Ok, I'll give you 4 dollars, where are you going to spend it for lunch. And here's the catch- no pizza.

624284 Ok, I'll give you 4 dollars, where are you going to spend it for lunch. And here's the catch- no pizza. Mon Jun 01 14:23:10 -0700 2009 69 12 Greater Boston Area 0 4733424 I've stumped myself, so I'll just head over to Christinas for a big ice cream cone. Mon Jun 01 14:23:10 -0700 2009 323567 mrwhiskers 1 4733458 Soup from Au Bon Pain. Not that chowish or exciting. Mon Jun 01 14:34:05 -0700 2009 4733424 259468 Suze123 2 4733609 The last time I got a small soup from them, it was a bit over $4 for their small size. :-/ Mon Jun 01 15:19:20 -0700 2009 4733458 13028 kobuta 3 4735746 Darn! I think you're right. OK. Bon Mi it is! Tue Jun 02 09:46:43 -0700 2009 4733609 259468 Suze123 1 4733508 Still Umberto for me. $2.50 arancini, $1.20 panzarotti, 30 cents change. Mon Jun 01 14:50:04 -0700 2009 4733424 203280 kimfair1 2 4736877 Yup. Tue Jun 02 14:57:00 -0700 2009 4733508 11093 Bob MacAdoo 1 4733530 To me, the top choice would be a banh mi, a Vietnamese sub made with a crusty French roll, meat or tofu, shredded carrots, cilantro, and spicy chile peppers. A six-inch sub goes for anywhere between $2.75 and $3.25, depending on the place and the type of banh mi. Quick picks (although there are many more): Ba Le in Dorchester, Mei Sum in Chinatown, Pho Viet at the Super 88 food court in Allston. Mon Jun 01 14:54:01 -0700 2009 4733424 11344 finlero 2 4733808 I'm w/you, finlero - when I saw the headline I thought "banh mi, baby!" I want one now, actually. Mon Jun 01 16:43:00 -0700 2009 4733530 11404 gansu girl 2 4734067 My thoughts exactly. Mon Jun 01 18:08:24 -0700 2009 4733530 27342 trufflehound 2 4735688 Ditto with Ba Le, and I'd add a banh bao (kinda like a massive dry dumpling stuffed with meat veggies and an egg) and it could still be under $4. Tue Jun 02 09:28:53 -0700 2009 4733530 20717 sailormouth 2 4736845 Agreed $4 at 163 Vietnamese Sandwiches in Chinatown gets you banh mi and a coke Tue Jun 02 14:46:42 -0700 2009 4733530 201247 frankthetank 3 4738208 I like 163 a lot. I've also enjoyed their BBQ chicken on lo mein for 3.50. Wed Jun 03 05:32:21 -0700 2009 4736845 13803 gourmaniac 2 4739822 Banh Mi was the first place I thought of too! I'm a huge fan of the New Saigon Shop on Washington Street! Wed Jun 03 13:45:41 -0700 2009 4733530 429926 CreativeFoodie42 1 4733537 The cafeteria at my kids' High School doesn't even have anything decent for $4. At least that's what they tell me! Mon Jun 01 14:56:54 -0700 2009 4733424 15774 MSK 1 4733573 Go to Speeds with a friend in order to split a $7.00 hot dog (loaded of course) and a can of soda. Yumm! Mon Jun 01 15:08:16 -0700 2009 4733424 98619 Delhiwala 1 4733607 Yeah, I'd still get a banh mi with money to spare at $2.75. Maybe some fruit to go with that at a local chinese grocey market. I can still buy a lot of Chinatown bakery buns too (usually 2-3 buns is plenty for lunch, which often means well under $4) I like bo lo bau (or "pineapple buns') which usually run about $0.60 each. Even with 3, I can still buy a drink - maybe a Malt Vitasoy for another 60 cents or so. Mon Jun 01 15:18:55 -0700 2009 4733424 13028 kobuta 1 4733613 Pork and preserved egg porridge at Hong Kong eatery. Mon Jun 01 15:22:08 -0700 2009 4733424 106428 nasilemak 1 4733720 I'd go to Hing Shing Pastry in Ctown and get a spring roll, taro root roll, 1 other item and an egg custard..probably have some change left over. or a bahn mi Mon Jun 01 16:07:27 -0700 2009 4733424 10111 9lives 1 4733737 i think you can rock a burger at flat patties with 4 bucks, or the pulled pork sandwich. Mon Jun 01 16:16:24 -0700 2009 4733424 323567 mrwhiskers 1 4733858 Fecal wonders how much the duck plate costs at Wai Wai in C-town these days...it used to be around 4 bones. Mon Jun 01 16:57:18 -0700 2009 4733424 41620 fecalface 1 4734065 I ate like a king for that at the Chinese food trucks by the natural history museum at Harvard (similar trucks at MIT and Harvard Medical School). Otherwise, a falafel sandwich at Moody's runs about $4. Mon Jun 01 18:07:21 -0700 2009 4733424 256764 yarm 1 4734178 2 pupusas at Maya Sol in East Somerville ($1.75 each). They come with sauce and coleslaw, so it's easily a whole meal. Mon Jun 01 18:45:56 -0700 2009 4733424 42636 blink617 1 4734791 you can get pasta (changes daily) and a roll at Viga (downtown) for under $4; container looks small but it's plenty filling for lunch. I think an order of 6 crispy-bottomed potstickers at Windsor (CHinatown) is also under $4. Tue Jun 02 01:56:28 -0700 2009 4733424 13161 barleywino 1 4734984 Many good ideas, with the upper limit $3.99, here: http://3buckbites.com/categories/22/search_type/and/ http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Tue Jun 02 05:49:44 -0700 2009 4733424 10143 MC Slim JB 2 4735228 The Inman Square nod reminded me, I believe Bukowski's still does a $3 burger. Caveats: (a) while it's not bad, it's not exactly a look-skyward-and-give-thanks-you-have-tastebuds experience either, and (b) good luck not grabbing a $4 beer to go with said $3 burger. Tue Jun 02 07:14:23 -0700 2009 4734984 11344 finlero 3 4736458 Good luck finding a beer as cheap as $4 on their menu... Though I do agree with the burger call (I think they used to do the same thing with the dogs, but I believe they stopped). Tue Jun 02 13:02:17 -0700 2009 4735228 235722 Canadian Tuxedo 1 4735039 Well mrwhiskers you asked for it so, Fife & Drum, open to the public, at the Concord State Prison, a complete lunch is $1.75, no tip necessary. Your tax dollars at work, or should I say, what's left of you check after paying taxes in MA, enjoy! Tue Jun 02 06:17:22 -0700 2009 4733424 147961 treb 2 4736472 Right, but it may be hard for some to get past the anchor tattoo on the "pernil," or the shanked shanks. Tue Jun 02 13:05:38 -0700 2009 4735039 23376 nsenada 3 4739564 It's not in the prison, it's in the building next to it on the grounds. There's a thread about it on CH. Wed Jun 03 12:28:06 -0700 2009 4736472 147961 treb 2 4736932 i'd guess there is no silverware Tue Jun 02 15:15:37 -0700 2009 4735039 323567 mrwhiskers 3 4739572 Metal dectors and a frisk before you order. As I said to nsenada, there's a CH thread on this place. Wed Jun 03 12:29:57 -0700 2009 4736932 147961 treb 2 4762241 The original Fife & Drum at Minuteman Regional Technical High School (or whatever it's calling itself this year) also has a very good lunch, but I think it's more like $7.00 (comes with appetizer, though). Wed Jun 10 22:17:13 -0700 2009 4735039 68464 sablemerle 1 4735084 Felipe's in Harvard Square for a tostada (any type but steak) with guacamole for $3.89. Lots of yummy extras at the condiment bar too. Tue Jun 02 06:29:40 -0700 2009 4733424 96025 mrsx 1 4735095 I forget what I was doing in Inman Square in the middle of the day, but I must admit I made a lunch of a double-scoop Christina's cone a few weeks ago. Not the proudest moment in my personal nutrition, but it's my favorite ice cream shop in town. http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Tue Jun 02 06:32:41 -0700 2009 4733424 10143 MC Slim JB 2 4736360 yup-- very tasty! Tue Jun 02 12:40:19 -0700 2009 4735095 323567 mrwhiskers 2 4736831 I consider ice cream to be one of the major food groups. It's definitely tops in MY food pyramid. Tue Jun 02 14:41:58 -0700 2009 4735095 168151 Stride 1 4735097 A couple veggie tacos from Burrito Express. Tue Jun 02 06:34:49 -0700 2009 4733424 11148 Alcachofa 1 4735108 one of the small size quiches at Canto 6 in JP ($3.25) plus a cannele ($.50) for dessert! Tue Jun 02 06:37:32 -0700 2009 4733424 11251 mapgirl 1 4735194 I'd probably grab a hot dog at Simco's in Mattapan. Tue Jun 02 07:03:48 -0700 2009 4733424 14771 hiddenboston 2 4736892 Four Kayem dogs at Sully's in March or November. I can also grab three tamals at Taq La Maxicana. Tue Jun 02 15:00:04 -0700 2009 4735194 11093 Bob MacAdoo 3 4738495 Actually, it would be 5 dogs at Sully's (they are 75 cents each during those months). :-) A friend of mine and I were heading to Sullivan's a couple of Novembers ago to grab some cheap dogs, and when we stepped out of the car, we saw $8.00 lying in the street. Now I don't even have to tell you what that was used for ($8.00 divided by $0.75 equals hot dog heaven). Wed Jun 03 07:27:09 -0700 2009 4736892 14771 hiddenboston 4 4738572 Serendoggity? http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Wed Jun 03 07:51:52 -0700 2009 4738495 10143 MC Slim JB 4 4738602 Please don't tell me you each had 5 dogs... Wed Jun 03 07:58:10 -0700 2009 4738495 10169 StriperGuy 5 4738871 Ok, I won't tell you. :-D Wed Jun 03 09:23:08 -0700 2009 4738602 14771 hiddenboston 6 4739287 That was one doggone story. Wed Jun 03 11:21:07 -0700 2009 4738871 11093 Bob MacAdoo 6 4757147 Plop plop, fizz fizz. Tue Jun 09 12:46:16 -0700 2009 4738871 10169 StriperGuy 1 4736962 Sevans in Watertown has an unbelievable group of baked wraps one with cheese,tomato,and salami like meat for 2.95-you will have enough left over for their desserts! Tue Jun 02 15:30:41 -0700 2009 4733424 232523 majo 1 4737249 Fired Catfish and chips Chicken Parm with Pasta Chicken Salad Sandwich Tuna Sandwich 1/2 sandwich & soup Cheeseburger Hamburger all under $4, and a complimentary bread basket is included. The Breakheart Inn, at Northeastern Metro Vocational School, right next to Breakheart Reservation in Wakefield and just up the road from J. Pace & Son. Hours, days of operation and basic menu listed at: http://www.northeastmetrotech.com/voc/culinary/culinary.htm#Menu They have daily specials which they'll give to you over the phone. I don't think those cost more than $7 at the most and I think those tend to be a better bet. I've had a few lunches and the food has ranged from fairly decent to pretty darn good. The breads trend more towards darn good to some truly excellent cinnamon rolls. You go to the main entrance of the school, sign in and get a visitor pass and head down through the school hallways to the dining room. It's nothing fancy and you can tell there's a lot to learn, but you absolutely can't beat the price. Tue Jun 02 17:15:02 -0700 2009 4733424 10027 Chris VR 1 4737422 1 snap dog with mustard and onions + 1 small fries + 1 soda at Sullivan's, Castle Island. Tue Jun 02 18:32:02 -0700 2009 4733424 155799 wilbanks 1 4739213 Five Dollar Foot Long...shared with a friend... Wed Jun 03 11:01:35 -0700 2009 4733424 184951 hckybg 1 4739278 2 empanadas from the Columbian place down the street. Wed Jun 03 11:19:53 -0700 2009 4733424 202497 MattInNJ 2 4739291 $1 taco Tuesday at La Verdad on Landsdowne Street Wed Jun 03 11:22:19 -0700 2009 4739278 152044 Allston78 3 4739349 whoah mama, I could do that every week. Wed Jun 03 11:33:33 -0700 2009 4739291 202497 MattInNJ 1 4739483 Banh Mi at 163 Vietnamese Sandwiches in Chinatown. With one more dollar, I could get an iced coffee as well. Wed Jun 03 12:08:01 -0700 2009 4733424 90936 Kenji 1 4739623 Two Jamaican patties from Jamiaca's in downtown lynn. $1.50 each, I have a dollar left over for a drink. Love the patties! Wed Jun 03 12:43:02 -0700 2009 4733424 183871 drewinmrblhd 1 4755546 If I'm not particularly hungry, I could probably get it done at Hot Dog Annie's on Wednesday with four hot dogs for $4. Otherwise, I'll need to go to Taco Bell's $.89 Cheesy Double Beef Burrito, which is the most hefty serving you'll find for the price. I could probably get 3 of them with a small soda and be full (as well as dead from acid reflux). Tue Jun 09 04:21:27 -0700 2009 4733424 504203 theholycow 2 4755655 I'd go with Galleria Umberto's in the North End, too. We love it -- they gave our out of town guest two free slices once because he told the counter guy how much he loved the pizza and how he can't get anything like it out west...super cheap eats when they throw in free stuff! Tue Jun 09 05:39:12 -0700 2009 4755546 215073 adiosoven 1 4755932 Well, based on what I had yesterday as part of a food-based road trip, now I'm thinking that I'll have half a steak stick at Suppa's in Lowell. Delicious, and very filling! Tue Jun 09 07:16:13 -0700 2009 4733424 14771 hiddenboston 1 4756064 I believe an order of 3 goi cuon is still $4 at the asian truck at MIT ("Goosebeary's")-- I dislike most of their offerings, but the goi cuon and the ga nuong are both solid. (They also have banh mi, or at least they used to, but it is/was pretty bad-- I'd stick with Pho Viet or one of the Chinatown options...) Tue Jun 09 07:54:08 -0700 2009 4733424 49653 another_adam 1 4756385 Two fried chicken thighs and a house made beef patty at Lennie's Bakery on Blue Hill Avenue ($3.75). Tue Jun 09 09:15:47 -0700 2009 4733424 13803 gourmaniac 2 4775551 1. a bowl of tortellini soup w/ warm bread at Alia in Winthrop 2. two egg rolls at Billy Tse in Revere 3. one panzarotti and one arancini at Umberto's in the North End Mon Jun 15 16:30:42 -0700 2009 4757571 121524 missfoodie 1 4776487 I'll have two tacos from Taqueria El Amigo in waltham. One Carne asada and one Al pastor. I'm getting hungry. Mon Jun 15 21:59:35 -0700 2009 4733424 226095 yummieeee 1 4779658 Chicken taco at Tacos Lupita--just $2.50 & quasi-healthy. Chunks of carmelized chicken stand up to raw, rough-chopped onion, & there's plenty of tomato & cilantro. Usually, taco is served with a lime wedge & jalapeno hot sauce, both of which are essential, so ask if one of the hard-working servers forgets. Also, know that this is the kind of place that rewards regulars. The more I go there--even for a measly single-taco order--the bigger my taco gets. Heaven! Tue Jun 16 18:35:02 -0700 2009 4733424 286426 pocketviking 1 4982102 Pretty easy ... there is afood court near Macys in the financial distrtict. Many items for around 4 - the jamaican stall has Jamaican patties, ginger beer, fried chicken. Most any bakery in chinatown and you can get stuffed for 4. Falafels from the falafel king. Any of the cafeterias in the offices (except for pricy places like sebastians).... I rarely eat pizza - but sometimes the pizza regina in south station is a quick drop of a couple fo dollars for lunch. Then during the summertime, the "Farmers markets" allow for individual selection with many opportunities for spending less than 4! Thu Aug 27 06:40:49 -0700 2009 4733424 73480 cornFusion 1 4988519 Go to Anna's Taqueria, get an Al Pastor quesadilla, enjoy. If you don't like pork, their steak quesadilla is also superb. The problem is that they're so tasty I'm licking my chops after eating one and wondering if I can eat another. As a couple of people mentioned, there are several Chinese food trucks at MIT that will stuff you for $4, but it's been a while since I've been there, so no specific recs. Sat Aug 29 10:58:13 -0700 2009 4733424 84729 NYA Joe 1 4990528 A small ice cream at Bedford Farms is big enough to last me all day.... nothing wrong with ice cream for lunch in the summer time. I can't remember how much it is though, so I may be over the limit. Sun Aug 30 12:35:38 -0700 2009 4733424 1105319 fionadaisy 1 4990570 $1 sushi at Shino Express on Newbury Street. $1 Fenway dog at Lower Depths in Kenmore Square. Chips and great homemade salsa at Shay's in Harvard Square. In cooler weather, clam chowder at Legal or Jacob Wirth or John Harvard. Sun Aug 30 12:54:24 -0700 2009 4733424 18264 steinpilz 1 4990593 One of my favorite falafel places - I think it's called International Falafel - is in Haymarket, under one of the butchers. You can do that for $4. It's like stepping into the middle east in there, with a table under the Arabic TV and a few guys reading newspapers and talking and a counter on the side for falafel. Sun Aug 30 13:02:44 -0700 2009 4733424 71350 lergnom 2 4990815 But unlike stepping into the Middle East, you won't get a good falafel! Sun Aug 30 14:56:46 -0700 2009 4990593 11301 Science Chick 1 4992555 2 salads at the Clover food truck @ MIT. Local, organic & in season. Mon Aug 31 08:58:53 -0700 2009 4733424 59729 salty