
Highest-rated cheap eats in Hammond by diners
Americans spend a lot of money on eating out—in 2024, that totaled $1.54 trillion, or nearly 59% of all food spending. So, it's only natural to want the best bang for your restaurant dollar.
Value has become a key component of what diners look for when they eat out, with more than 7 in 10 consumers eyeing menus for value meals. At the same time, many diners also look for something new and exciting, hoping to sample new flavors or food with ingredients that are too expensive to make at home.
Many ethnic cuisines also provide a lot of value because they aren't as expensive to produce. Many Mexican dishes fall into this category because tortillas are cheaper to produce than bread. Many Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Filipino, and Cambodian food, also rely on low-cost ingredients and simple food preparation techniques.
Food trucks and street food vendors also offer cheaper food, thanks to lower overhead costs. Their limited menus typically focus on one type of food, allowing them to simplify purchasing and pass the savings on in the form of lower prices.
Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated cheap eats restaurants within 10 kilometers of the Hammond area using data from Yelp. Data is as of Aug. 8, 2025. Businesses were selected using Yelp's ranking system, which calculates an adjusted rating value that takes into account the number of ratings as well as the rating score itself. Only businesses with at least 20 reviews were considered, and a cost of "$" (out of 4) were considered. Also, in an effort to highlight independent businesses and local chains, those with more than five locations nationally, based on the Yelp data, were not included.
#12. El Paso
- Rating: 2.9/5 (34 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1603 North Morrison Blvd. Hammond, Louisiana
- Categories: Mexican
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Hi Ho 2
- Rating: 2.9/5 (29 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 503 West Pine St. Ponchatoula, Louisiana
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Hi-Ho Barbecue
- Rating: 3.2/5 (58 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2610 West Thomas St. Hammond, Louisiana
- Categories: Sandwiches, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Salad Station
- Rating: 3.4/5 (30 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1109 Cm Fagan Drive Ste 100 Hammond, Louisiana
- Categories: Salad, Soup, Wraps
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Yellow Bird Cafe
- Rating: 3.8/5 (186 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 222 East Charles St. Hammond, Louisiana
- Categories: Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Ryan's Deli
- Rating: 3.8/5 (40 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 43195 South Range Road Hammond, Louisiana
- Categories: Delis, Seafood, Convenience Stores
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Millside Restaurant & Bar
- Rating: 3.8/5 (56 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 810 Southwest Railroad Ave. Ponchatoula, Louisiana
- Categories: Seafood
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Tacos and Beer Hammond
- Rating: 3.9/5 (149 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 201 East Thomas St. Hammond, Louisiana
- Categories: Mexican
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Paul's Cafe
- Rating: 4.2/5 (108 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 100 East Pine St. Ponchatoula, Louisiana
- Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Cafes
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Courtyard Cafe
- Rating: 4.2/5 (52 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 110 North Cate St. Hammond, Louisiana
- Categories: Creperies, Coffee & Tea, Shaved Ice
- Read more on Yelp
#2. University Donuts
- Rating: 4.3/5 (29 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1215 West University Hammond, Louisiana
- Categories: Donuts, Breakfast & Brunch, Coffee & Tea
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Ronnie's Boudin & Cracklin
- Rating: 4.5/5 (131 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 43106 South Airport Road Hammond, Louisiana
- Categories: Cajun/Creole
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Jill Jaracz, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 388 metros.