Charlotte, North Carolina, beckons budget-conscious food enthusiasts with its wealth of affordable dining treasures waiting to be unearthed. As you explore this vibrant city, you’ll uncover an array of culinary gems that cater to your taste buds without denting your wallet. Whether it’s the irresistible allure of savory street tacos tantalizing your senses or the mouthwatering aromas wafting from beloved barbecue joints, Charlotte’s diverse and budget-friendly food scene has something special in store for every palate.
The Queen City is a culinary playground where you can indulge in delightful Southern comfort classics or embark on a global gastronomic journey with international flavors that won’t strain your finances. What sets Charlotte apart is its ability to offer a satisfying dining experience that combines taste, variety, and affordability.
So, prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure, where you’ll savor delectable dishes, discover hidden culinary gems, and all the while, keep your budget comfortably in check. Charlotte’s best cheap eats under $10 are brimming with delights, and it’s time to experience them all!
List of Best Cheap Eats in Charlotte under $10
Here is a list of the best Cheap eats in Charlotte nearby under $10.
- The Good Wurst Co.
- Sabor Latin Street Grill
- Optimist Hall
- Papi Queso
- Pasta & Provisions
- JJ’s Red Hots
- Midnight Diner
- The Dumpling Lady
- Brooks’ Sandwich House
- Chex Grill & Wings
The Good Wurst Co.
The Good Wurst Co. in Charlotte, North Carolina is a must-visit spot known for its scratch-made sausages, smoked meats, and Montreal-style bagels. They have two locations: one on Central Ave and another on Corning Pl. The Central Ave spot is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., while the Corning Pl location operates from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from Monday to Thursday. It’s a budget-friendly choice with a diverse menu. Here are some menu items under $10.
- Montreal style bagels for $2.50
- Breakfast sandwiches for $4.50
- Sausage rolls for $5.50
- Deli sandwiches for $8.50
The restaurant also offers a variety of sides, including fries, tater tots, and coleslaw, all at an affordable price. The Good Wurst Co. is the perfect spot to enjoy a tasty and speedy meal that won’t dent your wallet. The restaurant’s friendly atmosphere and delicious food make it a must-visit spot for locals and visitors alike.
Neighborhood: Southend
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Address: 3001 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205, United States
Sabor Latin Street Grill
Sabor Latin Street Grill, a vibrant and authentic Charlotte-based restaurant chain, reimagines Latin street food. With multiple Charlotte locations, including uptown on Hawthorne Ln, Davis Lake Pkwy, and University on JW Clay Blvd, it’s known for its budget-friendly offerings. Here are some affordable menu highlights:
- Tacos for $2.50
- Arepas for $4.50
- Empanadas for $3.50
- Quesadillas for $5.50
Sabor Latin Street Grill, a Charlotte restaurant chain, serves up vibrant Latin street food with multiple locations in the city, including uptown on Hawthorne Ln, Davis Lake Pkwy, and University on JW Clay Blvd. They’re celebrated for their budget-friendly menu, featuring delicious and affordable options.
Neighborhood: Uptown
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup · No-contact delivery
Address: 14021 Conlan Cir B1, Charlotte, NC 28277, United States
Optimist Hall
Optimist Hall, a historic building near Uptown Charlotte, originally a textile mill from 1892, has become a thriving mixed-use development. It’s now a popular destination for affordable dining, drinks, and shopping. Here are some of the inexpensive items that you can enjoy at Optimist Hall:
- Dumplings from The Dumpling Lady for $7.50
- Tacos from El Thrifty for $3.50
- Sandwiches from Billy Sunday for $8.00
- Ramen from Bao and Broth for $10.00
Optimist Hall’s food hall features a wide range of cuisines, including Latin American, Asian, and American, as well as bars and specialty shops. Its unique architectural design draws in both locals and tourists. Whether you’re in the mood for dumplings, tacos, sandwiches, or ramen, Optimist Hall is an affordable destination to fulfill your culinary cravings.
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Address: 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206, United States
Papi Queso
Papi Queso, a well-loved Charlotte restaurant, has been serving up gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches since 2012, initially as a food truck often seen at local events. Their menu features a selection of affordable options for those looking to enjoy delicious grilled cheese creations. Here are a few budget-friendly options from Papi Queso’s menu for you to savor:
- Classic grilled cheese for $6.00
- The Papi for $9.00
- The Pig Mac for $10.00
- The Buffalo for $10.00
Papi Queso, known for its simple yet delectable grilled cheese sandwiches made to order, has earned popularity among both locals and visitors due to its focus on quality and affordability. The restaurant offers a casual dining experience with friendly service and concise menu descriptions. Their exceptional grilled cheese sandwiches even earned them a feature on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” making it a must-visit destination in Charlotte for those seeking affordable and delicious grilled cheese delights.
Neighborhood: Optimist Hall
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No-contact delivery
Address: 1115 N Brevard St Suite #2, Charlotte, NC 28206, United States
Pasta & Provisions
Pasta & Provisions is a long-established Italian grocery store and deli serving Charlotte and the Carolinas since 1992, with three locations in Charlotte. It offers a range of budget-friendly items, making it an ideal choice for those seeking affordable options. Here are some of the cost-effective items you can savor at Pasta & Provisions:
- Fresh pasta for $5.99
- Meatballs for $1.50 each
- Italian subs for $7.99
- Cannolis for $2.50 each
Pasta & Provisions not only offers sauces, cheeses, and Italian specialties but also provides them at affordable prices. It’s a top choice for an inexpensive and tasty meal, earning favor from both locals and visitors. Whether you’re craving fresh pasta, meatballs, or an Italian sub, it’s the go-to spot for enjoying affordable and delicious Italian cuisine.
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup
Address: 1528 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207, United States
JJ’s Red Hots
JJ’s Red Hots, located in Charlotte is a renowned hot dog joint offering some of the world’s finest hot dogs and sausages. The menu features affordable options for those seeking delicious choices. These are a few of the wallet-friendly options you can savor at JJ’s Red Hots:
- Classic hot dog for $3.99
- Chili cheese dog for $4.99
- Sausage for $5.99
- Fries for $2.99
JJ’s Red Hots is renowned for its customizable hot dogs and sausages, offering a variety of toppings. Owned by Jonathan Luther, and featured on Food Network, it’s known for quality and affordability, making it a favorite among locals and tourists. It’s a must-visit spot for those seeking a delicious and budget-friendly hot dog or sausage experience.
Neighborhood: Dilworth
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup · No-contact delivery
Address: 1514 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203, United States
Midnight Diner
Midnight Diner is a Charlotte institution that has been serving simple American classics like sandwiches, burgers, and chili for over 40 years. The restaurant is known for its budget-friendly menu options and welcoming service. You’ll find a selection of wallet-friendly dishes to savor at Midnight Diner, including:
- Burgers for $6.99
- Chicken and Dumplings for $6.99
- Chili for $7.99
- Breakfast items starting at $3.99
Midnight Diner in Charlotte is renowned for its fresh, comforting American fare, attracting both locals and tourists with its quality and affordability. Open 24/7, it’s a top pick for late-night or quick breakfast meals, offering a taste of Charlotte’s culinary history in a welcoming setting.
Neighborhood: Uptown
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup · No-contact delivery
Address: 420 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
The Dumpling Lady
The Dumpling Lady, a beloved and genuine dumpling and noodle house nestled in Charlotte, North Carolina, tempts with an array of wallet-friendly delights. Indulge in these budget-friendly treats at The Dumpling Lady:
- Noodle dishes starting at $7.50
- Dumplings starting at $6.50
- Lunch special (noodle dish and 4 dumplings) for $10.00
- Dim sum starting at $5.50
The Dumpling Lady is celebrated for its ever-changing menu, prepared fresh daily, showcasing Sichuan-style dumplings, noodles, and dim sum made from locally sourced ingredients. Its commitment to quality and affordability has made it a beloved choice among both residents and visitors. The restaurant’s unique and authentic approach to Chinese cuisine is sure to satisfy your cravings for delicious and reasonably priced dumplings and noodles.
Neighborhood: NoDa
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Address: 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206, United States
Brooks’ Sandwich House
Brooks’ Sandwich House, a Charlotte classic has been dishing out simple yet delicious sandwiches, burgers, and chili for over four decades. Their menu boasts affordable options, and the restaurant is renowned for its friendly service and timeless American cuisine. Here are some of the budget-friendly items to relish at Brooks’ Sandwich House:
- Hot dogs for $2.50
- Burgers for $4.00
- Chili for $4.00
- Grilled cheese for $2.50
Brooks’ Sandwich House, known for its simple yet delectable menu made fresh to order, operates on a cash-only basis but provides an on-site ATM. With weekday hours from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., it’s a local and visitor favorite due to its dedication to quality and affordability. Recognized by Reader’s Digest as the best burger spot in North Carolina, this historic Charlotte eatery offers classic American cuisine and welcoming service, making it a must-visit in the NoDa neighborhood for those seeking budget-friendly and delicious meals.
Neighborhood: NoDa
Service options: Takeaway
Address: 2710 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28205, United States
Chex Grill & Wings
Chex Grill & Wings, with multiple Charlotte locations, is a restaurant known for its focus on wings, burgers, and sandwiches. They offer a range of budget-friendly menu options, making it an ideal choice for those looking for affordable and tasty bites. Here are a few of the budget-friendly menu items available at Chex Grill & Wings:
- Wings starting at $7.99
- Burgers starting at $6.99
- Sandwiches starting at $7.99
- Fries for $2.99
Chex Grill & Wings offers convenient online ordering for pickup and delivery, providing cost savings compared to third-party delivery services. Their reputation is built on delicious wings, burgers, and sandwiches made with fresh ingredients, appealing to both locals and visitors. The restaurant’s menu is thoughtfully designed for profitability, featuring concise descriptions, making it an ideal spot for an affordable and tasty meal of wings, burgers, or sandwiches in Charlotte.
Neighborhood: Uptown
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup · No-contact delivery
Address: 400 S Tryon St Suite R2, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
