Best Spots for an Inexpensive Lunch in Downtown Pittsburgh
By Layla Joseph
Your lunch break is a sacred time and when you work Downtown, the dining options are endless. DNA has compiled a list of six top picks in the Golden Triangle with restaurants that will leave your appetite and your wallet satisfied:
Liberty Chick ‘n’ Fish: Located just minutes from the Convention Center, Liberty Chick ‘n’ Fish features freshly prepared food with an open kitchen concept. Although the name implies their best dishes are their seafood and chicken specialties, do not overlook the rest of the menu. With a build your own salad option, wings, fresh-cut french fries, burgers and nachos, Liberty Chick ‘n’ Fish is sure to give you a bang for your buck with delicious, affordable comfort food in a lively and unique atmosphere.
We recommend the $12 combo: make your way down to Liberty on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to take advantage of the lunch menu at Liberty Chick ‘n’ Fish. Choose from a fish, chicken or beef burger, six marinated chicken wings or eight pieces of fried jumbo shrimp. Included in the price are fries and a drink to satisfy your lunchtime cravings.
Arepittas: Arepittas serves Venezuelan street food available for dine-in, take-out or delivery straight to your door. Whether you need a filling dish or a bite to eat, Arepittas provides you with authentic dishes that connect you with their culture. From tacos to empanadas, vegetarian dishes and dessert, the vibrant but casual atmosphere mingles with smells of freshly prepared cuisine. With a variety of specialties and in-house drinks, it is the perfect place to stop if you can’t find much time in your busy day.
We recommend Pabellon Criollo: this “national dish” allows you to customize your meal, choosing from one of five meats offered at the restaurant. After you choose your protein, you can enjoy a spread of rice, black beans garnished with shredded cheese and sweet plantains. Enjoy a arepa viuda, or a grilled corn cake that is included in the special and a sauce of your choice for just under $13.
Mama Lucia Pizzeria: Enjoy a slice (or box) of pizza from this downtown delicacy that has been operating in the Golden Triangle for over 40 years. With dishes like their homemade lasagna and daily fresh dough, this restaurant will leave a good impression on your tastebuds and your wallet. Each weekday Mama Lucia’s features different specials for under $10 and everyday they offer pizza by the slice. With free delivery Downtown, a handful of specialty pizzas, pasta, appetizers, hoagies, salads and calzones, experience authentic Italian cuisine with an affordable price tag.
We recommend the hoagie combo: for just $9 you can choose from one of nine in-house half hoagies with french fries and a drink of your choice. Extra toppings are only a 35 cent upcharge, allowing you to choose two extra toppings while still keeping the bill under $10.
Apollo Cafe: Apollo Cafe carries a variety of Mediterranean, American and vegetarian cuisines. The majority of their menu features homemade dishes for a bite at breakfast or satisfying lunch. With hot and cold sandwiches, no matter the weather you can enjoy authentic comfort food that will fill the hole in your stomach without emptying your pockets. Stick to a familiar American dish and choose a cold sandwich with an in-house soup or travel outside of your comfort zone and try the stuffed grape leaves.
We recommend the Shish Kabob: while most of the menu remains under $10, splurge a little extra and enjoy beef or chicken kabobs, seasoned to perfection and served over rice with your choice of a soup or salad for just under $13. Treat yourself to some Baklava to satisfy your sweet tooth for an additional $2.50.
DiBella’s Sub: DiBella’s claims their subs are the “best you’ve ever have” and attribute the quality to their fresh-baked in-house bread. If you have ever had a hoagie, you know that the bread is just as important as all the goodies inbetween. At DiBella’s the bakery scores, seasons and bakes the bread throughout the day, ensuring a fresh loaf ready to be filled with toppings and proteins of your choosing. With 20 different combinations of hoagies, five different breads and three different sizes, the only thing difficult about customizing your sandwich is choosing just one!
We recommend the Chicken Philly: a seven inch sub with your choice of bread will keep the tab just under $10. This grilled chicken sandwich is completely customizable but automatically comes piled with grilled onions and sweet peppers, American cheese and mayonnaise. Add more condiments and toppings to make the sandwich signature to you! Make it a meal and enjoy chips and a fountain drink for under $15.
Corner Mercantile: Corner Mercantile brings fresh food and unique drinks to the table. With pastries that are baked fresh daily and a variety of filling foods made from scratch, you can choose from in-house prepared sandwiches, soups, salads and homestyle meals. Corner Mercantile enhances their dishes with local ingredients that are prepared daily, allowing customers to experience dishes that are straight from the farm to your fork.
We recommended an entree salad: for $14 you can experience the refreshing taste of fresh greens garnished with your choice of grilled chicken or salmon. The Salmon, Cranberry, Goat Cheese Salad is a gluten free salad garnished with walnuts, quinoa, dried cranberries and topped with a white balsamic dressing.
