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Best Lunches For Less Than $10 In Boston

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Whether for business or pleasure, lunch in Boston doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, there are several options for less than $10. 

Let's Save

Think the only way to cut down on the cost is to bring it in a brown bag, find a fast food value menu of regret or just skip it altogether? Think again Bostonians. Our fair city has tons of midday grub options at affordable prices and they don't involve a drive through. With a few simple tricks and a little research, the indulgence of restaurants doesn't have to be a drain on your wallet. You can save money without sacrificing the experience by knowing where to go:

  • Join the club. Many places have loyalty or punch card programs, and if you are eating out a lot, these can add up quickly and you could score three or four free lunches every month.
  • Split the difference. With large portions, à la carte add-ons and combo specials all over the place, whether you're dining with a co-worker or a date, look at the menu together and see if there are some menu items that you want to team up on, or even literally split down the middle.
  • Make it special. Many places have weekly specials, some every day of the week. Some will even offer a two-for-one option, so keep an eye out and plan your lunch dates accordingly.


Let's Eat

Check out this list of area favorites for an affordable lunch and see if your favorite spot made the cut.

Banh Mi House
48 Winter St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 396-7371
www.banhmi-house.com

Banh Mi House is known for its healthy sandwiches and unique bubble tea. It offers authentic Vietnamese sandwiches on fresh baguettes, soups, salads or combo plates. Vegetarians will love the tofu sandwich with carrot, cucumber and pickles, while meat lovers will enjoy the grilled beef sandwich with cilantro, carrot, pickles and scallions. Don't forget to order your favorite flavor of bubble tea, like green tea, mango or coconut, for a sweet ending. A full meal can be enjoyed for under $10, with a few bucks to spare.

Italian Cafe
65 Broad St.
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 357-4433
www.italiancafe.com

The Italian Cafe is a delicious little lunch spot in the Financial District. It provides your Italian food fix with freshly made salads, sandwiches, pasta and pizza. Try a cold or hot sub, grab a slice of pizza or split one with friends. For an even better deal, make the brown bag lunch special your choice, which comes with half a sandwich, chips and a soda for $7.25. Sandwiches include sausage parmesan, buffalo chicken and albacore tuna, known as the best tuna in the city.

Avana Sushi
42 Beach St.
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 818-7782
www.avanasushi.com

Avana Sushi offers a quality mix of Japanese dishes and sushi. Its use of fresh ingredients and outstanding service make it a favorite in the Boston community. Eat light with appetizers, soup and salads, or fill up on maki, sushi and sashimi, entrees and platters. If you're new to sushi, perhaps start with the vegetarian maki. More adventurous sushi eaters will want to try the raw maki selections. Use the convenient online order form to choose your perfect lunchtime combo. A few options from the menu will bring you to about $10.

Zo
3 Center Plaza
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 227-0101
www.zoboston.com

Zo is the Boston lunchtime destination for fresh, made-to-order authentic Greek cuisine. With a small menu of offerings, it allows each patron to enjoy high-quality food along with an excellent customer service experience. Dine on an original gyro with lean pork, tomato and onion on a flatbread, or try the spanakopita with spinach and feta in a flaky filo dough. Finish up with some baklava or pastries for a sweet post-lunch treat. All menu items are under $10.

Viga
304 Stuart St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 542-7200
www.vigaeatery.com

Viga has a passion for providing quality food at a reasonable price with unparalleled customer service. Choose from the finest soups, pastas, pizzas and calzones during your lunchtime visit. All dairy, meats and vegetables are the freshest products available, and the breads and pastries are baked fresh daily. Try the sausage and caramelized onion calzone, the ever popular chicken parmesan or a slice of pizza with toppings of your choice. Don't forget to also check out the daily and seasonal specials. Most options are under $10.

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View more great budgeting advice and Create Your Financial Plan today!

Kim Vareika is the owner of Vareika Personal Training and Yoga in Plainville. She has been in the fitness industry for over ten years, and believes that wellness is about more than just physical health. When she is not teaching, practicing, or writing, she resides in Bridgewater where she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her nephew Caesar. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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