With low property taxes, a high median income and numerous housing options, Plano residents can live, work and play at a reasonable cost compared with other markets. The cost of living also applies to food in the city, which boasts quality restaurants perfect for people with diverse budgets.
Here are five affordable food options in or near Plano that point to the city’s high quality of life at a relatively low cost.
Dubs Tea N’ Eats — 3131 Custer Road, Suite #178
At Dubs, visitors can chomp down on snacks, like a bacon-and-cheddar stuffed pretzel with ranch, while sipping tea. “I wanted to bring in something unique that wasn’t a burger, a taco or a pizza,” owner Lance Wayman said of the pretzel-heavy menu. Tea flavors include everything from coconut to decaf peach mango. “A lot of people come in and say they hate tea, but then they try the watermelon tea or something different that’s just not out everywhere,” Wayman said.
Several food items, like the peanut butter pie with chocolate sauce, cost under $5, and guests can attend game nights at the restaurant. All desserts are made from scratch, in-house. Evidently, Dubs has been a hit with students from Plano Senior High School nearby. “I’m a father with three kids. … I don’t want to outprice people from a budget,” Wayman said. “...A family of four could easily come in here, play some games, have some snacks and still get out for under $30.”
Tao Rice Roll — 2001 Coit Road, Suite #166
Rice-lovers might enjoy this Taiwanese shop dedicated to elevating the versatile grain. Stop by for a breakfast roll or try some of the store’s recommendations: a fried bread stick for $3, sticky rice for $5.75, or meatball soup for $5.75. Drinks are just as cheap — sweet, iced and salted soy milks are all under $5.
Edmond’s Burgers & More — 2919 W. 15th St.
Family-owned, this American food joint serves never-frozen burgers with toasted buns and a side of fries — sweet potatoes, cheese and others. For folks not up for a burger, Edmond’s cooks up a variety of chicken wings, from buffalo to lemon pepper, and it makes wraps with whatever filling customers want. “It’s beyond burgers,” said restaurant owner Aida Lamce, who opened Edmond’s seven months ago with her husband.
Until 2:30 p.m. on weekdays, grab a lunch special — burger, fries and drink — for $9.99. “For the quality we offer, even the customers have told me ‘Aida, please increase the price because this quality [is] worth more,’” Lamce said. “But it’s OK... so many people [have] different budgets, so everybody is welcome here.”
Guanaquitas — 2405 E. Plano Parkway
Guanaquitas offers authentic Salvadoran and Mexican food at an affordable cost. Stop by for a breakfast torta or savor the flavors of a Mexican street taco. Feed the whole family with a pupusa meal: 10 traditional pupusas with sauce and curtido (a Salvadoran cabbage salad) for around $35.
TJ’s Dawg House — 501 South Plano Road, Richardson
Bringing the taste of Chicago to Texas, this hot dog stand in Richardson is about 20 minutes from downtown Plano. Chow down on the Chicago Hot Dog — a quarter-pounder topped with relish, onion, sport peppers, tomato and pickle —or the Italian Roast Beef with sauteed onions & peppers for less than $10.
