Looking for quality food that’s tasty and affordable for lunch? Check out the deals at these restaurants that will save you some dough during your next dining experience.

Sandwiches & Such

Padre Hotel (1702 18th St.): Not only is The Padre the go-to place for a luxury hotel stay, it’s also a great spot to dine with delicious entrees and daily specials that will keep your stomach full and your wallet happy. In the mood for a gourmet breakfast sandwich? Then try the croque madame ($10), made with black forest ham, Gruyere cheese, Mornay sauce, egg and homemade brioche. For lunch, order the grilled portabella sandwich ($10), which makes a perfect meal for vegetarians with its olive bread, creamy Boursin cheese spread, grilled radicchio and arugula pesto that really adds to the flavor. There is also a hearty kids’ meal ($6) with three large chicken strips made from fresh white meat and a choice of fries, cole slaw or a side salad.

The Sequoia Sandwich Co. (1231 18th St.): When you’re in the mood for a healthier meal that’s quick and appetizing, The Sequoia Sandwich Co. serves half of a freshly tossed Southwestern chicken salad ($5.45 for the half-size) with mildly spicy grilled chicken, tomatoes, avocado, pepper jack cheese, croutons and housemade honey-mustard dressing on the side. It also serves a “lite lunch” that consists of  half sandwich and salad combo ($5.95) with your choice of turkey, tuna, egg salad or Waldorf chicken salad for the sandwich and a variety of salad options including the garden salad, Caesar salad or pasta salads.

Pizza Parlor

Jerry’s Pizza (1817 Chester Ave.): The mouthwatering garlic chicken pizza is oven-baked and crisp to perfection. It’s topped with grilled chicken strips, mushrooms and onions, and is best served with the rich and creamy white sauce. Jerry’s has been the local hot spot in downtown Bakersfield for years, providing customers with excellent service and award-winning cuisine that also includes a wide variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads and of course, pizza. Their lunch special includes a large slice of pepperoni pizza and a soda ($3). It’s a worthwhile eatery to check out when you’re in the downtown area.

Salad Bar

Lassen’s Natural Foods & Vitamins (4308 California Ave.): Well-know for its organic grocery products, Lassen’s has been the hub of Bakersfield for years, providing residents with healthy and reasonably priced products. If you haven’t been to the cafe, it’s a must. There are plenty of tables to sit at and enjoy a casual meal. There are a variety of sandwiches, smoothies and other real and faux meat products on the menu. Many people go for the salad bar ($7.99 per pound), that has romaine, spring mix and iceburg lettuce options, cold toppings such as tuna, carrots and veggies as well as hot items to put on salads like barbecue chicken and roasted vegetables. A variety of soups are also available — a small is ($2.49 for a small,; $3.99 for a large).

Snacks & Small Bites

BJ’s Restaraunt and Brewhouse (10750 Stockdale Highway) BJ’s is known for its highly acclaimed pizzas, but BJ’s also has a small bites menu. Try delicious spinach stuffed mushrooms ($4.50), with a fresh blend of spinach, artichoke dip, feta cheese, chopped mushrooms, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese and a light drizzle of lemon pesto sauce. Also on the small bites page, try the crispy fried, lightly breaded artichoke hearts sprinkled with parmesan cheese and served with a garlic aioli ($3.50).

California Pizza Kitchen (10150 Stockdale Highway): CPK serves up crispy mac ‘n’ cheese ($3.75), lightly fried with panko served in creamy cheese sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest and a reasonably priced small plate that’s great for kids or hungry adults. Also on the menu is the Mediterranean focaccia (sort of like bread sticks, $2.50), baked in the pizza oven with olive oil and parmesan.

Italian Fare — Pasta Galore!

Frugatti’s Restaraunt (600 Coffee Road) Frugatti’s serves a number of pasta specials ($12.59 each) throughout the week, including baked mostaccioli, fettuccine, linguini and spaghetti with a soda. It also has sandwiches, salad and soda specials (starting at $9.99 to $11.59).

Sorella Italian Ristorante (7800 McNair Lane) Sorella offers a fantastic lunch buffet ($8.99) with a variety of rich and flavorful Italian pastas such as canneloni, mannicotti, spaghetti and much more. Also on the menu are the delectable hot and cold sandwiches ($8.99 to $9.50) served throughout the day as well as its gourmet pasta salad.