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Guide to California

Locally owned lunch spots

Made for those who refuse to give their midday business to anyone but a locally owned establishment.

Based on 690 Opinions
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01
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Small space with a few tables and barstool seats creates an intimate setting. Clean, modern design pairs with freshly made sauces and unique seasoning for a distinct flavor profile. Run by a couple, the place offers a welcoming atmosphere and highly praised chicken sandwiches.

Offers a signature sandwich with mild spice that suits those avoiding fast food. Serves well for quick lunch or dinner takeouts.

Chic mom and pop shop vibe shines through with a focus on locally owned charm and amazing food.

People are saying

"The chicken sandwich here is tender and mouth-watering."

"It's a chic, locally owned mom and pop shop."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful and free in the surrounding area.

2

The restaurant does not have a public restroom available for customers.

3

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly dining option.

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Sandwich shop with a homey atmosphere and friendly, welcoming vibe feels like a classic New York deli. Regulars enjoy generous portions and affordable prices on highly customizable sandwiches. The place maintains a mom and pop charm with decades of experience evident in every detail.

Sandwiches serve as the main option for lunch, often taken to share with family. Frequent visits show it as a solid spot for a midday meal with a casual vibe and consistent quality.

Years of experience shape this mom and pop style sandwich shop. It operates with a local, family-run feel that stands out in the area.

People are saying

"This locally owned spot has years of experience showing in its quality."

"The prices for this Lunch Spot were more than reasonable."

Good to know

1

The sandwiches cost around $10 and are quite large.

2

Expect generous portions with every sandwich order.

3

Daily specials feature popular sandwiches.

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Small space with intimate dining and nostalgic decor creates a cozy, homey vibe. Atmosphere feels like a family-run bodega, peaceful and inviting despite occasional discomfort. Offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine with unique dishes beyond pho.

Lunch offers a large portion that can last until dinner. The lunch special costs 9 dollars and draws people around midday.

People are saying

"The food at this locally owned spot is truly outstanding."

"I loved every bite of this amazing lunch spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers dishes not commonly found at other Vietnamese restaurants, like banh beo and banh xeo.

2

There are plenty of vegetarian options available on the menu.

3

Parking is free but can get crowded; spots are limited and tight.

04
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Small, family-owned Mexican restaurant with a quiet, inviting atmosphere and a generous, friendly vibe. Frequented by working-class people seeking authentic, affordable street-style tacos and quick service. The space feels like a mom and pop taco shop with a focus on traditional flavors.

Hours focus on lunch service, with no evening availability. The spot offers a low-key atmosphere ideal for a quick midday meal. The breakfast burrito stands out as a highlight among the menu.

A real mom and pop spot with the mom handling customers and the son on the grill. All spending stays local, going directly into the county.

People are saying

"It's a real mom and pop taco place, friendly and authentic."

Good to know

1

They recently changed their hours to be open until 7 pm.

2

The prices at Tacos San Pedro are extremely reasonable.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments accepted, but no personal checks.

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Simple, cozy space with a mom and pop vibe and relaxing piano music creates a peaceful atmosphere. Down-to-earth people contribute to a warm, welcoming energy that feels like home. Known for fresh, delicious breakfast and fair prices, it stands out as a hidden gem with great food portions.

Offers a solid choice for breakfast or lunch with a casual vibe. Serves as a reliable go-to spot in the neighborhood for midday meals.

Small scale operation with a mom and pop vibe defines the place. Food like waffles and tuna sandwiches matches that classic, homey feel.

People are saying

"It's a friendly, mom and pop spot with good food."

"The staff here make you feel right at home."

Good to know

1

The cafe is open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5 pm and on weekends from 8 am to 4 pm.

2

The open parking lot adjacent to the location makes parking easy.

3

The prices are lower than what I would expect for the quality.

06
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Classic mom-and-pop sandwich shop with vintage decor and a retro, old-fashioned vibe. Small, cozy space filled with homey knick knacks and a warm atmosphere. Feels like a traditional neighborhood deli with a comfortable, nostalgic setting.

Generous portions and quality ingredients make lunch satisfying here. Sandwiches come in large sizes, often enough to share, paired well with craft soda options.

Offers a classic mom and pop sandwich shop atmosphere with an old school charm that feels familiar and welcoming.

People are saying

"It's a charming, old-school mom and pop sandwich shop."

"The Godfather sandwich is the best lunch spot sandwich I've had."

Good to know

1

The portion sizes are huge, so consider sharing or saving leftovers.

2

A half sandwich costs more than half the price of a full sandwich.

3

They offer a choose your own six-pack deal for sodas.

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Casual Korean restaurant with a homey atmosphere and bright fluorescent lighting. Offers unlimited side dishes and complimentary bone broth served in stainless steel tumblers. Busy during lunchtime, it attracts those seeking authentic Korean flavors in a simple, comfortable setting.

Lunch draws a steady crowd with dishes like Sundubu, Galbi, and Dolsot Bibimbap. Arriving just after lunch hours helps avoid waiting since the spot stays busy.

An authentic mom and pop Korean restaurant runs the place, with the mom and pop cooking inside and their daughter serving outside. It stands a step above typical small restaurants.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's Korean stews and bibimbap are authentic and delicious."

"The food at this Locally Owned spot is beyond delicious."

Good to know

1

Yoo's place is very busy during lunchtime, expect longer wait times.

2

The menu at Yoo's place is extensive, featuring many popular Korean dishes.

3

Expect to pay a bit more, as some find the food expensive for the portions.

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Old house converted into a small breakfast spot with cozy charm and a beach cottage vibe. Atmosphere feels quiet and laid-back, evoking a nostalgic, family-like setting. Rooftop patio offers an additional peaceful seating option.

Offers both breakfast and lunch options in the morning. Frequent visits confirm it as a solid spot for morning meals and midday dining.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has delicious food with large, repeatable portions."

"It felt like a small, mom and pop place where the staff were the owners."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $15 for a plain Belgian waffle.

2

Parking is plentiful, which is uncommon for the area.

3

The establishment is pet-friendly with outdoor seating available.

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Family-run Vietnamese spot offers authentic pho with large portions and affordable prices. Atmosphere feels cozy and sociable, though it can get quite hot inside. The place has a hole-in-the-wall charm with a casual, unpolished setting.

Large serving sizes stand out, often enough for 2.5 people, which could be trimmed for lunch portions priced around $10 to $12. Lunch orders come with a free egg roll, though it is not very good or necessary.

Small mom and pop shop with friendly staff offers excellent quality and decent prices.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's pho broth shines with cracked pepper."

"It's a friendly, mom and pop shop with great quality."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited at KT Pho.

2

KT Pho offers a happy hour from 3pm to 7pm.

3

The free Thai tea is served between 15:00 and 19:00 (5-7pm).

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