Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Louisville. Check out this list of 20 places where a 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.
Sandwiches + wraps
Oskar’s Slider Bar, 3799 Poplar Level Rd.
Stop in Tuesday through Sunday starting at 11 a.m. (12 p.m. on Sundays) and snag 10+ sliders ranging from $2 to $4. We recommend the buffalo chicken made with juniper hot sauce + topped with blue cheese dressing and shaved celery.
Against the Grain Public House Downtown, 401 E. Main St.
Hot diggity $12 dogs. Dig into three different gourmet beef wieners — like the Derby City chili Dog — plus chicken tenders, salads, or wraps at this downtown brewery open for lunch starting at 11 a.m. seven days a week.
PassTime Fish House, 10801 Locust Rd.
Stop by this seafood restaurant in Jeffersontown for its “famous” fried fish sandwich served with chips + a pickle for $9.50, or try the “J-town ribeye” — aka a fried bologna sandwich.
Ollie’s Trolley, 978 S. 3rd St.
Order a fully-dressed Ollieburger and still have cash leftover for a side of fries + a drink at this classic lunchtime burger joint located inside an old trolley car in Old Louisville.
Dizzy Whizz, 217 St. Catherine St.
If Ollie’s isn’t enough, try LOU’s other classic burger spot — it’s just around the corner. The Whizzburger comes in at $4.99 for two patties, so you can add fries + a milkshake while staying on budget.
Kebab House, 969 Baxter Ave.
Choose from one of six sandwiches, each under $11, and add fries for $2.99. If you’re looking to warm up, try a bowl of the lentil soup for $4.99 or a cup of sage tea.
Bánh Mi + Pho Lounge, 1237 Bardstown Rd.
Formerly Paris Bánh Mi, this Vietnamese restaurant offers a robust menu of noodles, soup, and snacks, but the real budget star is the bánh mi. Choose from 12 different options, including beef cheesesteak, pate + pork, and vegetarian, all for eight bucks or less.
Boone’s Deli, 1014 Watterson Trail, Jeffersontown
Many of this cafe’s cold sandwiches come in under $12, including The Veg, bologna, and the “Tur-Guac-n,” which features sliced turkey, fire-roasted guacamole, and veggies. Bonus: Turn any cold sandwich into a salad for the same price.
Fast and casual
Lonnie’s Best Taste of Chicago, 121 St. Matthews Ave.
Bet you’ve never been to the Windy City in 30 minutes or less. Let Lonnie’s take you there with its fully dressed Chicago-style Clark Street hot dog — named after the street that runs just south of Wrigley Field — with fries for $6.49.
Classico Take Out & Empanada, 400 E. Main St.
Carry out Argentinian-style empanadas priced at $4.50 each Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. from this small cafe. Pro tip: Stop in on Tuesdays and get three empanadas for the price of two.
Full Stop Station, 1132 E. St. Catherine St.
Grab the Mushroom Swiss Burger, Pearfection Salad, or a grilled cheese with caramelized onions and tomato jam + knock out a few lunchtime emails at this coffee shop and cafe.
Spinelli’s Pizza, Multiple locations
Sometimes all you need is a slice. Walk in and get a cheese slice for $5, or order ahead for a custom slice for under $9.
Hometown Pizza, Multiple locations
Get a personal pan pizza for $6.99, or a small for $11.99 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every day. They also serve hot and cold sandwiches and pasta.
Taco Luchador, 112 Meridian Avenue
Jump in the ring and take a bite out of 10 tacos priced at $6.25 or less, like the Al Pastor, Asada, or Baja Fish.
Noodles + rice
Annie’s Cafe, 308 W. Woodlawn Ave.
This Beechmont spot dishes out Vietnamese and Chinese fare — from classic stir-frys to pho and vermicelli bowls.
Heart and Soy/Roots, 1216 Bardstown Rd.
Eating vegetarian/vegan doesn’t have to break the bank. Get a main dish or compile some of their excellent sides — we recommend the fried tofu squares.
Neighborhood eats
Check’s Cafe, 1101 E. Burnett Ave.
This Schnitzelburg staple dishes out its famous chili for $7.99 a bowl + sandwiches, a brat, and burgers, each for under $10.
The Table, 1800 Portland Ave.
All of the menu items at this Portland neighborhood cafe are priced under $10. Plus, this nonprofit is pay-what-you-can, so nobody is turned away.
Shirley Mae’s Café, 802 S. Clay St.
This Louisville staple has been serving up homemade soul food for over 35 years. It closed temporarily after owner and founder Shirley Mae Beard passed away earlier this year, but is back in business carrying on her legacy. Entree-only portions of staples like fried chicken, chitterlings, ham hock, and meatloaf are all available for under $10. Pro tip: Don’t plan to put it on plastic — the restaurant is cash-only.
Cunningham’s Creekside, 6301 River Rd.
Take in riverside views while you chow down on this $9 hamburger — make it a cheeseburger for $1 more — served with a side of potato chips.
What did we miss? If you know a budget-friendly lunch that’s not on the list, tell us about it.
