Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Lakeland. Check out this list of 30+ places where lunch for one costs $12 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
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 bowl, burrito, quesadilla, or a quarter chicken special with rice + beans.
Chicken Salad Chick
Order one of this spot’s signature meals that comes with an entree, pickle, and cookie. We’ve got our eye on the Pimento Cheese BLT.
Taco Fiesta Taqueria
You’ll find this eatery just south of Lakeland, but reader Jason B. says it’s worth the drive for its fresh food, friendly staff, and chips and salsa while you wait.
Salads and bowls
Fresh Kitchen
A bowl with three of your favorite ingredients comes in at $9.25. Not sure where to start? Try City Editor Connor’s go-to order: cauliflower potato mash, basil mushrooms, grilled citrus chicken, and Holy Kale sauce.
SoFresh
Get a warm bowl, chilled salad, or wrap with fresh add-ins like broccoli, sweet potatoes, and chicken.
Strawberry Hut
Reader Sue K. said, “The cheeseburger Cuban is out of this world and servings are huge. A salad will feed several!” Try one with the homemade ranch dressing.
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 $11.
Fat Jack’s Deli & Pub
If you’re extra hungry, try a burger fresh off the grill, an “overstuffed” sandwich, or a triple-decker club on three slices of bread.
Herby’s Kitchen
Stop in for a chef salad, roast beef sandwich, or any breakfast item — 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 several lunch combos for $10 or less. We recommend the smoked chicken quarters with mac + cheese and an sweet tea.
Sandwiches and wraps
Garden Bistro
Enjoy a soup and a salad while overlooking Lake Mirror. We’ll take the Hollis Garden salad with the soup of the day, please.
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. You’ll be hooked.
Ovation Bistro & Bar
This restaurant offers several plates and handhelds on its lunch special menu, from grilled tilapia to tacos.
Purple Onion Deli & Grill
Working downtown? Visit this eatery on your break for a specialty sandwich or a 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, plus a side and medium drink for under $11.
Julio’s Sandwich Shop
Speaking of Cuban sandwiches — grab George’s combo meal, featuring a 5-inch Cuban and a cup of soup at this sandwich stand in Alamo Plaza for $9.25.
Sabrina’s Delicacies
You don’t have to decide between pizza and a sandwich when you order the Mama Mia, featuring pepperoni, mozzarella, marinara, and a four-cheese blend. Keep it on the lighter side with a caprese salad.
Bandidas Bake Shop
Reader Nancy C. called out this favorite spot for its scratch-made fare. All the sandwiches are stacked on housemade focaccia bread with ingredients like fig butter, local honey, kimchi, and pistachio pesto.
Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro
Order the Choose 2 option to get a half-and-half of a sandwich, small bite, salad, or soup.
Twistee Treat
We bet you didn’t know you could get a sandwich with your soft-serve here. Reader Gabby H. recommends this spot, saying, “You can have lunch & dessert at the same time!”
A small pizza is the perfect size for a lunch break.
Photo by @jburnspizzashop
Pizza
J. Burns’ Pizza
Snag this spot’s lunch special featuring a one-topping pizza paired with a salad or garlic knots for $11.95.
That 716 Pizza Joint
Each lunch special rings in at under 10 bucks here, including a two-slice meal, small pizza, calzone, and more.
Pizza Odyssey
You can grab a small cheese pizza, veggie or BLT sub, or a classic Caesar salad from this pizza joint inside the Lake Morton Deli for under $10. According to reader Elle W., it’s “affordable and delicious.”
Sushi and hibachi
Fancy Q Sushi & Thai
Order a lunch special with hibachi chicken, shrimp, steak, or vegetables, or the chicken, shrimp, and vegetable tempura to keep your order under $12.
Hibachi Express
Choose two sushi rolls with a beverage, or get a hibachi or teriyaki special served with fried rice and vegetables.
What did we miss? If you know a budget-friendly lunch that’s not on the list, let us know using this survey.
