5. Pad Thai
3545 Brookwall Dr.
Akron, OH 44333
For a mere $11.00, you get a heaping helping of their signature pad thai. The pad thai consists of rice noodles stir-fried with egg, chicken, shrimp and peanuts. If you like it a little spicy, just let them know and they'll adjust the heat to your liking. The best part about the pad thai is the generous portion you get. I've never been able to finish it in one sitting so there is always enough for lunch the next day (2 meals for the price of 1)! It is truly delicious and Greg and I like to order take-out from here at least once a month!
4. New Era Restaurant
10 Massillon Rd.
Akron, OH 44312
New Era is a gem of a restaurant located in the Ellet area of Akron. I love this one not only because it's budget friendly, but also because it has an emotional connection for me. My Grandfather loved this restaurant and he introduced me to their famous chicken paprikash. At an almost unbelievable price of $8.50, their paprikash includes tender chicken seasoned perfectly and served with the best dumplings I know of. It also includes dessert! You can choose between homemade apple or cheese strudel (I go for apple)!
3. Luigi's Restaurant
105 N. Main St.
Akron, OH 44308
If you live in Akron, you've probably been to Luigi's -- and more than likely, you've been there at lunchtime, at dinnertime, and even at 2:30 in the morning after a night out with your friends. Luigi's is an Akron staple for great Italian food. Their prices are always great, but if you go at lunchtime they're even better. Easily accessible for those who work in Downtown Akron, it's great whether you want to eat in or carry out. For $4.15 you get an Italian tossed salad with cheese, and when they say "with cheese" they really mean it! You can also get the baked rigatoni which is just the right size for a lunch portion for only $4.95! You really can't beat that deal for that quality of food.
2. Louie's
739 E. Glenwood Ave.
Akron, OH 44310
This is one of my favorites because it's less than 5 minutes away from my job. If I go out for lunch, I go to Louie's. Louie's is a small but comfortable restaurant boasting "Akron's Best Burger". For a starter, every table gets a basket of popcorn to munch on while you wait for your food (You can't get more budget-friendly than free)! If you're up for a big lunch, you can get an award winning Louie Burger for $6.29. If you're like me and like a lighter lunch, the Go Greek Salad is the right choice for the same $6.29. It comes with a ton of kalamata olives and feta cheese and is served with warm, buttery pita bread. If you opt for the light lunch, just stop by Louie's for dinner! The prices are the same and you're sure to have a hefty enough appetite for an award winning burger by then!
1. Lockview
207 S. Main St.
Akron, OH 44308
The Lockview is my favorite music venue/bar turned restaurant! Formerly the Lime Spider, the Lockview now offers a great menu, while still keeping their extensive beer list. I like to start out with the homemade tortilla chips with parmesan, goat cheese and cheddar dip for $5.00 followed by my favorite of their gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches - the mozarella, sun dried tomato and pesto grilled cheese for just $6.00. The atmosphere is great, and depending on which night you decide to go you might still catch a great live performance or jam to some music on the rooftop patio!
These are my top 5 budget friendly meals in Akron...what are yours???
