Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Kansas City. Check out this list of 15 places where a lunch for one costs $10 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
Town Topic Hamburgers, multiple locations
A single hamburger at Town Topic will set you back $5.35 — not that anyone’s pulling out a calculator after a late-night bar crawl (or a mid-day hunger strike).
The Snack Shack, 6018 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS
While Editor Maddie hasn’t dined here since its days on Santa Fe, the Snack Attack combo is undefeated... though we’re not against spending our lunch money on dipped ice cream cones in this weather.
Go Chicken Go!, multiple locations
Try the snack pack (2 pieces, mashed potatoes, roll, sauce) for $8.49 or a chicken wrap for just $3.99. Pro tip: double up on G-Sauce, or better yet, buy a bottle.
Winstead’s, multiple locations
It’s a Kansas City institution, just like its Skyscraper shakes. Get a double steakburger with everything on it and a fifty-fifty for under $10. (Add a cherry limeade to top it off and you’ll top out the budget, but that dollop of lime sherbert is worth every penny.)
Sandwiches and wraps
The Milwaukee Delicatessen Company, 101 W. 9th St.
Sure, there’s pizza and salad, but when we’re here, we’re hungry for its marinated tomato-stuffed grilled cheese or classic meatball sub.
Longboards, multiple locations
Get salads, wraps, noodle bowls, and quesadillas for as little as $7, and beef up your meal with a side like garlic potato salad or spring rolls with Thai peanut sauce.
The Peanut, multiple locations
KC’s oldest bar and grill serves up a massive pork tenderloin sandwich stacked with lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, and three kinds of cheese for ~$10.
Gates Bar‑B‑Q, multiple locations
Barbecue is anything but cheap, unless you snag the single sandwich, a two meat sandwich with fries totaling ~11 (or upgrade to the Nooner for ~$13).
Vegan and vegetarian options
Pigwich, 20 E. 5th St.
This isn’t your typical falafel. This vegetarian-friendly sammie is stuffed with truffle aioli, tomato jam, arugula, pickled jalapenos and fresh tomatoes on a chickpea patty.
Baba’s Pantry, 1019 E. 63rd St.
Named to Bon Appétit’s “Top 10 Best New Restaurants in America 2022,” Baba’s Palestinian-American grab and go menu is entirely vegetarian + features items from $1.99 to $9.99.
Waldo Pizza, 7433 Broadway St.
Hear us out. While the pies might stretch your budget, the salads (starting at $6) are a solid steal. Pair one with fresh-from-the-oven breadsticks and you’ve got yourself a budget-friendly feast.
Sushi and noodles
Prime Sushi, multiple locations
Opt to eat a roll all by yourself with this sushi bar’s most popular items on lunch special, like Editor Maddie’s fave, the deep-fried Stonehenge roll stuffed with crab and shrimp tempura.
Sushi Mido, 6010 Nieman Rd., Shawnee, KS
Dine on any one roll and take your pick of crab rangoon, harumaki + salad, or soup for $7.95.
Tacos
Tiki Taco, multiple locations
Its West 39th location offers a walk-up window for any diners on the go, but we recommend ordering your a la carte tacos — with flavors like “dripping” birria and Korean beef — to eat at its retro Troost Ave. digs, with umbrella-covered patio seating for the warmer months.
Tacos El Gallo, multiple locations
Best known for its street taco takeout options, you can also order a 12" quesadilla with all the fixings for $10.25.
Ricos Tacos Lupe, 802 Southwest Blvd.
Loaded street tacos are all $2.75, with most burritos tapping out around $10.50.
John’s Big Deck, 928 Wyandotte St.
This three‑story downtown bar slings $1 tacos every Tuesday — load up and still come in well under budget.
Pizza
Pizza 51, 5060 Oak St., KCMO
If it’s the go-to spot for students on a budget, you’re bound to find some pretty sweet deals, like a slice of pizza for $5.25 or calzones for $10.99.
Buffalo State Pizza, multiple locations
You don’t have to settle for just pepperoni with slice options like the Buffalo Bill (roasted chicken, green onion, zesty blue cheese, pepperoncini, buffalo sauce) for $7.
Grinders Pizza, 417 E. 18th St.
Level up those giant New York–style slices ($4–8) with toppings like meatballs, roasted red peppers, or even a drizzle of Cheez Whiz.
