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Guide to St. Louis

Affordable lunch spots

You want a substantial lunch that respects your budget without cutting corners on the experience.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
PALI GRILL image 1
PALI GRILL image 2
PALI GRILL image 3
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Restaurant

Spacious restaurant with beautiful decor and clean, inviting atmosphere. Offers a family-friendly vibe with amenities like a kids menu and games. Serves authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with standout dishes such as falafel and arayes.

Falafel sandwich stands out as a highlight for lunch. Both lunch and breakfast options deliver delicious flavors consistently.

Prices stay consistently affordable with large portions offered. Meals provide good value without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and full of authentic flavors."

"The staff at this lunch spot are so warm and friendly."

"The prices here are affordable with large portions."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers 100% halal meat and chicken.

2

The prices at PALI GRILL are very reasonable.

3

The fries and sandwich cost $7.99, which is a good price.

02
Arber Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Small corner cafe with tall ceilings and beautiful plants creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere that feels like a peaceful escape. Space is clean and thoughtfully arranged, perfect for relaxing or working. Music and TV add to the laid-back vibe, attracting a mix of authentic, friendly people.

A quiet spot for lunch around 11am offers a large variety of Albanian and Italian cuisines. Meals come at reasonable prices, with good options under $10, including gyros and other lunch items.

Prices stay consistently very affordable across the menu. Food options come at budget-friendly rates that suit tight spending.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and thoughtfully prepared."

"You have to try the gyros at this lunch spot; they're amazing."

"The food here is really affordable."

Good to know

1

Expect an hour wait for Saturday brunch due to high demand.

2

The prices are reasonable, with a good lunch costing under $10.

3

The menu features a variety of Albanian and Italian dishes.

03
Taqueria Hectorito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor patio with Mexican music creates a lively, authentic atmosphere. Modest, unassuming setup focuses on street-style tacos served quickly and affordably. Small, local-feeling space draws a crowd seeking real Mexican flavors without pretension.

Offers a quick work day lunch option with a casual vibe. Serves reliable meals suitable for a family lunch or a fast bite during the day.

Food offers fantastic and affordable choices with a short menu. Tacos come at a very affordable price.

People are saying

"I thought these were the best tacos I've ever had."

"This Lunch Spot has amazing, flavorful tacos with plenty of meat."

"These are the best affordable street tacos I've had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers dine-in, carry-out, and Uber Eats delivery options.

2

Prices are very affordable, making it a budget-friendly choice.

3

Expect quick service; food is ready in minutes after ordering.

04
Mestiza image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic tacos served on home-like dishware and a fast food, order-at-the-counter setup. Atmosphere feels calm and inviting with quiet Mexican music and videos of Latin performances playing. A family-friendly game at the table adds a unique touch to the experience.

Lunch here suits groups well, with options that accommodate both small and big groups. The spot works for casual meals with friends or larger gatherings.

Mexican food offers excellent quality at affordable prices. The interior feels upgraded but keeps the menu budget-friendly.

People are saying

"I loved trying their many unique and special tacos."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and fresh."

"I found the food here to be excellent and affordable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required for parties of up to 13 people.

2

Mestiza has a small menu focused solely on tacos.

3

Handicap parking is available on-site.

05
Gol Bowl image 1
Indian restaurant

Small space with multi-color ceiling lights and authentic Indian music creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere filled with the rich aroma of spices. Friendly staff enhance the relaxed, personal vibe ideal for dining or waiting for pickup.

Lunch features $10 masala dosa, naan, and butter chicken bowls. Meals come in generous portions and offer solid value.

Food comes at a very affordable price here, often cheaper than similar spots. Quality stays consistent with hot, delicious meals that suit a student budget well.

People are saying

"I loved the butter chicken bowl; it was delicious."

"I found the food here to be delicious and super affordable."

"This lunch spot has great, satisfying food."

Good to know

1

Gol Bowl offers affordable meals, often under $10.

2

The restaurant maintains high hygiene standards.

3

The breakfast menu features traditional Indian dishes.

06
Sides of Seoul (SOS) Korean Take-Out image 1

Take-out only Korean spot with a charming grocery corner offering authentic banchan side dishes and ready-to-eat soups. Atmosphere feels friendly and family-owned, attracting those seeking genuine Korean comfort food with affordable prices and generous portions.

Lunch features affordable lunch boxes with options like spicy pork, kimchi jjigae, and seollung tang. Dishes include yookgaejang and beef bulgogi gimbap, though the spicy pork meat lacks flavor.

Prices stay very affordable with kimbap under $5 and pancake and tokkbokki under $10. The place offers hassle-free dining with consistently low costs.

People are saying

"The spicy pork takeout bowl is a delicious flavor adventure."

"I loved their homemade cabbage and radish kimchi."

"I found the food here really affordable, with kimbap under $5."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is take-out only and does not offer dine-in options.

2

They only accept card payments over $10; under $10 requires cash.

3

Orders typically take less than 15 minutes to prepare.

07
Mi Ranchito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large space filled with huge authentic Mexican artwork creates a warm and lively atmosphere where diverse groups gather to enjoy meals. The vibe is festive and upbeat, making it suitable for families and friends. Exceptional margaritas complement the overall experience.

Lunch specials cost less than $10 and offer great value. Shrimp fajitas and chicken soup stand out as popular dishes. Many find it a reliable spot for affordable, tasty lunches.

Food comes in plentiful portions at affordable prices. The lunch menu offers great value by today's standards.

People are saying

"The food here is always delicious and made with care."

"This lunch spot has amazing Mexican food, especially the fried tacos."

"The food here is delicious, plentiful, and affordable."

Good to know

1

They offer $8 lunch specials that are a great deal.

2

Curbside pickup is available if you call ahead.

3

Expect a wait time of about 25 minutes for to-go orders.

08
Los Arcos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with Mexican-style theme designs and oversized booths creates a homey atmosphere with mellow guitar music. It offers outdoor seating and a small bar area, including a separate room for large parties. The vibe is friendly and affordable, with free chips and salsa served before meals.

Outstanding service stands out during lunch, with the owner providing personal attention. The lunch fajitas offer a very good meal option.

Prices stay consistently inexpensive and affordable. The place offers a friendly atmosphere alongside good value.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and tasty."

"This lunch spot has fantastic, authentic Mexican food."

"I found it to be delicious, clean, and affordable."

Good to know

1

During Cinco de Mayo, live music is featured at the restaurant.

2

Parking is available and generally not a problem.

3

The restaurant does not have a liquor license, so no alcohol is served.

09
Chili Mac's Diner image 1

Small diner with boomerang countertops and a retro vibe that feels like stepping into a time warp. Atmosphere is cozy and nostalgic, filled with 70's music and a friendly, lively energy. Space is limited, creating a close, unpretentious setting popular during breakfast hours.

Lunch runs smoothly with quick service and inexpensive prices. The menu offers solid breakfast and lunch items that keep things simple and satisfying.

Food comes out fast and stays inexpensive even downtown. Classic American dishes offer a tasty and affordable option for breakfast or lunch.

People are saying

"It's a cool old-school diner with a great vibe."

"I planned on returning to this great little lunch spot."

"I found the food to be inexpensive and delicious."

Good to know

1

Chili Macโ€™s Diner is the original home of the Slinger, a locally famous food legend.

2

The restaurant only stays open until 1:30 pm.

3

Expect quick service and affordable meals.

10
Missouri Botanical Garden image 1

Large, open garden complex features unique light displays and a climate-controlled dome housing tropical plants. Peaceful walking paths wind through family-friendly areas with splash pads and interactive play zones. The atmosphere blends majestic views with a calm, relaxing vibe.

Fresh, relaxed lunches come with tasty and healthy food and great service. The spot works well for a casual meal before a stroll through the gift shop.

Entrance fees and tickets stay very affordable, especially for locals. The garden visit and bus ride cost little, keeping the overall experience inexpensive.

People are saying

"The children's garden has a splash pad and nature play areas."

"The gardens are stunning and beautiful year-round."

"I found the entrance fees and tickets to be very affordable."

Good to know

1

Visitors should check the website for hours of operation and admission information.

2

Parking can be challenging; arrive early or use free shuttle lots.

3

The garden is friendly to disabled guests, ensuring accessibility.

11
Mama's Breakfast Table image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Large, bright space offers a cozy diner vibe with a clean, inviting atmosphere. The place fills with a friendly, lively crowd, creating a noisy but pleasant energy. Known for exceptional biscuits and gravy, it blends old-school charm with a rural small-town feel.

Lunch offers a delightful menu that stands out more than breakfast. The spot serves exceptionally great meals for both breakfast and lunch.

Large portions come with very affordable prices. This spot offers a solid budget-friendly breakfast option.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is delicious and everything tasted so good."

"I loved their delicious home cooking; it felt like home."

"The portions were large and the prices very affordable."

Good to know

1

Mama's Breakfast Table opens at 7 a.m.

2

Parking is on the street only, which can be tricky in winter conditions.

3

Expect longer wait times on weekends, especially for breakfast.

12
A Taste of China image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant offers a quiet, clean dining room with affordable prices and large portions. The menu features high-quality ingredients and dishes like deep fried cashew chicken and potstickers. Ownership has changed but operations remain smooth, maintaining a comfortable environment.

Quick service gets orders ready within 15 minutes even during the lunch rush. The lunch menu offers fresh and affordable options that satisfy midday hunger.

Lunch options come with fresh ingredients and affordable prices. The menu offers great value without sacrificing taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and high-quality."

"I found the lunch menu to be great and affordable."

"I loved the deep fried cashew chicken; it was perfectly crisp."

Good to know

1

Online ordering is available for quick pickup.

2

Expect wait times of about an hour during busy periods.

3

The restaurant is currently closed for vacation until July 8th.

13
Courtesy Diner image 1

Small diner with an Elvis theme and classic jukebox creates a nostalgic, cozy vibe. Busy mornings bring a lively, friendly atmosphere with bar seating and compact booths. Cash-only policy and old-school roadside feel set it apart from typical diners.

Good food includes breakfast and lunch items like the western BBQ burger. The diner offers a solid spot for casual lunch.

Food comes in tremendous portion sizes and costs are very inexpensive. Dishes lean toward salty, cheesy, hangover food that stays affordable.

People are saying

"I experienced a classic diner atmosphere and traditional diner food."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot are so friendly."

"The food here is great and very inexpensive."

Good to know

1

The diner is cash only, and they have an ATM on site.

2

Parking costs $13, or you risk a $20 fine.

3

Expect to wait in line if you arrive late.

14
China Buffet-St Louis image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese buffet offers a cozy atmosphere with a pleasantly quiet vibe that contrasts typical buffet noise. Interior shows dated decor and close tables, giving a casual, unpretentious feel. Food variety is good with some standout dishes, making it an affordable option.

An all-you-can-eat lunch buffet costs $9.99 and stays full of fresh food during the lunch rush. Arriving before 4:00 is key to avoid higher dinner prices.

Meals come at a very affordable price with a good variety of fresh, well-made selections. The buffet offers inexpensive options without sacrificing quality.

People are saying

"I found the buffet food to be consistently good and amazing."

"The Chinese food here is excellent, especially the lo mein."

"The Lunch Spot food is tasty, with some dishes being the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Arrive before 4:00 PM to avoid dinner prices.

2

The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet costs $9.99.

3

Dinner prices are under $15, making it affordable.

15
IKEA image 1
Furniture store

Large store with Swedish interior design and maze-like layout offers a clean, modern atmosphere. Spacious restaurant and kid-friendly amenities create a welcoming environment for families. Showroom setups provide inspiration through simulated living spaces.

Offers a budget-friendly lunch with exceptional meatballs in a clean cafeteria setting suitable for catching up with friends.

Furniture offers simple, colorful designs that suit college students or those starting out. Food serves homemade tasting, cafeteria-style meals with pretty good-sized portions at affordable prices.

People are saying

"I loved the Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce."

"I found the furniture to be simple, colorful, and affordable."

"The Swedish meatballs at this Lunch Spot are always good."

Good to know

1

The store is wheelchair accessible for easy navigation.

2

Parking is available under the building, which is helpful in summer.

3

Entrees are 50% off on Tuesdays, making it a great day to visit.

16
Golden Oak Pancake House - St. Louis image 1

Spacious dining room with plenty of booths creates a family-friendly and comfortable setting. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting, with smiles common among everyone present. Music plays softly, adding to the relaxed vibe throughout the meal.

Blends breakfast and lunch into one experience. Not very busy for lunch on weekdays, making it a calm spot.

Prices stay consistently affordable across the menu. Food options combine great taste with budget-friendly costs.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and tasty."

"I thought the coffee was great."

"I found the prices to be great and affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only serves breakfast and is open until early afternoon.

2

They charge a 2.5% fee for credit or debit card payments.

3

There is usually no wait because it is a large restaurant with many booths and tables.

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St. Louis, Missouri

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