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Lunch spots for Mexican food

A Mexican lunch that is quick enough for a workday but still feels like a real break from the office.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
The Villa on Grand image 1
The Villa on Grand image 2
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Modern Mexican restaurant offers a spacious, airy dining area with charming, elegant decor. Atmosphere feels welcoming and relaxed, with a clean, well-lit environment that invites casual gatherings. Friendly owners contribute to a chill vibe that complements the fresh, flavorful food.

Lunch features large portions, like a burrito so big half can be saved for later. Meals offer satisfying size for a midday break.

Chilaquiles with carne asada stand out for their freshness and quality. The menu features battered fish and shrimp tacos that are consistently flavorful and perfectly cooked, along with carnitas and carne asada burritos that offer unique and high-quality Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious."

"The carnitas and guacamole at these Date Spots are fresh and tasty."

"This Lunch Spot's food is so fresh and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and drinks.

2

Parking is available on the side street near the restaurant.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

02
California Fish Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers clean, comfortable interior with outdoor seating that welcomes dogs. Atmosphere stays relaxed and pleasant with nice background music enhancing the dining experience. Service focuses on quick, nutritious meals with good value and quality.

Offers healthy fish options ideal for a simple lunch. Staff provide personalized suggestions and attentive service. Suitable for both business and family lunches.

Tacos stand out with Cajun shrimp and breaded shrimp options that are crunchy and flavorful. Taco Tuesday offers a $3.50 deal making combos like the Cajun fish taco combo a popular choice.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh, healthy, and tasty."

"I loved the fresh, tasty grilled fish and shrimp tacos."

"This lunch spot offers healthy, tasty food at great prices."

Good to know

1

$3.50 tacos on Tuesdays are a sweet deal.

2

Parking is extensive and easy to find.

3

Prices range from $13 to $18 for main dishes.

03
Side Yard Public House image 1

Outdoor seating with dog-friendly patio and live weekend music creates a relaxed, social atmosphere. Open-air space features comfortable seating and multiple TVs showing sports games. The vibe is community-oriented and welcoming, with a mix of chill and lively moments.

Lunch comes with a quiet atmosphere and slow service even when the place is mostly empty. It suits a relaxed midday break after activities like hiking or golf.

Taco Tuesday features carne asada guacamole with grilled cheese that stands out. The spot offers an easy-going vibe perfect for grabbing a taco and a cold beer.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent and delicious."

"This lunch spot has amazing food and vibes."

"I thought the fish tacos were very good."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute wait during busy times, even on less crowded days.

2

The restaurant does not serve food, only beer and wine.

3

Live music occurs on Wednesdays and Saturdays, enhancing the atmosphere.

04
Chito's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican shop offers authentic flavors with a cash-only policy and cramped dining area. Atmosphere feels intimate and comfortable, attracting those seeking traditional dishes and generous portions.

Lunch draws a crowd, making the wait long during peak hours. Meals like lunch with two cokes run about $29, showing a steady popularity around noon.

Chicken rolled tacos and a California burrito with guacamole stand out for their consistent flavor and creamy guacamole. Salsa roja offers exceptional depth, while carne asada and beans deliver solid, authentic tastes.

People are saying

"I thought the burrito here was the best I ever had."

"I thought their burritos were the best I ever had."

"I'd come back for the carne asada burrito loaded with meat."

Good to know

1

Chito's Taco Shop accepts cash only, so be prepared with cash.

2

Expect long wait times during peak lunch hours.

3

Taco Tuesdays are a highlight of the week.

05
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.

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.

Tacos stand out with birria and al pastor options that many find delicious. Street tacos cost $1.99 on Tuesdays, and the Adovada Torta is also available.

People are saying

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

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be shockingly delicious."

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

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.

06
Birrieria Ay Jalisco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic goat and beef birria with unique handmade tortillas and beautiful wall art. Atmosphere is often noisy with multiple music sources playing simultaneously. Parking is convenient, and the space feels clean despite some wear on furniture.

The spot stays open longer than usual for lunch, letting groups enjoy meals without rush. It suits casual gatherings with friends for a relaxed midday break.

Birria here uses traditional goat meat with a spicy, flavorful profile. Thick tortillas, tender birria tacos, and dishes like chilaquiles with fresh cheese and green salsa highlight authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"I found the birria tacos to be delicious Mexican food."

"You have to try the handmade tortillas; they're like the ones from Mexico."

"The handmade tortillas at this Lunch Spot are amazing with the birria."

Good to know

1

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

2

Parking is available nearby, making access convenient.

3

Prices for dishes range from $10 to $20, depending on the selection.

07
Cocina del Charro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a covered patio and comfortable chairs. Atmosphere ranges from inviting and calm to somewhat noisy and crowded, especially around central tables. Margaritas and tequila selections stand out as a distinctive feature.

Excellent lunch options come with great prices. Meals like the carnitas family deal provide plenty for leftovers, making lunches easy for days.

Carnitas family deal and fish tacos stand out for their flavor and freshness. The menu includes authentic tamales, inventive appetizers, and a flight of margaritas that pairs well with fresh, homemade salsa and chips.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, and the service was fabulous."

"I loved sitting on the patio on a lovely day."

"This lunch spot has really good, authentic food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM, Monday to Friday.

2

Sunday brunch is available until 2 PM with a wide variety of dishes.

3

Parking is wheelchair accessible.

08
TOM's Famous Family Restaurant 23 image 1

Diner-style space with an old school atmosphere and a casual vibe that feels family-friendly. Food arrives via a robotic server, adding a unique and charming touch. The environment stays relaxed and often quiet, making it comfortable for all ages.

Serves breakfast and lunch all day, making it easy to grab a meal whenever hunger hits. Known as a go-to spot for lunch, it offers a satisfying and filling experience.

Breakfast burritos stand out with their large size and great price. Cheese omelettes and bean and cheese burritos also feature as solid choices, with extra salsa included in orders.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is a great value for the money."

"I loved their club sandwich and burgers."

"Their breakfast burritos are out-of-this-world good."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru offers great specials between 2 pm and closing time.

2

They offered dine-in and takeout options.

3

The prices are reasonable with meal deals worth every penny.

09
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with drive-through service and plenty of indoor seating offers a clean and well-maintained environment. The atmosphere suits families and quick meals, with a medium-sized parking lot that fills up during dinner. Food focuses on fresh grilled chicken dishes that are flavorful and well-prepared.

Great service stands out during the lunch rush hour. Food suits both lunch and dinner, making it a guiltless go-to spot.

Double chicken tostadas stand out with options like classic and mango habanero sauce. Burritos mostly contain rice and beans with little chicken, sometimes with issues like burnt chicken or bones.

People are saying

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

"The service at this lunch spot is great and attentive."

"I love their double chicken tostada; it's always delicious."

Good to know

1

The parking lot out front is medium-sized and can get busy during dinner time.

2

I paid under $6 for the meal.

3

There is plenty of seating indoors and a few seats outside.

10
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Restaurant offers a spacious dining area with multiple screens showing sports games. Atmosphere is loud and busy, often requiring raised voices to converse. Bar area sits close to the kitchen, adding to the high noise level.

Lunch features 3 for $10.99 specials with a burger, fries, and salad. Offers great value with generous portions and a family-friendly setting.

Shrimp fajitas come plentiful and very good. Mexican rice and black beans taste solid. Enchilada soup feels hearty. Appetizers include Santa Fe chicken salad, quesadilla explosion chicken salad, and classic nachos. Cheese quesadillas sometimes lack actual cheese.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and a great value."

"The fajitas here just aren't what they used to be."

"You've got to try the lunch specials here; they're a great deal."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Lunch specials provide a lot of food for a lower price.

3

Parking is easy at this location.

11
Kalaveras image 1
Restaurant

Dark club vibe fills the space with loud music and fluorescent graffiti under black lights. Live music and DJ sets energize the atmosphere, especially on Fridays. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, adding a relaxed touch to the otherwise intense setting.

Lunch features specials and a menu that overlaps with happy hour and brunch options. Service can be stretched thin, as seen when one waiter handled a large party during lunch.

Chicharron tacos offer a well-cooked, flavorful, and balanced taste. Carne asada comes with a charred outside and juicy inside. The Taquitos deliver an authentic Mexican flavor rarely found in Southern California.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, with attentive and friendly staff."

"The Mexican Food here is outstanding, with fun and friendly service."

"I stopped by for lunch and some margaritas."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 7 pm with $5 appetizers and drink specials.

2

Taco Tuesday features $1.49 tacos and a self-serve salsa table.

3

Expect an 18% mandatory service charge on bills over $200.

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Escondido, California

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