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Soul FoodJackson Ward
Mama J's runs a lunch plate of fried catfish, collard greens and mac for under fifteen dollars. Velma Johnson's Jackson Ward soul food standby.
OrderFried catfish lunch plate for under fifteen dollars.
TipLunch hour runs cheaper than dinner; the Sunday plate-special is the local entry.
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Jewish DeliDowntown
Perly's pastrami sandwich at the counter sits at the city's classic Jewish deli line. House-cured meats, latkes and matzo ball soup, daily until 3 pm.
OrderPastrami sandwich for under fifteen dollars at the counter.
TipOrder at the counter for cheaper-than-table pricing.
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Italian Greek AmericanThe Fan
Joe's Inn on Shields in the Fan has poured drinks and served Italian-Greek-American food since 1952. Spaghetti a la Joe at under twelve dollars per plate.
OrderSpaghetti a la Joe for under twelve dollars.
TipHalf-portions on most pasta plates run several dollars cheaper.
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ItalianThe Fan
Ed Vasaio's 8 1/2 on Strawberry serves Italian pizza, pasta and sandwiches at takeout pricing. Slices, sandwiches and whole pies under fifteen dollars.
OrderSlice and side for under ten dollars.
TipCash discount on whole-pie takeout; slices priced as the cheapest sit-down in the Fan.
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Soul foodManchester
Croaker's Spot on Hull runs a generous fried-fish plate at under fifteen dollars. Black-owned soul-food and seafood across the river since the 1990s.
OrderFried whiting plate under fifteen dollars.
TipLunch portions on the fish plates are the price-line; dinner adds a couple of dollars.
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Soul foodDowntown
Sally Bell's Kitchen has sold box lunches since 1924 for less than fifteen dollars. House-made sandwiches, cupcakes and deviled eggs daily on West Broad.
OrderBox lunch for under fifteen dollars.
TipOrder ahead by phone for pick-up; the line snaps to the corner at lunch hour.