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Lunch spots

The midday slump disappears the moment a plate of carnitas hits the table. It is the only way to power through the rest of the day.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Martiniz Fresko Kitchen image 1
Martiniz Fresko Kitchen image 2
Martiniz Fresko Kitchen image 3
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Family-owned restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and clean, stylish interior. Seating includes half booth/half table options but tables often connect closely. The vibe suits casual dining with a calm, pleasant environment.

Carnitas tacos come with rich, tender pork and appear alongside dishes like beef empanadas and Chicken Marsala. They serve as a hearty, flavorful option among other diverse menu items.

Lunch offers a 5-star experience with consistently satisfying meals. Options cater well to those seeking a great midday meal after activities like church.

People are saying

"The food here is farm fresh and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious and well-cooked."

"The Carnitas Tacos were so juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a frequently changing menu based on the chef's inspiration.

2

Martiniz Fresko Kitchen is suitable for both quick lunches and relaxing dinners.

3

Catering services are available for events, provided by the restaurant.

02
Contodo Fresh Mexican Eats image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers clean interior and spacious patio seating with a pleasant outdoor vibe. Atmosphere stays cool and relaxed with good music and a comfortable setting. It attracts those looking for a casual spot to enjoy fresh, well-regarded tacos and burritos.

Authentic flavor stands out in the carnitas tacos. They deliver a delicious, satisfying taste that impresses consistently.

Plenty of parking makes lunch easy to access. The California Burrito stands out as a solid choice. Outdoor seating includes picnic tables for a casual vibe.

People are saying

"The carnitas burrito was excellent and very flavorful."

"The carnitas tacos are juicy and crispy."

"The California Burrito at this Lunch Spot did not disappoint."

Good to know

1

$1.99 fish taco special is available, making it a great deal.

2

The taco shop has a drive-thru for convenient ordering.

3

Expect reasonable prices and good portion sizes.

03
El Canario Carnitas image 1

Small restaurant offers a cozy, homey vibe with a peaceful, quiet atmosphere. Authentic Mexican background music plays softly, enhancing the warm, inviting environment. The space feels clean and well decorated, creating a comfortable dining experience.

Tender meat and incredible flavor define the carnitas tacos here. Options include the carnitas taco with everything and the taco mixto, both cooked perfectly.

Lunch feels like a family gathering with a relaxed vibe. The spot stays calm during lunch rush, making it easy to enjoy a meal without crowds.

People are saying

"I'd drive from Orange County just for these carnitas."

"The potato tacos at this Lunch Spot are delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the carnitas I had were the best I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Weekend specials are available, offering unique dishes at a discount.

3

The restaurant is located in an industrial area, making it less visible.

04
Carnitas Mi Rancho image 1

Line often stretches out the door with most orders to go, creating a busy and bustling scene. Family-friendly atmosphere combines with cleanliness and affordable pricing to attract steady crowds. Known for exceptional carnitas and handmade tortillas, it offers a focused menu that draws repeat visitors.

Tender, soft, and juicy meat fills handmade-style tortillas that are pillowy and perfect. The menu focuses solely on carnitas tacos, delivering a flavorful and satisfying experience.

Lunch here features Carnitas Mi Rancho, a solid choice for a midday meal. The spot works well for casual lunches with coworkers after work.

People are saying

"I found the carnitas tacos to be tender, flavorful, and juicy."

"These carnitas tacos are tender, flavorful, and juicy."

"This Lunch Spot's carnitas tacos are seriously tasty."

Good to know

1

Get there early on weekends as they close when they run out of food.

2

For large parties, it's necessary to order ahead of time.

3

Expect long lines, especially during peak hours.

05
¡Jaime! Taqueria & Breakfast Burritos image 1

Restaurant blends indoor and outdoor spaces with sunlight, music, and conversation for a casual yet elevated vibe. Design feels intimate yet spacious with bold artwork that adds character. Crowd enjoys flavorful margaritas and standout breakfast burritos amid a cool, welcoming atmosphere.

Carnitas tacos come with solid, excellent flavor and pair well with queso fundido and estilo-saka salsa. They hold up consistently alongside other standout dishes like filet mignon.

A lunch special offers two tacos and a margarita for $25, creating a seductive daylight experience. Tables can be available on Fridays, making it a spot for casual meals with others.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, was amazing."

"This Lunch Spot's tacos are rich in flavor, especially the carnitas."

"Carlos made the custom drinks so delicious!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended for happy hour to secure a table.

3

The restaurant is cashless; only credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

06
Roxy’s Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with heated outdoor seating and picnic tables creates a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. Upbeat music adds to the chill vibe while friendly staff contribute to a comfortable experience. Outdoor seating offers a pleasant spot despite the surrounding urban grunge.

Flavorful and well-seasoned, the carnitas tacos stand out on their own without needing extra salsa. They come highly recommended and often prompt ordering more due to their delicious taste.

Affordable prices make it a solid choice for a quick lunch. The spot offers a fast service and a casual vibe ideal for midday meals.

People are saying

"I had the best burrito I’ve ever had."

"The fish tacos here are really good; I'd order them again."

"The carnitas tacos here were so good, I ordered more."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited in the downtown area, so arrive early.

2

Expect long wait times during peak lunch hours.

3

The restaurant does not have a restroom available for customers.

07
Los 5 Puntos image 1

Tight, old-school deli with authentic Mexican vibe and loud mariachi music outdoors. Women slap tortillas in sync over a giant comal, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Outdoor community tables offer casual seating despite worn furniture.

Juicy, flavorful carnitas come topped with nopales, cilantro, onion, and salsa verde. Handmade tortillas made without machines hold the tacos, adding a traditional touch to each bite.

Lunch offers good value with meals under $11 and includes a bottled Coke. The spot stays consistently busy during lunch hours, showing its popularity.

People are saying

"The food's authentic Mexican taste, especially the sopes and tamales, is delicious."

"You have to try the tacos at this Lunch Spot; they hooked it up."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

On Saturdays and Sundays, they serve menudo.

2

Parking is tricky, so I parked on a nearby street and walked over.

3

The line can get long on weekends, but it moves fast.

08
LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA image 1

Small Mexican restaurant with spartan interiors and paper plate service offers a super casual and family-friendly vibe. Background music features Mexican tunes while TVs show local sports and events. The atmosphere feels welcoming but leans toward quick dining rather than lingering.

Carnitas tacos feature very good meat served on a soft corn tortilla. The flavor is generally packed with flavor, though the meat can sometimes be a bit dry.

Comfort food remains available for lunch far from home. Friendly service at the counter supports a relaxed lunch date vibe near the beach.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is oozing with flavor and moisture."

"The carnitas tacos have tender meat with a nice crisp."

"The tacos at this Lunch Spot are freaking delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a 1 plus 1 deal on tacos.

2

Specials are available Monday through Friday with $2 off select items.

3

Street parking is available, but can be hard to find.

09
Palenque kitchen by Mezcal image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant combines dark, lively interior with two dance floors and a central bar. Music energizes the space, creating a family-friendly yet vibrant atmosphere. Colored lighting and Mexican art add to the trendy, festive vibe.

Perfectly seasoned meat delivers a rich, savory flavor. Each taco offers a yummy, satisfying bite that hits the spot every time.

Lunch menu satisfies most people here. The spot feels cozy and servers provide friendly service during lunch.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good."

"This Lunch Spot has delicious tacos and fresh ingredients."

"The carnitas tacos here are tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6:30 PM with $10 margaritas and discounted appetizers.

2

Palenque offers bottomless mimosas on Sundays.

3

The restaurant has only one restroom for all guests.

10
MexicanBar image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern Mexican restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and a freshened look from recent remodeling. Atmosphere feels relaxed and contemporary, with big screen TVs showing football games and contemporary music playing. Food and drinks include homemade tortillas, fresh margaritas, and standout dishes like chile relleno and carne asada tacos.

Carnitas tacos come out consistently good to excellent with tender, flavorful meat. They pair well with other dishes like carne asada fajitas.

Lunch features a huge Al Pastor burrito that stands out for its size and flavor. Mexican dishes offer a very tasty midday meal option.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is great, especially the tacos and fajitas."

"This lunch spot's tacos and burritos are huge and delicious."

"The carnitas tacos here are good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Taco Tuesday offers discounts on tacos and add-ons every Tuesday.

3

Tequila specials are available every Thursday night.

11
Tipsy Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small indoor space offers clean, cute decor with sparkling seating and a pleasant atmosphere. Music plays softly, creating a cool vibe that invites relaxation without overwhelming noise. Outdoor seating faces a busy road, adding some traffic sounds to the experience.

Carnitas tacos come with rice and stand out for their flavor. Options include chicken, pastor, asada, and birria, with carnitas being a frequent choice.

Tables, chairs, and windows stay sparkling clean, creating a nice environment for lunch. Locals often choose this spot for a quick meal before activities like disc golf.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the birria tacos, is packed with flavor."

"This lunch spot's tacos are fresh, tasty, and amazing."

"The Carnitas Tacos here have such friendly and fast service."

Good to know

1

Dine-in, togo, and delivery all take more than 30 minutes.

2

Parking is available around the back of the restaurant.

3

Food usually arrives at the table in less than 10 minutes.

12
Vegan Vatoz Casa De’ Tacos image 1

Food truck serves all vegan Mexican cuisine with fresh, high-quality ingredients and bold, creative flavors. Outdoor seating includes picnic tables in parking lot with music playing, creating an inviting and authentic vibe. Popular for flavorful vegan proteins and unique vegan tacos and burritos.

Carnitas tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. Other tacos like carne asada and chorizo are decent, but carnitas take the lead.

Lunch here draws a crowd, often requiring a 15-minute wait during peak hours. The menu focuses on vegan tacos that deliver a great lunch experience.

People are saying

"You have to try their amazing vegan tacos and burritos."

"This Lunch Spot's burritos are amazing and flavorful."

"I've never had better carnitas tacos."

Good to know

1

They offer specials throughout the week that make some items more affordable on specific days.

2

Tacos with vegan egg are excluded from the $2 taco Tuesdays offer.

3

The restaurant's hours change daily, so check before visiting.

13
La Popular Claremont image 1

Contemporary decor with dim warm lighting and a large outdoor patio decorated with string lights creates an elegant, inviting space. Live music plays regularly, adding energy, though game audio can be loud inside. The atmosphere feels welcoming and trendy, attracting a busy crowd early in the evening.

Carnitas tacos come with rich flavor and a tender texture. They pair well with a salsa flight and a Watermelon Hibiscus Margarita.

Outdoor patio offers a pleasant setting on warm days. The enchiladas stand out as a delicious lunch option.

People are saying

"The margaritas here are truly yummy and worth every penny."

"The enchiladas at this lunch spot were amazing and tasty."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were really tasty and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long waits.

2

Expect wait times of 45 minutes to an hour during busy nights.

3

Happy hour features $5 margaritas and $2 tacos on Tuesdays.

14
Taquería Los Chuchys image 1
Taco restaurant

Narrow space with rail seating and a self-serve salsa bar offers a casual, hole-in-the-wall vibe. Atmosphere feels humble and welcoming, though seating can be cramped. Outdoor tables provide a pleasant alternative when weather allows.

Carnitas tacos feature crispy roasted pieces alongside tender, moist meat. The balance of textures keeps them consistently on point.

Quick service and tasty tacos make this a solid choice for lunch. It fits well for a fast meal during a busy day or a casual team order.

People are saying

"I thought the carne asada tacos were some of the best I've ever had."

"These tacos are so juicy, you'll want to wear a bib for your Lunch Spot."

"These carnitas tacos were the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer a buy 2 get 1 free deal on tacos.

2

The restaurant is open until 3 AM for late-night eats.

3

Parking can be challenging since it's located in Gaslamp.

15
Morena's Mexican Cuisine image 1

Restaurant offers a clean, spacious interior with a warm, inviting atmosphere and live mariachis on Sundays. Bar area features several TVs often showing sports, creating a casual vibe. Separate banquet room accommodates private events, adding versatility to the space.

Carnitas tacos come with a mix of quality, some are great and flavorful, while others taste old and bland. They pair well with drinks like tamarind water.

Weekday lunch buffet offers a variety of dishes with plentiful portions. Options like chicken fajitas and spinach enchiladas come with enough for leftovers.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is so delicious, I took leftovers home."

"The Mexican food here is so authentic, I can tell."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be great."

Good to know

1

A 20% service charge is added for large parties, which may not be disclosed upfront.

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and is very popular.

3

Mariachi performances occur every Sunday at noon, enhancing the dining experience.

16
La Popular Porter Ranch image 1

Loud house music and a DJ create a high-energy atmosphere with a strong dance vibe. Seating options include lounge chairs, sofas, booths, and regular tables, all set in a beautiful interior with aesthetic lighting and decorations. Patio seating offers a quieter, more peaceful experience away from the music.

Outstanding flavor and tasty presentation define the Carnitas tacos here. They consistently deliver a satisfying and flavorful experience.

People are saying

"I had the best Enchiladas al Pastor I have ever had."

"The carnitas tacos here are outstanding and very tasty."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on Tuesdays from 3-6 PM with great deals on food and drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended during busy times to ensure seating.

3

Expect additional charges for modifications to menu items, like adding chicken.

17
Johnny Mañana's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a festive patio with heated outdoor seating and a colorful salsa bar. The vibe is hip and fun, with music that supports conversation without shouting. Margaritas stand out as well-balanced and flavorful.

Carnitas tacos come loaded with meat, cilantro, and onions. They have a texture that is neither mushy nor crispy, but some find them lacking in flavor.

Offers a solid choice for a decent cheap lunch with options like a delicious veggie burrito and fresh ceviche. Suitable for mid-week or weekend stops.

People are saying

"These fish tacos are delicious and surprisingly big."

"This lunch spot's fish tacos are massive and crispy."

"The carnitas tacos here are loaded with meat and taste authentic."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features street tacos for $2.50 each.

2

Happy hour offers drink specials with discounted prices.

3

Wine glass Wednesdays feature $5 glasses of wine.

18
El Toro Bravo Tortilleria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large boilers produce homemade tortillas and chips in a busy, chaotic space with limited seating focused on takeout. The atmosphere feels authentically Mexican despite unsanitary conditions and a no-frills setup. Generous portions and flavorful tacos, burritos, and carnitas draw long lines.

Carnitas tacos come large and tender, packed with juicy meat and strong flavor. Prices run around $9 for three tacos, with combo deals available for more variety.

Waiting in line during lunch is common because the spot gets pretty packed. Arriving before noon helps catch a short line and fits a quick 30-minute lunch window.

People are saying

"The food portions here are generous and a great value."

"I loved the fresh tortillas and big, delicious meat tacos."

"The carnitas tacos are packed with tender, juicy meat."

Good to know

1

El Toro Bravo Tortilleria is a take-out only place with no seating available.

2

Masa sells out quickly, so arrive in the morning for the best chance.

3

Expect long wait times during lunch hours due to high demand.

19
Fridas Street Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large open patio with outdoor taco bar and self-serve salsa bar creates a lively setting. Music plays loudly, often making conversation difficult. Space fills with diverse groups enjoying festive, Frida-themed decor and freshly made tortillas.

Carnitas tacos come packed with flavor and get served quickly. They stand out alongside adobada and birria tacos for their tasty, well-prepared fillings.

Lunch hours bring a busy grill with only one chef, causing some delays and occasional overcooked dryness. The spot serves solid meals for both lunch and late-night bites.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be shockingly delicious."

"The tacos here burst with authentic flavor and fresh ingredients."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be great."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult; plan to arrive early or find alternative options.

2

You can order ahead to avoid long waits on busy nights like Thursday to Saturday.

3

On Tuesdays, enjoy $1.99 street tacos all day.

20
Kalaveras image 1
Restaurant

Rustic decor with colorful murals and lively lighting creates a vibrant setting. Loud music, often reggaeton, fills the space, making it feel more like a night club than a quiet restaurant. Large booths and a full bar support a social, energetic atmosphere where dancing and karaoke happen.

Small size stands out for the crispy carnitas taco, smaller than a pen. It lacks garnish, and extras come with additional charges beyond the base price.

Lunch features Carnitas Tacos and Chips & Salsa with a Bombay Sapphire Gin chaser. Meals come during the middle of the day, offering a straightforward midday option.

People are saying

"The food here is really good, especially the taco deals."

"The margarita flights here are a great date spot with fresh fruit flavors."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is super friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7 PM with discounted drinks.

2

Unlimited mimosas are available until 3 PM during brunch.

3

Taco Tuesday features special discounts on tacos.

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