Top Lunch Deals Under $10 In Philadelphia

Maybe you're planning a business meet 'n eat, looking to get together with friends, or just venturing out on your own to break up the workweek monotony. Whatever the reason, lunch can be a great time to visit restaurants that offer the mid-day meal. Restaurants typically aren't as crowded as they are at night or on the weekends, and you might be lucky enough to score deals that aren't offered on the dinner menu. These Philadelphia spots offer lunchtime specials that are $10 and under, giving you a great excuse to go out to lunch soon.

El Rey
2013 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 563-3330
www.elreyrestaurant.com

A Stephen Starr spot, El Rey serves dishes that take inspiration from Mexican roadside eateries and outdoor markets. There's a separate menu for lunch, making it easy to stop in for something good and fast. The "Comida Corrida" (fast lunch) includes two courses along with chips and salsa for $9.99. The wild mushroom soup, pork gorditas, chicken tinga tostada and short rib enchiladas are just a few favorites. Lunch is offered Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Makiman Sushi
1326 Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-0180
www.makimanonline.com

Makiman offers Korean and Japanese cuisine, with sushi as the specialty. Lunch is served Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are plenty of specials to choose from, including a number of bento boxes (chicken teriyaki, vegetable tempura, shrimp) that are served with miso soup, salad, shumai, California roll, and the appetizer of the day. The "Pick Two" sushi lunch is always a popular option. For just $7.95, you can choose two rolls from the hoso-maki or reverse-maki lists. This deal also includes miso soup.

McGillin's Olde Ale House
1310 Drury St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 735-5562
www.mcgillins.com

Located in Midtown Village, McGillin's Olde Ale House is a Philly tradition of over 150 years. In fact, it's the longest continuously operating tavern in the city. Hearty food and a homey, relaxed atmosphere are just a few of the things that have made it a favorite for so many years. All lunches come with a complimentary bowl of homemade soup, offered self-serve from the old-fashioned kettle. There's a variety of entrees that are priced under $10, including Maryland crab cakes, shepherd's pie and the popular "Mile High Meatloaf." The sandwiches are all under $8 and include soup, a bag of potato chips, homemade coleslaw and a pickle -- grilled Reuben, hot roast beef, cheesesteak and meatball are just a few of the available choices. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with many of the items available all the way until 1 a.m.), but the soup special is limited to 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Related: Top Lunch Specials In Philadelphia's Midtown Village

Opa
1311 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-0170
www.opaphiladelphia.com

Opa serves modern Mediterranean-Greek tavern food in a hip, stylish atmosphere. The lunch menu is available Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. There are plenty of a la carte options under $10, but the best deal is the $10 "Mediterranean Express." Choose either a half sandwich with soup and house-cut oregano fries or a half sandwich paired with a half salad. Sandwich options include the Greek roast pork, crispy chicken panini, or the lamb, veggie or chicken gyro. The lunch special also includes a soft drink.

Pietro's Coal Oven Pizzeria
1717 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 735-8090
121-123 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 733-0675
www.pietrospizza.com

This family-owned restaurant is serving classic, hearty Italian dishes at two Philadelphia locations. While the coal-oven pizza is always a good choice, you can also take advantage of discounted lunch specials when you visit between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. For $9.95, choose from chicken Caesar or Napolitana salad or pasta dishes including fettuccini with salmon, mushroom risotto with grilled chicken, linguini with broccoli and chicken or linguini with sausage and shrimp.

Related: Top Sandwiches Under $10 In Philadelphia

Sassafras Bar & Restaurant
48 S. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-2317
www.sassafrasbar.com

Sassafras has been a 2nd Street favorite for over 35 years. The warm, friendly atmosphere and timeless yet eclectic menu give it an old-fashioned pub charm. On weekdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., guests can take advantage of the popular "Luncheon Lunacy." The $5.95 plate changes daily, but you can always check out the special by looking at the pub's Facebook page or calling ahead. BBQ pork, grilled chicken with provolone and long hots, hand-carved turkey club and the "famous" sirloin burger are just a few of the hearty options in rotation. All lunch specials include your choice of house-cut fries or a side garden salad.

Michelle Hein is the social media editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn't pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery…perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer husband would love to open.
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