Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Lexington. Check out this list of 21 places where a lunch for one costs around $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: Downtown, Chevy Chase, and everywhere in between.
Pro tip: Some of these spots have multiple locations, which we’ve notated.

Mix and match tacos from Local Taco. | Photo by @tastinglexington
Campus
Stoner’s Pizza Joint
Its munchies menu includes cheese sticks + garlic knots, or try a pack-your-own bowl + five-piece boneless wings.
girlsgirlsgirls Burritos
With more than just burritos, you can satisfy your hunger with nachos, tots, and quesadillas with ingredients like grilled kale, sweet potatoes, and falafel. Pro tip: Add one of its 13 sauces with your tot order.
Local Taco
Visit one of two tasty locations then choose from a variety of salads, chips, dips, and ~$4.50 tacos, like Korean BBQ + spicy shrimp.

A staple of Chevy Chase, you can never go wrong with an order of Bourbon N’ Toulouse jambalaya. | Photo courtesy of @thingstodoinlexingtonky
Chevy Chase
Athenian Grill
Snack on pita + dips, like tzatziki or hummus, or get one of its seven types of gyros like lamb, veggie, or chicken for $9.50.
A.P. Suggins Bar & Grill
A true Lexington gem, this family-friendly spot is the perfect place to kick back midday with fried banana peppers, taco salad, catfish sandwich + more.
Bourbon n’ Toulouse
Get a half order ($7) or full order ($9) of your Cajun-Creole favorites. We recommend the chicken étouffée + black beans and caramelized corn.
Puccini’s Pizza Pasta
This classic family pizza spot has dozens of $10 and under options including salads, Italian subs, calzones, and a small pizza.
Papi’s
Served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m you can get a chimichanga, enchiladas, tamales, tacos + more.
Downtown
Big Blue Deli
This menu is filled with signature sandwiches varying in prices, but you can get the veggie, roast beef, spicy chicken, grilled cheese + tomato soup, and BLT — each for $10 or less.
Joe Bologna’s
Get a lunch-size order of your Italian faves Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., like manicotti, spaghetti, an six-inch pizza, and of course, Joe’s famous garlic breadsticks. Pro tip: Adults 60 and older can enjoy lunch pasta prices anytime.
Lex Live
This entertainment venue features specials at its SportsBar, including a 10-inch cheese pizza and a dip trio featuring guacamole, queso + salsa.
Doodle’s
Not only can you get breakfast all day ($9 omelet, anyone?), lunch options include the vegan black bean burger, chicken salad sandwich, and the B.E.L.T. (bacon, egg, lettuce, tomato).
Java Jukebox
In addition to coffee drinks and pastries, check out its brunch menu featuring a breakfast plate (two eggs + choice of protein), avocado toast with two eggs, and tomato basil pesto grilled cheese.
Nic and Norman’s
Pre-game your night on the town with a $10 and under appetizer such as spinach + artichoke dip.
Infinity Sky Bar
Not only will you have spectacular downtown views, you can also fuel your day with fried green tomatoes, seasonal soups, or a Caesar salad.
Distillery District
Goodfella’s
Its iconic $10 lunch combo comes with a slice of New York-style pizza, big-as-your-face breadstick, and choice of drink. Plus, try the pesto bread, meatballs, calzones, subs, and salads.
Elkhorn Tavern
Dive into the beer cheese platter, cowboy caviar, buffalo chicken dip, or the soup of the day.
South + southeast Lexington
Ali Baba Food and Market Place
This Soundland restaurant gives you the option for platters including your choice of chicken, lamb, or beef + rice, hummus, salad, and pita bread — all for $10 or less.
Koi Express
Pick up a vegetable noodle entree for less than $10 or go appetizer wild with a crab salad, chicken dumpling gyoza, and more.
NuHealth Kitchen
Get some nutritious lunch specials typically for $10 or under, like the juicy chicken with brocooli + sweet potato mash.
Viva Mexico
Browse its lunch menu to find dozens of specials for $10 or less, including the chimichanga platter or a quesadilla suprema.