Denver's five best lunches under $5

The stock market's fluctuating wildly, economists are giving glum prognostications that run the gamut from double-dip recession to depression and, best of all, the politicians we put in charge of taking care of the greater good are just making things worse.

So no time like the present for a cheap lunch, right? If you can scrounge up an Abraham Lincoln, you can afford to eat at these five restaurants, all of which serve lunch for less than $5:

Mark Manger

Get a slice of the day for $3.

5. Hops & Pie
A slice of pizza is always a winning proposition when you're trying to eat cheap, but Hops & Pie makes the idea particularly enticing. Sure, you could just order a slice of cheese for $2.50 and add a topping or two at fifty cents a pop, but you could also go for the $3 slice of the day, which have recently included combinations like chicken apple sausage with caramelized onions, or the BBQ pulled pork pie with jalapeños and red onions.

Mark Manger

4. Westerkamps Steakhouse and Meat Market
There are several options on the menu at Westerkamps, which I review this week, that would keep you under your limit, but we're partial to the notion of having breakfast for lunch. That's because the meat market and steakhouse features and all-day special on pork chop and eggs that, when doused with the restaurant's excellent green chile, is hearty, satisfying and plenty cheap.

3. Tacos Acapulco
Budget or no, Tacos Acapulco makes some of our very favorite pupusas in town. The griddled corn rounds, fat with juicy pork, cheese, beans or herbaceous liroco, come with a little slaw and salsa. Two's enough to make a meal, and it'll only cost you a total of $4. Plus, if you aren't feeling those, this tiny spot has a raft of options -- including some awesome tacos al pastor -- that won't break the bank.