Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Charlotte. Check out this list of 15+ places where lunch for one costs $15 or less.
We know proximity is key when it comes to a midday meal, so we’ve broken these spots up into their respective sides of town:
Ballantyne
Inizio Pizza Napoletana, 10620 Providence Rd., Charlotte
For $11, order a 12-inch Inizio’s Marinara pizza from a wood-fired oven.
Sabor Latin Street Grill, 14021 Conlan Cir., B1, Charlotte
Offering flavors from El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, and Colombia, take your pick of tacos, burrito bowls, and other street food favorites.
Uptown
The French Quarter, 321 S. Church St., Charlotte
This tavern located in Brevard Court offers $12 lunch specials every weekday + sandwiches under $15.
Johnny Burrito, 301 S. Tryon St., Charlotte
Check out the CO2 burrito (two meat combo) for $10.85. A large nacho salad rings in at $12.47.
Mert’s Heart and Soul, 214 N. College St., Charlotte
For under $15, get your soul food fix with a Southern fried chicken plate.
Editor’s note: Mert’s Heart and Soul was featured on Food Network’s “Diners Drive-Ins & Dives.”
Midnight Diner, 420 E. Trade St., Charlotte
Serving meals from breakfast to late night, this Charlotte landmark has a classic diner menu with a bustling atmosphere.
Rhino Market & Deli, 1500 W. Morehead St. Ste. E., Charlotte
An eclectic deli perfect for a grab-go-lunch offers a delicious chicken torta sandwich for $12.98.
SouthPark
Park Road Soda Shoppe, 4121 Park Rd., Charlotte
Nestled in a corner of Park Road Shopping Center, new visitors may consider this a “hidden gem” where you can order a burger or chicken sandwich + fries for under $15.
VIVA Chicken, 4500 Park Rd, Charlotte
If you’re craving tender rotisserie chicken, look no further than VIVA. All the salads, sandwiches, specialty plates, and wraps are under $15.
Dilworth
Kid Cashew, 1608 E. Blvd., Charlotte
Less than five minutes from Freedom Park, guests can order a “Lunch Pick 2" for $11.95 on weekdays 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
South End
The Common Market South End, 235 W. Tremont Ave., Charlotte
This is a convenience store, restaurant, and bar rolled into one. Hungry guests can take advantage of specials every day of the week.
Caribbean Hut, 200 W. Woodlawn Rd., Ste. D, Charlotte
Enjoy fresh Caribbean cuisine like curry goat or jerk chicken for $12.
Plaza Midwood
Calle Sol Latin Café & Cevicheria, 1205 Thomas Ave., Charlotte
Grab a lunch plate with one entrée and two sides of Cuban and Peruvian cuisine from the hot bar from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on weekdays for under $15.
Sandwich Max, 933 Louise Ave., Charlotte
Order a classic American lunch like a turkey, roast beef, and cheese sandwich for under $9.
NoDa
Brooks’ Sandwich House, 2710 N. Brevard St., Charlotte
This beloved lunch spot has been serving burgers and hot dogs with a family chili recipe since 1973.
Editor’s note: Come ready to pay with cash. Brooks’ doesn’t accept credit cards.
Billy Jack’s Shack NoDa, 3220 N. Davidson St., Charlotte
Located in the heart NoDa, guests can order a classic burger or buffalo chicken sandwich for $10.
JackBeagle’s - NoDa, 213 N. Davidson St., Charlotte
The year-round music scene is matched with great meal prices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner like hot dogs, wings, and Beagle burgers.
University City
Banh Mi Brothers
This family-owned spot offers spring rolls & banh mi sandwiches for under $10.
Tiny Biscuit, 9545 Pinnacle Dr., Charlotte
Savor a taste of Southern hospitality with a hearty chicken sandwich at $13.
East Charlotte
South 21 Drive In, 3101 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte
This not-so “hidden gem” has been serving guests old-fashioned, drive-in comfort food like hamburgers, barbecue plates, and fish sandwiches with curb service since 1955.
Editor’s note: Check out CLTtoday’s lunch trip to this classic spot.
Now... what did we miss?
We know, we know — we couldn’t possibly include them all. Did we miss your favorite lunch special? Shoot us a note, and we’ll add to our list to keep this guide updated regularly.
