Lunch on a Budget: Ernesto's Ristorante, The Cheesecake Factory, Veracruz Restaurant

When you feel the midday rumble in your stomach don’t stress because your bank account is running low. The whole country has been brown bagging it to better their budgets. But if you can’t stomach another boring homemade PB&J sandwich for lunch—then White Plains Patch has got you covered.

Here is our list of lunch deals for under $10 at great places to grab a bite in White Plains without breaking the bank.

- 130 W. Post Road.

This family-owned Italian restaurant has provided a broad range of lunchtime options for those on a budget for the past 25 years. Enjoy the lunch menu that boasts an array of salads, hot and cold antipastos for under $10 and soups ranging between $4 and $5, Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Come with an empty stomach and try the coveted lunchtime gnocchi sorrentino made with fresh ricotta, mozzarella and tomatoes for $9.95. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, pair the fresh garden salad with the tasty tortellini soup for $10 total.

Limited time? Go next door to the pizzeria and grab a slice or calzone for under $6 or a delicious hero; the highly recommended veal cutlet parmigiana hero is $8.95, but all other heroes are between $5 and $7.

Ernesto’s Pizzeria is closed Mondays, open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m, to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Call for pick up or delivery, or simply place your order online.  

- 1 Maple Avenue.

With more than 100 lunch options made fresh each day, The Cheesecake Factory is a pleasant place to eat without breaking your bank. Some lunch special favorites include the soup and salad option which comes with a cup of soup, small green salad, sourdough bread and butter for $8.95, or Renee’s Special, which offers half of a turkey sandwich or a chicken-almond salad sandwich, a cup of soup and a small green salad for $10.50. These lunchtime specials are served through 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and there’s a special brunch menu Sunday 10 a.m-2 p.m.

If you have a sweet tooth, buy a small Greek or Arugala Salad for $4.95 and save room for one of their mouth-watering cheesecakes, like the Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake or Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake for $6.75.

 They don’t deliver, but be sure to check out the “Curbside-To-Go” option. Just call in your order, drive up to the Curbside-To-Go parking spaces in the lot, and call (914) 290- TOGO to get your food delivered to the car. The Factory is open 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-12: 30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday.

Veracruz Restaurant- 24 W Post Road.

Open 24 hours a day Monday-Sunday, Veracruz is the go-to for some inexpensive, tasty Mexican food. The tacos go for $2.75, the majority of the chicken, beef and fish dishes are below $10, and the fortas, or Mexican sandwiches, are all $6 or $7.

Who said you have to clean out your wallet to taste a bit of authenticity?

Try the Cubana forta-filled with ham, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, beans, and chipotle peppers- for $7 or the fresh quesadillas with two pieces of chicken for $10. If you’re in the mood for a something heavy, enjoy the $8 Mexican style pork chops served with rice and beans, and wash it down with a $1.50 guava, lime, watermelon or mango Jarrito, or Mexican soda.

When you’re watching television and crave some tamales-order in, Veracruz delivers. Or, if you’re itching for Mexican sausage eggs on a roll at 11 pm, don’t fret, Veracruz serves breakfast all night! 

Like us on Facebook (facebook.com/WhitePlainsPatch) and follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/WhtPlainsPatch)