Affordable housing. That’s the supposed guarantee that redevelopment doesn’t become gentrification. It’s a promise that there will be affordable housing so normal people can live in or near the newly redeveloped hip spaces that cost more than the suburbs.
I want that for food.
Affordable dining. With the introduction of “nicer” dining in downtown, Jollity, the Biscuit place, Sueno, and others, the hunt for a good lunch under $10 downtown are becoming scarce. Even that little Chinese buffet is almost $10 now for what is a less than stellar lunch buffet.
So, in good faith, here is my list of best lunches downtown for under $10.
Carmen’s Deli (Stratocache Tower)
Carmen’s Deli Falafael Gyro for $7.95. I eat this at least once a month. No sides are necessary. With all the fresh veggies on top of that pita and crumbled Falafel, you can skip the chips or salad.
Benjamin’s The Burger Master (North Main)
Beans and Cornbread with a wing or two at Benjamin’s Burger Master. If southern/soul food isn’t your thing, you can score a burger and fries well south of $10 there. It’s on Main street and delightful every time.
Blind Bob’s (Oregon District)
Blind Bobs for a BLT and chips. Again, no-frills, just a great sandwich for a great price. When it’s colder I go for the Grilled Cheese with a cup of chili (or the pickle soup). You are still out the door for under $10.
Taqueria Garcia Mobil
7 Huffman Ave, Dayton, OH 45403 (937) 554-8196 (calling ahead speeds things up)
Tacos are $2.50 each now, but three will fill you up, leaving room for a can of cola and you’ve just had the best tacos for under $9.00. I like the chicken and chorizo mix or I get the steak. Get the street taco with cilantro and onion, skip the cheddar, lettuce, and sour cream. This ain’t Taco Bell.
Falb’s Restaurant (Over by Children’s Hospital)
If you have a minute for a short drive out of the business district, and you want a burger, or breaded pork tenderloin, with onion rings and a Coke for less than $8, get to Falb’s. Eat like a king for under $10 there. Check their daily specials.
Canal Street Arcade and Deli
My final go-to when I can’t break the bank is the Club sandwich, half size, at Canal Street Deli. Grab a bag of chips and lunch is completed for about $9.00. My bar tab usually ruins this. A beer while you wait, a beer with lunch, cancel your one o’clock, and get another beer while you play a quick round of Golden Tee while heading to the door. Allegedly.
Where are you finding a bargain for lunch? Let us know in the comments.
I grew up just south of Dayton. In between Springboro and Lebanon and I grew up eating beans and cornbread on Sundays. The cornbread was made in a cast-iron skillet, and the beans were cooked all day on the stovetop. Sometimes the beans, or peas, would have a piece of ham, most times not. My little brother and I ate them with a wedge of onion. Fried potatoes were cooked in an electric skillet in lard or Crisco.
Huffies BBQ
