In and Out in 30 Minutes Flat: Lunch in Boston's Financial District

Get yo’ kebab on. You get to order at a podium, and for $10 you can purchase an entire feast – kebab, tzatziki, warm Syrian bread, rice…My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Lunch tomorrow anyone?

I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who doesn’t like the Milk Street Cafe. I’d walked by it hundreds of times before I even realized it served food, but once I did there was no going back. Oh, and they offer kosher, which is a downtown rarity in these parts.

Fast food for rich folks is what I like to call Sebastian’s. I’ve only eaten their $14 salads because a very kind upper-level co-worker likes to treat on occasion, but let me tell you, they are truly worth every penny. Salmon, eggplant, feta – you name it, they’ve got it, and every salad is made to your precise (and believe me, I’m precise) specifications.

Oh pho. There is nothing better to cure a case of the Mondays (or a hangover) than a giant, steaming bowl of pho. Is it the best pho I’ve ever had? Nah, but who cares? A large is $6, need I say more?

There’s a woman behind the counter at Susan’s – maybe even Susan herself – who is there every single day and monotonously tells me the same thing every single day, without any facial recognition. She amazes me with her inability to render facial expressions – unless you take too long and then she just looks peeved. So decide way before you get in line.

Okay, so Viga’s not the cheapest choice, but they’ve got some affordable specials, and their pasta dishes are big enough to save some for dinner.

Whenever I order something from Al Capone’s, I magically have lunch for the next three days. Seriously, I have never seen such enormous sandwiches, anywhere, in my entire life. At around $7 each, they’re not cheap, but divided by three or four? Awesome.

Perhaps you don’t think this wine bar is a good lunch spot…perhaps you are wrong. Not only is the lunch menu better a bargain compared to dinner, but given that it’s technically in the Leather District (cool your heels, it’s not that far), it’s much less crowded than your typical Federal Street spot.

For those of you not from big cities, Cosi’s the golden standard of upscale fast food. We’re talking giant salads, $7 sandwiches, and your choice of carrots or chips on the side. Simple, yes, but good.

Betcha didn’t know there was a D’Angelo right downtown! Commuters know that this “secret” location is in the South Station bus terminal. Unfamiliar with the franchise? D’Angelo is a local chain with tasty hot sandwiches and “pokkets” (okay, so they can’t spell, but they can make tasty grub).

Good luck getting back to work after a lunch here – the portions are tremendous!

…aka paninis, are awesome. Goat cheese has never tasted so good.