Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Lakeland. Check out this list of 25 places where lunch for one costs $10 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 salads and bowls + sandwiches and wraps.
Fast and casual
Feasts of Persia, 1023 S. Florida Ave.
Find this food truck at Union Hall for Persian-American fusion cuisine. Owner Gianna Rahmani recommends ordering a 4-inch sandwich, kabob burger, or chicken wings kabob with fries and a drink.
Mr. Pollo Mexican Grill, 4981 US Hwy. 98 N.
It doesn’t have to be Tuesday for you to enjoy these tacos. Protein options include steak, chicken, chorizo, and more.
S & L Restaurant, 2915 S. Combee Rd.
As the sign on the side of this restaurant says, the burgers here “may become habit forming.” Order one of the classic burgers or try a lunch special of wings, a corn dog, or chicken tenders.
Uncle Nick’s Italian Deli, 6955 Old Hwy. 37
Curb your cravings with a sandwich (like 10-inch subs, chicken parmesan, or club sandwiches) or go for a large salad. Pro tip: Breakfast is also served all day here.
Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen, 1439 E. Gary Rd.
Check the weekly menu for grab-and-go vegan specials available for lunch Wednesday-Sunday.
Zarza Latin Food & Grill, 4648 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
Stop in on your lunch break to enjoy a quesadilla or a quarter chicken special with rice + beans.
Salads and bowls
Fresh Kitchen, 4520 S. Florida Ave.
A bowl with four of your favorite ingredients comes in at just $10.25. Not sure where to start? Try what we ordered on our first visit.
SoFresh, 4756 S. Florida Ave.
Get a warm bowl, chilled salad, or wrap with fresh add-ins — order it vegetarian to keep the price under $10.
Many of the diners on this list also serve breakfast all day.
Photo via @kamalasu
Diner style
Cozy Oaks Restaurant, 1201 E. Orange St.
This casual diner offers several options including half-pound burgers, sandwiches, and home-style favorites, all served with a side.
Dena’s Place Diner & Grill, 4525 S. Florida Ave.
Reader Karla G. recommends this spot with a rotating menu of specials. A soup and sandwich of the day here will run you less than $10.
Fat Jack’s Deli & Pub, 2940 S. Florida Ave.
If you’re extra hungry, try a burger fresh off of the grill, an “overstuffed” sandwich, or a triple-decker club on three slices of bread.
Herby’s Kitchen, 2844 Lakeland Highlands Rd.
Stop in for a salad, sandwich, or breakfast — it’s served all day long.
Polk City BBQ, 221 Commonwealth Ave. SW., Polk City
This award-winning barbecue spot is located just a few minutes from north Lakeland and now offers eight lunch options for $10 or less. Pro tip: Each special also includes a side and a drink. City Editor Amelia recommends the smoked chicken quarters with mac + cheese and an unsweet tea.
Sandwiches and wraps
Garden Bistro, 702 E. Orange St.
Enjoy lunch and a view of Lake Mirror with a sandwich named after one of our local lakes. We recommend the Magnolia Mirror Sandwich or the Portobello Parker Sandwich.
LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken, 2101 S. Florida Ave.
Heat up your lunch break with a Nashville hot chicken sandwich. You can’t beat The G.O.A.T., topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mayonnaise.
Mister Fish, 715 E. Palmetto St.
This local favorite has been serving up seafood since 1968. Head to this shop on the shores of Lake Morton and carry out a fresh fish basket or sandwich.
Ovation Bistro & Bar, 4715 S. Florida Ave.
This restaurant offers several handhelds on its lunch special menu, from a club sandwich to tacos.
Purple Onion Deli & Grill, 316 N. Kentucky Ave.
Working downtown? Visit this eatery on your break for a specialty sandwich or handmade burger basket.
Subs ‘n Such, 1008 S. Florida Ave.
After 45+ years in business, this sub spot has sandwiches down to a science. Order a cold, hot, or specialty sub, or try a hot dog (we’ll leave it to you to decide if a hot dog is a sandwich).
Ole’ Tampa Cubans, 4525 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 31
Grab a small Traditional, American, Honey, or Spicy cuban sandwich for just $5, or take a trip to the ocean with a medium Devil Crab sandwich for $4.75.
A small pizza is the perfect size for a lunch break.
Photo by @jburnspizzashop
Pizza
J. Burns’ Pizza, locations vary
A small pizza costs less than $10 — perfect for a quick bite for one. Try the Deluxe pizza if you want the most toppings, or create your own.
That 716 Pizza Joint, 1950 S. Combee Rd.
Each lunch special rings in at under 10 bucks here, including a two-slice meal, small pizza, calzone, and more.
Roll into one of these sushi bars for a fresh lunch.
Photo by @jonnyeatsworld
Sushi and hibachi
Fancy Q Sushi & Thai, locations vary
Order a lunch special with hibachi chicken or vegetables, or the chicken and vegetable tempura to keep your order under $10.
Hibachi Express, 5209 US Hwy. 98 S.
Choose two sushi rolls with a beverage, or get a hibachi or teriyaki special served with fried rice and vegetables.
Scream’n Tuna Sushi, 270 E. Bay St.
Try a pair of rolls with the Two Roll Special, which includes soup or salad.
What did we miss? If you know a budget-friendly lunch that’s not on the list, let us know using this survey.
