Cheap Lunch With Betty: The Esquire Deli • The Camphill Diner

Cheap Lunch with Betty

The Esquire Deli
502 North Third Street, Harrisburg
234-7999
The Esquire Deli is one of the best places in the area to get a fast, tasty and of course cheap lunch. Everyday there is a different special combination that includes a sandwich, side (usually chips or soup), and drink for under $5. Not that you need to order the day’s special to stay in a reasonable price range, because you don’t.

The specials vary from day to day. On one visit I got a huge pita stuffed with warm turkey salad and shredded cheddar, chips, a pickle spear and drink for $4.99. This is a reasonable price for a midday meal, and it did more than just fill me, it really was a treat. On another occasion, for just $3.99, I got a grilled cheese (with tomato on request) and a cup of excellent turkey chili with a drink.

As promised, you don’t need to rely on the daily specials to get a good deal at the Esquire Deli. They have sizable submarine sandwiches, the most expensive being $3.99. You can get a burger (beef or turkey) for $2.79. Add fries and a drink for $2 and you get a filling lunch.

If your in the mood for finger food you can get three chicken tenders for just $1.99 and five for $2.99. If you want something with a little more variety order the combo basket (onion rings, chicken tenders, and cheese sticks) for only $3.29. On the lighter side of lunch, order soup and salad or a half and half (1/2 sandwich and cup of soup) for just $2.69. There's also a delicious veggie pita for $3.19.

When estimating the value of a meal, more than just the food need be taken into consideration, for example friendliness of the staff, and atmosphere. The Esquire Deli has a great staff, and the dining room is split on two floors for the comfort of smokers and nonsmokers. The kitchen is opened until 3 pm, and you’re welcome to call or fax (234-0402) in an order for your convenience.

The Camp Hill Diner
3449 Simpson Ferry Road, Camp Hill
737-7525
The Camp Hill Diner, located near the Capital City Mall, is a great place to get a filling lunch that won’t put much of a dent in your wallet. The diner has lunch specials every weekday. While the specials are typical for lunch (turkey or beef burger, meatloaf sandwich, all with soup or fries, and all for $3.95) they really are unusually good. The portions are big, and the food is delicious.

On one of my visits, I ordered a JR roast beef club with a cup of soup ($3.95 and .95 for a soda). I might not want to spend a lot, but I do want to eat a lot, so I was a little wary of "JR" prefixing my lunch. Despite its name, I only ate half of the sandwich. So, for under $5 dollars, not only did I get lunch, but I also got a snack or light dinner as well. Something needs to be said about the soup too. There are two homemade soups to choose from, and if you like cream of mushroom make sure you get a cup. It’s included with most of the lunch specials, and if it’s not, it’s well worth the extra 95 cents.

My guest decided on a bacon cheeseburger. This was served with chips and slaw, also for $3.95, and was everything a burger should be. It was served open faced, so you could immediately tell that the bacon was done perfect and the cheese was melted, I don’t mean a little limp either, I mean it was really melted! According to my friend it was just as good as it looked.

Some choices off the regular menu that won’t push you over $5 include: turkey or beef gyro with chips and pickle for $3.95, four choices of burgers ranging from $2.75 to $3.95, and all kinds of sandwiches for under $4. An order of fries is 95¢, and the other side orders are all around $1.25, so it’s easy to make a meal that’s cheap and satisfying.

The Camp Hill Diner is located in the Hills plaza. Lunch hours are 11am til 3pm.