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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Downey's best

Lunch spots for Mexican food

Made for those who prioritize a quick midday break and have a specific craving for Mexican cuisine.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Seafood restaurant

Live mariachi music creates a vibrant energy throughout the space, which includes a chic, recently remodeled interior with lush tropical greenery. Different areas offer varied moods, from a lively bar to a calming outdoor section and a cozy main dining room. The atmosphere feels safe and welcoming, blending festive sounds with comfortable, stylish seating.

Lunch features friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere. It suits casual meetups with friends.

Tacos stand out with tender octopus and a charred finish. The sizzling NY steak fajitas come cooked just right. Service is steady and attentive, with quick seating and a steady flow of tostadas.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and really well prepared."

"The octopus and marlin tacos here are amazing."

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, up to five hours, during peak dinner hours.

2

Parking is available on the side street, but can be limited.

3

Live music is featured on Friday nights, enhancing the dining experience.

02
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American restaurant

Classic American diner with retro decor and checkered floors creates a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. The place feels authentic and homey, welcoming groups for casual meals and gatherings. Music from the 80s plays softly, adding to the nostalgic vibe.

Lunch servings come in very generous portions and offer a delicious variety. Options include satisfying meals paired with fresh pies.

Breakfast dishes feature freshly made salsa served at each table. Chilaquiles and the wet breakfast burrito stand out, alongside a machaca burrito and hearty options like eggs with sirloin steak.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast here was great and the food tasted amazing."

"This lunch spot is known for its awesome pies, a perfect finish."

"You have to try the breakfast chilaquiles with their amazing salsa."

Good to know

1

Parking at Pieloon is very limited, so arrive early.

2

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible with designated parking.

3

Expect large portions, making it a good value for families.

03
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a spacious layout and vibrant bar atmosphere featuring a DJ and lively music. The front patio offers a warm fire feature ideal for relaxing while watching sports. Music varies from upbeat rhythms to reggaeton, creating an energetic vibe that fills the space.

The lunch buffet offers all you can eat options with affordable pricing from 11am to 2pm. Service is attentive and personable, enhancing the overall experience.

Shrimp and crab enchiladas stand out with rich flavors. The menu offers beef birria, tostadas, tacos, and freshly made corn tortillas. Menudo and pozole are prepared fresh, alongside tasty beef and chicken fajitas with rice and beans.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"Juan made our lunch experience so special and attentive."

"The Mexican food here has bottomless mimosas."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour is available on weekdays in the bar only.

2

Sunday brunch features an all-you-can-eat buffet.

3

Expect long wait times during busy brunch hours.

04
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Mediterranean restaurant

Small Mediterranean restaurant with cozy seating and wall-to-wall art and decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. TVs show sports, adding a laid-back vibe for casual hangouts. Space feels intimate but lively, suited for relaxed dining and socializing.

Lunch here offers quick service and a casual vibe. The food is consistently delicious for both lunch and dinner.

A huge menu blends Mexican and Middle Eastern flavors with dishes like birria tacos and halal Lebanese-Mexican burritos. Quesadillas feature melting cheese and Middle Eastern spices, while fusion items like Cheetos fries add variety.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"You have to try the crunch wraps; they're so flavorful."

"The owner's hospitality makes this Lunch Spot feel so welcoming."

Good to know

1

Fatima's Grill is open late until 2am.

2

Taco Tuesday specials offer discounted tacos all day.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but a surcharge may apply.

05
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Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with a high ceiling and authentic decor creates an airy, intimate atmosphere. Seating favors large tables, supporting family-friendly and group dining. The vibe blends modern style with quietness, suitable for private conversations and date nights.

Lunch offers a very good meal with a quiet atmosphere during the week. It suits gatherings with family and friends for a relaxed midday break.

Authentic Mexican food features handmade masa tortillas, flavorful beef birria, and tasty horchata. Dishes include shrimp, rice, and margaritas, creating a genuine, home-style vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and came with good portions."

"I thought the enchiladas and burritos were really good."

"I found the lunch here to be great and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at the restaurant.

2

The restaurant does not accept American Express for payment.

3

On Fridays and weekends, expect a wait for seating and food.

06
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Gastropub offers quiet and chill vibes with a dog-friendly patio and upscale, clean design. Music can be loud, especially on the patio, affecting conversation. Food and drinks focus on Latin flavors with generous portions and well-crafted cocktails.

Lunch happens best on weekdays to dodge the weekend rush. Arriving around 2:30 PM offers a quieter lunch experience with fewer crowds.

Crispy chicken tacos and tinga empanadas stand out with bold flavors. The Esquites platter serves as a solid appetizer. Mango and tamarindo margaritas come with a generous pour of liquor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The chicken quesadillas are crispy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection."

"The chicken and waffles at this Lunch Spot were delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers food and drink specials from Monday to Friday.

2

Mimosas pitchers are available from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at low prices.

3

Valet parking costs $7, and it's the only parking option available.

07
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Nuevo Latino restaurant

Nuevo Latino restaurant combines loud DJ music with a club-like vibe and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating including a small patio with quieter music. The atmosphere suits hanging out with friends or watching sports on multiple TVs. The decor is stylish and the energy stays lively throughout.

Lunch features friendly service with staff like Chris helping out. The spot serves brunch, lunch, and dinner, making it versatile for midday meals.

Chilaquiles de mole stand out with a unique twist on traditional Mexican food. Tacos pastor come generous and tasty, while Carne asada fries feature fried egg, guacamole, and jalapeรฑos toppings.

People are saying

"I found the food to be great and well-portioned."

"You have to try the Mexican food on Taco Tuesday."

"This Lunch Spot has great service, Chris really helped us out."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; seating is first-come, first-served.

2

Expect a one-hour wait during peak hours on weekends.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with larger portions for food and drinks.

08
DIOSA Downey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a stunning interior with elegant decor and a relaxed yet fancy atmosphere. Lively music and an entertaining bar with a tequila cart add energy to the space. The place balances luxury with comfort, creating an inviting setting for intimate evenings or celebrations.

Lunch specials and happy hour offer good value. The spot suits small business meetings well and provides a thoughtful atmosphere for celebrations.

Shrimp Alfredo enchiladas and mole enchiladas stand out with a lighter, less sweet mole sauce. The Diosa guacamole and elote are extremely good and amazing respectively, while the steak in chilaquiles is perfectly marinated and grilled.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and well proportioned."

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the tender carne asada."

"Priscilla, our waitress, was the best part of our Lunch Spot experience."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with many sharable food options and drinks.

2

Valet parking is available throughout the shopping center area.

3

A 3% surcharge is added to the check, which may be unexpected.

09
Let's Gogi Downey image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Self-serve meat and banchan bars create a convenient dining experience with fresh, flavorful meats and a minimalist interior. Lighting stays low but sufficient, supporting a clean and well-maintained atmosphere that balances quiet moments with lively grill activity.

Lunch offers all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ for $19.99, which is cheaper than most other Korean spots. Weekday lunch specials run around $20, making it a reasonable price for Korean BBQ.

Corn tortillas and esquite appear on the menu, matching the local taste. Appetizers like tofu soup and elote bowl lack strong flavors, with the soup tasting watered-down and the elote missing cheese.

People are saying

"I loved their lunch special for only $20, it was a great deal."

"I loved the buffet for the variety of tasty meats and sides."

"The Mexican Food here has great quality meats."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available for $20 from the regular menu.

2

All-you-can-eat K-BBQ is offered for $19.99.

3

Many items are self-serve, which can cause delays for large groups.

10
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill image 1

Buffet restaurant with indoor seating and close tables creates a loud, chaotic atmosphere reminiscent of a cafeteria. The vibe is family-oriented, with a mix of calm moments and busy, crowded times. Self-serve options and an omelet station add to the casual dining experience.

Wide all-you-can-eat selection makes lunch varied and satisfying. The place stays calm and not too crowded, offering a relaxed spot for lunch with family or friends.

Buffet offers a wide variety of Mexican dishes including tacos, chicken fajitas, and pozole broth. Meats like beef, ham, turkey, and chicken come with various condiments, though some can be confusing.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and suitable for all tastes."

"This lunch spot has a wide variety of fresh food, like moist chicken and non-greasy fried fish."

"The Mexican food here has a great variety, especially the pozole broth."

Good to know

1

Dinner is the best time to come for the unlimited Sirloin steak.

2

Expect cleanliness issues in the restrooms during busy hours.

3

Dogs are allowed inside the restaurant, which may be a concern for some.

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