Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Asheville. Check out this list of 35+ places where a lunch for one costs $10 or less.
We know proximity is key when it comes to a midday meal, so we’ve broken these spots up into their respective sides of town: Downtown, West Asheville, South Asheville, East Asheville, and North Asheville.
Unable to leave your office or house today? You can also take advantage of many of these deals with Kickback AVL, our one and only locally owned food delivery service.
Downtown
Soda Fountain at Woolworth Walk, 25 Haywood St.
Miraculously, nearly every item at this old-school eatery is under $10, including classic sandwiches like the reuben, chicken salad, black bean burger, and “Big Ass Fried Bologna.”
Mamacita’s Taqueria, 77 Biltmore Ave., Ste. 101
Two words: Taco Tuesday. Get two for $7 on this special day of the week, with the choice of chicken, pork, ground beef, or rice and bean fillings and three additional toppings. Plus, most burritos are under $10 every day of the week.
The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave.
There are several vendors you can visit for a less-than-$10 lunch — hit up Buxton Chicken Palace for tenders or “The Basic” sandwich, or Farm Dogs for a juicy hot dog or brat.
Aloha Cafe, 28 Battery Park Ave.
Three fresh spring rolls and all of the bahn mi sandwiches on the cafe’s menu come in under $10 each.
Burgerworx, 1 Page Ave., Ste. 132
All sandwiches (besides the triple Smashburger) clock in at $10 or less — dress up your pick with free toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, jalapenos, DJ’s pickles, and a variety of sauces.
Green Sage Cafe, various locations
Less than $10 will get you delicious selections of breakfast sandwiches, like the Cali Egg & Veg, or half wraps, like the Avo BLT.
Asheville Pizza & Brewing, various locations
On weekdays, head to the South Slope location from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or the North Asheville location from 12 to 2 p.m. for a $9.99 buffet with pizza, garlic knots, pasta, and soup.
West Asheville
Pupuseria Patty, 1563 Patton Ave.
It’s all about the pupusas here, baby. For $3 or less, you can get nearly any kind of pupusa — from pollo con queso to pupusa de Camaron. Trust us, you won’t need many to fill your stomach for hours.
Silverball Subs, 347 New Leicester Hwy.
Get half a classic sub for $9.99. We love the Dolly, with turkey, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, banana pepper, jalapeno, oil + vinegar, and yellow mustard and mayo. Trust us, it’s stacked.
Taco Billy, various locations
Several hearty tacos on the menu cost less than $5, meaning you can enjoy two while staying within your $10 budget — we love the Billy Holiday and the Lunch Lady.
Taqueria Munoz, 1438 Patton Ave. + 400 Hendersonville Rd.
Get three Mexican-style tacos, garnished simply with cilantro and minced onion, for $6.75. Not feeling tacos? You’ve still got plenty of options, including the $7 torta, $6.50 quesadilla, and $6 burrito.
Taste of El Salvador, 1565 Patton Ave., Ste. D
Chicken and pork tamales are $2.25 each, and pupusas go for $3 or less at this unfussy El Salvadorian spot.
Doc Brown’s BBQ, 1320 Smokey Park Hwy., Candler
Sandwiches — with everything from pulled pork to smoked chicken salad to BBQ tempeh — are all less than $10.
The West End, 757 Haywood Rd.
Warm up with a big bowl of creamy roasted garlic and potato soup served with toasted focaccia. You can also scope out the grab-and-go options.
North Asheville, Woodfin, and beyond
Zen Sushi, 640 Merrimon Ave.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can get the vegetable tempura or tofu teriyaki lunch boxes with miso soup, green salad, rice, and a California roll for $10.
City Bakery, 88 Charlotte St.
Enjoy sandwiches, such as the BLT, “Avogoddess,” and turkey reuben, for less than $10. Bonus: They come with chips.
Taco Temple, 132 Charlotte St.
Depending on the tacos you choose, you can grab the two taco box for a sub $10 total. There are a ton of combinations to keep you under that price point.
5 Points Restaurant, 258 Broadway St.
There are plenty of beautifully (and speedily) executed meals to be had at this iconic diner, including an $8.25 lamb gyro sandwich, an $8.75 chicken gyro sandwich, plusmelts, and cheeseburgers.
Centreville Luncheonette, 204 Weaverville Rd.
This family-owned sandwich shop has lots of budget options, including a cheeseburger, shrimp salad roll, and Philly cheesesteak.
Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe, various locations
Most lunch sandwiches are available in half sizes for $9, but you can also opt for all-day breakfast, with options like an egg and cheese croissant, chorizo and black bean burritos, and quiches, all for $8 or less.
South Asheville
Papas & Beer, 1000 Brevard Rd.
A big chunk of this Mexican restaurant’s lunch menu is under $10. We recommend the enchiladas.
Fahrenheit Pizza & Brew, 17 Lee St.
Get two slices of nationally renowned pizza, plus a drink, for $8.
Celebrity’s Hot Dog, 1409 Brevard Rd.
Possibly the best lunch deal in Asheville. Get a hot dog, chips, and a 12 oz. drink for less than $6.
Thai Chili Asian Bistro, 1550 Hendersonville Rd., Ste. 100
This Thai restaurant will leave you absolutely spoiled for choice with 20 different lunch specials under $10, including everything from massaman curry and lo mein to pad ka-pow.
Sweet Plantain Grill, 2317 Hendersonville Rd., Arden
Sink your teeth into the Hamoncito, with warm ham and melty cheese on buttery, toasted Cuban bread, or order the grilled cheese for a meatless option — for $9 and $7, respectively.
Pacific Pagoda Sushi & Grill, 1863 Hendersonville Rd., Ste. 124
Three wok lunch entrees are $9.95, including the sesame chicken, served with miso soup or salad and your choice of rice.
Old School Subs and Deli, 55 Sweeten Creek Rd., Ste. 131
Most of the 6" sandwiches on this menu (like the Muffaletta or the Chicken Philly) are less than $10, and each comes with your choice of side.
Little Pigs BBQ, 384 McDowell St.
Grab a barbecue sandwich for $6.50; a tray with barbecue, slaw, and three hushpuppies for $7.50; or a regular barbecue plate with chopped pork barbecue, three hushpuppies, and your choice of two sides for $9.75.
Hot Dog King, various locations
Eat your heart out because everything but the dinner plates checks out at less than $10.
East Asheville, Fairview, and Black Mountain
Mr. Kabab Grill, 801 Fairview Rd., #4
Get a steak, lamb, chicken, shrimp, or kofta kabab — served with rice, veggies, and salad — for less than $10. Plus, nearly every sandwich is $7 or less, including falafel, beef shawarma, and chicken shawarma.
The Local Joint, 1185B Charlotte Hwy., Fairview
Barbecue pork sliders, the Caprese sandwich, a dozen wings, and the chicken salad all come in at the $10 mark at this laid-back Fairview gem.
Filo Pastries, 1155 Tunnel Rd.
Before transforming into Post 70 Indulgences at night, the bakery has a variety of soups, sandwiches, and quiches to satisfy your lunch cravings.
Cousins Cuban Cafe, 108 Broadway Ave., Black Mountain
Nosh on a Havana Wrap, which comes with black beans, white rice, plantains, avocado mash, and cilantro aioli for $9.25. Also less than $10: the Santiago Bowl or the garlic lime chicken sandwich pressed on Cuban bread.
The Trailhead Restaurant, 207 W. State St., Black Mountain
From fish tacos to portobello burgers to fried chicken sandwiches, there are plenty of hearty options for less than $10.
Orales Bar & Grill, 800 Fairview Rd.
There are more than 20 options on the Tex-Mex restaurant’s lunch special menu to keep you on budget.
Now... what did we miss?
We know, we know — we couldn’t possibly include them all. Did we miss your favorite lunch special? Shoot us a note, and we’ll add it to our list to keep this guide updated regularly.
