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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Central Escondido

Lunch spots

The midday slump calls for a quick, satisfying meal that gets you back to the day with a full stomach.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Chan Dara Thai Cuisine image 1
Chan Dara Thai Cuisine image 2
Chan Dara Thai Cuisine image 3
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Thai restaurant

Modest interior with cushioned booth seating offers a cozy, quiet vibe perfect for a calm lunch. Lunch specials include pineapple fried rice and two spring rolls, making meals satisfying and well-rounded. Authentic Thai flavors shine in spicy dishes, creating a comforting home-like dining experience.

Lunch specials come with a choice of soup or salad, pineapple fried rice, and two spring rolls. Appetizers in the specials are good and the meals include set lunch options that satisfy.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be super authentic and delicious."

"This is the best Thai food I've ever had."

"The food here is so delicious, I always look forward to it."

Good to know

1

Expect smaller portion sizes compared to other local Thai restaurants.

2

Takeout service is quick if you prefer not to dine in.

3

Prices on the restaurant's website may be outdated.

02
Surf Brothers Teriyaki and Catering image 1

Hawaiian restaurant shines with family-oriented atmosphere and excellent wall art. Lunch rush moves fast, thanks to efficient service and praised catering. Guests love tender grilled chicken with unique teriyaki sauce in a clean, friendly space.

Lunch service handles the rush smoothly and stays fast even when packed. Catering options get praise for their lunch selection.

People are saying

"I found the food to be great and healthy."

"I found the teriyaki sauce to be out of this world."

"The Lunch Spot staff are so friendly and quick."

Good to know

1

The Escondido location only accepts card payments.

2

The restaurant is always clean.

3

Portion sizes are generally good.

03
Chicken Plus Greek Cuisine image 1

Small dining area with a mom & pop atmosphere offers a cozy spot for lunch featuring Greek cuisine. Flame rotisserie chicken stands out as a signature dish. Outdoor seating is dog-friendly, perfect for casual meals or work events.

Lunch features Greek cuisine with solid options for both casual meals and work events. The spot serves as a reliable choice for lunch or catering, offering a consistent experience.

People are saying

"The Greek food, especially the gyro, is always on point."

"This lunch spot has delicious, well-prepared, and fresh food."

"I considered this my go-to spot for dinner."

Good to know

1

Prices for meals are generally around $13, making it affordable.

2

Credit card payments incur an additional fee.

3

Seating can be limited, so expect possible wait times during busy hours.

04
Rock n' Jenny's Italian Subs image 1

Small sandwich shop offers vintage local vibe and cozy atmosphere with lively staff adding charm. Efficient lunch service suits office breaks and casual meetups. Limited seating and a wall of mirrors enhance the space.

Lunch service runs with efficient timing even during busy hours. Sandwiches suit office lunches and casual gatherings, backed by a friendly atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches here were really great and tasty."

"This lunch spot has delicious subs with fresh, quality ingredients."

"The meatballs are tender, tasty, and smothered in sauce and cheese."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

2

There is plenty of parking available.

3

One large sub is enough to feed at least two people.

05
The Villa on Grand image 1

Modern Mexican spot shines with spacious dining and friendly owners creating a relaxed vibe. Lunch serves large portions perfect for a midday break. Elegant decor adds charm to the welcoming, clean space.

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

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.

06
Elmisa Cafe Escondido image 1

Cozy cafe offers fresh breakfast sandwiches and quick lunch options like salads. Bright decor and covered outdoor seating create a quiet atmosphere perfect for casual meetups or studying. Food is tasty and ideal for dine-in or takeout.

Offers a varied selection of breakfast and lunch dishes including salads and sandwiches. Serves food quickly with options to dine in or take out, suitable for casual meetups or group catering.

People are saying

"I loved the cafe's delicious sandwiches and paninis."

"Their sandwiches are amazing, especially the chipotle chicken."

"This lunch spot has amazing paninis and fresh, healthy food."

Good to know

1

Elmisa Cafe Escondido offers a variety of options suitable for vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

2

The cafe serves breakfast and lunch and aims to get customers in and out quickly.

3

There are indoor and outdoor seating options available.

07
Up in Smoke BBQ image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant offers outdoor seating and a cozy atmosphere with deck of cards on tables. Friendly staff like Kayla make lunch ordering easy. Relaxing vibe and casual pace create a welcoming spot for casual dining.

Lunch here features friendly service and a casual vibe. Ordering is straightforward, with staff like Kayla providing helpful assistance.

People are saying

"The pulled pork and brisket BBQ here is mouthwateringly delicious."

"I thought the Mac and Cheese tasted amazing."

"The pulled pork and brisket at this Lunch Spot are tender and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

3

Prices are reasonable, and portion sizes are generous.

08
Shakey's Pizza Parlor image 1
Pizza restaurant

Large dining area with plentiful seating and multiple TVs creates a lively, family-friendly vibe. Lunch buffet features all-you-can-eat pizza and hot classics like fried chicken for $15. An adjoining arcade room adds fun for kids and groups.

The lunch buffet offers all-you-can-eat pizza, salad bar, and hot foods like fried chicken, potatoes, and meatballs. The $15 deal runs from 11 to 2 and includes a variety of classics and fresh options.

People are saying

"This pizza is the best I've had in a long while."

"The lunch buffet had fresh pizza, crispy chicken, and a great salad bar."

"The lunch buffet had fresh pizza and crispy chicken."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat pizza buffet offers great value for money.

2

Expect limited availability of arcade games as many are often out of order.

3

There is ample parking available for guests.

09
TOM's Famous Family Restaurant 23 image 1

Diner-style spot with a robotic server adds charm to a family-friendly vibe. Serves breakfast and lunch all day, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. Quiet and casual, it suits all ages well.

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.

People are saying

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

"I thought the turkey cheese burger with seasoned fries was a must-try."

"I loved their club sandwich and burgers."

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.

10
A Delight of France image 1

French bistro style creates a warm atmosphere with beautiful patio seating. Pastries and breakfast dishes shine, making it perfect for breakfast meetings or casual lunches. The lively, packed space adds to its bustling energy.

Offers a great selection of breakfast and lunch dishes. Works well for breakfast meetings or casual lunches with friends.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and fresh."

"The French food here, especially the croissants, is gigantic and flaky."

"The pastries at this Lunch Spot are delicious, especially the croissants."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time during busy brunch hours, especially on weekends.

2

They recently started doing dinner service during Cruisin' Grand.

3

The patio is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

11
Golden Egg Omelet House image 1
Brunch restaurant

Cozy spot with old-time diner charm offers a warm, lively vibe where regulars mingle. Lunch menu serves cubed potatoes and light options all day. Colorful trinkets add to the eclectic atmosphere making it a fun, down-home place.

Lunch options include a light eaters menu and a variety of breakfast and lunch items. The menu features a side of cubed potatoes instead of sliced. Lunch is served throughout the day.

People are saying

"The staff here are so friendly, they know regulars by name."

"This diner's massive menu has so many great options I want to try."

"The food and service here are great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a large variety of omelette options, with 90 choices available.

2

Expect large portion sizes; come prepared to eat a lot or take some home.

3

Parking is generally easy to find during visits.

12
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Spacious dining with multiple screens makes it lively and loud. Lunch specials offer great value with big portions. Family-friendly vibe fits casual meals and watching sports.

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

People are saying

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

"Our server Jesus made our dinner spot a blast!"

"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.

13
Birrieria Ay Jalisco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic goat birria with handmade tortillas in a lively, noisy setting filled with beautiful wall art. Perfect for a relaxed lunch with friends, the place offers convenient parking and a clean space despite some worn 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.

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.

14
Cocina del Charro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with covered patio and comfortable chairs for a relaxed vibe. Lunch offers carnitas family deal with great value and leftovers. Enjoy standout margaritas and tequila selections that elevate the meal.

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

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.

15
Fridas Street Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large open patio with outdoor taco bar offers a lively lunch spot despite a busy grill causing some delays. Festive Frida-themed decor and self-serve salsa bar create a fun vibe, though loud music can make conversation tough.

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 food here is delicious and very filling."

"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.

16
Kalaveras image 1
Restaurant

Dark club vibe with fluorescent graffiti sets a loud, intense scene. Lunch offers specials overlapping happy hour, though service may lag with big groups. Outdoor seating is dog-friendly, adding a relaxed touch to live music and DJ nights.

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.

People are saying

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

"The chips and salsa here are surprisingly good and worth coming back for."

"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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Central Escondido, Escondido

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