Let’s be real — eating out is expensive. And I don’t know who needs to hear this, but you shouldn’t have to take out a small loan just to enjoy a good sandwich. Thankfully, there are still some spots where your money goes a long way.
We’re kicking off a new series on cheap places to eat in neighborhoods and suburbs around Columbus, and if you’re looking for food that’s delicious, affordable, and maybe a little greasy (in a good way), I got you.
Swensons Drive-In
📍 7490 Sawmill Rd, Dublin, OH 43016
Founded all the way back in 1934 in Akron, Swensons has been pumping out some of the most unique, delicious, and gloriously greasy sandwiches money can buy. Their whole vibe is old-school drive-in: turn on your headlights and the servers literally run to your car. The hustle? Immaculate.
If you haven’t tried their award-winning Galley Boy — a double cheeseburger slathered in two mysterious sauces (a mild BBQ and a creamy white sauce) — for just $4.99, then what are you even doing?
I’d also argue their Potato Teezers are the greatest side dish of all time. Yes, all time. Fried potato, cheese, and jalapeño for $3.59? Name a more iconic trio.
They’ve also got grilled cheese for $3.29, chicken and fish sandwiches for $6, and killer milkshakes starting at $4. You could easily feed a family of four for under $30, which these days feels like catching a unicorn.
A Matter of Steak
📍 6495 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, OH 43016
Don’t let the strip mall location fool you — this spot is putting out some serious heat. A Matter of Steak is a family-owned gem that’s been slinging cheesesteaks, loaded fries, and breakfast sammies since 1989, and honestly, the prices make it feel cheaper than cooking at home.
Get the 12″ Amigo Sub, served on a freshly toasted bun and piled high with steak or chicken, grilled onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, mayo, lettuce, and queso for just $12.49.
Or go snack mode with Pretzel Jalapeño Poppers for $5.99, 5 wings for $8.25, or a full kids meal with chicken nuggets, fries, yogurt, and a drink for $6.49. They even serve breakfast all day — because who among us hasn’t craved a Mushroom, Egg & Cheese bagel at 3pm?
Missing Jimmy’s
📍 55 S High St, Dublin, OH 43017
This hidden gem bar is like a slice of Youngstown in Dublin, Ohio… literally. They specialize in Youngstown-style pizza, which leans heavily into the region’s Italian roots, and they’ve fully embraced the mob movie theme with subs like the Thomas Hagen and Wartime Consigliere — both nods to The Godfather franchise (and yes, I’m a Godfather-over-Goodfellas person. Every day of the week).
Meatball subs are between $10 and $12, sausage subs range from $9 to $11, and their signature Youngstown pizzas start at just $9. Pair that with $5 wine pours and $2 Busch Lights, and it’s basically a steal.
It’s easy to miss — but trust me, once you find it, you won’t forget it.
Comalli Authentic Mexican
📍 5043 Tuttle Crossing Blvd, Dublin, OH 43016
Let’s talk tacos. Most places offer street tacos that are delicious… but tiny. Like, blink-and-they’re-gone tiny. But not Comalli. These guys are out here serving huge tacos at street taco prices.
You can get Pastor, Asada, Pollo, and Chorizo tacos for just $3.50 each, Birria tacos for $4, or Mexican-style potato tacos for $3. And these things are so loaded that honestly, one or two could fill you up.
Their combo meals are also a killer deal: 5 tacos for $15.50, or 3 tacos with rice and beans for $14. And of course, you’ve got to try the Quesabirrias with Consommé for $15.50 — because nothing feels more luxurious than dunking a taco into soup.
Greek Express
📍 4091 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Okay, okay — I know this one’s technically in Powell. But it’s right on the Dublin border, and I love it too much to leave it off the list.
Greek Express gives massive portions for ridiculously good prices. Their gyros (which come stacked with lettuce, tomato, onion, and either house sauce or Tzatziki) start at $4.60 for smalls, $6.20 for mediums, and $8 for larges that could double as a free weight.
But my go-to? The salads. Fresh, filling, and just $8.50, with the option to add meat for $2 more. The Tzatziki is so good I could drink it straight (I won’t… unless no one’s watching)
Vincenzo’s Convenient Elegance
📍 6385 Perimeter Dr, Dublin, OH 43016
If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I get a high-quality Italian sub the size of a human baby for under 15 bucks?” — congrats, your oddly specific dream just came true.
Vincenzo’s Convenient Elegance is part old-school Italian grocery store, part sandwich shop, and part fever dream where every deli meat you love is piled generously between fresh-baked loaves of bread. These 14-inch sandwiches are so big they might actually intimidate you. But fear not — they’re also some of the best food deals in the entire state.
You can grab their signature Vincenzo Classic Italian (stacked with four layers of meat, two layers of cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, banana peppers, and their own special dressing) for $13.99. Want something warm? The Meatball Sub is similarly massive, melty, and similarly priced.
Pro tip: grab a can of San Pellegrino and a pastry from the cooler for a mini Italian getaway that costs less than a single entrée at a chain restaurant.
Final Thoughts
Finding cheap places to eat in Dublin, Ohio doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor — or your will to live. From burger joints and subs to tacos and gyros, Dublin’s got a little something for everyone, and none of it will break the bank.
Now go forth, eat well, and treat your bank account with the respect it deserves.
👉 And if you want to keep saving money without skipping meals, check out this guide to cheap eats across Columbus.