Lunch Near Me Under $10: Downers Grove Edition

I have such lunch envy for my friends that live in Chicago.  Even though I live in Chicago, I’ve spent twelve years with the dreaded reverse commute.  Sometimes, I have enough time to make lunch at home beforehand, but it gets tough with two businesses and household chores.  When I look for lunch near me in Downers Grove, I don’t want to spend more than $10 on a meal.  Here are some spots I’ve found for lunch close to me where you can get a fantastic meal without spending more than $10.

Lunch Near Me Under $10 : Firewater BBQ

440 E Roosevelt Rd.,
Lombard, IL 60148 
(630) 317-7978

My husband teases me because he doesn’t think he’s met anyone who loves barbecue ribs like I do.  Well, what he doesn’t know is that I like a pulled pork sandwich just as much as I like ribs!  When I was looking for a barbecue lunch near me under $10, Firewater BBQ is where I go. Walking into Firewater BBQ is no subtle affair.  With giant smokers in the building, the smell of smoked meat immediately overwhelms your senses.  It’s divine!  I’m partial to the pulled pork sandwich.  For $6.65 before tax, this delicious sandwich can be yours.  I usually get it open faced and there is enough meat for me to make two meals out of it.

 

Lunch Near Me Under $10: Tacochela

This place is the closest to my office and therefore, my most frequented.  There is a trend in the food industry for fast casual meals to be customizable, à lá Chipotle.  Tacochela nails that concept, and is tasty as all get out.  The fillings include a delicious ground beef with roasted carrots and tomato sauce, carnitas, lamb barbacoa, grilled steak, spicy chicken, grilled chicken, and vegetarian.  There are approximately fifteen toppings and salsas to choose from, with mine being picked onions, cilantro and lime crema.  Now, I know that cilantro is a very polarizing herb, so the fact that cilantro is not already added to the pico de gallo or any toppings is a big plus.  Tacos are $2.85 six days a week except on Tuesdays, when they are only $2 a piece.  Three tacos and I am set for lunch without breaking the bank!  P.S. If you decided to come for dinner, they make their own michelada mix and it is fantastic.

Lunch Near Me Under $10: Apolis

1109 Maple Ave.
Lisle, IL 60532
(331)-775-2135

One of the most constant cravings I have is for greek salad.  The customizable menu at Apolis again, is based on the Chipotle model.  Start with a bowl, salad, pita, or plate, add a protein, then pick your toppings and sauces.  If you are looking for quick lunch style Greek food, this is the spot.

 

Lunch Near Me Under $10: Katy’s Noodles

665 N Cass Ave
Westmont, IL 60559
630-323-9393

There are some cold days when all I want is a bowl of steaming noodles. In the suburbs, there are many Chinese restaurants in strip malls, but not many that deliver a bowl of dan dan noodles like Katy’s noodles.  I’ve seen people sitting at the tiny little tables eating in the restaurant, and a whole lot of people carrying out.  While some restaurants specialize in dumpling, proteins, and rice dishes, Katy’s does noodles right.

 

Lunch Near Me Under $10: Damascus Falafel

10S410 Kingery Hwy #3
Willowbrook, IL 60527
(630) 481-4197

Man oh man do I love Middle Eastern food.  I had never visited a specifically Syrian restaurant before, but this is a regular for me nowadays.  This is another “you build it” type of a restaurant where you start with a wrap, salad bowl, hummus bowl, or protein plate.  The hummus at Damascus Falafel is remarkable.  I’ve visited when the line was out the door and also when there was no one there.  It’s a humble restaurant in Willowbrook, and definitely deserving of a visit.  I’m partial to the steak bowl with hummus, a delight at just under $10.