I realized I hadn’t made a simple lunch post since like 2022…. Whoops!

If you’re looking for a lunch where you can get out and in for less than $20 in an hour or less, this is the post for you. Since there are so many options, I stuck to Phoenix city limits, with a focus on downtown and midtown.

Cheese ‘N Stuff – is there a more iconic Phoenix spot for a sandwich?

Pane Bianco – the most casual of the Bianco family of restaurants, this spot focuses on Italian-inspired sandwiches and thicker (almost like Detroit-style) pizza.

Ricemill – a build-your-own bowl with Asian flavors, located in the Cityscape area of downtown. I recommend their Szechuan tofu.

Cava – build-your-own bowl but Mediterranean. Their falafel is great, but the highlights are definitely their sauces and hummus options.

Hanny’s – a downtown Phoenix institution with a great lunch deal for pizza, salads, and sandwiches. It has a classy feel without being too expensive.

Clever Koi – Asian fusion with a great selection of noodle dishes.

Rice Paper – Vietnamese, with great bahn mi and a focus on spring rolls.

Sacks Sandwiches – an affordable sandwich place with good gluten free and vegetarian options. They have a lot of customization ability and a lovely cookie.

Flower Child – on the nice end of fast casual, this is the best of the Fox concepts. Their seasonal, veggie-focused menu is excellent and will leave you feeling satisfied but healthy.

Copper Star – outside their breakfast sandwiches, this coffee shop serves up a small but mighty selection of sandwiches. I recommend the goat cheese.

Lovebite Dumplings – a simple, dumpling-focused bowl on Roosevelt Row with aesthetic pink rice and solid veggie dumplings. One of the quickest and most affordable options on Roosevelt.

Cibo – an Italian restaurant in a beautiful converted home downtown. They’re known for pizza and pasta at dinner but sandwiches and salads at lunch.

Formation Brewing – their happy hour deals on sandwiches and pizza make this a great lunch find. I recommend the mushroom sandwich or the barbecue pork pizza.

The Vig – American southwestern cuisine, with locations either downtown on Fillmore or close to Arcadia.

Zen Thai – downtown classic Thai where the lunch specials with vegetarian options or chicken will still get you out under $20.

Harumi – a popular downtown sushi restaurant where the lunch specials offer a more affordable choice.

Noble Eatery – an intimate sandwich spot run by Noble Bread, focused on great ingredients and simple combinations. Go for the Italian.

Da Vang – a Vietnamese place with great pho and cha giao. This one is a little less Americanized than Rice Paper (and I love them for it).

Happy lunching! Let me know if I missed your favorite spot!