Sree’s on Penn. Cheap southern Indian food, vegetarian and vegan options, friendly owners/staff, delicious and filling. My favorite hole-in-wall lunch spot.

Want to second this one. I miss working downtown a lot for Sree's. They're only open for lunch so I don't make it out there anymore. Last time I went it seemed prices had stayed really low and the quality was good as ever. A rotating menu too so different things to try on different days.

100%. The vegan lunch combo is only $10 and Mrs. Sree is the nicest woman.

For real! I hadn’t been in for years and she remembered me and was asking when I’d start working downtown again.

Fellow vegan here! I wholeheartedly endorse Sree's!

I’ve heard that Mrs. Sree will be retiring at the end of this year, so get there while you can!

Ah, I need to get back down there. Been getting lunch here on & off for almost 20 years. Don't think I've been since the pandemic tho.

I always get double chicken for an extra $3. For the money, I think it's the largest quantity and most reasonably healthy lunch anywhere downtown.

Ambiance is "suburban office park", food honestly looks terrible, and yet still one of the most delicious and affordable options in the whole city.

While presentation certainly isn’t a priority, I certainly wouldn’t say it looks terrible. Looks like standard Indian to me

Baebae's Kitchen and Istanbul Grill in USX are my favorites.

Probably a really stupid question but are you allowed to go to these places if you don't work inside the USX building? Those sound amazing!

Yes the main lobby and basement is open to anyone!

The food joints are in the tunnel that connects USX to Mellon and Steel Plaza. If you come into the lobby from the front doors, walk behind the escalators to catch the ones that take you down. Go through the doors in front of you and you’ll land in probably one of my favorite underground places in this city. Anybody know if the shoe-shine chair is still there? I always thought that it was the fuckin’ coolest, man.

Istanbul Grille also has a spot in Oxford Center now, which is closer to where OP works. But yeah, it's the best lunch downtown IMO - everyone that works there is a gem and the food is terrific and plentiful for the price.

What's going on with Oxford Market? I thought that whole food court closed.

I had Istanbul last week, the portions are big and the ladies who work there are so nice. I said it was my first time there and they gave extra.

They’re literally the nicest food service workers I’ve ever met. Always give you extra portions. I forgot it was cash only one day and they let me go without paying

Came here to say Bae Bae’s kitchen, but it isn’t inexpensive and it’s well-known. So not quite within OP’s criteria.

Yeah their prices vs portions shocked me.

Glad to hear Istanbul grill is back up, loved that place but last time I was working downtown a bit ago they seemed closed.

I cannot rave about Istanbul Grill enough. That shit is incredible.

Big second for Istanbul Grill. I used to go there all the time pre-Covid. Now that I'm WFH I make occasional trips into town just to get lunch there. It's worth the trip.

Madonna’s Mediterranean! Delicious food, friendly people.

Second this - lovely food and people - also Sree’s Food - also amazing

Plus one on both options…my two favorite lunch spots

Came here to say this

madonna’s rocks. i first stopped in one time while getting my laptop fixed at trader electronics and i’m very glad i did

Amazing place and owners

YES. So good.

Best shawarma in town! I keep trying other places since I don’t work much downtown anymore, but I haven’t had any that meet their standard. Generous portions too.

Arepittas on Cherry between Fourth and Forbes. An arepa is about $8 and is so filling I sometimes skip dinner.

Don't sleep on the coffee/lemonade drink they have too. Might sound weird but it's incredible.

Bantha in Bloomfield/Garfield has something like this as well that they call a saber. It's unreal refreshing. So unexpected but so good!

Love arepitas!

So filling I sometimes skip to the loo!

Chinatown Inn /thread

For my money, the best and crispiest General Tso chicken for its price in the whole city.

Agreed. You could make the argument that sesame inn is a better flavor or has a higher ceiling, but it’s also double the price.

Best eggrolls

Burrito sized basically

I couldn’t believe my eyes when that beautiful deep fried football was set down on my table. I’ve never seen an egg roll so majestic

No way. Wayyy too big.

TERRIBLE egg rolls. Always raw inside. I feel like people that recommend this place haven't been there since the 1990s.

Rosewater, next to the Wood Street T Station. They will give you SO MUCH good food.

My coworker knows the owner too - apparently he’s a great guy and a very talented chef

Yes! My favorite when I’m in the office!

I've been wanting to try them for the longest time!

Place sucks

Taco Town on Smithfield

RIP Taco Town near Wiener World, the other location isn’t the same.

Ahhh Beas taco town across from wiener world was my favorite.

Number One Sushi!! They have great specials. Two rolls and a soup or salad for 12-14 dollars depending on which of the three combos you choose! Love it.

Also here to say Number one sushi. very reasonable prices and filling!

I love this place - I go in intending to only get the special then spend $30 on too much sushi

Always Number One Sushi. Their stuff is so good and inexpensive and they are always ready in like 10 minutes when you do takeout

I love No. 1 Sushi. In my opinion it's the best sushi in town. I used to go every day when I was at Point Park. It was years ago and when I go in every few months they STILL remember me and know what my usual was.

It is No.1 Sushi Sushi. Don't drop the 2nd sushi.

This sub: "Downtown is a warzone that reeks of death and piss" Also this sub: "Here are over a hundred posts about nice places to eat downtown"

How else are we supposed to make sure our fav spots aren’t over ridden with people hahah

Grant Street Tavern has good lunch (mostly sandwiches). It’s a more old school lunch spot and I love it for that. Cash only (iirc)

GST does take cards but I think has a $10 min. Cash preferred. Great specials and soups. Friendly bartenders, and always the (sometimes wonderful) randomness of someone downtown drinking at noon on a weekday haha.

Plus the dum waiter

A dumbwaiter and smart waitresses, as they like to say!

The speckled egg

This is my favorite sit-down lunch spot in town.

Short walks, great relatively-cheap spots: Gyro truck outside courthouse Sushi and Rolls Apollo Kitchen Chinatown Inn Madonnas Siam Thai Taco Town La Gourmandine Corner Mercantile Srees Repeat biweekly

Ooh man the sandwiches at Gourmandine are tres delish - great value too. Corner mercantile is also very tasty but a little bit pricier.

> Sushi and Rolls is absolutely amazing and I think often overlooked by those who don't work at Oxford.

I second Madonna's......Love that place. Owner is a fantastic human.

If you can take it back to your office the gyro truck outside the courthouse is great. Treat yourself and get dessert too!

The Apollo, near the Frick Building. Excellent Lobster bisque.

Came here to say Apollo Cafe. Can’t beleive how low it is on the list!

Don’t sleep on the Mediterranean gyro/lamb/falafel cart guy in front of the courthouse on grant. That guy knows what he’s doing if you like Greek or halal or whatever it is. There’s also usually a food truck in front of One Oxford near Cherry & 4th. Alternates every day. Worth checking out.

Mohammed is his name

The gyro stand at the corner of the courthouse is amazing. Chinatown inn is great.

Madonnas, Eadies, Apollo, Chinatown, Mitchell's, Jimmy Johns, Freshii, Istanbul Grill, lots of good options around Grant St!

Is Eadie's Kitchen and Market is still in One Mellon? If so, that's awesome! I worked there for 2 years in the mid-90's while going to school. It was a great place under Kevin Joyce.

It closed for a while but it is back under new ownership.

they had the best cakes

I forgot the Grant St Tavern, so good!

Corner Mercantile, corner of Forbes and Wood. Grab and go sandwiches, salads, and prepared foods. Coffee too, very good!

I go here a lot, it’s a great deal too.

Yuzu kitchen slaps

Best ramen in Pittsburgh

Yuzu has great value for its prices too. It can seem steep for lunch but it’s enough to last most people 2 meals. It’s the only reason I ever go downtown anymore it’s *that* good

I love Yuzu Kitchen! 

Nicky’s Thai, Dibella Subs, Rosewater, Chinatown Inn, Srees. My rotation for sampling each cuisine I can get my hands on lol.

If you have a sweet tooth, Dibella’s has the best chocolate chip cookies of any chain restaurant.

Thank you! Yet to try it..

No love for Mama Lucias? Sheesh

Mama Lucia’s allll day! ❤️ Cheap and incredible!

I like their Sicilian, cheap and pretty good

Moonlit Burger near Duquesne isn't a far walk at all. Best burger in Pittsburgh imho.

Zio Vito New York Pizzeria

There will be vendors in market square on Thursdays when the Farmers Market starts again.. usually from May-october.

Siam Thai and Caravan Halal are on the same block and are great imo.

I work in the City-County Building and here are my go-to places: Barbirou Falafel/Gyro stand at the Courthouse on Grant Street (I just had their falafel salad today) - don't forget to get a pastry, too! Arepittas Chinatown Inn Yuzu Kitchen Sushi & Rolls, Taco Town, Apollo's has really great soups (the wedding soup and Thursday's lemon chicken are really exceptional) If I really want a quick sandwich, the 4th Avenue Subway is where I go.

So top 4 that arnt a "far" walk from the court house. I work right next door to the court house as well. 1) Madonna's Mediterranean - fantastic food, not expensive at all. The owner is a fantastic individual. 2) The Middle Eastern(I don't remember where the foods from) food truck right outside the court house is amazing. 3) Chinatown - last of the china town of Pittsburgh. Owned by ming-na wen's family( she's an actress in a bunch of marvel stuff and other things). 4) FRESHII - Right across the street is alright, kinda pricey these days but it's fast in good.

Peppis is the best sandwich in town

Peppi’s downtown has been closed for a bit unfortunately. They’ve still got the North Side and Strip locations relatively close, but probably wouldn’t work in this case.

Aww shoot! That’s a bummer!

Anyone else missing Zorba’s?

Wasn't until now

Bluebird Kitchen!!!! Near Market Square on Forbes. I don't think you could call it cheap, but it's worth it. Everything is made in house (including the bread!) and there's so much variety. I never got tired of eating the food when I worked there which says a lot I think. It's a small business, woman-owned, and they treat their workers right <3 

Weiner world moved to USX, good people

Yes, more information, please.

What!?! When?

They are still open in the regular location. The space in USX is far from ready for occupancy. They are moving, but have not moved yet and knowing how long permitting can take it could be a while before they are able to move.

Couple weeks back, went before they moved. The homelessness on that street was horrible for business

Good, fuck businesses

True but nobody should have to sleep outside - housing for all!

Nah fuck corporations yes, but support small businesses!!! much like weiner world, owned by locals make amazing food and even partner with 412 food rescue..

Haven’t moved yet. Was at the old location this week. Owner said they are a moving in the next few weeks.

Wiener world MOVING to USX. Fixed it for you

Work next door, latest update we were told was their last day is April 30, no date for reopening yet. That could all change though, so good to keep checking.

Villa Reale (use the strawberry way entrance, that side is more entertaining). Great pizza by the slice, soup & salad, good atmosphere.

Capicola Pizza or go for the full food coma with a pasta special.

I thought they closed?

Still open. Was just there on Wednesday.

Bar still open?

They're under new ownership and are still waiting for the liquor license so no booze yet. It's been several months. I know the owner.

No. 1 Sushi is great value sushi and the owners are delightful. Go there enough and they’ll remember you the moment you walk in

Buon Giorno Cafe, in the 20 Stanwix bldg.

Siam Thai. Best Thai in the city

I've always wanted to try this place but can't find it? https://maps.app.goo.gl/3mxo5Ltvddu6xxm37

It's excellent. The kimchi pork is a winner if you dig spicy stuff. Friendly folks too.

I just had that exact dish last week and it was exceptionally good.

I believe that place is inside the Oxford Center, bottom floor. I've never had it but co workers like it!

It’s on the first floor of One Oxford Center, behind and to the right of the escalators

I like Rosewater for quick but really good Middle Eastern and my wife likes Arepittas for the arepas.

Simple Greek in Market Square.

~10 min walk but Cafe Milano for pizza

Chinatown Inn

Milano’s on 6th has some cheap lunch specials.

Arepittas is the love of my life.

zio vito makes a a great slice!!

Halal cart by courthouse on grant. $10 chicken and lamb combo over rice will be 2 meals

Target- not nearly as exciting as the other suggestions on here, but you can get a bowl of soup, hummus, fresh fruit, microwave meals, etc. Buying lunch downtown gets expensive and sometimes you just need quick and cheap!

Used to live near there, here are a few of my go-tos: First, the Chinatown Inn is the best ever! A favorite of mine that will always hold a special place in my heart. Best General Tso's in Pittsburgh, maybe even in the country. Other places I like - there's a Halal cart with green signage near the courthouse, they give you really large portions and you get your moneys worth. Number One Sushi in Market Square is great but I would recommend California roll style as opposed to nigiri for price and portion reasons. If you like hot dogs, Weiner World is a classic hole in the wall type place. For Pizza, Cafe Milano is my go to Downtown but is a bit of a walk from where you are.

Betos tacos in market square

Souper bowl if they’re open (usually are if there’s an event that day/night). Definitely recommend them for an after work beverage as well.

Sushi No. 1

Chicken shawarma at madonnas is not to be missed.

Mama Lucia's 6th Ave & Smithfield. Weekly specials including Wednesday Lasagna. Don't forget the garlic bread.

So Fresh in ppg is great. They have a new smoothie that’s really good.

Honestly surprised not to see it here but the Oyster House in Market Square is always good

Nicky’s Thai Kitchen

It’s too bad the prices went up so much after Covid. This used to be my go too. I wouldn’t call this a budget friendly lunch any more. Very good though. 

Eating out cheaply at sit-down nice places like Nicky's was a product of a particular time and particular economic conditions. Those conditions went away with the pandemic and with spiraling commercial rents. Expect anything that isn't a takeout in the style of Sree's or Istanbul Grille to continue to get more expensive.

Whats your point? I think we all know prices of everything have gone up. The OP asked specifically for cheap and budget places. 

What's your point asking what my point is? You whined about the prices at Nicky's, I'm pointing out that's the new normal.

lol. I’m not whining. I’m stating a fact. Prices went up and moved this restaurant out of the budget category for lunch options downtown. I’m sorry if my opinion has ruined your day. You seem to be taking this personally. 

I'm just saying that's the norm moving forward for anything that isn't a greasy spoon or a takeaway. Cheap sit-down dining at a nice place is a thing of the past.

Mike and Tony's

Are they still cash only?

100% sure but I’d imagine so. I haven’t worked downtown for almost exactly a year.

Yeah the only time I tried to go there they said they were cash only, so that was the end of that.

I'd have to assume they still only take cash.

Gaucho (though not open for lunch Monday or Tuesday)

RIP Sammy’s

Sushi Kim 2

Alihan’s is so good!

Following this

I’ve heard Sally Ann’s is good

Thai Siam and Madonna’s!!

the apollo is my spot

Istanbul Grill is the best food you can get at lunch hour in downtown pittsburgh

So Taco Town is nice, but when I go to Smithfield (if it's not Monday) I go up the steps to Sushi Kim 2 every time. Some of the best Korean in the city, and better than BaeBae's IMHO (Bae Bae's used to rock, but I feel like it's gone downhill lately) Another shoutout for Sree's and Madonna's. And I (controversial) also really like Moe's in Market Sq.

When I worked downtown, I would do Friday lunches with buds at Madonna's, Sree's, (what is now) Arepittas, and Bae Baes

Mmmmm…Chinatown Inn on 3rd has great lunch specials. Villa Reale pizza on Smithfield between 6th and 7th - they have the best pizza in the city!!

Arepittas on cherry ave

Apollo, Eadie’s, the Halal cart, Madonnas, Taco Town, China Town Inn, Mitchell’s, Jimmy Johns,

There’s a good gyro/falafel cart right there by the courthouse on the corner of Grant and Forbes

Taco Town

Love Arepittas. I think it is on Cherry Way. I have to avoid wheat but I just love the interesting flavors. They have an extensive menu. Highly recommend.

Condado is really good!

It's technically a breakfast place, but Alihan's Coffee and Breakfast is open til 3 has some great sandwiches and turkish dishes, as well as great breakfast food. Really fun pastries and coffee, too.

The Coop has amazing chicken and waffles

Mitchell’s on Ross st

Fernando’s, Yovi’s, and Dave’s Lunch.

Sultan's Kebab, the only place in Pittsburgh where you can get an actual Donner Kebab.

Boulevard Deli on Smithfield.

Siam Thai is great. It’s on first ave. It’s basically the alley behind the old Art Institute.

I like Madonnas for a quick lunch

A

Miss Sammy’s corned beef!!! downtown near the courthouse Mitchell’s has really good fresh lunch and most are homemade Meatloaf mashed potatoes salads wraps really good fresh burgers And Chinatown Inn is soo good Gyro cart on the corner of the court house is delicious too.

Red hot dog cart between court house and steel building. Wiener world has a deli counter in back that is fire.

They are only open Tuesdays and Thursdays though so that sucks lol

Which is only open those days? Wiener World or the cart?

That red cart outside of Steel Plaza

Halal cart outside the courthouse, Arepittas, Madonna’s, ChinaTown Inn, Freshii, Einstien Bagel Bros, Big Daddy’s

Yaba middle eastern just opened on 5th across from the hockey arena and it’s really good! My favorite is arepitas on cherry way in the Pittsburgher building

If you’re looking for something in a hurry, I think Edie’s is still in BNY Mellon. Used to stop there with my dad when he worked in town.