Best Lunch Spots in Charlottesville, Under $12

1. Feast!

Featuring delicious sandwiches and salads, Feast! is a great lunch option with outdoor seating. The menu offers a lot of choices for people with different dietary restrictions. My favorite sandwich is the "Pho-Rench Dip" which is a combination of Pho flavors and the classic french dip. Feast! also has pre-made dinners priced at $15-$25 for 4 servings, which have come in handy on a busy night. The food is delicious and there is a little shopping area which has a bunch of specialty items. A cheese and charcuterie area, along with nice wines and chocolates.

2. Guajiro's

Family owned Miami eatery is a special place in Charlottesville. It strikes the balance between delicious food, something unique and affordable prices. Which is probably why they have so many regulars. I ordered the Mom’s Special with pork and the maduros ($12.50). Sweet plantains are a rarity here in Cville! And these were perfectly ripe and fried, just the way I like it. A little sweet with the flavorful and savory pork takes me home to my own mom’s kitchen. For something sweet I got the guava and cheese pastry ($2.50), which was warm and so tasty. Before law school, I lived in South Florida with many weekends spent in Miami (😜) and the food at Guajiros brings that same satisfaction and feeling I remember. Definitely a wonderful addition to Charlottesville dining.

3. Vu Noodles

Vu Noodles is a little walk up spot on the southern side of the downtown walking mall. I like to order the pho ($12.50) with an iced mango green tea ($2.50). The broth is so satisfying and has a really deep but clean flavor. It’s topped with bean sprouts, sugar snap peas, shiitake mushrooms, cilantro, jalapeños and red onion. With a squeeze of lime juice, it’s so flavorful, you forget that it’s vegan. I’ve never been big on tofu, but here I order extra. It’s fried so when you bite the tofu, it’s crispy on the outside with some magical combo of firmness and softness on the inside. They have obtained a wonderful balance in flavors that makes pho such a special dish. I’ve also had the banh mi and lemongrass stir fry, which were both also delicious. It’s rare to find a fully vegetarian restaurant that accomplishes such a variety of successful and tasty dishes. But tucked in a small space, with a walk up window and a few small tables, Vu Noodles is just that. It’s family run and it’s never a long wait for food.

4. Ivy Provisions

Found my way to Ivy Provisions and ordered the recommended Notorious P.I.G. ($11.49). Cute name and delicious sandwich. I think shredded lettuce is the prime addition to this sandwich, it compliments the salty meat, crunchy bread and pickled peppers. A great balance of flavors and quite a large sandwich. 10/10 will be back to try more!

5. Roots

A classic lunch spot for busy people who are trying to eat healthy. The bowls range from $9-11.25 and they really give you a lot of food. My favorite is the El Jefe with BBQ tofu. The tofu is firm and crispy. The chicken breast is also good and worth trying. I always have leftovers and one bowl can be a meal and later a snack.

6. Wayside Fried Chicken

Want lunch under $5? Done. I’m talking a two piece, side and roll. The chicken is crispy, fresh and juicy. Just delicious. Ask for hot sauce to really set it off.This past trip I got their monthly special for dinner. This is the 8 piece box for $10. And of course I had to get some of their hush puppies. All of this came out to $13.91 (plus tip). This easily fed 2 people with leftovers. I hope you stop by and if you go tell them Marley Recommends sent you!

7. Guadalajara

My favorite spot for birria tacos in Charlottesville. The birria tacos are only on their Greenbrier location, but every location has great lunch specials for meals under $12. The classic tex-mex menu is offered, I like the chicken fajitas or the birria tacos!

8. Mel's

The menu is wide ranging for all things on a grill and out of a fryer. I’ve ordered the pork chop sandwich, burger and fried chicken. It’s all good and easy on your wallet. When asking around for recommendations of Black owned businesses to highlight, Mel’s kept on coming up. So, I pass this recommendation onto you in hopes you check them out and say hi to Mel working the grill.

#budget #burgers #drinking