Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Chattanooga. Check out this list of 25+ 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 up these spots into their respective sides of town: Downtown, NorthShore, St. Elmo, Southside, East Ridge, Hixson, Brainerd, and Red Bank.
Downtown
The Bitter Alibi, 825 Houston St.
Try the Slammable Quesadilla, Chilla-Killer or K-Pop fries, vegan dumplings, pork potstickers, or a half-order of the wonton nachos for $10 or less.
Uncle Larry’s Restaurant, locations vary.
Order a whiting, perch, tilapia, catfish, pork chop, or whiting open-face sandwich all for $5.50-$6.50. Bonus: Pick up a regular hot dog for $1.50 or a jumbo hot dog for $2.50.
Mindy B’s Deli, 818 Georgia Ave.
Pick from a deli classic or house specialty sandwich all for $9 and under.
Rembrandt’s Coffee House, 204 High St.
Grab one of the grilled sandwiches, wraps, or salad plates for under $10.
Shangri-la, 14 E. 7th St.
Pick from the specialty sushi or the combos served with one egg roll + white rice for under $10.
Community Pie, 850 Market St.
Take advantage of the lunchtime special Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a slice of pizza and a salad for $9.
Chatt Smokehouse, 416 E. MLK Blvd.
Pick from a variety of sandwiches like rib, pork, beer, smoked chopped chicken breast, or fish sandwiches for $6-$10. Bonus: Grab a bowl of chili or chili fries for $4.
Alimentari Cafe & Market, 841 Chestnut St.
Choose from any of the sandwich options or salads, all under $10. Pro tip: We recommend trying out the West Village Club.
Have you tried the mushroom walnut burger from Sluggo’s?
Photo by @sluggosnorth
Northshore
River Street Deli, 151 River St.
Enjoy the egg salad sandwich served with lettuce + tomato on your choice of bread for $9.95.
Mean Mug Coffeehouse, locations vary.
Craving breakfast for lunch? Try out Mean Mug’s breakfast sandwiches served all day long for $6-$7.50. Pro tip: You can substitute the bread for a bagel for $1.50 extra.
Sluggo’s, 505 Cherokee Blvd.
Looking for a vegan option? Grab a solo roasted pepper and spinach hummus wrap, pesto and portobello quesadilla, cheeky wing wrap, lentil patty melt, mushroom walnut burger, barbecue sub, the Berliner, or Philly seitan for $9.99.
Taconooga, 207 Frazier Ave.
Pick out your choice of taco for $4.50 or specialty tacos for $7.25-$8. Pro tip: We love the taco trio (a combination of steak, shrimp, and chorizo topped with grilled onions).
Tremont Tavern, 1203 Hixson Pk.
Take advantage of the happy hour specials (Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.) for $9 fish and chips, a $6 quesadilla, $5 Tremont boomers, $5 “edamole” dip + $5 “Durty McCurdy” chicken tenders.
Get your hands on a classic hot dog and a brew for your lunch.
Photo by @shhadyscorner
Southside
Niedlov’s Bakery & Café, 215 E. Main St.
Get Editor Kristen’s favorite sandwich in Chattanooga, the California Club, for $10 along with several other sandwich offerings for $10 or less.
Anomaly by Oddstory, 1604 Central Ave. + 336 E. MLK Blvd.
Choose from a variety of smash burgers + sandos available for $10. Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the Thai, elote, or curry fries for $7.
Shady’s Corner, 1402 Cemetery Ave.
Just looking for something simple and cheap? Stop by for a bologna sandwich, the “Step Dad’s Grilled Cheese,” or “Gas Station Glizzy” for $3.
Five Wits Brewing Co., 1501 Long St.
Try out the Cuban Reuben, “Philly” Reuben, blackened chicken, turkey avocado club, and hot chicken sandwiches + the left coast burger for $10.
Taqueria Jalisco Ania, 1639 Rossville Ave.
The bean and rice burrito is only $5 and the classic burrito is $10 — both served with chips. Get three Mexican street-style tacos for $9.
La Alteña, locations vary.
This local spot has several offerings under $10 like nachos, taco salad, burritos, tacos, and more.
Conga Latin Food, 26 E. Main St.
Pick from the nachos, tostones barbacoa, tacos, tostadas, taco salad, or burrito for under $10. Pro tip: Try out the tortilla chicken soup for $8.
Bollywood Tacos, 203 E. Main St.
Take your pick of the “Bollykicks,” premium, or house tacos for $3.50-$6 each. You can also enjoy the nachos and cheese quesadilla for $7.
Slick’s Burgers, 309 E. Main St.
Build your own burger with options under or right at $10, or opt for chili cheese or truffle fries for $8.
The Spot, 1800 E. Main St.
Try out the burgers or paninis for lunch, all under $9.99 — we love the pimento BLT panini.
You don’t want to miss out on the lunch deals from Santis Mexican Grill.
Photo by @santismexgrill_chatt
North Chattanooga, Hixson, East Ridge + Brainerd
Ankar’s Hoagies, locations vary.
Looking for a quick bite? Take your pick of this hoagie spot’s vast menu of subs, sandwiches, and hoagies all under $8.
New York Pizza Co., 5084 South Terrace.
Get two slices of pizza and a beverage for $10 + one slice of pizza, three breadsticks, and a drink for $9.
Golden Big Bowl, 5517 Brainerd Rd.
The options are endless at this local spot. Load up a small, medium, or large bowl for under $10, or pick from a combination plate or burger.
Santi’s Mexican Grill and Sports Bar, 2040 Hamilton Place Blvd.
Load up on the mini street tacos for $1 each, get the fajitas single for $10, or various lunch specials for $8.99-$9.99.
Home Plate Bar & Grill of Chattanooga, 5611 Ringgold Rd.
Home Plate’s express lunch deals are $7.99 Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All lunch meals are served with French fries.
Red Bank + Saint Elmo
Lillie Mae’s Place, 4712 Dayton Blvd.
Try out the chicken and dressing, chicken livers, chicken tenders, pot roast, and veggie plate entrees for $8-$9.75.
Old Man Rivers Table & Tavern, 118 Cross St.
Check out the lunch special for $9.95, which includes a rotating meat and two sides.
Purple Daisy Picnic Café, 4001 St. Elmo Ave.
Try the Rainbow, deli, grilled cheese, buffalo smoked chicken, barbecue, piglet pan, or smoked chicken deli sandwiches all for $10 or under. Bonus: Try out the Brunswick stew for $7 a bowl or a chili pie for $8.
The Hummus Bowl, 3931 St. Elmo Ave.
Make your own pita or wrap for $9.49, and grab a side of stuffed grape leaves for $5.49.
What did we miss? If you know a budget-friendly lunch that’s not on the list, let us know.
