As prices creep up and inflation rears its ugly head, dining out starts to feel like a luxury.

Fortunately, certain Bend restaurants and food trucks make dining on a budget possible.

One of the most promising categories when it comes to cheap eats is tacos. Most tacos in the city hover in the $3 to $5 range and some of the most authentic, affordable street tacos may be found at area food trucks.

Below are a handful of taquerias serving up the Mexican staple at consistently low prices.

El Taquero

El Taquero food truck is cozied next to Colima Market near the intersection of Third Street and Greenwood Avenue. It’s owned by husband-and-wife team Hansel Chavez and Hannah Cain-Chavez and known for its authentic street tacos and friendly service.

Tacos are $3 each, with the choice of asada, pastor, birria or pollo. A special running last week priced shrimp tacos at $4.

The birria tacos were notably delectable, packed with enough flavor I didn’t feel inclined to reach for the salsa. I was especially impressed by the freshness of the handmade tortillas, which were malleable enough to hold ample filings without falling apart.

11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 228 NE Greenwood Ave., Bend; $3-$4; @eltaquerobend

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Tacos Pihuamo

Tacos Pihuamo’s visible green food truck in the St. Vincent de Paul parking lot on Southeast Third Street has developed a following for its authentic flavors and quick turnaround.

Tacos are accompanied by a few slices of radish and lime, which add to the presentation and customers are given the option to add salsas that range from mild green, creamy medium-heat or hot red.

Note that the food truck’s operating hours are limited to weekdays.

10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-F riday; 950 SE Third St., Bend; $3; 541-390-9992

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Tablas Mobile Cuisine

Silver Moon Brewing welcomed Tablas Mobile Cuisine to its lineup of food trucks early last year.

It’s another local food truck that executes the birria taco exceptionally well, serving it in a slightly crispy taco with sophisticated flavor.

Most tacos ring in at $3.75, aside from the carne asada and lengua ($4 each).

Carlos and Esther Tablas of Cuautla, Mexico, offer a menu that changes with the seasons and take extra care to cater to vegan and vegetarian diners. View the full menu on the food truck’s website.

Noon-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday and noon-9 p.m. Monday and Thursday; Silver Moon Brewing; 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend; $3.75-$4; tablasmobilecuisine.com or 541-419-8498

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El Super Burrito

Alongside its beloved burritos, El Super Burrito in downtown Bend’s Columbia Bank Building has earned a reputation for its Mexican cuisine at consistently affordable prices. Most of its tacos cost $3.75, aside from a few higher-priced proteins such as lengua and shrimp ($4).

The restaurant has been a part of Bend’s dining scene since 1995, a clear sign it must be doing something right. It operates a sister location on Bend’s east side, El Super Burrito III (there is no II).

1133 NW Wall St. #101, Bend; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday; $3.75-$4; 541-312-2009