Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Winston-Salem. Check out this list of 20 places where you can find menu items that cost $10 or less before tax.
Deli sandwich spots
O’Briens Deli, 4001 Country Club Rd.
The full-sized sandwiches here hover just around the $10 mark, but you can get a half-size of any signature sandwich (like the reuben or the grilled pimento + tomato) for $8.99. Craving soup? The grilled cheese + your choice of soup is also $8.99.
TJ’s Deli and Grill, 5017 Country Club Rd.
This popular spot has a large selection of chicken sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and hot dogs, most of which are under $10 and are served with a side. Opt for a salad or a light plate like the grilled chicken breast teriyaki if you’re saving room for homemade ice cream. Pro tip: We recommend calling in your order and carrying out if you’re in a time crunch.
Bobo’s Deli and Grill, 3478 Robinhood Rd.
Most salad selections and deli sandwich options are under $10. Burgers and hot dogs are served with a side item and will fill you up.
Vegan and vegetarian options
The Carving Board, 318 S. Stratford Rd.
Take a pound of most salads including pasta salad, potato salad, fruit salad, and cucumber salad to go for under $10, or get a fresh-made sandwich for dine in. Pro tip: the counter gets quite busy at lunch so be prepared to stand in line.
Yamas Mediterranean Street Food, 624 W. 4th St. + 1330 Creekshire Way
Fuel your afternoon with grain and salad bowls prepared right in front of you with your choice of ingredients. There are also plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available, like falafel fritters or the lentil falafel salad.
Acadia Foods, 228 W. Acadia Ave.
Fancy bologna, chicken salad, and mushroom pate sandwiches are a few options under $10, or score a simple salad or house salad for $9. Adding a side like pasta salad or collard greens might pinch your wallet but we think they’re worth it.
Mojito Latin Soul Food, 723 N. Trade St. NW
Most of the items on this Cuban restaurant’s “Little Things” menu are under $10, including empanadas, tamales, and the Latin grilled cheese. Plus, half portions of several Mojito Bowls are priced at $8.
Hot dogs and burgers
Pulliam’s Hotdogs, 4400 Old Walkertown Rd.
Grab a hot dog for just around $3 from this classic Winston-Salem joint that’s been around since 1910. Or, make it a combo and get two hot dogs, chips, and a drink — you’ll still come in under $10.
PB’s Takeout, 1412 S. Hawthorne Rd.
Stepping into this small spot in Ardmore will feel like a step back in time. Grab a bag of hot dogs, cheese dogs, or burgers and eat on the outside picnic tables or take it to go. The buns are grilled which add a special something to these top-rated dogs.
Kermit’s Hot Dog House, 2220 Thomasville Rd.
This classic drive-in offers Carolina red dogs, topped with mustard, chili, slaw, and onions. You can grab a footlong for ~$4 or a double cheeseburger for ~$5. Stay in your car for curbside service, dine in or call ahead.
Comfort classics
Krankies Coffee, 211 E. 3rd St.
This coffee and breakfast joint stays open for lunch hours — and we couldn’t recommend a biscuit smothered in gravy more. The Krankies classic biscuit is $8 and comes with fried chicken and your choice of Texas Pete and Honey or sausage gravy.
Piedmont Aviation Snack Bar, 3820 N. Liberty St.
This old-school joint has a loyal following. Almost everything on this menu comes in under $10 a la carte. Choose from sandwiches like a chicken philly or hot club sub, or opt for a wrap. Small salads are also a deal with or without protein.
Real Q, 4885 Country Club Rd.
You don’t have to travel ~30 minutes to Lexington to get pit-cooked barbecue at this local favorite. Get a chopped sandwich for $9 or choose from a selection of other sandwiches like a BLT or a ham and cheese.
Slappy’s Chicken, 200 W. Acadia Ave.
While the chicken options don’t quite come in under $10, a bowl of Slappy’s Denver-style chicken chili does. You can also get a side plate with your choice of three sides + a roll for $8 — hello, mac and cheese, baked beans, and potato salad.
Diner vibes
Murphy’s Lunch, 207 W. 3rd St.
Lunch specials start at $8.25 — you’ll get a cafeteria-style tray with a main, two sides, and bread. Or, order a sandwich like the Grilled Chicken or BLT, add fries, and still come in under $10.
Bagner and Alexa’s Downtown Cafe, 102 W. 3rd St., Ste. 180
Nothing is over $10 on the lunch menu, which includes teriyaki chicken tips on Monday and Friday and a steak or chicken Philly on Thursday. The everyday two hot dog special is $7.50 and comes with french fries or chips and a drink.
Grill-Ville, 902 E. Sprague St.
Stop in for a quick bite at this longtime local restaurant WStoday reader Bobbie H. calls “the diamond of the Southside.” A hand-pattied jumbo cheeseburger is still less than $5 and many menu items include fries and a drink.
Handheld hits
El Rancho Taqueria, 613 E. Sprague St.
Fill up on your choice of tacos for ~$2.50 each or opt for a chimichanga or vegetarian burrito. Pro tip: Eat in if you want access to a variety of house-made sauces.
Kalamaki Authentic Greek Street Food, 420 Jonestown Rd., Ste. L
A majority of this menu is under $10, meaning you can get your money’s worth and try a selection of gyros, carved meats, salads, skewers, and sides. Most items come a la carte so we recommend adding a side of fries, tzatziki sauce, or hummus to complete your meal.
Coppola’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant, 3512 Yadkinville Rd.
Grab a slice of pizza, or browse the sandwich menu, most of which is under $10. Try the meatball parmigiana, cheese steak, or cheeseburger with hot and crispy fries.
Got a favorite local lunch spot that we missed? Share it with us so we can add it to our list.
