No matter how you slice it, the economy is awful. Gas is $4.16 a gallon. Inflation is at 3.8%. It looks like there is no end in sight and dining out can feel like a luxury.
So take a look at this group of Charleston favorites that serve a great meal without breaking the bank. From bar food at Moe’s Crosstown to an Indian lunch deal in West Ashley, refer to this list when you are looking to treat yourself for $25 and under. And when all else fails, there’s always Waffle House! In alphabetical order:
Bohemian Bull (James Island and Mount Pleasant)
Bohemian Bull recently launched a daily lunch special for $9.99. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, you can get items like a cheeseburger with fries, tacos Americana and the “Piggy Smalls,” a slow-roasted pulled pork sandwich with fries.
City Lights Eastside (downtown)
This cozy neighborhood spot serves a breakfast burrito for $10.95 and a $8.75 ham-and-cheese toastie on Texas toast. You can wash it all down with a $4.14 cappuccino, one of the lowest prices you’ll find in town for a specialty coffee.
Curry Palace (West Ashley)
Newly opened Curry Palace comes from the team behind Taste of India and is in the former La Bonne Franquette at 652 St. Andrews Blvd. The lunch special is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day, and it might be the best deal in town. Lunch boxes are $12 and options include chicken, goat, lamb and vegetarian and the thalis (complete lunch platters) are enough for two meals. The “special thali” has chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, lamb or goat, two vegetables, dal, rice, naan, salad and dessert for $16.
D’Allesandro’s Pizza (two locations)
Family-owned D’Allesandro’s has been serving pizza since 2006 (happy birthday!) and has Charleston locations downtown and in Summerville. At lunch, a 10-inch single-topping pizza and a drink is available for $10. The pizzeria also offers a 10% military discount daily.
Dave’s Carry-Out (downtown)
Dave’s Carry-Out is known for its soul food, seafood and generous portions.
The seafood platters all come with fries, and are under $25. You can get a shrimp platter for $10, scallops for $16 or blow it out with a seafood platter with shrimp, fish, scallops and deviled crab for $21.50.
Dog and Duck (various locations)
Everything on the Dog and Duck menu, runner-up in the “Best Meal Value” category in the 2026 City Paper Best Of Charleston awards, comes in under $25. Tacos like Korean steak and spicy mahi are $9.19 for two and $13.79 for three, and kid’s meals like mini corn dogs and chicken fingers are $5.99 and served with a choice of side.
El Molino (various locations)
With several locations as well as a new taqueria on Johns Island, El Molino serves authentic Mexican food at great prices. Individual tacos are $3.99, a 16 oz. container of cheese dip is $10.38 and the house burrito is $15.58. Wow!
Five Loaves Cafe (Mount Pleasant and Summerville)
Five Loaves is open for lunch and dinner. Its sandwiches and salads come in half and full-size. You can get a chicken feta burger for $15 or a Cobb salad for $15.50. Everything on the kid’s menu is $7 or less.
Gaulart and Maliclet Fast and French (downtown)
Fast and French has been serving affordable food with French flair on Broad Street since 1984. The lunch menu is a steal compared to surrounding options in the historic district. A vegetarian pizza croissant is $13.50, soup served with baguette and French cheese will set you back a mere $12 and there are affordable wine options to wash it all down.
Gene’s Haufbrau (West Ashley)
Operating in Avondale since 1952, Gene’s blue plate specials are an unbeatable deal at $9.95. Dishes like country fried steak and pot roast are available from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. All blue plate specials include a soft drink or iced tea and the two sides of the day.
Hannibal’s Kitchen (downtown)
While Hannibal’s is rightfully known for its crab rice ($14.75), the menu has countless all-stars at unbeatable prices. Carolina barbeque ribs come with two sides for $19.50, 10 fried shrimp are $12.50 and a $15 pork chop is either fried and smothered with gravy or grilled with peppers and onions along with two sides.
The Junction Kitchen & Provisions (North Charleston)
The Junction offers brunch, all-day breakfast and a wide selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free offerings on Spruill Avenue. From a $14.75 Mexican hash with cactus-braised pork, over-easy egg, black bean pico and jalapeno honey chutney to a Cuban sandwich for $12.95, the restaurant serves filling dishes at palatable prices.
King BBQ (North Charleston)
King BBQ, from Jackrabbit Filly’s Shuai and Corrie Wang, was named one of Bon Appetit magazine’s best new restaurants in 2024 and it’s easy to understand why. The restaurant serves the Chinese food that Beijing born Shuai missed from his childhood in Queens, New York and marries it with the smokehouses of the south. You can’t go wrong with the menu from two shrimp toast sliders for $10 to fried ribs for $16.
Lowlife Bar (Folly Beach)
Dinner at Lowlife Bar has everything a beach spot should: a laidback vibe, cold drinks and an approachable menu. Tuna poke wontons are $17, a shrimp roll is $18 and for those with a sweet tooth, deep fried oreos with a cream cheese glaze come in at $10.
Metto Coffee and Tea (Mount Pleasant)
From a $6.25 ham, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich to a $9 cherry pecan chicken salad, Metto offers coffee, pastries, breakfast and lunch. Whether you’re stopping in to grab a quick coffee and muffin to go or looking to linger over a grilled cheese, this spot on Coleman Boulevard centers on community, coffee and great bites.
Moe’s Crosstown Tavern (downtown)
This year’s winner in City Paper’s Best Of Charleston in “Best Meal Value” category, Moe’s offers bar eats at outstanding prices. From $15.99 burgers — served with hand-cut fries — to a $13.99 Reuben, the food is filling and the drinks are cold and flow freely at this Hampton Park joint.
The Press (downtown)
From the team behind Tippling House, the Press has three things on its menu: a veggie bean burrito ($10), a chicken burrito ($12) and a steak burrito ($14). Open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the burritos are crispy, pressed on a flour tortilla and come with cheese, fries, avocado and pico de gallo.
The Royal American (downtown)
Known for its bar menu and gritty live music, Royal American is a great place for a quick lunch or a marathon visit. The $13 disco fries have a black pepper gravy, queso, bacon, scallions and pickled jalapeños and you can get a Philly cheesesteak for the same price. The famous patty melt is $12, and anyone can order the $6 ever-changing staff meal.
Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano (multiple locations)
Mexican favorites come at great prices when you visit any Santi’s location. Lunch specials are available Monday through Saturday and for $13.59 you can get items like beef, chicken, pork or cheese enchiladas, chile rellenos or a chimichanga.
Smash City Burgers (downtown)
A finalist in the “Best Meal Value” category in the 2026 City Paper Best Of Charleston awards, Smash City Burgers offers one of the most affordable burgers in town. The classic single will set you back $6.70 and if you’re looking to splurge, the classic triple is just $11.33. Hard to beat in a town where burgers can sometimes set you back $25 or more!
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