15 Lunch Deals in Charleston Under $15

Table of Contents

• Downtown Charleston

• James Island / Folly Beach

• North Charleston

• West Ashley

• Something Different

• Other Places Worth Mentioning

Downtown Charleston

Fast & French (Gaulart & Maliclet) | 98 Broad St

From Broad Street to a Parisian side street, this charming bistro has been serving up affordable French fare since 1984 (that's 40+ years of buttery goodness, folks). The communal high-top seating means you might make a new friend while you dine, but trust me – one bite of their open-faced croq' monsieur and you'll be too busy savoring to socialize.

Queen Street Grocery | 133 Queen St

From corner store to culinary gem, this historic spot (dating back to 1922!) serves up some of the best crepes and sandwiches in town. The Tenacious Turkey with Brie and green apple has a cult following for good reason. Pro tip: Grab a local craft beer to go with your sandwich – owner Rob Bouton has curated quite the selection.

Breizh Pan Crepes | 39 George St

From King Street to Brittany, France, this little slice of heaven specializes in authentic crepes that will transport your taste buds across the Atlantic. Their buckwheat galettes are the real deal – crispy edges, soft centers, and fillings that range from classic ham and cheese to more adventurous combinations. At under $10 a pop, your wallet will be as happy as your stomach.

Pink Cactus | 100A Spring St

From Spring Street to Oaxaca, Mexico, this vibrant spot brings authentic Mexican cuisine to the Holy City. The owner went so far as to bring back a volcanic stone corn mill from Mexico to make their house-made masa – now that's dedication! Skip the tourist traps and head here for chile rellenos and street tacos that would make your abuela proud.

Cafecito | 471 King St

From King Street to Havana, this Cuban sandwich shop presses perfection between bread. Their hot sandwiches arrive with that satisfying crunch from the press, and the Cuban coffee will jolt you right out of your midday slump. When a place does one thing really well, you know it's worth the visit – and these sandwiches are worth writing home about.

Palace Hotel | 525 Meeting St

From Meeting Street to global street food, this spot serves up creative bites in a decidedly un-palace-like atmosphere (and that's exactly what we love about it). Don't let the dive bar vibes fool you – their Hit the Street Corn Skillet is the stuff of legend, and at lunch prices that won't make you feel like you need a royal treasury.

Fire Grill Asian Fusion | 293 King St

From King Street to the Far East, this fusion spot has locals raving about their hibachi chicken. When a spot gets this many local recommendations, you know they're doing something right. With lunch specials that come in well under our $15 target, this place brings the heat without burning your budget.

Dave's Carry-Out | 42 Morris St, Ste C

From Morris Street to Southern comfort central, this no-frills joint serves up seafood that would make your grandma jealous. Paper plates? Check. Plastic forks? You bet. Flavor that'll knock your socks off? Absolutely. Their seafood platters are the real deal, and the prices are a throwback to simpler times.

James Island / Folly Beach

Ellis Creek Fish Camp | 1243 Harbor View Rd

From Harbor View Road to waterfront bliss, this seafood spot offers Lowcountry cuisine with a view that doesn't charge extra for being gorgeous. Their shrimp po-boy is what sandwich dreams are made of – crispy, succulent shrimp piled high on fresh bread with all the fixings. Enjoy your lunch with a side of marsh views that remind you why Charleston is special.

North Charleston

MOMO Riverfront Park | 1049 Everglades Ave

From Everglades Avenue to comfort food heaven, this park-adjacent eatery serves up a kettle-cooked turkey sandwich that puts your sad desk lunch to shame. Pack up your office crew and head here for a midday escape that feels miles away from your inbox.

Rebel Taqueria | 1809 Reynolds Ave

From Reynolds Avenue to taco paradise, this North Charleston spot delivers Mexican street food that's worth the drive. While their All-You-Can-Eat Street Tacos for $19 might be just above our price point, their regular lunch tacos will keep you well under budget. Each one is a perfect little package of flavor – proving that good things do come in small, corn tortilla-wrapped packages.

West Ashley

Moe's Crosstown Tavern | 714 Rutledge Ave

From Rutledge Avenue to burger heaven, this neighborhood tavern has been slinging perfect patties and cold beers since before it was cool. Their burgers are the stuff of legend, with toppings that range from classic to creative, all served with a side of friendly banter from the staff. This is where locals go when they want comfort food without pretense.

The Royal American | 970 Morrison Dr

From Morrison Drive to hipster haven, this music venue and bar serves up food that rocks as hard as the bands that play there. Their patty melt "Lance's Way" has a following that borders on religious, and the magic wings live up to their mystical name. With everything on the menu under $15 (including cocktails!), you can treat yourself without the financial hangover.

Over the Horizon | 2200 Heriot St (formerly The Brewlab Charleston)

From Heriot Street to beer-and-burger bliss, this renamed spot continues the tradition of offering a killer $15 Burger and Beer special every Wednesday. It's technically right at our price cap, but when you're getting a craft brew AND a perfectly cooked burger, it's more value than splurge. Consider it your midweek reward.

Something Different

Basic Kitchen | 82 Wentworth St

From Wentworth Street to clean eating that doesn't taste like punishment, this bright, airy spot proves that healthy food can be crave-worthy. Their buffalo cauliflower wings and pistachio beet dip might make you forget meat exists (at least temporarily). With most lunch items under $15, your body and budget will both thank you.

Other Places Worth Mentioning

Can't get enough affordable eats? Here are a few more spots to check out:

• Ding Tea & H Long Cafe: For Vietnamese bahn mi that won't break the bank

• Earth Fare (South Windermere Center): Grab their $5 sushi rolls for a quick lunch on the go

• Toast: For classic Southern breakfast-turned-lunch near the Market

Have other favorite lunch spots in Charleston that won't empty your wallet? Let us know in the comments!