What Are the Best Cheap Places to Eat in Connecticut for Kids & Families?

Belly up to a feast for under $10 a head at these Connecticut spots. Photo courtesy of Modern Apizza

Modern Apizza – New Haven

This classic Connecticut pizza spot has been serving up delectable dishes since 1911. A family of four can share a pizza and salad for under $10 per person. Grab some dough for a fun, budget-friendly pizza night at home!

Mr. Mac’s Canteen – Monroe & Milford

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, both Mr. Mac's locations have dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and even seafood plates for under $10. The chili-cheese dog is worth the trip. 

El Pollo Guapo – Hartford, Newington & Glastonbury

This Mexican chain has plenty of budget-friendly choices, like tacos and empanadas. Check out the whole chicken meal deal, which comes with 3 sides and 3 sauces, for only $38 dollars. There's enough to fead the whole fam, whether eating in or taking out.

Three Amigos – Manchester & Farmington

Three Amigos casual Mexican fare is always a crowd pleaser. Tacos are 5 to 10 dollars, and the tostadas run around $8 or $9 bucks on average. Try a VERY shareable extra-grande combo burrito. Three amigos is perfect for takeout or dining in.

Skooter's - Windsor Locks

This retro diner is worth the visit just for the fun decor. But the budget-friendly eats at this Connecticut restaurant will be sure to satisfy. Skooter's has the full range od diner faves, like corned beef hash, pancakes, burgers, and dogs. Breakfast sandwiches are only $6 to $7. There might even be room in the budget left for a slice of pie or a milkshake.

Sally's Apizza – Fairfield, Farmington, New Haven, Stamford, and Wethersfield

Since opening in New Haven in 1938, Sally's Apizza has been dishing out some of Connecticut's favorite apizza. Eating in or taking home, large pies run from $20 to $35 and are more than enough to satisy the fam. The Meats Apizza is especilly delectable.

Ranch House – East Hartford & Windsor

One of the most affordable restaurants in Connecticut, Ranch House has a slew of menu items for $10 or less, with crowd-pleasing favorites like burgers, grinders, and wraps. The comfort food includes a variety of breakfast sandwiches for around $5 too.

New England Pasta Company – Avon

What could be better than gourmet food at an affordable price? The New England Pasta Company's Family Meal Deal takeout dinners feed up to six people, with four meals for $50 or less. Try the chicken parm and fresh ziti (includes salad and a baguette), and enjoy a budget-friendly family meal.

York Street Noodle House – New Haven

This noodle house has everything a family looking for cheap places to eat in Connecticut could want. There are so many wok noodle dishes, pho and ramen offerings, as well as noodle soup dishes, all for $10 or less. Or skip the noodles and just start piling on the sushi, with about 30 different rolls for $9 or less.

Duchess Family Restaurant – Multiple Locations

This tried-and-true family restautant in Connecticut is known for all-day breakfast and classic American comfort fare, like burgers, wraps, and dogs. I like that I can order two breakfast sandwiches and still be under the $10 threshold. And the chicken parm sandwich ($7) is bellisimo.

99 Restaurants  – Multiple Locations

Always a real deal, the 99 is a local fave for good reason. If you're getting takeout, the bucket of seafood chowder serves 5. The $15 meal deals might stretch the $10 per-person budget, but a couple of "Kids Eat Free" meals after a Red Sox win will get the tab back in the black.

The 99 is always fine...and very budget-friendly for Boston families. Photo courtesy of 99restaurants.com

Which Cheap Local Spots Are Hidden Gems (and Worth the Trip)?

Log House – Barkhamsted

Nestled into the woods, the Log House is worth a visit for a budget-friendly breakfast. At this charming family restaurant, about half of the breakfast menu is under $10, including the pancakes and French toast ($7 apiece) and 3-egg omelettes ($9.99).

The Wienery - Stamford

EVERYTHING at the Wienery is under $10. Well, almost everything (the triple cheeseburger is $10.25). Swing by for some $5 corn dogs and save room for the $5 shakes. The Wienery claims that the chili is the best in New England.

Are There Any Cheap Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near Major Attractions?

Connecticut Science Center – Ajamo

Before (or after) visiting the CT Science Center, check out this spot that makes fresh soups, salads, and bowls, with most everything around or under $10. The $7 bowl of chowder will hit the spot.

Yale Peabody Museum – Louis Lunch

Head to this old standby for an authentic "original" burger for $8 after a morning with the dinosaurs.

Mystic Aquarium – Taquerio

As if the Beluga whales weren't enough of a sight, this converted gas station has a variety of tacos for only $6 each. And "Santa's Sleigh Station" during the holidays is a nice additional touch.

What Should Families Order to Stay Under $10?

• Share entrees or sides
• Try lunch specials instead of dinner
• Look for kid combos or local-only deals
• Avoid add-ons (like drinks) that double the cost

Which Popular Restaurants Aren’t Worth It (and Why)?

While Bartaco (with locations in Stamford, West Hartford, and Westport) might be a nice spot for a date night or a special occassion, the price point and the more exotic flavor combos (e.g. roasted yucca with habanero) might not be the best choice for a budget-conscious dinner with picky eaters.

Insider Tips for Eating Out Cheap with Kids

• Bring refillable water bottles
• Go early to beat dinner rushes
• Take advantage of kids-eat-free nights
• Eat at food markets for variety
• Follow local restaurants on social for flash deals
   

Cheap Eats in Connecticut FAQ

Q: What are the best cheap restaurants in Connecticut for families?
A: Local favorites like Sally's Apizza serve great food for under $10 per person — all kid-approved.

Q: Where can kids eat free or cheap in Connecticut?
A: Many family-owned spots and casual diners offer low-cost kids’ meals or weekday specials; check each restaurant’s website or local deals calendar.

Q: What kind of food can families get for under $10 in Connecticut?
A: Pizza, tacos, sandwiches, noodle bowls, and breakfast plates — many local favorites keep prices family-friendly.

Q: Are there good cheap restaurants near the Yale Peabody Museum?
A: Yes! Try Louis Lunch near the Yale Peabody Museum where you can grab a quick meal for under $10 before or after your visit.

Q: How can families save money eating out in CT?
A: Eat at lunchtime, share entrees, try local markets or food trucks, and skip touristy sit-down restaurants that mark up prices.