Looking for an Affordable Lunch Out? Don't Pass Up This Surprising Spot

Finding an affordable place to dine out can feel like a major challenge -- especially if you just need a quick meal to eat during the workday or while you're on your way somewhere. You don't want to spend a fortune out of your checking account to get a bite to eat, of course. But you also want quality food that you'll enjoy.

If you're looking for dining options that won't leave you with a large credit card bill, you may be overlooking some that many of your fellow Americans love. Here's what they are.

Convenience stores may offer the food-service options you're looking for

According to a recent survey conducted by Acosta Group, a growing number of consumers have found that convenience stores may be one of the best places to buy lunch. In fact:

• 52% of consumers polled indicated they shopped in convenience stores at least once a week.
• 92% of all convenience store shoppers reported that buying food and drink were the primary reason for their visit.
• 45% of shoppers indicated they purchase specifically hot foods from convenience stores at least once weekly.
• The top choices among people buying hot food at convenience stores were pizza, sandwiches, and breakfast foods.
• 51% of shoppers indicated that hot food items from convenience stores were as good as, or better than, the food from quick service or fast food restaurants.

Anyone who has ever had a Wawa sub or Sheetz mozzarella sticks is probably not surprised by these stats. The food does taste good, and, in most cases, these convenience stores offer touch-screen ordering so you can get in, place your order, and get out quickly with a delicious meal to go.

Should you try a convenience store for your next lunch?

Convenience stores can undoubtedly provide good value and a quick, tasty meal for less than many quick service restaurants would. Of course, there are some downsides.

The food is always going to be more expensive when you purchase it out rather than preparing it yourself at home. And, in many cases, you're not necessarily going to be getting the healthiest stuff in the world. A lot of the options are fried or processed or just generally not great for you -- although soups and salads may be available as better alternatives for those who aren't up for a fried appetizer or cold cuts for a meal.

The reality, though, is that many people are going to want to be able to grab a fast bite to eat somewhere -- especially if they're on the go. And you can often find better prices by picking up your products at a convenience store instead of getting takeout from a restaurant. The Sheetz mozzarella sticks, for example, are $4.59 while the same order from a local restaurant comes in at $5.89.

If you're looking for a bargain-priced lunch and you haven't yet checked out what your local convenience store has to offer, why not join many of your fellow Americans and give it a try? Just remember to avoid exceeding your dining-out budget and keep track of how much you're spending on restaurant purchases overall so paying for lunches doesn't interfere with your more important financial goals.