Boston cheapskate's guide: The elusive $10 lunch
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Steph here. Many downtown have lamented the death of the $10 lunch in a post-COVID economy.
- I refuse to accept that.
Why it matters: Downtown eateries are still grappling with inflation and a major drop in foot traffic, driving up food prices.
- That left me more determined to find some cheap, and maybe even nutritious, alternatives for the scrappiest of us.
Here's where I found some lunch under $10 (including tax):
Theo's Cozy Corner Restaurant
This North End eatery will save your stomach if you're tight on money.
What to get: A tuna melt, chicken salad, sliced turkey, salami and cheese or ham and cheese sandwich. Each costs $8.25 plus tax.
- They also have small soups, a quarter-pounder cheeseburger and grilled cheese with ham or bacon for the same price.
Ding Ho
This Chinatown hole in the wall might have the cheapest meal downtown.
What I ate: A small plate of pork and onions over Singapore noodles for $5 and a bottle of water.
- The large plate comes with two sides for $7.
- Yes, but: The small plate left me full.
Chicken & Rice Guys
What I ate: Small halal chicken plate for $8 plus tax. There's also a tofu plate for the same price.
- Keep it simple and it stays below $10.
The Mediterranean Grill
This Franklin Street grill has some of the lowest food prices in the Financial District.
What to get: Chicken noodle soup, the soup of the day, chicken wings, a cheeseburger or cheese ravioli — each is under $10, including tax.
- There's also a Caesar salad with nothing on it, but the extra dressing won't exactly make up for the lack of protein.
Florina Pizzeria & Paninoteca
What I ate: A slice of pepperoni for $4.75 plus tax (cheese is 50 cents less).
- You could add some arugula or peppers for $2.50.
- You might just have enough left over for a soda.
Emmets
What I ate: A bowl of clam chowder for $8 plus tax.
- They offer Guinness onion soup or a soup of the day for the same price.
- If you're not very hungry, you can get a cup for $6.
https://places.singleplatform.com/emmets/menu?ref=google#menu_1352499
Primo's Pizza
What to get: A cheeseburger for $7.99 plus tax.
- You could also get a roast beef for $8.95.
El Jefe's Taqueria
What I ate: A chimichanga for $7.25 plus tax. It's filling and includes multiple food groups.
- You could also get a cheese quesadilla with some guacamole or a small chicken tortilla soup with a drink for under $10.
Double Chin
Double Chin on Harrison Avenue has you covered with some cheap eats, especially for the vegetarians.
What to get: Bravocado toast with furikake, sesame and fried egg for $9.
- It also sells chili cucumber noodle salad for $7 and an eight-piece order of vegetable dumplings for $9.
Clover Food Lab
The Downtown Crossing Clover has several nutritious options for under $10.
What to get: A large white bean kale soup or roman tomato soup for $9.25 plus tax.
- You could get falafel skewers with hummus and green tahini or a tomato cheese sandwich for less.