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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Berkeley

Mexican lunch spots

A midday break calls for the bold flavors of a Mexican lunch.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Eggy’s Neighborhood Kitchen image 1
Eggy’s Neighborhood Kitchen image 2
Eggy’s Neighborhood Kitchen image 3
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Garden patio with lush greenery and waterfalls creates a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly terrace with space heaters. Music and mimosas add to a lively, relaxed brunch experience.

Lunch offers a family-friendly atmosphere with dishes that appeal to all ages. The menu features comfort food that satisfies during midday meals.

Chilaquiles stand out with bold flavors that linger long after eating. Poke Nachos and beef tacos arrive fresh and packed with taste every time.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the chicken and waffles benedict."

"The chilaquiles here are out of this world."

"The food at this Lunch Spot tasted so good and fresh."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends due to high customer volume.

2

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to secure a seat.

3

You pay at the counter and are seated while waiting for your food.

02
Cholita Linda image 1
Latin American restaurant

Latin American restaurant offers a relaxed family-style dining with a charming, welcoming vibe and beautiful, cute decor. The atmosphere stays clean and comfortable, making it a nice spot to sit down and chill. The space suits casual meals with a huge, open layout ideal for lunch or early dinner.

Huge space suits lunch or early dinner well. It works as a solid spot to meet for midday meals.

Fish tacos stand out with big portions and rich tradition behind their flavor. Carnitas come tender and fiery, carrying deep meaning from generations.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos were delicious and light."

"The fish tacos here are hella good and crispy."

"The Papito sandwich is a filling lunch spot with savory and sweet flavors."

Good to know

1

Expect food to arrive within 10-15 minutes during non-peak hours.

2

Prices for sandwiches are very reasonable, typically around $15.

3

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

03
Califa's Greens image 1
Latin American restaurant

Bright space with earthy decor and colorful, tasteful decorations creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Energy feels warm and welcoming, with kind and helpful people contributing to a great vibe. The setting stands out as a small, beautiful gem known for its friendly ambiance.

Offers healthy lunch options that fit well for a quick meal during work hours. Popular among those seeking a fresh and convenient spot for midday meals.

Offers a healthy spin on Mexican cuisine with dishes like vegan tamales and carne asada bowls paired with broccoli kale mushroom quinoa. Breakfast burritos come with thick-cut potatoes and eggs, while sides include fried plantains and black beans that recall Central American flavors.

People are saying

"Their salads are so fresh and flavorful, I'll be back."

"The Mexican food here is so fresh and flavorful."

"This Lunch Spot has delicious, fresh food, especially the kale salad."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for homemade tamales, especially on weekends.

2

The menu features a variety of healthy options, including vegan dishes.

3

Expect a mix of Central American cuisine, including burritos and plantains.

04
La Parrillada Feliz food truck Mexicana image 1

Food truck offers Sinaloan Mexican cuisine with juicy quesabirria tacos and spicy red sauce. No seating on site, but nearby options exist. Student discounts apply, making it a competitive choice for quick meals.

Offers a quick lunch option that fits tight schedules. Lunch breaks often end just in time due to the pace.

Tacos stand out with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors from Jalisco. Burritos, especially the steak and veggie, offer rich, satisfying tastes. Tomatillo salsa adds a perfect touch to the dishes.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be very good and fresh."

"They offered me a student discount, which was appreciated."

"I returned during lunch because I enjoyed it so much."

Good to know

1

They offer a student discount to Berkeley High students.

2

There are no seating areas at the food truck.

3

Seating is available down the street at Butcher's Son.

05
Mezzo image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop offers spacious seating with cozy patio and large picture windows overlooking the street. Atmosphere carries a warm Californian energy with great music and comfortable temperature control. Connected bar and outdoor patio create a lively spot for casual dining and drinks.

Wide selection of fresh food includes sandwiches, salads, and soups. Lunch portions come large and affordable, all served with fast service during rush hours.

Breakfast burritos stand out with rich green sauce, fresh ingredients, and options like sausage and bacon. Prices start low, and you can customize your burrito with many ingredients for a solid value.

People are saying

"The salads here are huge, you'll need to share."

"This Lunch Spot has huge portions, perfect for splitting."

"I found the best breakfast burritos with flavorful ingredients."

Good to know

1

Parking garage on Durant offers the first hour free, just a block away.

2

Expect long lines during lunch; arrive before 11:30 AM to avoid waits.

3

Mezzo offers large portions for under $16, including sandwiches and salads.

06
Juan's Place image 1
Mexican restaurant

Huge space filled with nostalgic memorabilia and a small bar featuring a jukebox sets a lively, family-run vibe. Atmosphere feels like a welcoming, multi-generational gathering with relaxed energy. Popular spot for authentic Mexican comfort food and stiff margaritas.

Lunch feels like a visit to family with a homey atmosphere. Food resembles a lunch wagon style, suitable for casual gatherings after events or celebrations.

Huge burritos packed with high-quality ingredients stand out here. The menu features crab enchiladas, flautas, and a carnitas plate that showcase authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here feels like family, so welcoming."

"This local spot has been serving the community for over 50 years."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is excellent and delicious."

Good to know

1

Juan's Place has been serving the Berkeley community since 1972.

2

Parking is easy and available near the restaurant.

3

The menu features large portions, with most dishes priced over $22.

07
Berkeley Bowl West image 1

Supermarket offers narrow aisles that often feel crowded and chaotic, especially on weekends. It features an enormous bulk section, a large deli and hot food area, and a notable mushroom selection unmatched in the region. The atmosphere balances a farmer’s market aesthetic with a busy, energetic vibe.

Great hot bar options make for a quick lunch. Taco bowls without tortillas cost less than $4. The lunch area gets busy at times. Many pick up deli items to enjoy a picnic elsewhere.

Breakfast offers a hot food bar with burritos large enough to share for under $11. Burrito options include a veggie burrito with vegan chorizo, and taco bowls come without tortillas for a lunch under $4.

People are saying

"I found it to be the best grocery store."

"I loved their breakfast burrito for an inexpensive, delicious lunch."

"It's a great lunch spot with good prepared meal options."

Good to know

1

Parking at Berkeley Bowl West can be difficult.

2

Expect to find unique items here that you can't find anywhere else locally.

3

The store is known for its extensive variety of fresh produce.

08
Original Pollo image 1
Restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant with a homey vibe and relaxed atmosphere. Offers large portions and a varied menu featuring grilled chicken and classic dishes. Quiet setting near public transit, welcoming for early risers and budget-conscious diners.

Offers a classic lunch and breakfast menu with dishes like chicken kabob. Food tastes delicious and fits an old school vibe.

Breakfast burritos stand out with soft handmade tortillas and a variety of taco fillings. Mexican dishes come in a casual, affordable setting but lack cilantro, salsa, and guacamole.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and delicious."

"The chicken kabob here is delicious."

"Their burritos are my absolute favorite Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Original Pollo offers breakfast all day, catering to early risers and late brunchers.

2

The restaurant is conveniently located near the Downtown Berkeley BART station.

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals typically ranging from $14 to $16.

09
Cafe Réveille image 1

Spacious cafe with large open windows and an open patio featuring bistro tables and umbrellas creates a bright, airy setting. Atmosphere feels relaxing and social, attracting a creative, youthful crowd without being overwhelming. Outdoor seating is dog friendly and popular, especially for casual hangouts and brunch.

Breakfast burritos stand out with dense fillings and a goat sausage option, paired with a notable green sauce. Chilaquiles come in hearty portions with a generous half avocado on the side.

People are saying

"The Cafe's coffee is smooth, creamy, and consistently good."

"The coffee at this Lunch Spot is always smooth and well balanced."

"I thought the breakfast burrito was great Mexican food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both inside and outside seating.

2

There was free parking available at Cafe Réveille.

3

They accept only credit cards for payment.

10
Casa Latina Bakery image 1

Spacious bakery with bright seating and walls adorned with Frida Kahlo art creates a vibrant atmosphere filled with bachata and salsa music. The environment feels lively and welcoming, often buzzing with conversation. The place offers a charming, colorful vibe that reflects Mexican culture.

Lunch includes options like a carnitas burrito served fresh. Food smells inviting and the spot offers dine-in and takeout for lunch along with other meals.

Burritos stand out with pork mole and chicken options that rank among the best. Tacos like pollo asado, al pastor, and Baja fish come with flavorful salsas and fresh cabbage. Drinks include watermelon agua fresca and horchata that complement the meals well.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here tastes like it's homemade and of high quality."

"I found the pastries here to be delicious."

"You have to try the baked goods; they look scrumptious."

Good to know

1

There is no parking available at the location.

2

A taco with rice and beans costs $7.50.

3

The restaurant offers a panadería, coffee, and Mexican food.

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