Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Cola. Check out this list of 15+ places where a lunch for one costs $15 or less.
We know cravings are key when it comes to a midday meal, so we’ve broken up these spots into their respective food groups. Think: delis and pizza.
Fast and casual
Bernie’s Chicken, 1311 Bluff Rd. | Many locals will tell you Bernie’s is the best fried chicken in town. Try the three-piece dinner for $9.50 or a cheeseburger basket for $9.75.
Carolina Cafe and Catering Co., 925 Sumter St. | Try one of its signature sandwiches for ~$8. We’re biased and think The Columbia Sandwich is the best, made with turkey, cranberry sauce, and leaf lettuce.
Crêpes & Croissants, 1465 Sumter St. | Enjoy counter-serve, sweet or savory crêpes and croissant sandwiches. Pro tip: Order a fresh French pastry to go or on the side.
Curiosity Coffee Bar, 2327 Main St. | Curiosity’s menu is vegan-friendly. We recommend ordering the Vegan Pesto Pizza Bagel made with house-made romesco, diced tomatoes, and vegan mozzarella or any of its sandwiches.
Lizard’s Thicket, multiple locations | Swing through the drive-thru and order the fried chicken sandwich for $7.99 and a side of mac and cheese for $2.50 or try the “meat and two” for $10.79.
Rush’s, multiple locations | Cheeseburger combos start at $7.19, or you could go with the fried chicken basket for $7.67. That leaves just enough in the lunch budget for a milkshake.
The Toasty Hot Spot, 2002, Greene St. | Start your day with the egg breakfast for $6 or grab one of their lunch sandwich items — all starting at $9.
Zesto, 504 12th St., West Columbia | Order the Chicken Tender Meal that comes with four tenders over a bed of fries, and a roll for $9.50 or the slaw dog basket for $7.90.
Pizza
Dano’s Pizza, 3008 Rosewood Dr. | So, you may have to split the cost of a pizza, but you can get any starter, calzone, sub, or salad for around $10.
Stoner’s Pizza Joint, 1216 Washington St. | Get your own small 10-inch pizza for around $10, or split a larger 14 or 18-inch pizza with a friend and Venmo them your $10.
Village Idiot, various locations | Just looking for a bite for lunch, Village Idiot Pizza serves some of its za’s by the slice for $2-$3.
Sandwiches and delis
Andy’s Deli, 2005 Greene St. | A staple of Cola’s sandwich shops my dear, Andy’s signature sandwiches start at $9.99 or you can build your own starting at $6.99. If you’re in the mood for a salad, try My Friend’s Salad Bowl for $8.75.
Beezer’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop, 919 Sumter St. | Beezer’s is a go-to spot for many USC students because it’s conveniently located beside campus and is open late. We recommend the Godfather sandwich made with double meat, Genoa salami, capicola ham, Virginia ham, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, oil and vinegar, and herbs for less than $8.
Crave Artisan Market, 2843 Millwood Ave + 725 Meeting St. | This will fill you up. The combo dog meal comes with an all-beef hot dog served with ketchup, mustard, homemade chili, slaw, and onions for $9.99.
Groucho’s, multiple locations | Head to the original Five Points location and order the signature STP Dipper made with a special blend of roast beef, turkey, Swiss cheese melt, and real bacon crumbs on a fat sub roll. Served with Formula “45" Sauce, Groucho’s Potato Chips, and pickle for $9.99.
No Name Deli, 2042 Marion St. | If you need a crowd-pleaser place that won’t break the bank, this is for you. No Name Deli has a large selection of lunch specials and options, offering everything from burgers to sandwiches, soups, souvlaki plates, salads, hot dogs, sides, and more.
Rosewood Market, 2803 Rosewood Dr. | Snag something from the grab-and-go section or order something from the deli, like the Black Bean & Sweet Potato Wrap for $8.95.
Swanson’s Deli, 1332 Main St., #7B | Located just inside the Arcade Mall on Main Street, Swanson’s Deli offers sandwiches + salads. Order the BLT Pimento, made with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and homemade pimento cheese, on toasted white bread, for $9.95.
Trini Lime Caribbean Cafe, 2008 State St, Cayce | From cabbage to stew fish, you can grab $12 lunch specials Wednesday through Saturday.
Duke’s Pad Thai, 904 Knox Abbott Dr. | If you’re willing to sacrifice an extra $2-$3, Duke’s Noodles and Rice dishes are worth it. If not, and you’re trying to stay in the $10 range, order a Street Eat, a soup, or Duke’s Tacos.
Menkoi Ramen House, 1004 Gervais St. | If it’s your first time, we recommend ordering the Vegetable Ramen for $10.50. Pro tip: Order an extra egg in your ramen bowl for $0.75.
Tacos and burritos
Boca Grande, 4525 Forest Dr. | Burritos start at $11 with specials each day like the chicken mole burrito with red Rice, black beans, chicken, mole, white cheddar, crema, pickled onions, and cilantro for $12.
Tacos Nayarit, multiple locations | Order the build-your-own burrito bowl for $8.50 or go for the Birria tacos ''Tacos Quesabirria’’ for $3.99.
Tacos El Puebla, 4330 Fort Jackson Blvd. | Tacos start at $2 a piece so you can load up and try a few different styles. Pro tip: try the three for $9 menu with gorditas, sopes, and huaraches.
Tex Mex, 1215 Augusta Rd. | The sign on the outside reads “Hot Dogs, Tacos, and more” so you know it’s going to be good. Tacos start at $3 a piece, and hot dogs like the “Mexicano” made with bacon, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, mayo, ketchup, and mustard start at $4.99. Add fries and make it a meal for just $3.
Dine in
Kao Thai, 1307 Main St. | Stop in for the weekday $15 lunch specials like the garlic pork belly and bok choy or the crispy chicken wings.
Tupelo Honey, 2138 Pickens St. | For $12.95, you can grab half a sandwich like the Asheville hot fried chicken and ranch melt with fries or a Caesar salad.
The War Mouth, 1209 Franklin St. | Stop in for lunch featuring seasonal specials like prime rib sandwiches on Tuesdays and heirloom tomatoes at the height of the season, around $12.
What did we miss? If you know a budget-friendly lunch that’s not on the list, let us know using this survey.
