Return-to-office lunch deals? 10 weekday specials to stretch your dollar
As of Wednesday, California state workers are required to work in-office four days a week. Along with a loss of autonomy, more traffic, and insufficient office space, many are pointing to gas prices and childcare costs as significant pain points.
And then, there’s lunch.
Going out to eat is typically pricey these days. Online, a number of state workers have resolved to bring their lunches from home not just to save money but also as a way to protest the return to office.
However, a lunch on or near the Grid doesn’t have to break the bank. Many businesses have long offered lunch specials on certain days, or even every day of the week. So whether you’re around for work or otherwise, here is a list of local deals that offer some bang for your buck. Most are in Midtown, some are just beyond the boundary of Midtown.
3030 Capitol Ave.
The $10 Gotta Habit Box offers a choice of between a chicken avocado ranch wrap, a chicken Caesar wrap, or a BBQ chicken wrap, a choice of a side of fries or salad, and a fountain drink
806 L St.
From 11:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., Tuesday through Friday, standby Frank Fat’s offers the Capitol Power Lunch. Prices range from $14.50 to $18.00 and choices include an entrée such as Mongolian beef, orange chicken, or walnut shrimp, a side of rice, and an egg roll. The special is available for dine-in only.
1010 18th St.
For this sushi spot’s $10 lunch special, you get a bento box with California rolls, gyoza, salad, rice, and a protein or tempura. However, it’s only available for dine-in.
1614 21st St.
Lunch specials include Chinese standards such as beef with broccoli, sweet-and-sour pork, and shrimp with snow peas. At $12.95, the special comes with chicken fried rice, chicken chow mein, soup, and an egg roll. It’s available Monday through Friday, from 11:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. Take-out orders do not include soup.
2416 J St.
At Chicago Fire, a personal pizza meal consists of a thin-crust, deep-dish, or hand-tossed personal pizza, a side of salad or four boneless wings, and a drink, for $13.99. This deal is available from 11:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., and take-out is available.
1200 R St.
On Wednesdays, this coffee joint offers one of their loaded breakfast sandwiches and a coffee (drip or cold brew) for $11.50. Camellia is open from 7:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M., and the deal is available until sandwiches sell out.
1201 J St.
For $14, Citizen Capitol Craft House offers a smash burger, home-made chips, and a drink, Monday through Friday, 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. It’s available for take-out and dine-in.
2226 10th St.
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, Japanese barbecue spot Binchoyaki sells $10 bentos for take-out from 11:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Contents include tamagoyaki, chicken karaage, pork sausage, and pickles.
901 K St.
For a light lunch, this Yemeni cafe offers a special from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. For $10, you can get a savory fatayer pastry and a Yemeni chai or coffee.
400 12th St.
Dodici Pizzeria in the Ice Blocks offers a different take on the lunch special, aimed at feeding a group. For $100, they offer four pizzas and two salads for take-out or dine-in. This special is available Tuesday through Saturday, from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
