In Blackwood, NJ, where dining out can quickly drain your wallet, you’ll find plenty of spots serving excellent meals for under $20. This updated list highlights the top 20 restaurants offering affordable, delicious options right now—perfect for satisfying your cravings without breaking the bank.
Juice Capitol
$ | (856) 805-7105 | WEBSITE
Juice Capitol is one of our highest-rated juice spots, and it just so happens that most of the drinks at this popular Blackwood lounge are also priced at under $12. We can never visit here without getting at least one wellness shot ($4.50), and their kale base smoothies are some of the best in the healthy drinks business. Try the smoothie with banana, blueberries, and granola, and keep an eye out for $10 juice/smoothie combo specials too.
Manila Central Market & Restaurant
$ | (856) 352-2139 | WEBSITE
This casual spot in Washington is our first choice for a sit-down Filipino feast in Blackwood, which is a neighborhood full of hidden gems. Start with the crispy lumpia. It’s made fresh daily, so you might burn your tongue biting into one while deciding what else to get. Go for a plate of lechon fried rice, any which way, and pair it liberally with chili vinegar. We especially like the barbecue skewers with a thick, savory peanut sauce.
Chubby Chicks Cafe
$$ | (856) 302-2050 | WEBSITE
Chubby Chicks Cafe is a Blackwood spot for brunch favorites, like jerk chicken grilled cheese, wings, and fluffy waffles. It’s also a lively place with a live DJ and karaoke, making it the ideal spot for celebrations and gatherings before a fun evening. Don’t forget to bring your own drinks and enjoy the generous portions on your way out the door.
El Jacalito
$ | (856) 352-4078 | WEBSITE
There are so many places for great, affordable Mexican food in Blackwood. The local chains and other spots are all worthy options, but for the most flavorful tacos, head to El Jacalito. Choose the standout favorites like the Al Pastor Tacos or the Chicken Birria Tacos, and enjoy your amazingly good meal in the naturally sunlit dining room that creates a lovely spot for lunch.
EL GUAJILLO #3 MEXICAN RESTAURANT
$ | (856) 352-4237 | WEBSITE
El Guajillo #3 has been a cornerstone of Blackwood’s dining scene for years. Their authentic Mexican dishes have satisfied locals and visitors alike, and they’re still here for you. Especially if you’re craving something truly special, get the birria pizza. It’s a standout item, and none of their generous portions will set you back more than $22. Our favorite is the al pastor tacos paired with their perfect horchata.
FLAMEZ WOOD FIRED PIZZA
$ | (856) 228-2222 | WEBSITE
In the heart of Blackwood, you’ll find a $22, wood-fired pizza that easily satisfies two. The perfectly charred crust isn’t just affordable, it’s one of the area’s most reliably delicious meals—topped with pepperoni, extra cheese, and your choice of toppings. Go for the classic pepperoni version, with its generous cheese and crispy edges.
Hilltop Creamery
$ | (856) 227-1222 | WEBSITE
In Blackwood, Hilltop Creamery is the place to take your family and friends. Their strawberry cheesecake ice cream is creamy and rich, and their soft serve special is super refreshing. They have more than 20 different soft serve flavors and a large selection of hard ice cream, which means you can try multiple treats for less than a movie ticket.
TNT’s Cafe
$ | (856) 302-5790 | WEBSITE
This is a Vietnamese cafe tucked away in a Blackwood strip mall, where cheerful decor and friendly staff all seem genuinely happy to see you. Order a variation on Vietnam’s classic sandwich, the banh mi, which melds together crisp, fresh vegetables with savory, tender meat. The lunch deal’s spring rolls have all of the same freshness and crunch, as well as a generous portion of nicely chewy, translucent rice paper. Don’t miss the unique milk tea beverages with gel bubbles, which are a must-try.
The owner and employees create a personable and positive experience, making it a great spot for a fun and healthy meal. With affordable pricing and plenty of parking, TNT’s Cafe is an underrated eatery that keeps customers coming back.
Riley’s Pub
$$ | (856) 227-3171 | WEBSITE
The staff at Riley’s Pub used to work at various chain restaurants, and usually that wouldn’t be a significant fact, but at this neighborhood pub in Blackwood, it explains a lot. Their wings are a Buffalo-style creation involving crispy skin, tender meat, and various sauces that are nothing like a sad excuse for bar food. Pair them with a side of seasoned fries, and snag one of the cozy indoor tables if the live music’s playing.
Homeslice mobile pizza
$$ | WEBSITE
Homeslice mobile pizza’s convenient location offers a divine escape from the summer heat, with amazing crust and delicious Italian style wings that create a great family dining experience. The fact that it’s basically the same prices as Domino’s is even more incredible. The best value here though is their honey cup pizza, especially when you take advantage of the buy one/get one deal on Wednesdays.
Antonino’s Pizza
$ | (856) 227-2900 | WEBSITE
This cash-only pizza joint (with a reputation that draws customers from out of state) is a top option within a couple blocks of downtown Blackwood—and that’s really saying something, because this area has plenty of solid pizza spots. Most items clock in at under $25, but we especially love pairing their perfectly crisp Chicken Ranchero pizza with a side of those highly praised hot garlic parm wings.
Mandarin Cuisine
$ | (856) 228-8885 | WEBSITE
Mandarin Cuisine makes good Chinese food in Blackwood—and across all their takeout and pickup options. But we like their lunch specials even more. A clean, polite dining room neatly contains a reasonable amount of fresh, hot, and nicely plated dishes. On certain lunch hours those very filling meals are just $12.
Holy Tomato
$ | (856) 228-1234 | WEBSITE
Many folks grab takeout from this Blackwood pizza spot, but the real experience comes from settling in. That’s how you’ll meet the owner, who’s hands-on and ensures everything’s just right, bringing you incredible tomato pies like the half-vegetarian, half-sausage option or the popular Buffalo Chicken Pie, all served on simple plates. We’re also big fans of the house salad, which easily feeds two or three and is considered one of the best around.
Whichever you choose, don’t skip the homemade ranch or Bleu cheese for dipping.
The Original Mario’s Pizzeria
$ | (856) 228-2232 | WEBSITE
One slice is a snack, two are a meal. That’s the rule of thumb at this pizzeria in Blackwood. Mario’s tops their cracker-like crust with a thick, tasty sauce and quality ingredients for their $10 pizza nights. They have ample seating, but it’s also perfect for a quick slice on the go.
Meadows Diner
$ | (856) 232-9099 | WEBSITE
In Blackwood, Meadows Diner is one of those restaurants where all you have to do is step in and inhale to know you’re getting an excellent meal. The classic New Jersey spot serves up comfort food at an astonishing clip, and the rich, savory, slightly sweet smell coming from the kitchen isn’t false advertising. The generous portions also come with big helpings of nostalgic memories.
Sam’s Bar & Grille
$ | (856) 227-0770 | WEBSITE
Sam’s Bar & Grille in Blackwood serves up classic hometown bar fare—think wings, BBQ chicken pizza, and a variety of sandwiches—in a spacious, open-floor setting perfect for sports fans. Go for the chocolate chip martini, a unique drink that elevates the experience from good to great. They don’t skimp on the friendly service or the lively atmosphere, both of which make this spot feel welcoming.
It’s a place your mind will wander back to every time you’re in possession of a $15 bill and craving a fun night out with family or friends.
Scarpinato’s Cucina And Catering
$$ | (856) 352-2010 | WEBSITE
Scarpinato’s Cucina And Catering is open for lunch and dinner, and there’s almost always a steady crowd. This Blackwood sit-down spot serves up some of the most delicious and affordable Italian-American food, like the class casino, and the best crab cake in South Jersey, which runs about $22 and comes with a side. We’ve also ordered their chicken cutlet trays more times than we care to admit. Bring an appetite, and go for the chef’s Rosa sauce.
Just save room for the complimentary bread basket with stromboli and sharp provolone to take home.
Tea Tank (Tea&Crepe)
$ | (856) 818-8883 | WEBSITE
The way a spoonful of creamy creme brulee milk tea swirls with chewy boba pearls, the Jupiter crepe at Tea Tank melts right into your senses, banishing every mundane craving, bite by delightful bite. Besides crepes and bubble tea, this clean little spot in Blackwood serves fruit teas, sweet crepes, and more tea-and-crepe combinations, all behind a cute, if slightly underwhelming, decor that feels perfect for some quiet me time.
Friendly’s
$ | (609) 760-1454 | WEBSITE
Friendly’s is a classic American diner with a bright neon sign out front that simply reads, ‘Friendly’s.’ If you live in Blackwood, you will feel highly protective of it after one visit. They have both hot and delicious food, as well as classic dishes like the double cheeseburger with fries and potato croquettes. For the best of both worlds, go for a full meal, like the double cheeseburger combo.
It comes with a juicy patty on a soft bun with melted cheese, and a side of crispy fries and creamy potato croquettes. The service is quick and pleasant when it’s good, though sometimes you might wait a bit to be seated or for your order. The staff can be kind and efficient, making your visit enjoyable, even if some tables might need clearing. You’ll definitely want to come back to try one of their famous sundaes.
La Cantina Restaurant Bar & Grill
$$ | (856) 302-5675 | WEBSITE
La Cantina works great for when you want to go to a restaurant to catch up with friends, but don’t want to dip too deep into your savings. Their signature guacamole and chips is just $12, and it’s loaded with fresh avocado and lime. But if you’re feeling just a little bit splurgy, get their margarita flight with three different flavors for $18.