Please note that these are 10 great lunch options around town. This isn’t a “Best Of” post, just a nice resource for diverse lunch options. Hope you enjoy, and if you have a dish I need to add to the list, please comment in the box below.
Beef Bibimbap at Hanaroo
Hanaroo gets almost no attention, and that’s a shame because it’s a real no-frills downtown gem. It’s been far too long since my last Hanaroo Bibimbap experience, which is something I need to rectify. The dish includes steamed veggies with rice, a fried egg, and beef. It’s so tasty, especially when the rice on the edges gets a little crispy from the hot pot.
Shrimp & Grits at The Faded Rose
Go hungry because even the lunch portion of TFR’s shrimp & grits will knock you on your ass. It’s stick-to-your-ribs eating, but that blonde roux, plump shrimp, and signature grit cakes are worth the caloric nightmare. Maybe eat half for lunch and doggy-bag the rest for dinner.
Plato Rosalinda at Rosalinda’s
Cross the river for one of the best dishes in the area … the Plato Rosalinda includes tender, thin steak with a side of rice and beans, and plantains. Make sure to get a little of everything in one bite. I almost guarantee you won’t be disappointed with this dish.
Bologna Sandwich at Sims BBQ
Bologna Sandwich at Sims BBQ
Calm down, folks. I know many of you can’t stand the thought of eating bologna, and while I’m not saying this sandwich is something you should be eating more than a couple times a year, I am saying you might want to keep an open mind and try it out. The smoked bologna, soupy bbq sauce, and cool slaw make this sandwich a winner.
Bacon Cheeseburger at K Hall & Sons
It’s simple, it’s cheap, and it’s just plain ol’ good … the bacon cheeseburger at K Hall hits the spot with crispy bacon and a perfectly cooked thin patty of beef. Just make sure you call it in, as my limited experiences suggest a long wait time. If you must, add some fried catfish to your order.
Patty Melt at Frontier Diner
Patty Melt at Frontier Diner
Sticking with the “no-frills, just plain ol’ good” theme, the Patty Melt at Frontier Diner on the side of I-30 provides for a simple, quick, and satisfying lunch. Toasted bread is filled with grilled onions and a sizeable pile of beef.
Express Lunch at One Eleven
Express Lunch at One Eleven
Whoa! WTF?!? Yes, I just went from Frontier Diner to One Eleven. Talk about opposite ends of the dining spectrum. Are you looking to get a taste of fine dining without the huge bill? The Express Lunch at One Eleven is a wonderful option. At $18, you get a choice of the chef’s two daily entrees, soup, a starter, cheese, and dessert. And as the name suggests, it comes out super fast.
Buffet at Al Seraj
Buffet at Al Seraj
For some strange reason, there’s absolutely no middle ground with the buffet at Al Seraj. Some folks hate it and some folks love it. I fall in the latter group and it’s hard to imagine fresher buffet options, all for around $10. The gyro meat is excellent and usually shaved to order.
Garden Sandwich at Jimmy’s
Garden Sandwich at Jimmy’s Serious Sandwich
This award-winning sandwich is fairly small in size but big and taste, and while I don’t consider it to be earth-shattering, it is a nice option for folks who work in the area. Swiss, cheddar, and Provolone cheese, along with mushrooms, sunflower seeds, and a spinach paté rest between two pieces of pumpernickel.
Veggie Plate at Homer’s
Please make note … I’m talking about the Homer’s by the airport. And yes, I know it will be difficult to pass on some of the heavier, gut-busting options, but the mashed potatoes and gravy and cabbage are worth it.
