Where to find lunch for $12 or less in Raleigh

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.

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.

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 Pitt 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.