NoonEats: Five Lunches for Less Than $5

From gourmet roast pork Cuban sandwiches to fresh Kosher bagels, Springfield is home to several quality noontime meal options that won't break the lunchtime budget. You can stretch the paycheck and enjoy a decent meal in the township. Having eaten my way through much of the eateries around town, here are five favorite lunches for less than $5.

The Latin Quarter – Don't be fooled by the waiting area that looks more like an office than a restaurant. Somewhere behind the desk must be a kitchen, because the owner of this year-old Morris Avenue establishment cooks up a dynamite Cuban sandwich.

Thick slices of ham, roast pork with browned edges, a muenster-like cheese, yellow mustard and crunchy, vinegary pickles are served on golden crispy bread. At $3.99, it's not only a bargain, but it also gives you $1 for a drink if you're sticking to a $5 budget.

There's not much room to eat inside, so you'll likely be taking this sandwich elsewhere. It may be wrapped tightly in foil, but with strong aromas, good luck resisting the urge to start eating before you've reached your destination.

J&M Curbside Cafe – Gourmet food trucks have exploded in popularity recently. The Food Network premiered this week "The Great Food Truck Race," showcasing seven food trucks as they cook (and compete for $50,000) their way across the country. Don't look for gourmet French dishes, Vietnamese sandwiches and cajun specialities in Springfield, but J&M Curbside cafe serves a satisfying Sabrett's hot dog covered in homemade chili for $2.

Not filling enough? Grab a second hot dog and a can of soda, and you're still enjoying lunch for $5. For some variety (and a quarter saved), J&M also serves hot dogs with sauerkraut, nacho cheese sauce or bacon bits ($1.75).

J&M has recently expanded its lunch menu, serving sausage sandwiches, chicken fingers and chicken cutlet sandwiches, depending on the day of the week. But these tend to start at $5. For that price, you're almost better off at a local deli.

Take a quick walk around the field, and you'll burn a few of those hot dog calories off while enjoying peace and fresh air before heading back to the office.

Saporito Pizza – Saporito boasts the best pizza in town. In Springfield, the bar is not set very high, and Saporito clears it. Regular slices start at $2, gourmet slices at $2.90. Try the Old World slice, made with a crispy, garlic-flavored crust and topped with spinach and fresh tomato. Or the arugula pomodorino, with fresh, green arugula, tomato and parmesan.

Food King – Sandwich prices vary at the deli counter, but two weeks ago, a ham and swiss on rye, made to order, cost me $3.99. An empty store may be a turn-off for some (like me, before I tried the deli), but who can beat friendly service with no line? All of the meat under the counter is Boar's Head, and all of it is sliced after you place your order.

Once you've watched the deli personnel make your sandwich, give in to temptation and grab a small bag of Cheetos and Doritos. For only 50 cents, the financial and nutritional guilt are not as bad as the larger bags.

Bagel Supreme - Family owned and operated on Mountain Avenue since the 1980s, this Kosher establishment serves some of the best bagels in the area. Try the lox spread on a warm sesame bagel. Warning though: The lox spread is very salty. If salt isn't your thing, try the veggie chive spread. Both come in at under $5, and either one also makes a filling and inexpensive breakfast.