lunches

How To Dine On 50 Dimes

BY RACHEL STONE

PHOTOS BY CAN TURKYILMAZ AND CAITY COLVARD

Free lunch? No such thing. $5 lunch? We have just the thing. From burgers to bratwurst, there’s a nearby eatery that keeps both your wallet and stomach full at lunchtime.

Taqueria e l Si Hay $3 » Two Tacos

The vibe: This taco stand has cheap eats and fast takeout. Why iT ’s a bang for your buck: The tacos on the menu — chicken, beef, steak, pastor and more — are $1.50 each, and two are plenty filling.

for a fe W dollars more: el Si Hay has really good horchata (cinnamon rice milk) for $1.50.

Tip: This place always has a line. even though it usually moves fast, arriving at noon could take most of the lunch hour, so try for 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m.

214.941.4042

Metro Diner $3.60 » Grilled cheese with fries, tater tots or a cup of soup

The vibe: The ultimate greasy spoon, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 24 hours a day, plus a jukebox with Tammy Wynette and Journey. Why iT ’s a bang for your buck: Come on: it’s a full meal for less than $4. for a fe W dollars more: Metro Diner serves one of the best burgers in town for less than $6.

Tip: This is a great place to people-watch at all hours of the day or night, plus it’s fun to chat up the old-timers who are regulars.

Davis & Ha M pton or Beckley & i -30 214.946.0220

GLORIA’S $4 » A PUPUSAAND A TAMAL

THE VIBE: This original Gloria’s is the smallest of the Salvadoran restaurant’s 11 locations — last year, Gloria’s expanded to Austin. Does that mean Austin is the new Oak Cliff? Nah, our Gloria’s is cooler.

WHY IT’S A BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Pupusas, thick pockets of corn masa, are stuffed with spicy pork and cheese. Handmade tamales have chicken, potatoes and bell peppers. And you’ll receive all the chips, salsa and creamy black bean dip you can eat.

FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE: A small chicken soup, $4.99, makes a good lunch on its own.

TIP: Return during Gloria’s happy hour, Sunday-Thursday all day and Friday 3-6 p.m., for $5 mango margaritas.

DAVIS & LLEWELLYN

214.948.3672

GLORIASRESTAURANTS.COM

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El Tizoncito

» THREE TACOS AL PASTOR

THE VIBE: Possibly the best tacos outside Mexico City. The space is bright and clean, and everything is cooked in an open kitchen with simple ingredients.

WHY IT’S A BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: The tacos al pastor are served with salsa and pineapple, and orders come with a ramekin of black-bean soup. Take away a $3 pint of soup for a light and inexpensive lunch. Nothing on the menu is over $7.

FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE: Tamarind margaritas are $5.

TIP: Just have a seat, and someone will wait on you.

ILLINOIS & WESTMORELAND

214.330.0839

JACK’S BACKYARD $4.75 » CAESAR SALAD AND MAC AND CHEESE

THE VIBE: Chic yet casual, Jack’s has live music, fun bartenders and a cool outdoor space.

WHY IT’S A BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Jack’s is a great place to escape from your workday, even if it’s only for an hour. Another $5 combo: a cheese quesadilla ($3) with borracho beans ($2). A grilled cheese sandwich with fries or potato chips is $5.

FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE: A BLT with avocado on wheat is $6.50 and comes with fries or chips.

TIP: Jack’s is closed on Monday.

PITTMAN & FORT WORTH AVENUE

214.741.3131

JACKSBACKYARDDALLAS.COM