Philadelphia, PA
- In a top-notch eating city like Philadelphia, there’s no need to spend big money to dine well. Philly’s restaurant scene makes excellent eats available at all price points, including pretty darn cheap.
Philadelphia Lunch Under $10
Whether the occasion is a power lunch, a romantic supper, or a late-night nosh, You can enjoy true Philadelphia deliciousness at a low cost. Here are just a few options for under $10 lunches.
Dim Sum Garden – Chinatown’s popular destination for soup buns remains one of the best values in the city. Snacks here, such as dumplings and curry chicken cakes, cost well below $10, as do the steaming hand-pulled noodle bowls. 1020 Race Street, (215) 873-0258, dimsumgardenphilly.com
Goldie – When an award-winning chef turns to street food, everyone wins. In the heart of Center City, chef Michael Solomonov’s vegan falafel joint draws lines for pita pockets ($7.50), salads ($9), fries ($3)—and legendary tahini shakes ($5). (Stair access only.) 1526 Sansom Street, (267) 239-0777, goldiefalafel.com
Kilimandjaro – Lunch specials top out at $9 at this Spruce Hill stalwart—the city’s first Senegalese specialist—known for savory Thieboudienne fish stew, garlicky Yassa chicken, peanut lamb, and classic roast chicken. 4317 Chestnut Street, (215) 387-1970
Manakeesh – West Philly’s Lebanese bakery, cafe, and grill specializes in spiced flatbreads, a filling snack that offers a good bargain even when topped with meat. Most of the wraps, salads, and platters on Manakeesh’s menu are equally affordable. 4420 Walnut Street, (215) 921-2135, manakeeshcafe.com
Philly Style Bagels – Bon Appétit declared the Classic Lox at this Fishtown spot America’s best sandwich. House-cured salmon, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and a schmear of cream cheese on a Yards beer-boiled small-batch-made bagel is hard to beat, although, at $6 apiece, the BLT, whitefish salad or veggie combo rate highly. 1451 E. Columbia Avenue, phillystylebagels.com
Puyero – This Society Hill shop turns out fast, tasty food for big appetites and small budgets. You can have Venezuelan arepas, corn pancakes, or plantain sandwiches stuffed with shredded beef, chicken, and avocado salad or cheese for less than a Hamilton. 524 S. 4th Street, (267) 928-4584, puyeroflavor.com
Rangoon – On weekdays, classic Burmese dishes—chicken mint kebabs, pork with pickled mango chutney, beef with basil, coconut tofu—cost $7 to $7.25. For $3.50 more, diners can share the thousand-layer bread. 112 N. 9th Street, (215) 829-8939, rangoonrestaurant.com
Stargazy – Perfect for a snack on the run, Sam Jacobson’s popular British pie shop draws big crowds on Passyunk Avenue. Six-dollar sausage rolls and $10 meat pasties go the distance until they sell out. 1838 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 309-2761, facebook.com/StargazyPhilly
Eat-in Center City for Under 10 Bucks
- Philly has been named one of the best restaurant cities in Philadelphia has been named one of the best restaurant cities in America, and I have been lucky enough to live in it. I want to share the places that give you the most " bang for your buck" in the city of brotherly love.
