10 Great Meals in Charlotte for Under $10

A plate of tacos and guac at Tacos El Regio — Tacos El Regio

Can I tell you something?

I kind of love talking about money.

Not in the sense of investments or stocks, but how we use it every day.

It’s taboo, I know – but spending money is something we all do. And I think the world would be a better place if there was a little more open discussion on finances. We’re conditioned to believe that the best indicator of wealth is how much a person owns, the more services a person uses, or the more experiences a person has. Yet the average American is more than $90k in debt. It’s clear that our society uses the wrong benchmark (i.e. the accumulation of things) for evaluating someone’s wealth. While I’m not certain what cues we should use to predict someone’s financial value (or whether that’s of any importance at all, in the grand scheme of things), I think that statistic is a good reminder that possessions and habits aren’t it.

This isn’t a personal finance blog (and really, I’m veering way off course from today’s topic – sorry, I promise I’ll bring it back home in a second), but the topic of money is heavily ingrained in this blog as I dive into the topic of travel. Michael and I save up before every trip, which often involves making substitutions or sacrifices. Yet I don’t consider my life at home boring, and we even still dine out weekly. But we are always sure to balance out our rare meals at pricier establishments by choosing inexpensive meals for the bulk of our dining out/takeout meals (there we go – now we’re back). The meals are often just as delicious, and certainly as filling – but naturally, some are better than others.

Note: With rising food prices, many of the meals on this list now cost more than $10 - however, I feel that these restaurants still offer a great value.

With that in mind, I thought it was time to round up ten Charlotte restaurants where you can eat a really great meal for $10 or less. This list isn’t a “Top 10” list – I hope to be able to share additional round-ups of great budget meals in town in the future, so you always have somewhere new to eat. And as I think it’s imperative that we continue to support local businesses, these lists will never include chain restaurants.

Just to make sure it's clear, as there are so many restaurant round-ups online and not very many disclaimers: I've personally eaten at/ordered takeout from all of the establishments on this list, and purchased each meal myself (did you know that bloggers/influencers are always supposed to disclose when they have a relationship with a business - even if the relationship is simply receiving a comped meal?).

At the time of original publication (January 2022), all of the restaurants below have multiple options for a full meal priced at $10 or less (excluding tax and tip). In no particular order:

1. Le’s Sandwiches & Cafe

Okay, so this list is in some particular order, because your time to eat at Le’s Sandwiches & Cafe in its current form is coming to a close, and I don’t want you to miss your chance (edit: Le’s has reopened in a new location – yay!). Le’s is located inside the Asian Corner Mall at the corner of North Tryon and Sugar Creek Road, and you’ll want to make sure your tires are properly inflated before attempting to navigate the parking lot (no, that’s not me being dramatic – the parking lot is really no joke). But once you locate the small deli, it will all be worth it. The Bánh mì sandwich menu is pretty meat-heavy, but there is a tofu option available if you ask. The grilled pork is heaven, though, if you’re a meat-eater. Its sweetness pairs impeccably well with the fresh jalapeños, radishes, and cilantro, and at $5.25 is a stellar deal. Be sure to stop by an ATM on the way, as Le’s is cash-only.

Le's Sandwiches & Cafe
My Order: #6, Grilled Pork Bánh mì, $5.25
Address: 217 E Sugar Creek Rd #150, Charlotte, NC 28213

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2. Johnny Burrito

The first time I walked into the building that houses Johnny Burrito, I felt like I was out of place. But when I located the little burrito shop and walked inside, it felt instantly familiar, like walking into a place where you’re considered a regular. Johnny Burrito has been open since the 90s, and they have the website to prove it. Like a lot of fast-casual concepts these days, you walk down the line and order the toppings you want in real-time, as the person prepares your order. But unlike those places, Johnny Burrito gives every order a personal touch. Each bag includes a pack of Chiclet gum, and on your first visit, you’ll likely receive a bottle opener keychain. The portions are incredibly generous; Michael and I are known to share a burrito because it’s seriously so much food. If you happen to visit on a Tuesday or Friday, don’t sleep on the tamales. And if the budget is particularly tight, you can save $0.50 by paying in cash (or rather, “cash-eesh”).

Johnny Burrito
My Order: Regular Firecracker Chicken Burrito with alllllll the fillings (except onions), $9 cash
Address: 301 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28282

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3. Derita Dairy Bar & Grill

This walk-up-only spot is the perfect place to go when you’re craving a good, classic burger and fries. No, it’s not a fancy-schmancy hamburger, but its beauty lies in its simplicity. Even if you’re not in the mood for a burger, there are plenty of other options. DDB&G also serves chicken sandwiches, sausages, salads, nachos and more. And on a hot day, they serve up ice cream cones and milkshakes for dessert. Pro-tip: Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve is just a short drive away if you’re in the mood for a picnic.

Derita Dairy Bar & Grill
My Order: DBG Burger, $8.50
Address: 2737 W Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262

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4. Kabab-Je

What sets Kabab-Je apart from other Mediterranean restaurants in town is the pita bread – they make theirs in-house! I find that restaurants that make their own bread (or injera, tortillas, etc.) tend to have a higher standard across all of their food items. It’s not always the case, of course, but if they’ve put care into their staple dishes, they probably do the same for the rest of the menu. Kabab-Je is a really great place to splurge on a bunch of menu items to share – but when you’re dining on a budget, their pita sandwiches can be a really great value.

Kabab-Je
My Order: Grilled Kafta Sandwich, $7.95 $8.25
Address: 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy, Matthews, NC 28105

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Images of four dishes from Charlotte restaurants priced under $10 — Clockwise, top left: Halal Food Truck, Derita Dairy Bar, YUME Ramen Sushi & Bar, Le’s Sandwiches & Cafe

Hot dog with chili and a side of french fries — Green’s Lunch (now closed)

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5. Common Market

There are three Common Markets in Charlotte (you can also find a location in Durham and Rock Hill); I’m most familiar with the South End location as it’s nearest my home, but I’ve also visited the original in Plaza Midwood as well as the Oakwold one. Each menu is a little different (and the Plaza Midwood menu is the biggest and most varied), but ultimately you can find an assortment of meat-eater and veggie-friendly breakfast items, sandwiches, wraps, and burritos at each. There are usually some grab-and-go food items available, lots of snacks and chips, and of course, local beer on draft and in cans. The vibe is a little different at each CM, too – actually, each one is really reflective of the neighborhood – and there is usually some seating outside where you can sit and enjoy your sammy.

Common Market
My Order: Buddha-rito, $7.50 $8
Address: 235 W Tremont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203 | 2007 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205 | 4420-A, Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205

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6. Tacos El Regio

I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for Tacos El Regio, as it was the meal we ate before finding our rental home here in Charlotte. This spot is one of just a few places in the city where you can find trompo, pork that’s been marinated and cooked on a vertical spit. And when I’m here, I don’t have to decide between tacos and a quesadilla – I can order both and stay under the $10 mark. Tacos El Regio doesn’t play around with the toppings, either – limes, radishes, and salsas are brought to the table for you to add to your meal if you wish.

Tacos El Regio
My Order: Campechana & Taco de Trompo, $9.80
Address: 8829 E W.T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28227

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7. Mama Ricotta’s

It’s not difficult to run up a high tab at Mama Ricotta’s, but if you’re smart (and if you dine at lunch), you can easily have a delicious meal at this old Italian standby for less. I fully admit to ordering Mama’s to go to avoid the temptation of ordering extra food at the table, when suddenly you feel like you could eat the whole menu because it smells heavenly. But thankfully there are a number of menu items at or under the $10 mark: soup and salad, six different types of pasta, three sandwiches (including my favorite, the roasted veggie – don’t overlook it!), or a medium cheese pizza.

Mama Ricotta's
My Order: Roasted Vegetables Sandwich, $8.50 $9.50
Address: 601 S Kings Dr AA, Charlotte, NC 28204

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8. Halal Food Truck

Visiting the Halal Food Truck (also often called the Halal Cart) in Uptown is essentially a right-of-passage for anyone living in Charlotte. The cart is parked at the intersection of Trade and Tryon, which marks the center of Uptown. Chances are there will be a line when you arrive, but it moves quickly. They’re cash only, so don’t forget to hit the ATM before walking up. Parking is a nightmare during the week, so Michael usually drives around while I pick up the food. To make things easier, they just opened Halal Street Food, a brick-and-mortar location in MoRa (I haven’t been yet, but I’m excited to visit because it will be easier to find parking, but the prices are higher).

Halal Food Truck
My Order: Chicken and Lamb Combo, $7.99
Address: 101 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

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9. YUME Ramen Sushi & Bar

YUME offers a pretty decent lunch special, but it’s not quite under $10. The best time to visit this Wilmore staple is during Happy Hour. As NC laws prohibit alcohol specials during just a portion of a day, “Happy Hour” in North Carolina typically means food specials. From 4-6:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays you can feast like a royal for the price of a pauper – as long as you don’t mind eating at an Early Bird time. This menu is best approached with a group, sharing an assortment of appetizers and maki for under $10 per person (more than 25 of the menu items are priced at $5 or less).

YUME Ramen Sushi & Bar
My Order: Kakuni Bao & Salmon Skin Maki, $8.50
Address: 1508 S Mint St Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28203

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10. Green’s Lunch (now closed)

Green’s Lunch has been serving breakfast and lunch to Charlotteans for nearly 100 years, and I’m glad they continue to do so! They’re known for their hot dogs topped with their secret chili – but they also offer hamburgers, omelets, pancakes, and regionally-loved livermush (I personally have not been tempted to try the last one, but I know it has a lot of devotees!). Best of all, the prices at Green’s Lunch come in way under budget for this post – the most expensive item on the menu is a salad at $8.45. Before you go, know that they are currently closed on Saturdays (though Google says otherwise), and there is no free parking. To save on parking, choose a metered street spot rather than parking in the adjacent lot.

Green’s Lunch (now closed)
My Order: Cheese Dog with chili, mustard, and slaw and a side of French Fries, ~~$5.95~~ $7
Address: 309 W 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

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Photos and memorabilia on the walls at Johnny Burrito — Johnny Burrito

Planning a trip to the Queen City? You may also enjoy these other Charlotte posts:

What are your go-to meals under $10?