Prices for everything are going up. Literally, everything. Inflation always guarantees that it'll happen but the pandemic disrupted supply chains and heavily impacted restaurants' ability to do business. Thankfully you can still find a few good deals out there, especially at lunch. Here are some of my favorite places to get lunch for $10 or less. That's the price, and doesn't include tax and tip because it'd be a very short list otherwise.

Yummy Deli
8630 Evergreen Way
(425) 791-3218

You can almost always find something for lunch under $10 at a Vietnamese restaurant, whether it's a banh mi, a small pho, or even sometimes a large one. If you're lucky, you can get a vermicelli noodle salad bowl, too. But you're probably only going to be able to order one thing. That's why I like the banh mi combos at Yummy Deli. They offer five different combinations of sandwich, egg roll, spring roll, soft drink, and bubble tea, ranging in price from $7.95 to $9.95. And theirs is one of my favorite banh mi in Everett. Note before ordering, some banh mi options come with an additional charge.

Bhu-Ping Thai Cuisine
6600 Evergreen Way
(425) 405-3783

Known for their incredible food, large outdoor patio, and even a wine shop, Bhu-Ping is always an excellent choice. At lunchtime, you can find four chicken options served with rice for $9.50, and another four with rice and pad thai for $9.99. It's a limited selection, for sure, but I couldn't find any other Thai lunch combos for $10 or less in Everett.

Ray's Drive-In
1401 Broadway
(425) 252-3411

Some of the fast-food burger chains still offer combo meals under $10, but it's hard to find a local one for that price. Everett institution Ray's Drive-In barely squeaks onto the list with one option, the Ray's Burger with small fries and a medium soda for $10. Decide ahead of time where you'll drive to eat your food because there probably won't be any room for you to park at this small and popular spot.

Teriyaki and Burger Stop
3517 Rucker Ave
(425) 259-4291

For the best selection of lunches for $10 or less, head to Teriyaki and Burger Stop on Rucker. Choose from several burgers, a chicken sandwich, or even a patty melt with fries. You can also get seafood and fries baskets and even teriyaki bowls. My favorite is the teriyaki sub combo, and their crinkle-cut fries are some of the best fries in town.

Do you have a favorite lunch in Everett for $10 or less? Let us know in the comments.

Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.