Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Portland. Check out this list of 21 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.
With a little self control you can stretch a 808 Grinds’ plate lunch for two days thanks to these heaping helpings.
Photo via @808grinds
Fast and casual
Bra Hund, 3765 N. Mississippi Ave.
What awaits you at this walk-up window located in Broder Nord? Scandinavian-style hot dogs. Our mouth is watering just thinking about the Norwegian option, which comes with a beef frank, mashed potatoes, crunchy fried onions, and remoulade on lavash flatbread for $9. Hours are 4:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday.
808 Grinds, multiple locations
Hawaiian hospitality and island vibes are on deck at this spot where the staff welcome you in with a smile. If you ask us, Da Combo plate is the way to go — you get shoyu chicken and kalua pork with scoops of mac salad and white rice.
The Waffle Window, 3610 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Sweet or savory? ‘Tis the question you must answer, but either way you win. Our pick is the Three B’s, stacked with thick-cut pepper bacon, brie cheese, fresh basil, and a slathering of house-made peach jam.
Harlow’s light and fresh fare won’t weigh you down during the rest of the day.
Photo via @christinedong + @harlowportland
Salads and bowls
Harlow, multiple locations
Grains and greens are the name of the game here. The Utopian Dream Salad ($14) is made with raw shredded green papaya, carrots, kale + broccoli tossed in almond butter pad thai sauce, offering plenty of crunch. Another fresh option is the Chipotle Chili Bowl (City Editor Ben’s fav).
Garden Monsters, 5029 SE Division St.
Do you love turning salads into a meal by heaping them with toppings? This spot’s founder Kyle Hulings can relate; this build-your-own format caters to your dietary needs without skimping on substance. Pro tip: If you’re not eating until later, request a “no toss” so your lettuce doesn’t get soggy with dressing.
Feel Good, multiple locations
Belly on up for hearty bowls made with cauliflower or brown rice, red quinoa, or mixed greens; each can be served chilled or warmed. FYI — the business is cashless, so bring your card.
Sandwiches and wraps
Mad Greek Deli, multiple locations
If you’re looking to grab a bite and watch some midday footy, this is the place to do it; soccer club scarves from around the world cover the ceiling and there are murals on the walls. In between cheering for your team, take a bite out of the Nicko Gyro, which is loaded with meat, tomatoes, onions, feta, and omega sauce.
Snappy’s, multiple locations
You can now enjoy cold cuts and melts at two locations, both oozing in retro deli nostalgia. Enjoy old flicks on VHS or dine outside on sandwiches like The Trilogy (roast beef, turkey + bacon) or The Four Pointer (mortadella, salami, soppressata + capricola).
Pambiche, 2811 NE Glisan St.
Taste the traditional flavors of Havana with this eatery’s take on the Cubano — roasted ham and Swiss cheese on a lightly sweet bread with mustard — or opt for the Pan Con Lechon.
Roasted fennel, Italian sausage, mozzarella, provolone, and grana? Sign us up.
Photo via @montelupomarket
Pizza
Life of Pi, multiple locations
Take advantage of happy hour 11 a.m.-6 p.m. to order a whole, wood-fired margherita pizza (dine-in only) for just $8. House beer and wine are $6.
Montelupo Focacceria, 1613 SE Bybee Blvd.
OK, we may be blurring the definition of pizza a smidgen, but when you bite into these thick-yet-fluffy slices, you won’t care a bit. Sample a regular recipe like spring onion or mushroom, or take a chance on a rotating special.
Escape From New York Pizza, 622 NW 23rd Ave.
Portland’s first shop to serve by the slice is a no frills or fuss (or ranch, for that matter) kind of operation. If time is of the essence, pop in for some cheese and pepperoni made using special sauce that’s simmered for hours with garlic, herbs, and spices.
Noodles
Frank’s Noodle House, multiple locations
Featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” these hand-pulled noodle dishes come with your choice of protein and stir fried veggies. The noodles are thick, slightly chewy, and satisfyingly slurpable.
The House of Ramen, 223 SW Columbia St.
Several ramen recipes squeak under the $15 threshold here, including the Kyoto, which packs some heat thanks to ginger and jalapeños.
Drunken Noodle, 1845 NW 23rd Pl.
This Thai cuisine hits the spot (even when you’re sober). Pan-fried noodles or fried rice come in a variety of flavors — try the pad see ew, crafted with wide rice noodles, Chinese cabbage, carrot, onion, and broccoli in a sweet and salty soy sauce.
PDX Sliders’ new North Williams Avenue has multi-level seating and a rooftop patio.
Photo via @pdxsliders
Burgers
PDX Sliders, multiple locations
Mix and match the 3 oz. burgers to fill your belly and feed your cravings. Start with the Sellwood (bacon, cheddar, lettuce, caramelized onions + aioli on brioche) then cross over to the Burlington (pecan-smoked pork, Carolina mustard barbecue sauce + creamy slaw on ciabatta). The Hawthorne (goat cheese and strawberry preserves) is another city editor-vetted must-try.
Hit The Spot!, 676 SE Morrison St.
Farm-to-table fast food cooked with responsibly sourced ingredients — that’s the fare of this Southeast Portland burger joint. You can score a single cheeseburger (it comes with lettuce, pickles, and tomatoes) and have spare change for a Tillamook ice cream shake. But do you want vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry?
Mid-City Smashburger, multiple locations
Despite the name, there’s nothing mid about this local chain known for smash burgers with crispy edges, or Beyond patties and fried chicken if you’re looking for a beef alternative.
Pleasure Burger, 606 SW Broadway
A dedicated reader wrote in to tell us we missed the best “the best smashburger in the city,” so we followed up and indeed they look tasty. And at $10 for a double — or $12 for peanut butter and bacon — that’s a bargain we can get behind.
Wheel... of... tacos! Which one are you trying first?
Photo via @mrs.mftasty
Tacos
Tacovore, 3707 NE Fremont St.
Carnivores and herbivores alike can find something to devour, with fillings ranging from smoky carnitas or carne asada to pescado (tender line-caught cod) and crispy roasted cauliflower.
Taquería Los Puñales, 3312 SE Belmont St.
You’d have to visit again and again to sample all of these restaurant’s tacos (you’ll definitely want to). To start that journey, here are some suggestions: El Choripapa comes with chorizo and potatoes, the Mole is braised in a signature poblano sauce, and the Barbacoa beef shoulder is tender and packed with flavor. Pro tip: Try the Barbacoa Jalisco Style — it’s crisped up on the grill.
Matt’s BBQ Tacos, 2216 SE 50th Ave.
Take it from the source — “Be sure to try the Migas Taco. It’s good.” Luckily, the breakfast taco made with scrambled egg, tortilla chips, cheddar, pico de gallo, and guacamole is available all day. So is the Chopped Brisket Taco, hint hint.
What did we miss? If you know a budget-friendly lunch that’s not on the list, tell us about it.
