Soup's on Baltimore in Mt. Vernon on Preston Street.

My coworkers and I usually do Caesars Den in Little Italy. They have $9.50 lunch specials with decent portions to boot.

Andy Nelsons

ThaiRish in Mt. Vernon - I've actually eaten there 4 times in 1 week before...

Red Canoe in Lauraville - lotsa sammiches, and the tomato bisque soup with a savory muffin (cheddar/spinach) is mahvelous. Great iced tea, too.

I am a huge grocery store fan. Almost all have in-store cafes where you can sit and enjoy the salad bar, hot foods bar, and prepared food. The price is definately right and there is always a good crowd.

if you're going to throw in Andy Nelsons, might as well throw in Chaps, or any of the other random pit beef places around the city.

I also think any of the indian lunch buffets are a great option at around 10 bucks for that quantity of food. there's like 3 in mt vernon, and a few others throughout the city.

I'd also suggest any of the chicken box/lake trout places in the city if you want to go low brow (some are better than others).

Bouillabaisse Cafe, on Park south of Mulberry. Reliable soups, better than average sandwiches and subs made and served by generous, friendly owners. It isn't the place for a lingering, quiet lunch discussing a topic you wouldn't wish to see on the front page of the Sun, but for well under $10, you can get more good food than you can eat, served with more enthusiasm than skill.

The Orient in Towson used to have reasonably priced lunch specials, although I haven't been there in a while.

I like the taco van on Broadway for lunch. Walk up the street a little and you get can a traditional south american iced fruit drink to go with it too.

C & C Takeout in Charles Village. They have three booths and a couple of tables as well as a carry out trade. It's fun to go in and choose between their fabulous chicken steak sub or bip bim bop. There are a lot of choices for under $6.00. And they are generous with the kimchee if you ask for it.

Atwaters in Belvedere Square for soup, sandwiches and salad. DiPasquales for Italian deli food in Highlandtown. I'd recommend Trinacria, too, but there's no seating. Samos in Greektown?

My new favorite is Pasta Mista. They just opened a new location in Fells Canton Point by the 5 Guys on Boston Street. We get two slices and a soda for under $7

I'll second DiPasquales and add Isabella's in Little Italy. I don't get what folks see in Trinacria, frankly.

Also in Highlandtown, Chicken Rico (you knew I was going to bring it up, right?). Tasty chicken, tasty sides, huge portions, cheap. Free Mexican soap operas on the TV.

This is not in Baltimore, but the new Punk's Backyard Grill in Annapolis would fit this bill. It's definitely worth checking out (and I am not just saying that since I work for Punk's). Visit the Web site at www.punksbackyardgrill.com to view the menu: skewers, burgers and other "backyard" sandwiches, and salads.

I think Ding How (Fells Point) still has $5 ish specials for lunch that include soup, egg roll, and main entree. We used to be able to have lunch for 2 with tip for less than $15.00, although we haven't been in several months.

There is also at Atwater's across from Stebbins-Anderson in Kenilworth.

It's been a while, but we used to like LP Steamers on Fort Avenue, especialy for the steamed shrimp and onion ring special.

It was nice of the Punk's publicist to disclose his/her connection, but it would be useful to note the place isn't actually in business yet. And it's part of a megamall. If Annapolis is actually part of this discussion, the Thai Carlson donut place further east on West St. has the cheapest pad thai around, like $7 or so, plus you get a little bag of donuts.

Am I the only one who can never find a seat in Atwaters? My father goes there almost every day and always has a seat - but he does go a little early. I've never heard anyone else mention it but it happens every time I go there.

Lucky Inn at the North Plaza Shopping Center in Parkville has $4.50 lunch specials

Charcoal Grill at 8535 Old Harford Road

Ridgely & Ferrens Market Place in Towson has lunch specials under $7

Pastore's Delly at 8646 Loch Raven Boulevard has good subs, meatballs, etc

Taneytown Deli & Sandwich Shoppe in Cantonsville has larger portions also

Ledo's has a great soup, salad, breadstick deal and lunch specials

If I break down your budget:
$7 for the food,
$2.50 beverage
.57 maryland tax
$1.90 tip (20% before tax)
total 11.97

There are numerous places you could eat. Most Asian restaurants have lunch specials under $6.50. Mari Luna both Mexican and Latin and other Latino restaurants. You can order a submarine sandwich -remember $5.00 foot longs.

In reply to chowsearch:

Punk's Backyard Grill is in business. The restaurant officially opened February 1. And, yes, it is part of Westfield Annapolis, but is not a "chain." This is the first Punk's Backyard Grill location and two of the co-founders, David McCabe and Sheila Laderberg, are working there almost 24/7 running the restraurant. If you get a chance to stop in, please make sure that you say "hello" to them.

UH, Atwaters is expensive as (deleted). Good food, but a ripoff.

I live/work in Lauraville, so my list centers there:
[1] The new Parkside Restaurant, Harford Rd just north of Cold Spring/Moravia Rd;
[2] I 2nd the Red Canoe, nice atmo/people;
[3] Los Amigos: lunch specials from $7.95 to 8.95; newly remodeled too;
[4] Clementine's of course.

Two more a bit farther away {from me}:
when Atwaters/Belevedre Square is too nutty, head south on Yord Rd abt 5 blocks to Bombay Grill {if you see Woodbourne Ave, you went too far}; they have a buffet from 12-3 for $6.95. Great Indian Food, never too busy {funny how that works}.

Last, not least, get thee over to The Yabba Pot, St Paul just south of 25th;
they have a 2-course lunch for $9, plus you get a heapin' helpful of rice included. There will Not be blood; but you Will get full {if you don't want to be full, fine; just get one course for less $$} All Vegan if you didn't know, and very tasty. Curried Potatoes, Kale Salad with really good Vinaigrette, Mac N Cheese {it's not cheese of course, but it is delicious, almost better than my Mom's}. Yum...
Darn it, Now I'm Hungry!!

I can't recommend chains, even if locally owned; the food biz is hard enough for the little guy.

What about those of us who work in the Inner Harbor? Edo Sushi in Harborplace has bento box specials that are good and reasonably priced. There's also Werner's on Redwood Street.

I second the Orient in Towson. They have ridiculously cheap lunch specials ($4.95 to $6.95 including soup and egg roll) and their szhechuan string beans are THE BEST. Atmosphere ain't bad, either.

PunksPR -- how can we tell if Punk's will fit the cheap lunch price range if you won't bother to include the prices on the menu you've posted on your website? In these times, I doubt many people would willingly drive to Annapolis only to face surprise sticker shock once they get there.

If we're talking about Belvedere Square, I'll also nominate Neopol, the smokery. Their tossed salmon salad is excellent, and I'm also a huge fan of their crepes, when they have them (which is not as often as I'd like - they sell out too fast). Order the crepe heated with the sauce on it - Mmmm! I think the salad and the crepe are $9 each, and each is plenty for lunch (the crepe may even be too much for some, though I've never had that problem).

dave the suave,
Is Los Amigos still open? Last time I went by there, it looked like it wasn't open anymore. And this was on a weekend night. I hope its still open, we've been wanting to try the place.

As for my suggestion for a good cheap lunch: Olympia Subs and Pizza in the Parkville Shopping Center. Very filling subs for about $7 I think. They have booths to eat in if you want.
I second the Charcoal Grill as well.

Second the Neopol smokery--it's Barbara, who has stands at both the Waverly and JFX farmers markets, once had Metropol gallery/restaurant and turns out a fine salmon salad. She has two communal tables with stools carved by that Gutierrez character:
http://neopol.net

And Punk's grand opening is two weeks away, and I still question the inclusion.

UH, Atwaters is expensive as (deleted). Good food, but a ripoff.

Huh? A huge bowl of soup with a chunk of bread for $6-8? Hardly a ripoff, IMHO.

PCB, Los Amigos is still open. They put up a new awning and facade, during which time it looked closed.

chowsearch- did you read where Punks PR said it opened on Feb 1. A lot of places don't have the "Grand Opening" till a week or two after.

I'll second Clementine. I'll also add The Dizz in Remington. You can get a great burger for under $7. On The Hill is Bolton Hill is good, too. Minato in Mt. Vernon has a really nice bento box. As for Los Amigos, I don't recommend that place to anyone anymore. The food quality has gone down, the prices have gone up, and the owner is still just as rude as ever.

Oh, and Dukem Ethiopian has a lunch special for about $8.

Liz Kay - DiPasquale's is my absolute favorite sandwich place but they could not ever be called cheap!

If you work near the University of Maryland hospital (around Baltimore and Paca Streets) I highly recommend Kirby's (at Redwood and Paca), a Greek-American place with a huge menu. I usually get the Greek food and it's awesome. I can get a gyro, fries (GREAT fries), and a soda or large bottle of water for under $10. The line at lunch is out the door, but it moves quickly and could you ask for a better sign that it's a great place to eat?

Eve, I thought you could get a sandwich and an interesting beverage or a sub/hero w/o the beverage for under $10 at DiPasquale's, but maybe the prices on the Web site are old.

In that case, I'll rescind my vote for DiPasquale's for "cheap lunch" status and second Lissa's for rotisserie chicken --- either Chicken Rico or the one on Broadway at Bank Street in Fells Point. (No telenovelas there, though, if that's a deal-breaker).

I think DiPasquale's is inexpensive for what you get. I don't think I've ever spent over $10 on a sandwich there. Of course, I'm not ordering the large meatball sub, either.

They are also one of the two places in Baltimore that stocks Vernors.

The Baron at Lexington Market makes a mean sandwich for a pretty reasonable price.

I love Pastore's, especially the Italian Cold Cut sub. Every time I go, 90% of the orders are for the ICC sub...they gotta be doin' something right.

I second The Baron at Lexington Market for overstuffed sandwiches at a ridiculously low price.

Krause's in Lex Market has THE BEST turkey sandwich anywhere! Hand-sliced off a still-warm bird--it CANNOT be beat!

Finally, I really want to try DiPasquale's, but where in hell do ya PARK? I'd park on the sidewalk, but I don't think the other patrons would appreciate it. Every time I drive by, there are no parking places within blocks. Suggestions? Thanx.

Ha ha - Dottie - you could always do our lunch time stategy for picking up our Bookmakers to go from Sabs - one person drops off the "picker upper" and the other drives around the block forty times or so until the "picker upper" emerges! BTW, we really only had to do that one time on something that was evidently an Italian Saint day or something. Usually there's plenty of room at lunch time on Fawn.

Dottie, I walk to DiPasquale's. When I've been there with a car, we've always gotten a spot within a block. Worst comes to worst, there are usually spots on the streets south of the library, then it is only a 3 or 4 block walk.

Oh, but DiPasquale's is the coolest Italian deli as well as sandwiches so you really do want to go inside! There are lots of fresh salads - whatever variation of pasta salad they've made is always very good and the fresh mozarella-tomato is quite wonderful. And the bread! (I am currently about a gazillion light years from Highlandtown, wondering how to explain 3 hours for lunch!) There are a couple of tables in the back, near the pizza oven, so eating inside is doable.

I think we used to circle the block. One time, we parked in a lot that may have belonged to the funeral home on the corner. It was one of the nice ladies (and they are really nice, like they like working there, it's not just for the money) in DiPasquale's apologetically asked us not to do that again. Another day, we found a spot on the other side of the street so I jumped out of the car and stood in it until the driver got back around the vlock in the right direction.

Downtown, City Cafe and Ban Thai are both inexpensive respites. Dogwood and Sofi's Crepes at the Women's Industrial Exchange might also fit Jules' requirements. One World Cafe on University also, especially at the bar, which is quicker. And none are 40 miles away in a mall.

Hey attgig,
Why are chicken boxes and lake trout low brow? You didn't describe pit beef or Indian food that way. Good food is good food.

Bahn Thai isn't that good. Sofi's Crepes are ok, if a bit pricy for what you get (to be expected on North Charles). Same for mini-Dogwood.

Thanks for posting my letter, Elizabeth, and thanks, everyone else, for the suggestions! I have two more to add to the list: Burrito en Fuego, on Broadway in Fells Point, where I got two large tacos the other day for $6.50; and the new Hibachi Grill in Towson on Joppa Rd., where the Old Country Buffet used to be.

FoodTopia on Baltimore street. The daily specials put a ton of food on your plate for under 8 bucks.

I also agree with the Red Canoe in Hamilton. Their muffins are awesome, as are their soups and sandwiches. Also agree with Clementine.

Los Amigos food is terrible. I love real Mexican food, as opposed to Tex-Mex, and their food is not good.

Sweet sassy molassey could someone PLEASE explain to me what "chicken box" means in Baltimore? I assume that it involves a chicken and a box but clearly it means something specific.

OMG, I've no personal experience with chicken box, but someone does.

(Wouldn't mind suggestions of where to get one, either.)

a chicken box is two pieces of fried chicken (like a wing and breast or a leg and thigh), hot sauce and 2 pieces of white bread. And, yes, they always seem to come with a half and half.

Lissa - interesting link. Thanks.

Thank you Lissa for the link. I was going to aks Joyce what a half and half was because the only time I've heard that is regarding coffee additives and prostitutes on TV. I've lived here on and off for some time in different hoods and never heard of a half and half. Full disclosure: I never eat fried chicken. The smell in a Royal Farms store smells like Satan being singed by the oils of exorcism and old shoes.

Where's my chicken box!?

@LDJ you're right... good food is good food, and a chicken box is good food.

OMG II wrote The smell in a Royal Farms store smells like Satan being singed by the oils of exorcism and old shoes.

Nice, multi-sensory imagery ... but every Canon knows that no oil is used in an exorcism. Satan, much like the Wicked Witch of the West, is more afraid of water (properly blessed with exorcised salt, don'tcha know ... unless you are Dorothy!).

The old HBO show The Wire had chicken boxes on it every now and then, McNulty would buy one for Bubbles.

To me, half and half is what the Irish call our Black and Tan. Half Guiness and half Harp in a pint glass.

I'm not much for fried chicken either.

Sorry Canon, I dumbed it down for a wider audience. My original reference would be for extreme unction or last rites.

I work at Hopkins Bayview and a group of us from work always go to the Acropolis on Eastern avenue for lunch. They serve huge portions and all under $10, from gyros, mousaka, roast lamb, and wonderful crabcakes. Most of the time we all leave with doggy bags and have the leftovers for dinner, or the next day for lunch.