CHStoday City Guide Live Banner
      

Lunch break: A guide to $15 lunch deals in Charleston

We’ve rounded up local deals that’ll help you enjoy your lunch break without breaking the bank.

Summer specials on a table at Five Loaves Cafe.

We love mixing things up with daily specials.

Photo provided by Five Loaves Cafe

Table of Contents

Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Charleston. Check out this list of 25+ places where a lunch for one costs $15 or less.

We know cravings are key when it comes to a midday meal, so we’ve broken up these spots into their respective food groups.

Fast and casual

  • Fast and French | 98 Broad St.
    The name speaks for itself, but if they ever decide to undergo a name change we’d suggest Fast, French, and Delicious. You’ll agree once you try the open-faced croq’ monsieur.
  • Cafecito | 471 King St.
    From King Street to Cuba, this sandwich and coffee shop will make you feel like you have teleported for a delicious hot-pressed sandwich.
  • Palace Hotel | 525 Meeting St.
    The Hit the Street Corn Skillet sounds like just the thing to spice up a midday lunch break.
  • Fire Grill Asian Fusion | 293 King St.
    We had so many reader recommendations for this downtown spot — we’ll definitely be trying the hibachi chicken.

Lowcountry specialties

  • Ellis Creek Fish Camp | 1243 Harbor View Rd.
    There’s nothing more Lowcountry than lunch on the water, we recommend the shrimp po-boy.
  • MOMO Riverfront Park | 1049 Everglades Ave., North Charleston
    We can’t wait to try the kettle-cooked turkey sandwich.
  • Dave’s Carry-Out | 42 Morris St., Ste. C
    This local spot offers Southern classics and seafood galore.
Screenshot 2023-05-12 at 3.27.26 PM.png

Sit outside and enjoy lunch at Queen Street Grocery.

Photo by @chstoday

Local grocers + deli spots

  • Brown Dog Deli | 225 Calhoun St.
    There are so many options at this popular spot, and next time we’re in, we’re ordering Megan thee ITALIAN.
  • Legend Deli | 41-A George St.
    You can never go wrong with cold cuts, but if you’re looking to mix it up, the chicken Caesar wrap looks delish.
  • Cold Shoulder Gourmet | 1684 Old Towne Rd.
    Try the B-FAST, which features applewood smoked bacon, truffled everything spread, ham, parmesan, and bottarga.
  • Goat Sheep Cow | Multiple locations
    Meat + cheese... yes, please. We’ll have charcuterie for lunch any day.
  • Queen Street Grocery | 133 Queen St.
    Choose a crepe, sandwich, or salad to take to Colonial Lake for a picture-perfect picnic lunch.
  • Burbage’s Grocery | 157 Broad St., Ste. A
    Try the original smoked chicken salad and treat yourself to a cookie while you’re at it.
This photo shows a white and blue menu on a wooden table.

If you haven’t tried Heavy’s yet... what are you waiting for?

Photo by CHStoday

Burgers + hot dogs

  • Smash City Burgers at Fair Deal Grocery | 47 Cooper St.
    This local spot knows how to do American classics with a Lowcountry twist.
  • Johnny’s Hot Dogs | 883 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Mt. Pleasant
    The best doggone deal in town, with extra emphasis on the dog. This hidden gem serves up hot dogs all kinds of ways.
  • Boxcar Betty’s | Multiple locations
    Burgers, chicken, and salads are offered at this quaint eatery.
  • Skoogies | 840 Coleman Blvd., Ste. C, Mt. Pleasant
    This spot was recommended by reader Bailey H. — we’re eyeing the Skoogie Dog, which has kraut and a slice of mozzarella cheese.
  • Heavy’s Barburger | 1137 Morrison Dr.
    This place is legit — we recommend Uncle Gene’s Ranchero + the BLT. Here’s a little preview.
jack of cups_CHStoday

Check out this Impossible burger.

Photo provided by @jackofcupssaloon

Vegan and vegetarian options

  • Jack of Cups Saloon | 34 Center St.
    This Folly Beach restaurant serves up comfort food for vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters alike. Try this: Pad Thai burger with an Impossible patty.
  • Verde | Multiple locations
    Try The Bowled Buddha or the Unbeanlievable Burger at this local salad and bowl spot.
  • Five Loaves Cafe | Multiple locations
    Try the vegan citrus tofu sandwich or vegetarian Portobello goat cheese burger at this local spot.
  • Bon Banh Mi | Multiple locations
    Add the five spiced tofu to a sandwich, taco, salad, or bowl — just ask for vegan mayo or no sriracha-lime cream if you’re vegan.
Melvins bbq

Spice things up on your lunch break with smoked meats + lots of sauces.

Photo provided by Melvin’s Barbecue

Barbecue

  • Melvins BBQ | Multiple locations
    You’ve got options. This spot, known for its mustard-based barbecue, offers several items for less than $15. Try a burger, a barbecue sandwich, or half a dozen wings.
  • Home Team BBQ | Multiple locations
    Freshen things up with a salad or try the quarter chicken platter.
  • Lewis Barbecue | 464 N. Nassau St.
    Try the pulled pork, sliced turkey breast, or pulled port El Sancho sandwich.
  • Rodney Scott’s BBQ | 1011 King St.
    All of the sandwiches, most of the salads and potatoes options, and even a few of the plates are offered for less than $15.

Unable to leave your office or house today? You can also take advantage of many of these deals with a food delivery service.

Check out our other Guides
Check out some of the coolest, most unique Airbnb and Vrbo rentals around Charleston, South Carolina and plan for your next adventure or staycation.
To help make your entire process at Charleston International Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s nonstop flights.
Hit the road and head to Savannah — we’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
From the RiverDogs to the Stingrays, we’re sharing all details of Charleston’s sports teams.
How much does it cost to live in Charleston compared to other cities and the US national average? Let’s crunch some numbers.
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Charleston’s many beautiful patios.
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in the Holy City.
From Mount Pleasant to North Charleston, we’re giving you all the pertinent details about some of the elementary, middle, and high schools in Charleston.
Dig into delicious and nutritious vegan and vegetarian fare in every corner of Charleston.
Check out these trails in and around Charleston, SC for outdoor adventures.
CHStoday phone
Good news for Charleston.
Get the best local news & events sent to your inbox each morning, for free.