This awesome fish and chips joint has been in the valley since 1947 and with seven locations they have clearly stood the test of time. They offer the standard fare of fish and chips (large cut potato fries) but they order only the finest cod and fry it up right before your very eyes. Very reminiscent of the Irish favorite, and the prices are amazingly low for something so addictive and tasty.

A person can eat here and leave with a smile and a full stomach for under $8, which is pretty decent considering how pricey food can be these days when eating out and when trying to avoid the high calorie mish mash of the cheaper fast food places. I got hooked on this place when I was going to high school in Arizona as there was one located right across the street. Back then you could eat lunch for under five bucks, and still today they have great prices on their food.

Julio Too’s is the offshoot of a local chain of family owned Mexican restaurants called Julio G’s. This place only serves inside in a small area and predominantly to-go. They also take care of any catering that patron’s desire from their parent restaurant, Julio G’s. Basically it is very affordable and very authentic Mexican food that has been here in the valley for decades and will be here hopefully for quite some time.

You can order a cold beer with lunch and eat it there or take it to go. They have a huge menu that is decadent with all your favorite Mexican eats at prices you can well afford to stomach. They offer all sorts of great lunch combinations and specials that will run you about $6-10 per person. Great and gourmet Mexican food at reasonable prices is what you will find here and your tummy will thank you!

When in the mood for Asian food but not in the mood to wait or to pay too much this place should be your first stop. Located in South Scottsdale off Thomas Road—it is tucked away and you will have to look twice or you could easily drive by the place. However once you do find your way in you will be enticed by great service and awesome prices—especially on their drinks—Sake bombers are only $4 at lunchtime.

They offer lunch combo plates that cost between $5-8 (depending on what you order) and features a variety of eats. You get fried rice or white rice, two sides and a fortune cookie, not to mention the main entrée of your choice. Their food is great and very authentic and that combined with the prices makes this place a surefire win each time you are shopping for a tasty lunch on a thin budget.

This restaurant became very famous in the valley for its Tempe location where many famous bands would perform including the Gin Blossoms, who go their start here. But they have tons of locations in AZ—you just have to know where to find them. They have had a location in South Scottsdale for quite some time and they are best known for their world famous chicken wings.

You can choose a variety of lunch sizes based upon your hunger—all are well priced and won’t cost you more than $7-10 to eat here and be full. They also serve tons of beer and have great prices on that. Or you can get a burger or hot dog that is served perfectly. But I recommend the wings, this is what they specialize in and they have some of the best wings in the valley, hands down!

The Pita House is located in Old Town Scottsdale near a plethora of small businesses. It is located near just about everything and getting there is easy to do, since most people work in and around South Scottsdale. The Pita House serves gourmet Middle-Eastern food with an emphasis on customer service, and it clearly shows in how they treat their patrons.

There is ample seating inside and out and a brand new patio makes for comfy outdoor seating and is equipped with misters for the hotter summer days. They offer all sorts of great eats but are best known for their gyros—chicken or beef—fresh from the spit. These will cost you about $6 plus a drink for lunch and gyros do not get any tastier or more affordable than at Pita House—yummy!