Lexington cheap eats: 10 great local dining options priced at $10 (or less!)
.png "Affordable dining options in Lexington include, from top left, jambalaya from Bourbon n’ Toulouse, chicken teriyaki plate from Big Kahuna Hawaiian Barbecue, fried chicken plate from Critchfield’s and the Ho Burger and fries from Tolly Ho.")
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Rising food costs push Lexington diners toward value meals under $10 in 2025.
- Reporter lists ten Lexington restaurants offering diverse $10-or-less meals.
- Meals span burgers, barbecue, Cajun, Mexican, Mediterranean and sandwiches.
Tightening budgets are pushing consumers to seek out more budget friendly options when dining out.
The growing goal for many consumers: Finding affordable indulgence. People are seeking out really good food for less money.
For Lexington’s affordable meal aficionados, here are 10 tasty and filling meal options — from a classic burger and barbecue to Cajun-Creole to Mexican and Mediterranean and more — available at Lexington restaurants (listed alphabetically), priced at only $10 or under.
Big Kahuna Hawaiian BBQ
Teriyaki Chicken Plate: A classic Hawaiian plate lunch experience with marinated grilled teriyaki chicken, two scoops of rice dressed with house chili sauce, spicy mayo and sweet soy, and a side of Hawaiian macaroni salad. $10.
Big Kahuna is at 904 Liberty Rd. and 3101 Clays Mill Rd. 859-317-9179 (Liberty) and 859-407-2301 (Clays Mill.) Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; closed Monday.
Blue Door Smokehouse
Beef Brisket Sandwich: Featuring Blue Door’s perennially popular sliced beef brisket served on a soft bun with pickle and onion on the side. $7.50. Homemade sides are available for $2.25 each. Choice of creamy cole slaw, potato salad, vinegar slaw, collard greens, ranch beans, or side salad. Plain or BBQ Grippos potato chips are also available for $1.25 each.
Blue Door is at 819 National Ave. 859-252-4227. Hours: Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., closed Sunday.
Bourbon n’ Toulouse
Jambalaya with Chicken & Sausage: Made fresh daily. A heaping helping of dirty rice with authentic Cajun-style smoked and andouille sausage, chicken, bell peppers, onions, celery and spices. Served with garlic bread. (Gluten free available.) Known to sell out. Half order: $7. Full order: $9.
Bourbon n’ Toulouse is at 829 Euclid Ave. and 1781 Sharkey Way. 859-335-0300 (Euclid); 859-303-5012 (Sharkey Way.) Hours: Monday through Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday noon-8 p.m. (Euclid); Monday through Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Sharkey Way.)
Critchfield Meats Family Market
Three-Piece Famous Fried Chicken Meal. Critchfield’s legendary fried chicken is always a fan favorite. Includes one breast, two dark meats, and two sides (daily options vary) with choice of roll or sweet cornbread. $9.99.
Critchfield Meats Family Market is at 398 Southland Dr. 859-276-4965. Hours: Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
DV8 Kitchen
Classic Chicken Caesar Salad: An ample and inviting serving of grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, cheese crisps, garlic croutons, and DV8’s homemade Caesar dressing. $9.75.
DV8 Kitchen is at 867 S. Broadway and 594 E. Third. 859-955-0388 (South Broadway) and 859-832-0388 (East Third.) Hours: Monday through Friday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Goodfellas Pizzeria
Pizza Slice Lunch Special: Your choice of any oversized New York-style pizza slice in the hot case, one side (massive breadstick, side salad or dessert), and a drink. $10.
Goodfellas is at 110 N. Mill St. and 1228 Manchester St. at Distillery District. 859-281-1101 (Mill) and 859-523-5280 (DD). Hours: Lunch special available Monday through Friday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Joella’s Hot Chicken
Chicken and Waffles: Two tasty jumbo chicken tenders (fried or grilled) and waffles with choice of heat level and dipping sauce. Lip licking. $9.99.
Joella’s is at 101 Cochran Rd. and 2305 Sir Barton Way. 859-269-9593 (Cochran) and 859-977-9191 (Sir Barton Way.) Hours: 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. every day.
Mi Pequena Hacienda
Lunch Special Combo: Choice of two ground beef or shredded chicken enchiladas, or burritos, or tacos, served with rice and beans and a bowl of soup. Available daily from one of Lexington’s most popular Mexican restaurants. $9.99.
Mi Pequena Hacienda is at 3501 Lansdowne Dr. and 110 Cynthia Dr. in Nicholasville. 859-245-4679 (Lexington) and 859-309-3840 (Nicholasville.) Hours: Lunch special available 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily.
Tolly-Ho
World-Famous ‘Ho Burger’ and Fries: Since 1971. The one and only original Ho burger and Lexington favorite for generations. A juicy quarter-pound beef patty with choice of cheese (American, cheddar, Swiss, or habanero) dressed with their original Ho sauce, mustard, ketchup, crunchy lettuce, and fresh onions. Still only $5. Add an order of hot, crunchy, salty fries for $3.50.
Tolly-Ho is at 350 Foreman Ave. 859-687-5013. Hours: Sunday through Wednesday. 7 a.m. to midnite Thursday through Saturday 7 a.m.-3 a.m.
Watan Mediterranean Grill
Lunch Special: Choice of protein (chicken, beef, or lamb) or vegetarian option served with rice, hummus, salad, pickles, pita bread, and sauce (garlic, taziki, tahini, or shatta hot sauce.) $9.42.
Watan Mediterranean Grill is at 3344 Partner Place. 859-456-2286. Hours: Lunch special available daily from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
More cheap eats?
Did we miss your favorite $10 or less go-to meal? Email us at bsimms@herald-leader.com or jpatton1@herald-leader.com.
Rob Bolson is a freelance writer residing in Lexington, Kentucky, who writes about food and culture. Follow him on Instagram at @robbiebolson. Email him at foodwriter@earthlink.net.
This story was originally published October 29, 2025 at 7:00 AM.