Looking for a new place to try for lunch, but don't want to fork out $10+ on a meal for one? Check out these restaurants serving up delicious dishes that won't hurt your wallet!
Brook's Sandwich House & Chili
2710 North Brevard Street
The tiny spot with the walk-up window in NoDa has been around since 1973 and is still going strong. Their burger was named Charlotte’s Best Burger by The Observer in 2011. The menu is no-frills and consists merely of staples like hot dogs ($2.25), BLT sandwiches ($3.50) and liver mush ($3.25). Everything on it is $4.50 and under, even Charlotte’s Best Burger, which will only cost you $3.50 (add $.25 for cheese). Yes, you can afford a drink, as they range from $.25 to $1.50. Remember it’s cash only and that hours are 7 am to 3 pm. Monday through Friday.
Le's Sandwiches & Cafe
4520 North Tryon Street
If you’re a Banh Mi lover, you needed Le’s in your life yesterday. The small restaurant located in the Asian Corner Mall has a dozen sandwiches on the menu all for under $4.25, including vegetarian options. Options include grilled cured pork ($4), Le’s Combination ($3.50), grilled chicken ($4) and shredded pork and pork skin ($4). Two things to know: it’s cash only and closed on Wednesdays. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm.
Little Village Grill
710 West Trade Street
Look for the small space in the heart of Johnson & Wales that has a line out the door. With a solid portion of the menu (every pita, almost every burger, sandwich and salad) coming in at under $5, don’t expect frills. Pitas are $4.80, salads $3.95 and burgers and sandwiches range from $2.80 to $5.15.
Mr K.'s Soft Ice Cream
2107 South Boulevard
Opened in 1967 by Mr. Theodore Karres, known better as Mr. K. What started as strictly ice cream from a walk-up window expanded to hot dogs, burgers and fries. What didn’t expand were prices. Every burger and hot dog is $4.60 and under, a handful of sandwiches under $4.95 and sides range from $.99 to $3.50. Keep it simple and go with the classic Big K ($3.35).
Price's Chicken Coop
1614 Camden Road
The South End staple has been around since 1962 and the prices still feel old school. Grab any of the sandwiches (chicken sandwiches run $3.65 and $4.40, a Fish Sandwich goes for $4.45), wings (3 wings will cost you $4.30), Bar-B-Q ($3.25) or burgers ($2.15 without cheese, $2.30 with) with that crumpled up five in your pocket. With what you have left over, you can definitely afford an iced tea ($1 with ice, $1.50 without).
Adapted from Charlotte Agenda's article:
https://www.charlotteagenda.com/60281/breakfast-lunch-dinner-5-dollars-charlotte/