Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Seattle. Check out this list of 20 places where lunch for one costs $15 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 spicy noodles and refreshing greens.
Fast and casual
Mamnoon Street, 2020 Sixth Ave.
The fresh herbs, yogurt, and lemon zest that is on so many of these Lebanese-inspired dishes will give you a nice midday perk. Try the za’atar at $13 or the filling falafel wrap for $14.
Dick’s Drive-In, Various locations
You can grab one of those famed burgers for a few bucks, or splurge and add fries + a shake.
Ezell’s Famous Chicken, Various locations
Stressful workdays call for comfort food, and there are few things more comforting than a plate of fried chicken. Get a three-piece combo with a roll for ~$10.
Mod Pizza, Various locations
Pizza is in the name, but the salad’s the game. Create your own with all of the toppings you want for less than $15 — unless you get the family size.
Sit-down breaks
Marination, Various locations
Forget that you have to go back to work in an hour and chow down on some Hawaiian fried rice, miso ginger chicken plates, and tacos (two for $7).
Matt’s Hot Dogs, 6615 E. Marginal Way S.
All burgers and hot dog options are less than $10 at this spot that only asks that you don’t try to marry its fries (as much as you might want to).
Jack’s Fish Spot, 1514 Pike Pl.
Seafood doesn’t get much fresher than eating it directly at the Pike Place fishmonger’s shops. This spot’s lunch specials are super reasonable across the board, too.
Salads and bowls
Evergreens, Various locations
Sometimes the veggie cravings are the most mind-consuming. Pick between warm curry bowls, southern salads, and kale wraps — or build your own green creation for just shy of $15.
Homegrown, Various locations
The Spicy Braised Tofu bowl is a good vegan option at this local franchise, or you can spice things up with the Sonoran, which comes with ancient grains, ancho-roasted corn, and habañero dressing.
Mendocino Farms, Various locations
This one’s lunchtime scene offers an avocado and quinoa salad along with other tempting creations priced at or around $15.
Sandwiches and wraps
Saigon Deli, 1237 S. Jackson St.
Loved by even the New York Times, these $5 sandwiches pull lines that wrap around the block at lunchtime. You may have a wait, but it’ll be worth it.
Un Bien, Various locations
Snag the renowned stuffed roast pork Caribbean sandwich for ~$14 + other offerings at this longtime Ballard favorite — sometimes these eats can be enough for two meals.
Spice Waala, Various locations
Celebrate your wallet-friendly entree by getting yourself a mango lassi, — the best part? You’ll still be under that $15 mark.
Mean Sandwich, 1510 Leary Way NW
The sammies at this spot are stuffed to the gills and have some enticing fillings like Spanish sardines between fried lemons.
Bánh Town, 10414 Holman Road
Banh mi — spicy, bright, and deeply satisfying. We can’t get over this restaurant’s pork banh mi made with banana leaf steamed pork, garlic aioli, and shaved onion.
Tat’s Deli, 159 Yesler Way
The eight-inch hoagies at this Pioneer Square stop are absolutely loaded with a variety of juicy meats (hot and cold) — and the lauded Philly Cheesesteak should make even East Coasters smile.
Mike’s Noodle House is known for hearty Cantonese dishes.
Photo via @kentfoodie
Noodles
Midnite Ramen, Various locations
You’ll typically find this food truck parked outside Seattle breweries serving steaming bowls of ramen that are among the best in the city.
Mike’s Noodle House, 418 Maynard Ave. S.
The Chinatown-International District staple is a lunchtime treat with items like wonton and beef brisket (or squid ball) noodle soup,which will fill you up for $14.
Xi’an Noodles, Various locations
Carb up with dishes like braised pork biang noodles or the excellent spicy cumin lamb.
Tacos
Tacos Chukis, Various locations
Feeling a taco, quesadilla, asado, or torta? These reasonable prices mean that you can pretty much mix and match whatever you’re craving.
Taqueria La Fondita, Various locations
You can chow down on a tender lengua taco or carnitas for less than $5 each, or get a combo with rice + beans for just under $15.
Carmelo’s Tacos, Various locations
This is a local favorite for a reason — low prices and excellent quality make for happy customers. Plus, it offers meat-alternative options for your entree of choice like fried cactus or mushrooms.
Taco Street, Various locations
We found that the workday feels a lot less stressful after you’ve been able to put away a few midday tacos. Choose from options like garlic sauteed shrimp and marinated pork topped with pineapple.
Pizza
Hot Mama’s, 700 E. Pine St.
Whether you go for the pesto or keep it simple with cheese + pepperoni, slices from this hole-in-the-wall (literally, you order through a window) are worth the occasional wait.
Stevie’s Famous, Various locations
Get a big slice that’ll tide you over — the Normie Macdonald version has aged mozzarella, coppa, hot honey, and grana.
Big Mario’s, Various locations
Slices ring in for about ~$5 each (depending on toppings), and they always taste great on the go.
What did we miss? If you know a budget-friendly lunch that’s not on the list, let us know using this survey.
