Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Charlotte. Check out this list of 30+ 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.
For $11, order a 12-inch Inizio’s Marinara pizza from a wood-fired oven.
Sabor Latin Street Grill, 14021 Conlan Cir., B1
Offering flavors from El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, and Colombia, take your pick of tacos, burrito bowls, and other street food favorites.
Bossy Beulah’s, 15110 Bowl St., Ste. 103
For $9, savor a classic Beaut sandwich or add fries and Bossy sauce for an extra $5.50.
Uptown
The French Quarter, 321 S. Church St.
This tavern located in Brevard Court offers $12 lunch specials every weekday + sandwiches under $15.
Johnny Burrito, 301 S. Tryon St.
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.
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.
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
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.
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, Various locations
If you’re craving tender rotisserie chicken, look no further than VIVA. All the salads, sandwiches, specialty plates, and wraps are under $15.
Paco’s Tacos and Tequila, 6401 Carnegie Blvd., Ste. 8A
Experience Tex-Mex-style enchiladas or quesadillas for less than $15.
Dilworth
Kid Cashew, 1608 E. Blvd.
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.
Dilworth Neighborhood Grill, 911 E Morehead St.
Whether you’re craving pasta, wings, a quesadilla, salads, or burgers, this is the spot for you.
300 East, 300 East Blvd.
Considering order a grass-fed burger or salad at this Dilworth staple found inside a renovated home.
Penguin Drive-In, 1531 East Blvd.
For less than $15, hungry diners can order any burger, sub, sandwich, or po’ boy + a side and drink on weekdays.
Tacos 4 Life Dilworth, 1716 Kenilworth Ave., Ste. 150
Enjoy items like fried chicken, blackened mahi-mahi, or Hawaiian shrimp tacos + for every meal purchased, a meal is donated to a child in need.
South End
The Common Market South End, 235 W. Tremont Ave.
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
Enjoy fresh Caribbean cuisine like curry goat or jerk chicken for $12.
Mac’s Speed Shop, Various locations
Savor a pulled pork sandwich, mac and cheese, wings, or a salad without breaking the bank.
Plaza Midwood
Calle Sol Latin Café & Cevicheria, 1205 Thomas Ave.
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.
Sweet Lew’s BBQ, 923 Belmont Ave.
For $14, get your fill with a chopped pork sandwich combo (includes sides and a drink). Pro tip: If you visit on Thursdays, sandwich combos are $12.
Mezzo Market, 2212 The Plaza
For under $15, order from a variety of menu items like salads, grain bowls, or chicken or Cuban sandwich.
Clark’s Snack Bar, 3001 Central Ave.
Consider taking a bite of a classic burger and fries for under $15.
Sandwich Max, 933 Louise Ave.
Order a classic American lunch like a turkey, roast beef, and cheese sandwich for under $9.
Whiskey Warehouse, 1221 The Plaza
Choose between indoor or outdoor dining to savor burgers, wraps, salads, or cocktails under $15.
NoDa
Brooks’ Sandwich House, 2710 N. Brevard St.
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.
Located in the heart NoDa, guests can order a classic burger or buffalo chicken sandwich for $10.
JackBeagle’s - NoDa, 213 N. Davidson St.
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, 230 E. WT Harris Blvd., Ste. A7
This family-owned spot offers spring rolls & banh mi sandwiches for under $10.
Tiny Biscuit, 9545 Pinnacle Dr.
Savor a taste of Southern hospitality with a hearty chicken sandwich for $13.
Hilltop Coffee, 10227 Mallard Creek Rd.
If you’re looking for a light lunch, consider a hot (or cold) coffee with flavored syrup and fresh pastries.
Seating at the bar of The People’s Market features plenty of outlets to stay charged up.
Photo via @the.peoples.mkt
Elizabeth
The People’s Market, 1609 Elizabeth Ave.
This hub boasts a vibrant neighborhood vibe while offering coffee and bites, like a classic chicken sandwich, plus a drink for ~$13.
Sunflower Baking Company, 2001 E. 7th St.
After ordering a Southern BLT for $9.25, that leaves an extra few dollars for a fresh pastry or brownie for dessert.
Hawthorne’s NY Pizza and Bar, 1701 E. 7th St.
This local favorite opened in 2004 and serves specialty New York-style and tavern-style pies for under $15, plus salads, pastas, and strombolis.
East Charlotte
South 21 Drive In, 3101 E. Independence Blvd.
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.
Ilios Crafted Greek, 4000 Monroe Rd., Ste. 120
Savor Mediterranean flavors like kabobs, pork souvla, and roasted half-chicken for less than $15.
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.