Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Dallas. Check out this list of 30 places where a lunch for one costs around $10.
Psst — we know proximity is key when it comes to a midday meal, so we’ve broken up these spots into their respective sides of town.
Downtown
Record Grill, 605 Elm St.
You might feel like you stepped back in time a few decades when you see this downtown spot’s prices. A hamburger will cost you $2.15 and a steak sandwich runs for $2.85 — or you could splurge on a bacon cheeseburger for $4.25. Either way, come prepared, because this restaurant is cash-only.
Cindi’s NY Deli & Restaurant, 306 S. Houston St.
Formerly voted Dallas’ best deli, best breakfast restaurant, and best sandwich — among other awards — Cindi’s expansive menu offers casual bites for every taste. Opt for a sandwich, bowl of soup, or some all-day breakfast to keep it under $10.
Chop House Burger, 1501 Main St.
Inspired by the burger on the menu of the staple steakhouse Dallas Chop House, this joint serves up a range of inspired sandwiches. Try the Ricky Bobby “Melt” ft. angus beef, American cheese, onion, and jalapeño on Texas toast ($8.75) or the “Green” New Deal, a falafel burger with pickled cucumber, hummus, and veggies ($7.75).
The Crafty Irishman, 1800 Main St.
Step out of Dallas and into Dublin at this traditional Irish pub. Lunchtime fare includes wings, salads, sandwiches, and Irish staples, but the restaurant also serves brunch.
Oak Lawn, Highland Park, and University Park
crushcraft Thai Eats, 2688 Laclede St., #100
This “Bangkok-born, Dallas-grown” restaurant has been open for more than a decade and has since racked up appearances on magazine lists and television shows. Choose from a range of noodle dishes, curries, and greens, all for around $10.
Hunky’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers, 3930 Cedar Springs Rd.
Old-fashioned, indeed. Almost every burger, salad, and sandwich on the menu at this four-decade-old Oak Lawn spot costs less than $10.
Taqueria La Ventana, 3847 Cedar Springs Rd.
A bowl will run you $8.50 at this street food-inspired Mexican joint, but we recommend the tacos, which are made with traditional white corn tortillas. Protein options are ranging, and include beef tongue, chopped brisket, and shrimp.
Bubba’s Cooks Country, 6617 Hillcrest Ave.
This neon-lit, red-vinyled, retro-styled diner has been cooking up delicious dishes since 1981. Select from staple Southern eats like chicken fried steak, chicken and dumplings, and catfish.
Red Stix Street Food, 6501 Hillcrest Ave., #130
Grab a bánh mi for $10, build a bowl for $12, or dig into some signature noodle dishes for $13. Psst — don’t miss the snacks menu, which includes bites like chicken wings, dumplings, sliders, and eggrolls.
Dream Cafe, 2811 McKinney Ave., Ste 26
Vegetarians and vegans have oodles of options at this cafe, which offers $10 dishes like the Global Dinner, featuring black beans with brown rice and toppings served with corn chips and salsa.
Deep Ellum and Old East Dallas
Twisted Root Burger Co., 2615 Commerce St.
It’s burgers galore at this eastside spot. The cheeky menu offers options ranging from the fried onion string-topped Big Tex ($11.75) to the Gosh Jam It, featuring herby goat cheese, tomato-bacon-habanero jam, and chipotle sauce ($10.75).
Jimmy’s Food Store, 4901 Bryan St.
This Italian joint has been run by the DiCarlo family since 1966. And if you thought that was nice, wait until you see the subs — the delectable sandwich menu includes those with meatballs, Italian beef, prosciutto, and more.
Monkey King Noodle Company, 2933 Main St.
Try Northern Chinese street food in the heart of Texas at this spot, where everything is made to order. Choose from noodles, stir fry, rice dishes, and dumplings for a meal that runs you just a few bucks more than a Hamilton.
Angry Dog, 2726 Commerce St.
First a bar, then a grill, Angry Dog offers nachos, wings, quesadillas, and other lunchtime fare. Don’t miss the “Off menu” menu, which includes street tacos for $9.95.
Bryan Street Tavern, 4315 Bryan St.
Catch a midday game over some ‘za (or get in a quick round of pool) at this sports bar and restaurant. Several salads and sandwiches — including the BST grilled cheese, which comes with a side of tomato basil soup — are around $10.
Lower Greenville and Northeast Dallas
Snuffer’s Restaurant & Bar, 3526 Greenville Ave.
This joint may be famous for its burgers and cheddar fries, but the expansive menu also includes salads, sandwiches, and Southern staples.
Stan’s Blue Note, 2908 Greenville Ave.
This hangout has been voted Best Sports Bar in Dallas several times since opening in 1952. With a menu featuring dishes like Aunt Sue’s Spaghetti and Meatballs and Francisco’s Famous Chili, we can see why.
Palmer’s Hot Chicken, 6465 E. Mockingbird Lane, #316
At Palmer’s, Chicken comes in four heat levels — Naked, Novice, Nashville, and Napalm — so choose wisely.
The sandwiches at One90 hit just right.
Photo via @one90smokedmeats
Lake Highlands, White Rock, and Casa Linda
One90 Smoked Meats, 10240 E. NW Hwy.
Opt for a delectable sliced chicken or sausage sandwich for an under-$10 lunch, or splurge on a pulled pork sandwich ($11) or brisket sandwich ($13). This spot also offers tacos for $4-$6.
FireXBox Sushi, 9918 Plano Rd.
Dig into hibachi chicken, squid salad, veggie fried rice, and a range of sushi rolls for less than $10 at this counter-service restaurant off of I-635.
Green Spot, 702 N Buckner Blvd.
May we suggest a view with those tacos? Green Spot can be found inside White Rock Center, just a short walk from White Rock Lake.
Hello Dumpling,1146 Peavy Rd.
Hello Dumpling’s cozy interior and delicious noodles make for a delightful lunch break.
Hypnotic Donuts and Biscuits, 9007 Garland Rd.
Don’t worry, there’s more than just donuts on the menu: the chicken biscuit menu includes biscuit sandwiches topped with bacon, spicy chicken, jalapeños, and other delicious ingredients. Though no one would fault you for a lunchtime donut, either.
Dairy-Ette, 9785 Ferguson Rd.
Take a trip back in time — 70 years, to be exact. Dairy-Ette was founded in 1956, and the interior still reflects the burger joint’s retro origins.
El Fenix, 255 Casa Linda Plaza
The first El Fenix opened more than 100 years ago, and today the franchise serves up Mexican fare at 14 locations across North Texas. Whether you opt for a quesadilla, enchiladas, or tacos, odds are you won’t be headed back to work hungry.
Bishop Arts District
Taco Y Vino, 213 W. Eighth St.
Brunch lasts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Taco y Vino, and includes offerings like nopalito tacos for $12.
Norma’s Cafe, 1123 W. Davis St.
This cozy, nearly 70-year-old cafe serves up BLTs with Texas toast, old-fashioned burgers, and signature salads. Psst — don’t miss the Blue Plate dishes like chicken fried steak and meat loaf. You just might be tempted to chase your lunch with a slice of Mile High Pie or a cup of warm peach cobbler.
Cheesesteak House, 2015 W. Davis St.
The famous cheesesteak sandwiches are a proprietary recipe, so you’ll have to stop by to test the hype. Popular specials include the poblano cheesesteak and the shrimp cheesesteak, both $8.99.
Love Field and Design District
Mike’s Chicken Dallas, 4234 Maple Ave.
Wings, thighs, tenders, and more — order your fried chicken just the way you like it. Diners can also choose from a range of Southern food sides, like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans.
Maple and Motor, 4810 Maple Ave.
The gas station-inspired eatery serves burgers for $11.50, BLTs for $9.75, and sockeye salmon sandwiches for $9.45, among other dishes.
Mama’s Daughter’s Diner, 2014 Irving Blvd.
Charming and family-owned for 65 years, Mama’s Daughter’s Diner has daily meat and three specials for $11.95, plus an entire sandwich menu under $10.
What did we miss? If you know a budget-friendly lunch that’s not on the list, tell us about it.
