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
Find this food truck at Union Hall for Persian-American fusion cuisine. Owner Gianna Rahmani recommends ordering a 4-inch kabob sandwich with fries and a drink.
Mr. Pollo Mexican Grill
It doesn’t have to be Tuesday for you to enjoy these tacos. Protein options include steak, chicken, chorizo, and more.
S & L Restaurant
As the sign on the side of this restaurant says, the burgers here “may become habit forming.” See what we ordered.
Uncle Nick’s Italian Deli
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
Check the weekly menu for grab-and-go vegan specials available for lunch Wednesday-Sunday.
Zarza Latin Food & Grill
Stop in on your lunch break to enjoy a quesadilla or a quarter chicken special with rice + beans.
Salads and bowls
Fresh Kitchen
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
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
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
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
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
Stop in for a salad, sandwich, or breakfast — it’s served all day long.
Polk City BBQ
This award-winning barbecue spot is located just a few minutes from north Lakeland and now offers ten lunch combos for $10 or less. City Editor Amelia recommends the smoked chicken quarters with mac + cheese and an unsweet tea.
Sandwiches and wraps
Garden Bistro
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
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
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
This restaurant offers several handhelds on its lunch special menu, from a club sandwich to tacos.
Purple Onion Deli & Grill
Working downtown? Visit this eatery on your break for a specialty sandwich or handmade burger basket.
Subs ‘n Such
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
Grab a small Traditional, American, Honey, or Spicy Cuban sandwich for just $5.
Julio’s Sandwich Shop
Speaking of Cuban sandwiches — grab a combo featuring a 5-inch Cuban along with chips and a drink at this sandwich stand in Alamo Plaza for only $7.99.
Pizza Odyssey
You can grab a veggie or BLT sub, or a classic Caesar salad, from this pizza joint inside the Lake Morton Deli for under $10.
A small pizza is the perfect size for a lunch break.
Photo by @jburnspizzashop
Pizza
J. Burns’ Pizza
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
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
Order a lunch special with hibachi chicken or vegetables, or the chicken and vegetable tempura to keep your order under $10.
Hibachi Express
Choose two sushi rolls with a beverage, or get a hibachi or teriyaki special served with fried rice and vegetables.
Scream’n Tuna Sushi
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.
