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
, 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).
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.
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 .