By Madyson Muresan
Co-Arts-&-Culture Editor

As we enter into the new school year, many students may turn to fast food to stay within budget while also getting a tasty meal. However, there are many underacknowledged restaurants in the area where you can dine within a budget. Here are the top five places to eat for $15 near campus: 

1. The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. Photo by Madyson Muresan

This new addition to the Oregon City area brings gyros, falafel, souvlaki, as well as other traditional Greek dishes. Their gyro and falafel sandwiches along with their “Great Greek Rice Bowl” are currently priced at $11.99. Nearly all appetizers and desserts are under $8. You have the option to make any sandwich a combo, but doing so will make it more than $15 at check-out. The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill also offers an “Early Bird Special” which gives you a discount of 20% off for dine-in customers only every day from 2 pm-5 pm.

2. Toki Sushi and Teriyaki

Toki Sushi and Teriyaki. Photo by Madyson Muresan

Sushi is often a good choice when eating out on a budget due to it being cheap but filling. While this restaurant isn’t conveyor belt sushi, its sushi dishes are still kept at a low cost. Their classic rolls are all kept under $13 while their more special and complex rolls exceed $15. Their meat and tofu teriyaki and yakisoba dishes are listed under $14. They also have an assortment of noodle soups including ramen that allow you to stay within budget. 

3. Dough Valley & Prizes Pop

Dough Valley & Prizes Pop. Photo by Madyson Muresan

Dough Valley is a traditional Chinese restaurant that offers dim sum, a Chinese meal of dishes kept in small portions. Each dish is kept under $6 which allows you to get at least two dishes. The dim sum consists of an array of dumplings, buns, and other appetizers. They also offer ramen but a ramen dish costs $16, exceeding the budget by $1. Izakaya is also served at Dough Valley with any izakaya dish being below $13. Along with your meal, there is an assortment of milk tea drinks which are kept below $6. 

4. Thai Chef

Thai Chef. Photo by Carlos Rodriguez-Picazo

Thai cuisine’s flavor and versatility distinguishes itself from the likes of your typical Chinese or Japanese cuisine. Thai Chef, a small, family-owned restaurant, offers a range of soups, curries, noodles and rice dishes. Many of such dishes are kept under $14 if you select chicken, pork or tofu as your choice of protein. Almost all appetizers are kept under $11 and their Thai iced tea and Thai iced coffee are $5. 

5. MOD Pizza

MOD Pizza. Photo by Madyson Muresan

MOD Pizza is a popular restaurant chain in which you have the ability to customize your own pizza, while also having the choice to order signature pies as well. Located at OC Point, a strip mall right across from campus, you can easily walk or take a short drive to get your pizza craving satisfied in a cheap and relatively healthy way. In terms of pricing, you can get a custom, unlimited topping or signature six-inch or 11-inch pizza for $10.99 or $12.99 respectively. Additionally, you can upgrade your 11-inch pizza and have it include “mega thick crust” for two dollars more, keeping it under the $15 threshold. For those who want to get their daily greens in between classes, a salad that feeds two at MOD Pizza will get you for $14.99.