Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Raleigh. Check out this list of 25+ places where a lunch for one costs $12 or less.
We know cravings are key when it comes to a midday meal, so we’ve broken up these spots into their respective food groups — think fast casual, sandwiches + veggie-based bites.
⭐️ City Editor Allie here. I’ll be dropping in throughout the guide with some tips and reader recommendations. Look for the star emoji.
Fast and casual
A Place at the Table, 300 W. Hargett St., Ste. 50 | This pay-what-you-can cafe offers homecooked meals for everyone, regardless of means.
Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken, multiple locations | Get a quarter chicken for less than $11 with two sides and unlimited yellow and green sauces.
⭐️ Go with a friend and split the half chicken and upgrade your sides to tostones or maduros.
Anise Pho, 222 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 113 | This spot has a lunch menu with everything below $12 — warm up with a bowl of pho.
Benny Capitale’s, 121 Fayetteville St., Ste. 110 | Grab a quick slice of pizza from a 28-inch pie.
Carroll’s Kitchen, 19 E. Martin St. | Carroll’s provides employment to women in crisis and serves delish sandwiches, soups, and salads.
⭐️ The creamy chicken velvet soup is a fan favorite.
Char-Grill, multiple locations | BLTs + barbecue sandwiches are priced low and stacked high at this Raleigh staple.
Falls River Cafe, 10630 Durant Rd., Ste. 104 | The breakfast options are great and well priced, but don’t skip the Dominican options.
⭐️ I’m partial to the Chimi burger and the pollo a la plancha.
La Santa, 222 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 107 | Score Mexican food with this eatery’s $10 lunch menu, including enchiladas, huevos rancheros, and filling nachos.
Little Rey, 1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd., Ste. 102 | These tasty tacos are cooked over fire and have just the right amount of char.
Lola’s Beach Bar, 1803 Glenwood Ave. | Surf’s up. Try the buffalo shrimp skewers for $9 or two surfer tacos for $10.
Meat & Bite, 2908 Hillsborough St. | Grab a double smashed burger for $10 or a hot fried chicken sandwich for $8.
MoJoe’s, 620 Glenwood Ave. | Local favorites like the Ranchero and Southwestern burgers are priced below $12.
Mustang House, 411 Fayetteville St., Ste. 109 | This Himalayan restaurant is a fave for its central location and vibrant flavors.
My Way Tavern, 522 St. Marys St. | Try a loaded spud, a hot dog, or the soup du jour, each for less than $12.
⭐️ The Mariner Dog with cream cheese and grilled onion is a unique twist on a classic.
North Carolina General Assembly Cafeteria, 16 W. Jones St. | Not to get political — but folks swear by this cafeteria even if they’re not affiliated with local politics. Located in the basement of the General Assembly, expect down-home eats at great prices.
Raleigh Raw, 7 W. Hargett St. | Try the sushirrito or poke bowl for under $12.
Sassool, 1347 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary | Fill a small kabob platter for $12 with Mediterranean favorites
Smokestacks Cafe, 701 E. Lane St. | With an ever-changing menu of budget-friendly eats from empanadas to ribs, your stomach and wallet will leave happy.
Snoopy’s Hot Dogs & More, multiple locations | Grab a famous hot dog combo with fries and a drink — or take advantage of one of the daily specials like half off dogs on Tuesdays.
The Pizza Times, 210 S. Wilmington St. | Enjoy a one-topping slice, salad, and drink meal for just $8.
The Roast Grill, 7 S. West St. | Grab a cheap + delicious classic hot dog at this cash-only hole-in-the-wall; add a homemade Greek baklava to your tab. Pro tip: Don’t even think about asking for ketchup.
Ruckus Pizza, multiple locations | Grab two slices and a drink for $9 — or a whole order of garlic knots for $10. We won’t judge.
Sandwiches and wraps
Try the vegetarian super sprout sandwich at Berkeley Cafe.
Photo by Berkeley Cafe
Berkeley Cafe, 428 S. Dawson St. | Try the turkey applejack sandwich with chips for $11 or the vegetarian super sprout sandwich for $10.
(ish) delicatessen, 702 N. Person St. | This deli has an old-school meets new-school vibe and serves classic sammies with a twist.
⭐️ For my money, the BL(R)T and blue might be the best sandwich in Raleigh at $11.
Lunchbox Deli, 2816 Trawick Rd., Ste. 105 | Everything here comes out to less than $12, including the build-your-own sandwiches.
Manhattan Cafe, 320 S. Wilmington St. | From club sandwiches to chicken caesar wraps, this spot serves tasty downtown bites for under $10.
Mitch’s Tavern, 2426 Hillsborough St. | Order a sandwich with a side for less than $10 at this historic restaurant. Think: The London broil sandwich with chips and a dill pickle.
Raleigh Cheesy, 3075 Medlin Dr. | We’re eyeing the Bradley made with ham, Gruyere, and red currant jelly found on this charcuterie shop’s boards.
Side Street Restaurant, 225 N. Bloodworth St. | Offering hearty salads, light bites, and much more, this spot’s menu is almost completely under budget and offers a wide variety of veggie options.
⭐️ If you have the time, choose eating in over takeout. This place has a great atmosphere and the kindest staff.
Shish Kabob, 438 Fayetteville St. | Order a gyro-style sandwich like the chicken gyro pita or a falafel pita for $8.50.
Southern fare
Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, 237 S. Wilmington St. | Don’t miss the chicken salad sandwich with an added piece of crispy chicken skin.
Iyla’s Southern Kitchen, in Morgan Street Food Hall, 411 W. Morgan St. | Try the NC shrimp burger for locally sourced seafood on a budget.
The Pit Authentic Barbecue, 328 W. Davie St. | At lunch, the chopped barbecue sandwich comes with one side for $11.
The Mecca Restaurant, 13 E. Martin St. | Established in 1930, this spot features cheap — but delicious — eats like crispy wings, a BLT, and all-day breakfast for $9 to $12.
Wilson’s Eatery, 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Rd. | Grab a brew from Lynnwood Brewing Concern, then walk over to Wilson’s for Southern fare. We’re eyeing the $9 grilled pimento cheese sandwich and the $10 Southern fried sandwich.
Vegan and vegetarian
Dose Elixir Bar, 415 N. Harrington St. | Add a scoop of $1.50 plant protein to an already nutritious $9.75 smoothie or enjoy a loaded toast for $12.
Gringo A Go Go, 100 N. Person St. | Enjoy $4.50 vegetarian empanadas or $4 tacos; this spot has plenty of vegan filling choices.
Happy + Hale, multiple locations | For a light lunch, order a smoothie like the City of Oats for $7 and boost it with chia seeds or whey protein for an additional cost. Plus, new pop-up 70 and Sunny is serving Happy + Hale bowls for $10 in Smoky Hollow.
⭐️ The Hale Caesar bowl is the real deal at just about $12 and satisfies my spice level with plant-based ingredients.
Jasmin & Olivz, multiple Raleigh locations | Build your own platter, bowl, or pita pocket for under $12.
⭐️ If you’re not too hungry, get a side of hummus with pita and a veg like the tabouli for a fresh and easy bite.
Pure Vegan Cafe, 8369 Creedmoor Rd. | Grab a burger, a salad, or a wrap under budget and sans meat + dairy.
