Carrollton boasts plenty of great bars—but it also has plenty of pricey ones. While we’ll happily splurge on craft cocktails, sometimes you just want a solid drink and bite without breaking the bank. That’s why we’ve rounded up these spots. Each offers quality food and drinks for about $15 or less, ensuring you can enjoy a night out without emptying your wallet.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
$ | (972) 466-1350 | WEBSITE
The standout dish at this casual sports bar in Carrollton is the crispy chicken strips tossed in a sweet and smoky honey chipotle sauce. But if that’s not enough to grab your attention—perhaps a $12.99 price point will. At Chili’s Grill & Bar, that gets you a generous basket of chicken strips that comes with fries and your choice of dipping sauce. Not in the mood for chicken? Their bacon burger costs the same.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, with servers who provide great menu recommendations. The atmosphere is welcoming with multiple screens for catching games, making it a family-friendly spot for a satisfying meal.
The Crab Station – Carrollton
$$ | (972) 242-2889 | WEBSITE
Most items here run around $25-35, a worthwhile investment since this Carrollton seafood spot specializes in generous seafood boils with standout quality. Our favorites are their succulent crab legs with garlic butter sauce or crispy, tender calamari paired with savory seafood ramen. But for the ultimate indulgence, order the seafood boil: a massive platter of crab, shrimp, and corn that’ll easily feed two hungry diners.
And since it’s known for fast, friendly service, their clean dining area is a solid choice for when all you crave is to dive face-first into some fresh seafood.
Menas Tex-Mex Grill Cantina
$ | (972) 478-5750 | WEBSITE
This Tex-Mex cantina in Carrollton is from the same people behind some of the area’s most reliable spots. But we like this location because it’s a fantastic place to grab solid enchiladas or tacos before dealing with the inflated prices at trendier restaurants. The place has an authentic feel, but we’ve always been able to find a booth or a spot at the bar, which still manages to feel more spacious than our last-minute airport lounge.
The beef enchiladas have a rich texture, the ceviche is fresh, and you can upgrade to the weekend brunch menu, plus cocktails, without breaking the $25 barrier.
City Night KTV Karaoke Bar & Café
$$ | (214) 888-8985 | WEBSITE
The best karaoke experience in Carrollton is at a lively entertainment venue called City Night KTV Karaoke Bar & Café. No, that wasn’t an exaggeration. In fact, as soon as you reserve a room you’ll find the staff efficiently confirming availability and preparing the space. The large, air-conditioned rooms have the perfect balance of ample seating and clean atmosphere—all enhanced by the iPad song selection system and attentive service.
But maybe the best part is that the black pepper beef remains a standout dish, and drinks are consistently satisfying.
Grill 19
$$ | (972) 395-0786 | WEBSITE
Grill 19 is a cozy Carrollton restaurant that serves exceptional meals like Wednesday Pasta Nights and Friday Steak Nights. Their dishes feature fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation, with Chef Hector ensuring each plate is perfectly executed.
And whether we’re enjoying a casual dinner in the main dining area, celebrating in the spacious Grand Ballroom, or grabbing a quick bite at the bar with bartender Amber—we can appreciate that each meal offers great value, with most entrees priced around $25.
Blue Maki by The Blue Fish
$$ | (214) 731-6633 | WEBSITE
Blue Maki by The Blue Fish is a popular sushi spot in Carrollton that specializes in hand rolls and maki. It has a modern dining area, and the warm lighting makes the space feel inviting even on busy nights. Focus on the premium temaki combo which runs about $25. The fish is incredibly fresh and is prepared with careful precision, and they also have a variety of unique rolls.
The best one is the uni, and regardless of how complex the flavors get, the perfectly seasoned rice is the ideal foundation.
Koi sushi and izakaya
$$ | (469) 892-6713 | WEBSITE
This Carrollton spot claims to serve some of the best sushi in the area, which we choose to believe because of how fresh theirs tastes. But they also have popular izakaya dishes like Hamachi Kama grill, karaage, and Ike geso—all of which cost less than $15 and come with authentic Japanese pickled vegetables. There’s a welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff, but it’s still satisfying whether you’re enjoying the affordable lunch combos or trying to navigate the occasional high-demand evening.
Hanshin Pocha USA
$$ | (214) 731-6069 | WEBSITE
From the sizzling Stir Bulgogi Udong Noodle with Cheese, to the comforting warmth of the Budae Jjigae stew, our heads make an Exorcist turn whenever we hear someone talking about Hanshin Pocha USA’s Korean fare. Plus, this Carrollton restaurant serves great authentic dishes for around $15-25. We like to alternate between the Hanshin Grilled Eel with its smoky sweetness, or the Stir Fried Squid made with plenty of spicy kick.
Both also get plenty of flavor from attentive service, cozy private rooms, and a welcoming ambiance that’s open until 2AM.
Nico’s Cocina
$ | (972) 395-3663 | WEBSITE
What’s better than a fun family meal where everyone leaves happy? A fun family meal where everyone leaves happy for less than twenty bucks a plate at Nico’s Cocina in Carrollton. Each visit to this family-friendly spot comes with a dedicated playground for kids, various vegetarian dishes, and your choice of street tacos, fish soup, or big beef burritos that you can customize based on dietary restrictions.
The outdoor dining area is actually more comfortable than it seems with fans and shade, so while you can definitely come here for a quick margarita and nachos, it’s also great for a family dinner where you won’t have to worry about keeping the kids entertained.
SUM FUSION KITCHEN & BAR
$$ | (972) 242-3870 | WEBSITE
Sum Fusion Kitchen & Bar is a “Korean-Western fusion spot” in Carrollton with a menu of standout dishes that all hover around the $15–$20 range. There’s a mix of Korean classics as well as creative Western twists, like a creamy seafood pasta with a subtle kick. We’re always torn between the surprisingly yummy Tteokbokki—some of the best we’ve ever had—or the mussel soup with its light, spicy broth that warms you right up.
Most people come to this cozy, nicely decorated spot for a relaxed night out with friends, but it’s also a great place for larger parties to enjoy drinks and good food.