Highest-rated cheap eats in Midland, Michigan 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 Midland 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.

979 Golden Buffett

1 / 13

#13. 979 Golden Buffett

- Rating: 2.6/5 (37 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 979 South Saginaw Road Midland, Michigan
- Categories: Chinese, Buffets, Sushi Bars
- Read more on Yelp

Pizza Sam's

2 / 13

#12. Pizza Sam's

- Rating: 3.3/5 (100 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 102 West Main St. Midland, Michigan
- Categories: Pizza, Salad, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Ya Ya's Flame Broiled Chicken

3 / 13

#11. Ya Ya's Flame Broiled Chicken

- Rating: 3.3/5 (23 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1409 South Saginaw Road Midland, Michigan
- Categories: American
- Read more on Yelp

Big Boy

4 / 13

#10. Big Boy

- Rating: 3.4/5 (32 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1513 South Saginaw Road Midland, Michigan
- Categories: Fast food, American, Salad
- Read more on Yelp

Riverside Family Restaurant

5 / 13

#9. Riverside Family Restaurant

- Rating: 3.6/5 (73 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 8295 Midland Road Freeland, Michigan
- Categories: Desserts, New American
- Read more on Yelp

Boulevard Lounge

6 / 13

#8. Boulevard Lounge

- Rating: 3.7/5 (62 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 316 South Saginaw Road Midland, Michigan
- Categories: Lounges, Burgers, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

Grand Traverse Pie Company

7 / 13

#7. Grand Traverse Pie Company

- Rating: 3.8/5 (68 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2600 North Saginaw Road Midland, Michigan
- Categories: Sandwiches, Salad, Soup
- Read more on Yelp

Log Cabin Bar and Grill

8 / 13

#6. Log Cabin Bar and Grill

- Rating: 3.9/5 (37 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 181 South Main St. Freeland, Michigan
- Categories: Bars, American
- Read more on Yelp

Amazing Deli

9 / 13

#5. Amazing Deli

- Rating: 4.1/5 (52 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 134 East Main St. Midland, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Hot Dogs
- Read more on Yelp

M's Cafe

10 / 13

#4. M's Cafe

- Rating: 4.1/5 (58 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5103 Eastman Ave. Midland, Michigan
- Categories: Cafes, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

You may also like: The highest-value homes in Midland, Michigan

Proper Taco

11 / 13

#3. Proper Taco

- Rating: 4.3/5 (92 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 139 Ashman St. Midland, Michigan
- Categories: Tacos
- Read more on Yelp

Crepes Et Amis

12 / 13

#2. Crepes Et Amis

- Rating: 4.4/5 (125 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 130 Townsend St. Midland, Michigan
- Categories: Creperies
- Read more on Yelp

Shier's Pasties & More

13 / 13

#1. Shier's Pasties & More

- Rating: 4.6/5 (36 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2218 North Saginaw Road Midland, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Caterers, Specialty Food
- 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.