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.
Order your tacos just how you like them at Mr. Pollo.
Photo by @eatalldafoodz
Fast and casual
Feasts of Persia, locations vary
Find this food truck around town for Persian-American fusion cuisine. Owner Gianna 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 Highway 37
Curb your cravings with a sandwich (like 10-inch subs, chicken parmesan, or club sandwiches), go for a large salad, or try a juicy burger. 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-Saturday.
Zarza Latin Food & Grill, 4648 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
Visit Monday-Friday until 4 p.m. for the Super Special, which includes a quarter of a grilled chicken with rice and beans for less than $5.
Salads and bowls
Fresh Kitchen, 4520 S. Florida Ave.
A bowl with four of your favorite ingredients comes in at just under 10 bucks. Not sure where to start? Try what we ordered on our first visit.
Ovation Bistro & Bar, 4715 S. Florida Ave.
This restaurant offers several hearty salads on its lunch special menu, from a Grand Caesar to the Chicken Cobb.
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.
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.
A soup and sandwich of the day here will run you less than $10. Reader Karla G. recommends this spot with a rotating menu of specials.
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 a hearty lunch plate like thyme and onion roasted chicken, bone-in pork chops, or meatloaf.
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.
Purple Onion Deli & Grill, 316 N. Kentucky Ave.
Working downtown? Visit this eatery on your break for a specialty sandwich or handmade burger basket.
Silver Ring Cafe, 306 S. Central Ave.
Longtime Lakelanders will know that you must try the Cuban sandwich with a side of Spanish bean soup. Find this cafe at the VFW Post 2297.
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).
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 you also can create your own.
Mellow Mushroom, 3555 Lakeland Highlands Rd.
Make your lunch plans as easy as pie by ordering a lunch special at this pizza parlor. Get a small cheese pizza with a fountain drink, or pick two of these options: Salad, chicken wings, a pizza slice, or soup.
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.
