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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Brea

Lunch and Mexican food

Made for those who structure their midday break around the availability of authentic Mexican dishes.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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Updated May 2026
01
Carmel Cafe image 1
Carmel Cafe image 2
Carmel Cafe image 3
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Coffee shop

Simple, family-friendly coffee shop with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and chill vibes. Affordable prices pair with high-quality ingredients in colorful, cute dishes like savory breakfast burritos and fresh bagels. Space encourages conversation and neighborly greetings in a clean, comfortable setting.

Stops happen mostly during the week for quick lunch near work. Offers a chance to support a small business while grabbing a meal. Serves well when lunch is forgotten at home.

Breakfast burritos stand out with spinach wraps, bacon, and sausage fillings. The savory combination keeps the dish consistent and tasty.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"I thought the coffee here was amazing."

"I always get the tasty breakfast burrito with bacon."

Good to know

1

Prices at the cafe are very reasonable, with items around $5.

2

The cafe uses high-quality ingredients in their dishes.

3

Carmel Cafe is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch.

02
Reunion Kitchen + Drink Brea image 1
American restaurant

Large, modern space blends chic and rustic decor with inviting moody lighting that creates a 7-star dining vibe. Warm towels at meal's end add a luxurious touch. Lounge area offers soft, cozy seating for a relaxed atmosphere.

Meals accommodate allergy needs well, letting everyone enjoy lunch without worry. The Chef visits tables to check on diners and offers samples of other dishes. The spot suits lunch meetings with a relaxed vibe.

Pozole stands out as a Sunday-only dish with an authentic taste. The menu also features a monster burrito with short rib and Chilaquiles with Tomatillo Sauce, eggs, and potatoes.

People are saying

"This American food is delicious, especially the crispy chicken sandwich."

"The staff here makes you feel like family at this lunch spot."

"I thought the pozole tasted authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is only available until 6 pm on weekdays.

2

Pozole is served exclusively on Sundays.

3

Parking is available across the street at a public structure.

03
Choice Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Building resembles an old Taco Bell with indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels like a mom-and-pop greasy spoon with a complete salsa bar offering various heat levels. Menu includes large, flavorful burgers and Mexican dishes, served in a casual, straightforward setting.

Burgers stand out for lunch, especially the bacon avocado cheeseburger. Small sides like fries and zucchini often accompany meals. Prices can add up quickly for multiple lunches.

Chorizo burrito stands out with five-star flavor and the menu features quesadillas, tacos, and burritos alongside burgers and sandwiches. A salsa bar offers fresh diced peppers and ketchup, with ranch dressing available on request.

People are saying

"This local spot has satisfying, affordable burgers."

"I thought the breakfast burritos were really good."

"This lunch spot has a good, tasty burger."

Good to know

1

The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, breakfast plates, and Mexican dishes.

2

A typical meal costs under $15 and includes a large burger, fries, and a drink.

3

Parking is easy and free on a side street with plenty of spaces.

04
PK Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small burger stand with a 1960s mom and pop vibe offers a simple, clean setting and limited hours. Known for large, fresh breakfast burritos and community support, it draws locals despite tight parking and no air conditioning. Burgers and fries vary in freshness, but breakfast items stand out.

Lunch offers a large selection including breakfast items. Staff provide friendly service during workday visits. The spot suits quick, satisfying meals.

Breakfast burritos stand out for their fresh ingredients and large size. They come with no fillers and offer a very filling meal at an inexpensive price.

People are saying

"You have to try the breakfast burritos; they're the best Mexican food here."

"The food here is terrific and delicious."

"I had a really good lunch here; the burgers are great."

Good to know

1

Call ahead to confirm hours, as they are limited and may vary.

2

They close for dinner on weekdays, so plan accordingly.

3

Parking is very limited and can be difficult to navigate.

05
Cabo Grill & Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large dining room separates cozy dining area from lively cantina bar with TVs and full bar. Atmosphere balances relaxing vibe with bursts of laughter and energy, especially during happy hour. Crowd is diverse, enjoying background music and well-crafted margaritas.

Lunch features a happy hour and lunch menu with good value specials. Groups can split checks easily during celebrations.

Margaritas stand out, especially the Mango with chamoy and tajin. Steak fajitas and fish tacos come seasoned well with generous portions. Homemade chips arrive with two salsas, and hotter salsa options are available on request.

People are saying

"The sizzling fajitas are a fun show with generous portions."

"The margaritas at the bar were always on point."

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the tacos."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Lunch specials provide good value for under $20.

3

Taco Tuesday requires a drink purchase with tacos.

06
El Torito Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with homemade tortillas prepared in front of customers and a lively bar area featuring multiple TVs for sports. Atmosphere varies from smoky and noisy near the kitchen to calm and lively elsewhere, with a patio offering hill views. Music includes mariachi bands and DJs, creating a festive vibe.

Lunch offers a relaxed atmosphere with amazing service and wonderful food. Menus for lunch and dinner are quite limited, and the spot is not too busy during late lunch hours.

Freshly hand made flour tortillas come with honey butter and stand out. Dishes like Shrimp Enchiladas, pozole, and menudo offer authentic flavors. Table side guacamole is fresh and flavorful, and fajitas and tacos made to order highlight the menu.

People are saying

"Our server Adriana was so attentive and got our food quickly."

"The fresh, homemade tortillas are amazing Mexican food."

"The service at this lunch spot was attentive and friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price drinks, but seating is limited to the bar area.

2

Taco Tuesday features discounted tacos, making it a popular choice.

3

Expect wait times of over an hour during peak weekend brunch hours.

07
La Carniceria Wagyu image 1

Premium butcher shop with fresh wagyu beef and house-made salsas creates a clean, organized space. Atmosphere feels inviting with halal options and a focus on high-quality sandwiches served with chips and drinks. Prices run high, reflecting the specialty cuts and unique offerings.

Staff handle orders quickly, fitting meals into limited lunch breaks. The spot serves Wagyu options and stays open for late lunches on Sundays.

Wagyu carne asada comes tender and juicy with a salty and sour flavor when cooked. Salsa Roja stands out as a hot sauce preferred over Sriracha. Tortillas, salsa, and steak butter are also available.

People are saying

"I thought the prime steak sandwich was the best I've ever had."

"You have to try the wagyu pastrami sandwich at this lunch spot."

"The homemade Mexican food sauces had such rich flavors, I finished the whole tub."

Good to know

1

The price for a single pastrami sandwich is over $23.

2

Expect a wait time of about 20-30 minutes for sandwiches.

3

The sandwiches are primarily takeout; there is no seating available.

08
John's Place image 1
American restaurant

Diner with nostalgic old school decor and booth seating creates a quiet, comfortable atmosphere with Christian music playing softly in the background. Indoor plants and brass lamps add simple charm to the space. The vibe feels friendly and peaceful, suited for casual breakfast or lunch.

Friendly atmosphere suits family lunches well. Options include breakfast and lunch with some brunch choices available.

Burritos come super stuffed with fillings and include options like steak and chicken with green sauce. Breakfast burritos arrive quickly, taste delicious, and avoid greasy oil at the bottom.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, hot, fresh, and flavorful."

"I found the breakfast burritos here to be delicious and not greasy."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious, hot, and fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required; you can order at the counter.

2

Expect to pay around $32 for two breakfast burritos and drinks.

3

The restaurant offers large portion sizes for meals.

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