Where to find lunch for $10 in Boston

Fill your stomach without emptying your wallet with these cheap eats.

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Multiple low cost options are served at Gene’s.

Photo by @jimkhaw87

Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Boston. Check out this list of 20 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.

Multiple locations

Anna’s Taqueria , multiple locations
What to order: Regular burrito
$8.95
Choose your own adventure with a variety of proteins, including chicken ranchero, al pastor, or carnitas.

Kelly’s Roast Beef , multiple locations
What to order: Roast beef sandwich
$9.75
This sandwich is slow-roasted in house and served medium rare on a grilled sesame seed roll.

Mike and Patty’s , multiple locations
What to order: The Fancy
$9.50
This breakfast sandwich features fried eggs, bacon, cheddar, avocado, red onions, and house mayo on toasted multigrain.

Mamaleh’s , multiple locations
What to order: Chicken salad sandwich
$9.50
This perfect grab and go lunch features chicken salads with arugula on a homemade challah roll.

Head to Harvard Square to bite into this famous open-faced special.

Cambridge

Charlie’s Kitchen , 15 Elliot St., Cambridge
What to order: Charlie’s Double Cheese Burger
$10
This open-faced double cheeseburger comes with lettuce, tomato, a pickle, and french fries.

Roxy’s Grilled Cheese , 292 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge + 485 Cambridge St., Allston
What to order: Hot Honey Bacon grilled cheese
$9
There are multiple grilled cheese options for under $10, but the hot honey bacon is City Editor Jess’ go-to.

The Bourbon Cherry Bacon Brat also has a vegetarian option.

Photo by @saus_boston

Downtown/Financial District

Gene’s Flatbread Cafe , 86 Bedford St.
What to order: House Noodle Soup
$9.95
Try these hand-rolled thin noodles in chicken broth with pork + vegetables.

Saus , 33 Union St. + 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville
What to order: Cowboy Style Brat or the Bourbon Cherry Bacon Brat
$10 each
Pick a beer-brined pork bratwurst or vegetarian beyond sausage, both served with various toppings.

Beantown Pastrami , 100 Hanover St.
What to order: Build Your Own Roasted Turkey Sandwich
$9.95
Find this food vendor inside Boston Public Market and select the quarter-pound option for the right price point. Then choose your bread and condiments.

Rhythm N’ Wraps serves up a variety of veggie tacos.

Photo by BOStoday

Allston/Brighton

Rhythm ‘N Wraps , 1096 Commonweath Ave.
What to order: Tacos
$4 each
There are three vegetarian options to try, including Fueguito Taco, barbecue jackfruit, and crispy tofu.

Super Bien , Charles River Speedway, 525 Western Ave., Brighton
What to order: Empanadas
$4.25 each
These Argentinean pastries have a variety of fillings, including chicken and broccoli cheddar.

Kimchipapi Kitchen , 81 Harvard Ave, Allston MA 02134
What to order: Original Korndog
$6
This trending Korean street food is made with a beef hot dog, a mozzarella stick or half and half, then dipped in a homemade batter and panko, and coated with sugar.

Misc. Locations

Ba Le Bahn Mi , 1052 Dorchester Ave.
What to order: Mí Chay
$7.79
This vegetarian lo mein is packed with veggies.

Sullivan’s Castle Island , 2080 William J. Day Blvd., South Boston
What to order: Double Cheeseburger
$8.20
Two fresh Angus Beef patties topped with American cheese and served on a toasted burger bun. Note: The patio area remains closed due to aggressive seagulls.

Pazza on Porter , East Boston
What to order: Pasta
$10
Take advantage of the Pasta Tuesday special and grab an order of spaghetti.

Reader recommendations:

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Jess is based in Boston, MA and when she isn’t creating content, you’ll find her at one of the local breweries, walking her dogs on the Esplanade, or attending a concert. After graduating from the University of Florida, she moved to Columbia, SC where she worked at various nonprofit organizations + was a City Editor for COLAtoday before relocating to launch BOStoday in 2021.
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