shakes for lunch. Still offering up great, affordable burger shack grub, grab a regular burger ($5.10, cheese is $0.70 – $1), fried chicken sandwich ($7.20), chili dog ($7.30) and fries ($3.20). Throw in a shake or float for $5.50. 6533 Covey Road, Forestville, 707-887-7053
Russian River Pub
Serving classic American dishes to locals for over 50 years, this pub is a west county mainstay, featured thrice on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Best bets include the charbroiled beef burger ($11), grilled chicken breast sandwich ($13) and pulled pork sandwich ($14) — all of which come on a toasted brioche bun. Complement your sandwich with a half order of fries ($5) or a cup of the daily housemade soup ($7). 11829 River Road, Forestville, 707-887-7932, russianriverpub.com
Guerneville
Guerneville Taco Truck
This taco truck has been a longtime Guerneville staple, always reliably stationed in front of the town’s Safeway. Everything is delicious — and the whole menu is under $20. Go for the corn tortilla tacos ($3), Mexican nachos ($6.25), regular meat or veggie burritos ($12-$12.50), tortas ($12.25) and quesadilla with meat ($9.50). 16405 Highway 116, Guerneville, guernevilletacotruck.com
Coffee Bazaar
This little Russian River coffee house is the right touch of cozy and sophisticated, adorned in local art and situated right next to a bookstore. Cafe food is reasonably priced, too, including the ham and cheese croissant ($8.75), pesto bagel with feta, sun-dried tomatoes and cream cheese ($9.75) and any of the signature sandwiches ($13-$14). Plus, find assorted pastries and other snacks at the counter. 14045 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, 707-869-9706, coffeebazaarcafe.com
Hot Box BBQ
This barbecue food cart and catering business offers stacked, succulent sandwiches — with a choice of smoked pulled pork, smoked chicken or smoked tofu on brioche — for around $15. Try The Classic ($14) with mayo, housemade coleslaw and peach barbecue sauce. Heat-seekers will enjoy The Volcano ($15) with lettuce, crispy onion bits, Sriracha aioli and housemade jalapeno pepper jelly. All sandwiches come with a side of potato chips. 16155 Drake Road, Guerneville, 707-867-8436, thehotboxbbq.com
Bodega Bay
Spud Point Crab Company
Spud Point has some of the best seafood in the county. Best bets include the New England-style clam chowder ($9.95), albacore tuna sandwich ($10.95) and shrimp cocktail ($11.95). 1910 Westshore Road, Bodega Bay, 707-875-9472, spudpointcrabco.com
The Dog House
There are few American pleasures quite like burgers and hot dogs by the coast. Go for the old-fashioned dogs ($12), corn dogs ($11), Dog House club ($14) and third-pound burger ($15). Add loaded cheese fries for $8. 537 Smith Brothers Road, Bodega Bay, 707-875-2441
Multiple Locations
Acme Burger
A single beef burger is $7.10, and add-ons — including various cheeses, sautéed veggies, bacon, avocado and truffle butter — range from $1.10 to $2.35. Make it a combo by adding shoestring fries and a milkshake for $7.95. Plus, only the new east Petaluma location offers 10-inch pizzas, starting at $9.95. Locations in Cotati, Petaluma and Santa Rosa. acmeburgerco.com
Superburger
While $12.25 might sound like a bit much for a cheeseburger, the half-pound Cheese Superburger is big and meaty enough to last for two lunches. It features 8 ounces of Black Angus beef topped with a choice of cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles and mayonnaise on toasted buns. Throw in a regular-size shake ($6), which comes in a variety of fun flavors, such as toffee crunch, birthday cake, mint Oreo, orange creamsicle and caramel apple. 1501 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-4016; 8204 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, 707-665-9790, originalsuperburger.com
El Roy’s
There’s a reason this local taco truck consistently gets rave reviews — and it doesn’t hurt that the service is quick and the prices are more than reasonable for such quality fare. Best bets are the tacos (starting at $2.95), regular quesadilla ($11) and super burrito ($12). Six locations in Santa Rosa and Petaluma. eatelroys.com
Red Bee BBQ
Specializing in fusion-style barbecue, Red Bee’s best value meal is the “2 Meats and 2 Sides” combo (starting at $18.39), enough for two people (or two lunches for yourself). Meat options include barbecued and teriyaki chicken, pulled pork, tri-tip and beef brisket. Sides include cornbread, fried and steamed rice, mac salad, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, elote and house salad. 750 Stony Point, Santa Rosa, 707-541-6536; 6560 Hembree Lane, Windsor, 707-836-4090, redbeebbq.com
Grateful Bagel
Sonoma County’s longtime bagel shop is superb for an affordable, handheld meal on the go. Bagels start at $2 and a bagel slathered with cream cheese, butter or jam is $4.19. A favorite is the Ellie’s Spicy Eggel ($9.50), with eggs, pepper jack cheese, avocado and salsa (on an everything bagel, please). With a breakfast for just under $10, you can throw in a $5 20-ounce Americano without the guilt of knowing you could’ve made it at home. 631 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-535-0570; 300 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-829-5220; 10101 Main St., Suite A, Penngrove, 707-794-1516
Plank Coffee
Featuring a variety of pastries and sandwiches, with plenty of vegan options, Plank Coffee has a healthy selection of morning dishes that won’t break the bank. Best bites include baked-in-house muffins and scones ($4.95 each), the buttermilk biscuit with butter and jam ($9), the croissant, egg and cheese sandwich ($10), and El Peluche ($12) — a crispy roll stuffed with scrambled eggs, sharp cheddar, seasoned roasted potatoes and spicy mayo. 175 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-395-0572; 227 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-894-6187, plankcoffee.com
Lola’s Market
A one-stop shop for seasonal produce, quality meats, grocery items, baked goods and traditional Mexican food, Lola’s Market shines as a reliable grocer selling affordable fare. Go for the al pastor taco ($4.49), quesadilla on a corn tortilla ($4.99), chicken torta ($11.99) and enchilada combo plate ($12.99) served with rice, beans, guacamole and sour cream. Locations in Healdsburg, Petaluma and Santa Rosa. lolasmarkets.com