In 2026, everything seems expensive, and dining out is no exception. A meal for one can easily cost more than $50, making budget-friendly options more important than ever.
That’s why we’re launching Deal-icious, a new affordable dining series highlighting restaurants across Dallas-Fort Worth. The requirements are simple: The restaurant has to offer dine-in service and a full meal with an entrée, a side and a drink for less than $20 after tax.
For our inaugural segment this month, we identified and visited five restaurants across the region that have passed the Deal-icious test. Read on for restaurant information and order recommendations.
Charco Broiler Steak House in north Oak Cliff
Charco Broiler Steak House has been serving the Dallas community for over 60 years.
Zacharia Washington / Food Digital Producer
The old-time chop house has been serving customers in Oak Cliff since 1963, easily making it one of Dallas’ oldest restaurants. Charco Broiler Steak House offers comfort classics such as steak dinners, chicken fried chicken and fish-and-shrimp platters at budget-friendly prices.
Article continues below this ad
I got the fried shrimp meal, which came with a choice of two sides. I received about eight shrimp, with fries, a piece of toast and a side salad. I also ordered a fountain drink.
Total cost: $18.60 (tax included)
Charco Broiler Steak House is at 413 Jefferson Blvd., Dallas. It is open Monday-Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. charcooakcliff.com.
The fried shrimp seafood dinner at Charco Broiler Steak House in north Oak Cliff. It comes with two sides and toast.
Zacharia Washington / Food Digital Producer
Maple Leaf Diner in North Dallas
The Canadian diner has been a Dallas staple for about 10 years. It’s known for its blend of traditional American diner food with Canadian comfort food. The menu features Canadian options like poutine, peameal bacon and butter tarts, and there’s a wide range of breakfast, lunch and dinner selections.
Article continues below this ad
Maple Leaf is the only place on this month’s list that offers breakfast, so I ordered the Waffle Trio meal; as a waffle enthusiast, it seemed like the perfect choice. It came with two pieces of bacon, two eggs and a fluffy waffle. I also ordered a fountain drink and a side of peanut butter. Use it on your waffle with syrup and thank me later.
Total cost: $18.69 (tax included)
Maple Leaf Diner is at 12817 Preston Road, #129, Dallas. It is open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. mldiner.com.
The waffle trio meal with a side of peanut butter at Maple Leaf Diner in North Dallas.
Zacharia Washington / Food Digital Producer
Mike’s Chicken near Oak Lawn, Love Field
Mike’s Chicken has been operating for over a decade and is one of Dallas’ most popular chicken joints. It has three locations in North Texas, with the original on Maple Avenue.
Article continues below this ad
Mike’s sells bone-in chicken and chicken tender plates and offers sides such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, french fries and mashed potatoes. I don’t let a month go by without going.
I typically order a 3-piece wing plate, which comes with two sides and a biscuit. I get french fries and green beans, or mac and cheese. I also usually order an additional cup of the signature Mike’s Sauce for $0.50.
Total cost: $14.60 (tax included. A drink would increase the cost to around $18.)
Mike’s Chicken original location is at 4234 Maple Ave., #2403, Dallas. It is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closed Sundays. mikeschicken.co.
Fried chicken tender plate from Mike’s Chicken on Forest Lane in Dallas.
Dallas Morning News file photo
Porky’s Burgers & Wings in Mesquite
Porky’s in Mesquite has been open for about seven years, and is known for its stacked burgers and crispy chicken wings. Almost all of the burgers and sandwiches are under $10 each, and the wings are reasonably priced as well, with combos costing between about $12 and $15.
Article continues below this ad
I ordered a 10-piece wing combo, which came with fries. I got two flavors of wings: lemon pepper and original hot tossed together. They came with a big cup of ranch, but I love ranch so much that I ordered another, smaller cup for good measure. I also got a fountain drink.
Total cost: $16.18 (tax included)
Porky’s Burgers & Wings is at 4612 Gus Thomasson Road, Mesquite. It is open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and closed Sundays. Porky’s Facebook page.
A 10-piece wing combo with seasoned fries at Porky’s Burgers & Wings in Mesquite.
Zacharia Washington / Food Digital Producer
Two Guys From Italy in northwest Dallas
This longtime Italian restaurant has been in business since 1979 and is located in a cozy building in northwest Dallas. The menu features Italian specialty dishes, pastas, seafood options and pizza, and mostly everything is under $20. It also offers glasses of wine for $3.75.
Article continues below this ad
I got the chicken alfredo, which came with a side salad and homemade bread. I also ordered a glass of cabernet sauvignon. The pasta serving was big enough that I brought some home.
Total cost: $18.73 (tax included)
Two Guys From Italy is at 11637 Webb Chapel Road, Dallas. It’s open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. twoguysfromitalyrestaurant.com.
At Two Guys From Italy, the chicken alfredo comes with housemade bread and a side of salad or soup. A glass of wine is under $4.
Anja Schlein / Special ContributorWhat’s your favorite restaurant in Dallas-Fort Worth that doesn’t break the bank?
Dining in North Texas has become increasingly expensive, making it important to find budget-friendly options.
We want to talk to you
We’d love to hear from you. Email me at zacharia.washington@dallasnews.com with questions or information about restaurants you’d like to see in our affordable dining series.
Dining and Cooking