Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Columbus. Check out this list of 20 places where a 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.
Fast and casual
Club 185, 185 E. Livingston Ave.
Whether you’re looking for a quick burger and fries, or a liquid lunch, Club 185 can provide and abide by your budget.
Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace, Multiple locations
If you have the extra dollar, splurge on the weiner box for $11, which includes two hot dogs, a side, and a drink. If you are penny pinching (like us), two dogs + a side of tots is plenty.
Hot Chicken Takeover, Multiple locations
Try the $10 lunch combo with two sliders, waffle fries, sauce, and a tea. This is valid Monday-Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Brassica, Multiple locations
Try the hummus and pita with your choice of toppings or the pita stuffed with veggies like pickled cabbage and crispy onions. Pro tip: If you just want something small, the fries with a side of special sauce is a must-order.
Northstar Cafe, Multiple locations
Keep lunch under $10 by ordering the green or strawberry smoothie, simple salad, or the black bean and chicken chili.
Press Grill, 741 N. High St.
The double cheeseburger is $9.50, the grilled havarti is $6.50, and all-beef hot dogs are $5 a piece (or two for $7 every Monday). Bonus: Tacos are $2.50 each every Wednesday.
Rebol, 6608 Longshore St.
Build your own naan bowl for $9.50 with your choice of protein, sides, and sauce. If you’re feeling something sweet, try the Acai Bol or the Green Dream smoothie.
Charleys Cheesesteaks is also available for delivery. | Photo by @charleyscheesesteaks
Sandwiches and wraps
Fox’s Bagels & Deli, Multiple locations
Stop by the North Market or Bexley to pick up a bagel sandwich from this beloved bakery. We recommend an everything bagel with cheese + vegan sausage, if you’re plant-based or not.
The Lox Bagel Shop, 772 N. High St., Ste. 106
There’s more than one way to get a bagel in Columbus, and this Short North shop is serving up mouthwatering sandwiches. Our favorite part? The egg sauce that comes with each sandwich.
Charleys Cheesesteaks, Multiple locations
Try a selection of small and regular sized cheesesteaks for under $10, including the chicken buffalo, bacon chipotle chicken, and veggie delight.
Main Street Deli, 203 W. Main St.
Grab the following sandwiches, subs, or wraps to stay under the $10 limit — the BLT, turkey club, Italian sub, Cuban, gourmet grilled cheese, tuna salad sandwich, and chicken Caesar wrap.
Danny’s Delicious Deli, 37 W. Broad St.
Mix and match any soup and half sandwich for $9. Or, try the fried cod fish sandwich, buffalo chicken wrap, cheeseburger, and egg salad sandwich all for under $10.
Corner Stone Deli and Cafe, 3296 N. High St.
Try a turkey Reuben, Asiago beef, pizza bagel or chicken cordon bleu sandwich for all under $10. Bonus: A variety of $7-$8 sushi rolls are also on the menu.
Broad Street Bagels And Deli, 66 E. Broad St.
Order a gyro, Asian chicken wrap, Greek or Cajun chicken sandwich, or a veggie wrap for under $10. Bonus: You can also build your own salad for $8.75.
“Mac and Cheezus” rotates as the Pizza of the Week at Mikey’s Late Night Slice. | Photo by @latenightslice
Pizza
Smith’s Deli & Restaurant, 3737 N. High St.
Grab a seven-inch cheese pizza for less than $5. In this economy? You better believe it. And it’s a tribute to Smith’s longtime success as they’ve been a Clintonville staple since 1961.
Donatos, Multiple locations
Seven-inch personal pizzas are $6, or 10-inch small pizzas are just over $10. Add Italian garlic breadsticks for $3 or Asiago cheese bread for $7.
Mikey’s Late Night Slice, Multiple locations
A large pizza-by-the-slice might do the trick to fill your lunchtime cravings. Check out the rotating pizza of the week, or order classics like cheese with basil, mushroom, or pepperoni.
Grandad’s Pizza & Pub, Multiple locations
Order seven-inch specialty pizzas like bacon cheeseburger, Hawaiian, barbecue chicken, and chicken bacon ranch.
Borgata Pizza at Budd Dairy, 1086 N. 4th St.
Order cheese, pepperoni, Margherita, or Mediterranean vegetable pizzas by the slice. Bonus: Desserts like tiramisu are also available.
GoreMade Pizza, 936 N. 4th. St.
Try the 12-inch pizzas as half-sized pizza boats for lunch. Bonus: Gluten-free, 10-inch crusts are available for $10.50.
