Swanky to Snacky: Cheap Eats in Boston

If the thought of bottomless terrines, pates and salumi makes you shiver with joy, hasten thee to the $10 all-you-can-eat charcuterie bar at Sel de la Terre's Back Bay location. A glistening montage of housemade meat-and-offal treasures sets up shop in the downstairs lounge every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9pm to midnight.

Monday nights are when the in-the-know crowd comes to slurp freshly shucked Island Creek Oysters in the lounge for $1 a pop. Your bivalves arrive with no less than four accompaniments, from classic Champagne mignonette to a fiery chorizo oil-laced sauce; proceed to act like a regular and throw your shells into the immense glass bowls strewn about the bar.

As if $1 bite-sized Southwestern tapas weren't enough of a steal, Masa ups the ante with 50-cent (fiddy!) tapas every day at the bar between 5pm and 7pm, and all night on Thursdays. Sup like royalty--ahi tuna tartare, beer-battered achiote shrimp, sweet corn tacos--for a pittance.

One dollar scores the signature special, a basic all-beef hot dog (always available) on a buttered toasted bun, replete with standard condiments. And if you're feeling extra flush, toppings (including, bacon, cheese, chili or jalepeno) are only $1. But why mess with ascetic perfection?

Taco-flavored kisses, my dear? Inman Square's cash-only, neon-lucha libre emblazoned take-out counter doles hearty tacos, from slaw-slathered battered shrimp to citrus-brightened al pastor. Open each aluminum foil-wrapped beauty for bites of steamy, double tortilla-wrapped wonderment.

Consider the banh mi, a most perfect creature of the sandwiched variety. Dare you find a more wholesome, filling, and downright addictive meal for less than $4, with its crispy baguette piled with pickled and pork-studded products. Don't be shy to ask for it spicy, with tiny Thai bird chilies keeping you on your toes.