Looking for lunch in San Jose? What about tacos or pho? Or a burger or sandwich? Don’t compromise — or break the bank. We’ve got the best lunch deals around town (including some of our favorites).
Sandwiches and wraps
Chiaramonte’s Deli & Sausage, 609 N. 13th St. | This historic, 117-year-old gem located near Backesto Park remains one of the oldest family-owned and operated Italian delis in the US. Drop by for classics like the turkey + bacon, thin-sliced BLT, or hot pastrami sandwich, all under $11.
Look no further for your Italian sandwiches, meats, and other goods at this 115-year-old deli.
Photo via @lunaparksanjose + @sanjosefoos
111 Bakery Inc., 2347 McKee Rd. | The bánh mìs at this beloved family-owned bakery make for a great lunch deal. Try one of their many options like barbecue pork or shredded chicken for $6.50, or go for the $8 salami or tuna sandwich. Ask about the mini bánh mìs; they’re so cute, you almost don’t want to eat them — almost. Oh, and save room for pastries; that’s 111 Bakery’s specialty.
It’s Lunch Time, 3205 Edward Ave., Santa Clara | Feeling spicy? Try the $13.99 spicy chicken teriyaki wrap loaded with romaine lettuce, sesame seeds, steamed rice, and hot sauce, or go the sandwich route with the $12.99 Hot Punch stacked with sausage, cheese, onion, lettuce, tomato, and Sriracha + mayo sauce.
Bertucelli’s La Villa Deli, 1319 Lincoln Ave. | Established in 1947, you can’t go wrong with any of this deli’s sandwiches, all priced at $15 or less. Pro tip: Pick up its not-so-secret item, the Chris Combo sandwich.
Don’t be fooled by the name — the burgers at Sliders are full-size.
Photo via @slidersburger_sanjose
Burgers
Sliders Burger, 1645 W. San Carlos St. | Don’t be fooled by the name — these burgers are full-sized, and offer a range of protein choices including elk, turkey, wild boar, and lamb. Nearly every burger on the menu is $10-$15.
Burger Bar, 1101 S. First St. | This no-frills, 1950s-era, walk-up burger stand is beloved for its classic burgers like the ~$7 classic cheeseburger with mayo + relish. If you’re feeding a group, try the $16 bag of five cheeseburgers — we know it’s $1 more than the budget, but you’ll make a lot of friends.
Kirk’s Steakburgers, 2509 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell | Since the 1940s, Kirk’s has been known for its huge half-pound and third-pound patties — all cooked on an indoor barbecue pit using a secret, family recipe. Grab the classic Steakburger for $12, or if you’re super hungry, go for the Double Steakburger for $15. Specialty burgers are all priced under $15, too.
Burger Barn, 2485 Forest Ave. | Treat yourself to a $12 burger combo with fries and a drink at this laid-back, counter service eatery. You can also order a cheeseburger à la carte for $7 or a Jr. Burger for just $4.
Campus Burgers, 108 Paseo de San Antonio | The deals are part of the deal at this spot where you can get a basic smashburger for $1.99 and a double cheeseburger for $4.99. SJtoday reader Victoria L. calls this restaurant “a lifesaver” for when she wants to treat a friend to lunch. “A Cheeseburger, fries, and a soft drink for under $12 is unfortunately getting hard to find these days,” she added.
Who doesn’t enjoy a hearty bowl of pho from Pho Kim Long?
Photo via @borkeley.eats
Pho and ramen
Pho Kim Long, 2082 N. Capitol Ave. | This community mainstay is one of the oldest pho restaurants in the area and is known for its rich broth. A large pho bo beef soup available in various combinations will set you back $9, leaving you with some wiggle room to add a few extra mix-ins like more veggies, shrimp, or noodles.
Kumako Ramen Den, 487 Saratoga Ave. | You’ll find several ramen options for under $15 here, including the Shoyu soy sauce-flavored broth topped with bean sprouts, scallions, bamboo shoots, and naruto, or the Stir Fry with fried cabbage, scallions, and bean sprouts on top of the house tonkotsu ramen.
Kahoo Ramen, 4330 Moorpark Ave. | Try the signature miso ramen with Chashu pork, the black garlic miso ramen for a lil’ kick, or the veggie miso ramen, each just under $15.
Tacos
Neza Birrieria, 1225 E. Santa Clara St. | This beloved food truck boasts handmade tortillas + salsas, and flavorful birria tacos and quesabirrias for around $5 a pop. Pro tips: Splurge for a side of consommé and hit up an ATM before you go — this spot only accepts cash.
El Bombero 408, 1551 Parkmoor Ave. | This food truck is straight fire. Try the TJ Tacos on handmade tortillas for under $5 with carne asada, chicharron, chorizo, chicken, carnitas, and more.
Día de Pesca, 55 N. Bascom Ave. | Enjoy lunch on the patio and try the seafood options. We recommend the $14 taco sample with three small tacos — salmon, pollo asado, and breaded halibut with your choice of two sides. The SIFOOD Taco with bell peppers, onions, cabbage, avocado, and chipotle sauce is also a must-try, and you can get it with grilled or breaded seafood.
Tacos Los Tres Reyes, 2520 Story Rd. | You’ll find tacos for $3.50 each at this East San Jose staple known for its flavorful meats, large salsa bar, and agua frescas. Make sure you give yourself a little extra time for lunch, there’s usually a line here.
It’s easy eating green — just try a salad at Chop Stop.
Photo via @chopstop
Salads
Mendocino Farms, 3090 Olsen Dr. | The salads here are big, fresh, and colorful. Coming in at just under $15, try “Not So Fried” Chicken Sandwich Salad with shaved, roasted chicken breast, mustard pickle slaw, grape tomatoes, pickled red onions, Mendo’s krispies, citrus vinaigrette, and a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
Chop Stop, 1704 Oakland Rd., Ste. 300 | This chain is known for its chopped salads including the Shrimp Chop, Cobb Chop, and Southwest-inspired Santa Fe Chop, each priced under $15.
The Salad Planet, 387 S. First St., Ste. 117 | As this restaurant’s name hints, the greens are great here. Try the $14 Chinese Chicken Salad with iceberg lettuce, peanuts, cabbage, and crispy noodles or the Spring Mix Salad with apples, pecans, shrimp, cranberries, and feta.
