Eat, Pray, Budget Tips to Know & Best Places to go for Pittsburgh College Students

Kamille Brunson
November 10, 2025

A practical guide to enjoying Pittsburgh’s food scene while staying on budget as a college student.

Tired of going to the Dining Hall? Using you flex money? Spending $20 for one meal? Every college student knows the struggle. Finding something good and affordable shouldn’t feel like so much work, and yet it does. Between classes, studying and spending time with friends, it’s easy to just stay on campus; but Pittsburgh is FULL of hidden gems. Here you’ll find budget friendly and underrated local food places that won’t drain your bank account. This is the guide will help you get started on your OWN foodie journey, with beginner tips and specific items test out first! Your stomach andwallet will thank you. 



Tips to Know: 

-       Expand your palate. Pittsburgh is home to many diverse cultures and communities. There will be 5x more restaurants and food places to try!!!!

-       Utilize public (&free) transportation. Some universities such as Duquesne and Pitt have transportation that will take you to certain parts of the city for FREE!!! Download the PRT app, Pittsburgh Regional Transit. 

-       Look for DEALS. 9/10 if a food place is close to a University, they allow student discounts and meal deals. Look for deals online and REMEMBER to bring your school ID with you when trying new places, you never know where you will get a discount!!!

Best Places to Go: 

-       Doce Taqueria, Mexican Street Food (Southside)

o   What to order: 3 for $15 taco deal with a drink. Includes toppings.

-       Benny’s, Pizza (Southside)

o   What to order: Buffalo Chicken Slice with hot honey ($5.00-$6.50).

-       Yaba’s, Middle Eastern Food (5th Ave)

o   What to order: Chicken Shawarma wrap ($14) 

-       Piada, Italian Street Food (Oakland & around Pittsburgh)

o   What to order: Downtown

-       Siam Thai, Chinese Cuisine (Downtown)

o   What to order: Thai Fried Rice ($12.00), lunch deals

-       Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, Chinese Cuisine, Southside 

o   What to order: Soup dumplings- 6 for $11. 00!


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