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 groups. Think fast + casual and vegetarian options.
Fast and casual
Armadillo Grill , 439 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | This spot’s enchiladas, soft tacos, and salads are all under $10.
Benny Capitale’s , 121 Fayetteville St., Ste. 110, Raleigh | Grab a quick slice of pizza from a 28-inch pie.
Char-Grill , multiple locations | BLTs + barbecue sandwiches are around $4 at this Raleigh staple.
Lola’s Beach Bar , 1803 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Surf’s up. Try the Buffalo shrimp skewers for $9 or two surfer tacos for $10.
Order Teddy’s Square Deal Meal to satisfy your lunch cravings.
Photo by Square Burger
Mami’s Latin Chicken , 2401 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh | Order the quarter chicken combo, served with two sides for $10.
Meat & Bite , 2908 Hillsborough St., Raleigh | Grab a double smashed burger or hot fried chicken sandwich for $9.
My Way Tavern , 522 St. Marys St., Raleigh | Psst... the whole lunch menu is under $10 — including a 1/2 fish + chips platter and buffalo chicken wrap with chips.
Raleigh Raw , 7 W. Hargett St., Raleigh | Try the sushirrito or poke bowl for under $12.
Snoopy’s Hot Dogs & More , multiple locations | Grab a famous hot dog combo with fries and a drink for $7.50.
Square Burger, 225 E. Martin St., Raleigh | Teddy’s Square Deal Meal includes a burger, fries, and a drink for $10.
The Pizza Times , 210 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | Enjoy a one-topping slice, salad, and drink meal for just $8.
The Roast Grill , 7 S. West St., Raleigh | Grab a cheap, but 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.
Try the vegetarian super sprout sandwich at Berkeley Cafe.
Photo by Berkeley Cafe
Sandwiches and wraps
Berkeley Cafe , 217 W. Martin St., Raleigh | Try the turkey applejack sandwich with chips for $9.50 or the vegetarian super sprout sandwich for $8.50.
Manhattan Cafe , 320 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | From $9 club sandwiches to $8 Thai chicken wraps, this spot serves tasty downtown bites for under $10.
Mitch’s Tavern , 2426 Hillsborough St., Raleigh | Order a sandwich with a side for less than $10. Think: The London broil sandwich with chips and a dill pickle.
Shish Kabob , 438 Fayetteville St., Raleigh | Order a gyro-style sandwich like the Chicken Gyro Pita for $8.50.
Southern fare
Beasley’s Chicken + Honey , 237 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | Order fried chicken by the piece for $3+ and a homemade side for $4+.
The Pit Authentic Barbecue , 328 W. Davie St., Raleigh | At lunch, the barbecue sandwich comes with one side for $10.99.
The Mecca Restaurant , 13 E. Martin St., Raleigh | Established in 1930, this spot features cheap — but delicious — eats like crispy wings, a BLT, and all-day breakfast for $10-$12.
Wilson’s Eatery , 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Rd., Raleigh | 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.
Vegan and vegetarian
Dose Elixir Bar , 415 N. Harrington St., Raleigh | Add a scoop of $1.50 plant protein to an already nutritious $8.75 smoothie or enjoy a packed smoothie bowl for $11.50.
Gringo A Go Go , 100 N. Person St., Raleigh | Enjoy $4.25 vegetarian empanadas or $3.50 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 $6.95 and boost it with chia seeds or whey protein for an additional cost.
Jasmin & Olivz , multiple Raleigh locations | Build your own platter, bowl, or pita pocket for under $10.
Side Street Restaurant , 225 N. Bloodworth St., Raleigh | Offering hearty salads, light bites, and much more, this spot’s menu is almost completely under budget.
Sosta Cafe , 130 E. Davie St., Raleigh | Sandwiches range from $10-$12 and are served with two homemade vegan sides.