Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Chattanooga. Check out this list of 30+ 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 B.A. burger, dumplings, the basement burrito, and more 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 a deli classic or house specialty sandwich, all for $9 or less.
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.
Chatt Smokehouse, 416 E. MLK Blvd.
Pick from a variety of sandwiches like rib, pork, beer, smoked chopped chicken breast, or fish for $6-$10. Bonus: Grab a bowl of chili or chili fries for $4.
Alimentari Cafe & Market, 841 Chestnut St.
Choose from the sandwich options or salads, all under $10. Pro tip: We recommend splurging on the West Village Club for $10.25.
Pickle Barrel, 1012 Market St.
Try out the “Junkyard Dog” for $8 or an order of six wings for $9. We recommend tossing them in the John Leslie’s BBQ sauce.
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 under $10. Pro tip: You can substitute the bread for a bagel for $1.50 extra.
Sluggo’s, 505 Cherokee Blvd.
Try an order of spicy wings made with grilled seitan or the zucchini griddle cakes. Sandwiches, including the Patty Hearst melt, are $9.99 and served with a pickle.
Taconooga, 207 Frazier Ave.
Choose between a taco of your choice for $4.50 or specialty tacos for $7.25-$8. We love the taco trio, a combination of steak, shrimp + chorizo, and 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.
Pizza Bros, locations vary
Grab a $5 slice and a pint any day, any time.
Get your hands on a classic hot dog and a brew for your lunch.
Photo by @shhadyscorner
Southside
Niedlov’s Bakery & Cafe, 215 E. Main St.
We recommend going just a little over budget here to get Editor Haley’s favorite sandwich in Chattanooga, the California Club, for $11.25.
Oddstory Brewing Co., 1604 Central Ave. + 336 E. MLK Blvd.
The smash burger is $9, and sandos are available for $10. Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the elote or curry fries for $7 a pop.
Shady’s Corner, 1402 Cemetery Ave.
Just looking for something simple and cheap? Stop by for a grilled cheese or “Gas Station Glizzy” for $3 eacb. Bonus: Grab fried chicken, burgers, wings, and loaded fries at this bar’s food truck, Dumb Cluck.
Five Wits Brewing Co., 1501 Long St.
Try out the blackened chicken sandwich + the left coast burger for $10.
Taqueria Jalisco Ania, 1639 Rossville Ave.
The bean and rice burrito is only $6, served with chips. Or, get three Mexican street-style tacos for $9.75.
Conga Latin Food, 26 E. Main St.
Pick from the nachos, tostones barbacoa, two tacos, or tostadas. Pro tip: Try out the tortilla chicken soup for $9.
Bollywood Tacos, 203 E. Main St.
Take your pick of the “Bollykicks,” premium, or house tacos for less than $7 — we recommend the chicken shawarma. You can also enjoy the nachos and cheese quesadilla for under $10.
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 $9.
New York Pizza Co., 5084 South Ter.
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 teriyaki 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 $2 each on Tuesdays, or various lunch specials for under $11.
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.
La Altena, 8644 E. Brainerd Rd.
This local spot has several offerings under $10 like nachos, taco salad, burritos, tacos, and more. You can also find them in the Southside on West Main Street.
Red Bank + St. 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 around $10.
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 Cafe, 4001 St. Elmo Ave.
Try a variety of sandwiches, like the grilled cheese, buffalo smoked chicken, and barbecue, 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.
The Tap House, 3800 St. Elmo Ave.
Snack on menu items like the hummus or pimento cheese plates, the house or Caesar salads, or the comfort blanket burger for $10 or less.
What did we miss? If you know a budget-friendly lunch that’s not on the list, let us know.
