We recently went through New Year’s resolution season! Saving money is at the forefront of our minds this time of year as we fine-tuned our budgets, minimize our list of subscriptions, and actively look for ways to save a few bucks. Cutting back your food expenses is an easy way to save money on a daily basis! Have no fear, homemade sandwich makers and tupperware-lovers, you can still save money if you find yourself out on the town for lunch! There are several lunch spots (that aren’t fast food restaurants!) offering plates that costs less than $10. Allow us to introduce you to... A Must-Try: Spinach Artichoke Pizza | $7.50 Caper’s is a cozy, locally owned restaurant in South Toledo serving made-from-scratch pizza, salads, pasta and sandwiches. Most of their menu items are just under the $10 mark, but you may order a personal specialty pizza for just $7.50! A Must-Try: Kale and Roasted Beet Salad | $9.99 
Photo courtesy of Fowl and Fodder
Who says you have to spend an arm and a leg to enjoy a delicious farm-to-table restaurant experience? Fowl and Fodder has a number of delicious dishes on their menu under $10, including their chicken salad, grilled cheese, avocado reuben, tempeh lettuce wraps and much more — all of which are created with the best local ingredients sourced from Ohio and Michigan. You might even choose a lighter lunch by sipping one of their fresh juices or smoothies! A Must-Try: Hunan Chicken + Lo Mein | $10 Total QQ Kitchen serves up exceptional Asian cuisine, available for both dine-in and carry out. You’ll find fresh local vegetables, a variety of meat, tofu and seafood, secret sauces and seasonings, and lots of chef specials on their expansive (but not expensive) menu! A Must-Try: Pesto Chicken Sandwich + Fries | $9 Total 
Photo courtesy of Pam’s Corner
Pam’s Corner, located in the Davis Building, may be hard to find — but this adorable eatery is impossible to forget! The bright and cheery interior creates a relaxing environment while you grab an inexpensive lunch in the heart of downtown. Pam’s menu includes delicious homemade meals made with seasonal ingredients and creative combinations. A Must-Try: Adam’s Garbage Salad Wrap | $10 You’ll be pleased to find out that food from Grumpy’s hovers around the $10 mark as this local hot spot offers some of the best burgers in town. If you have a couple extra dollars to spare, order their $12 Garbage Salad, which has been the talk of the town for years! Or stick to the budget with Adam’s Garbage Salad Wrap, which has all the same classic ingredients of the salad — like mixed greens, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, grilled chicken, raisins and four cheeses — all tossed together and wrapped up. A Must-Try: Build-Your-Own Macaroni & Cheese | $9 With a location in both Toledo and Perrysburg, this laid-back gastropub has quickly become a local favorite. Social has an impressive lineup of featured cocktails that change with the seasons, in addition to an ever-changing menu. Don’t miss their famous build-your-own macaroni and cheese, which you can smother with any of their unique toppings! It starts at $9, but beware — it can go well over $10 if you’re not careful as each added ingredient costs a little extra. A Must-Try: Margherita Pizza | $7.50 ZaZa Wood Fired Pizza offers guests a real taste of Italian pizza as each pie is made with the best imported Italian flour, authentic San Marzano tomatoes, and fine Italian mozzarella. The pizzas are then cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven imported from Italy! It can’t get more authentic than that. But perhaps the best news at ZaZa is the affordable prices on their menu. Stick to the basics with their personal margherita pizza, made with fresh mozzarella, handmade pizza sauce and basil. A Must-Try: Tony Packo’s Original Hot Dog + Cup of Chili | $6.88 Total 
Photo courtesy of Tony Packo’s Cafe
Whether or not you’re a true Toledoan, you’re sure to have heard of Tony Packo’s — perhaps on the television series, M*A*S*H. This famous local joint serves up some of the best hot dogs around — and arguably, some of the best food period. Tony Packo’s tasty Hungarian hot dogs are not only extremely delicious, they come with an affordable price tag as the Tony Packo’s Original Hot Dog costs just $3.29! Pair your dog with a cup of their world-famous chili, and you have the perfect meal. A Must-Try: Chimichanga | $8.99 Not only is San Marco’s one of the best sources for Mexican food in the area — especially tacos — they have a reasonably priced menu that keeps locals and visitors alike coming back for more. You simply can’t beat the authentic Mexican fare, including housemade tortillas, fresh salsa, and other delicacies at San Marco’s. A Must-Try: Wimpy Burger Platter | $5.99 
Photo courtesy of Schmucker’s
Schmucker’s has been a Toledo favorite since 1948 — and for good reason. Not only have they stuck to their tradition of reasonably priced dishes, Schmucker’s is dedicated to creating some of the best comfort food around. Plus, they even have the same 13 chrome stools at their lunch counter and a wooden phone booth in the corner that has been there since day one!