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Guide to Fullerton

Mexican lunch spots

Made for those who view a midday break as an opportunity to explore the regional nuances of Mexican cuisine.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Casa Rosita's image 1
Casa Rosita's image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy restaurant with homey feel and tasteful decor creates a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor seating offers a quiet dining option. Family-run vibe shows in the warm, inviting energy throughout.

Tacos from the lunch menu come with authentic Mexican flavor and are available even early in the morning. The spot serves wonderful lunch options that make it a solid choice for midday meals.

Breakfast features chilaquiles with rib eye and a choripapa burrito alongside authentic chicken tacos and a loaded chicken quesadilla. Menudo appears as a notable weekend offering.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is delicious and beautifully plated."

"I found the lunch spot to have authentic Mexican flavor."

Good to know

1

First-timers should be aware that they need to order at the front desk before seating.

2

Parking during lunchtime is limited, so arrive early.

3

Casa Rosita's is located 2-3 minutes off both the 91 and 5 freeways.

02
La Aguila Market image 1
Mexican grocery store

Small market with wide meat selection and fresh Mexican food offers a local, authentic vibe and patio seating with shade. It draws people looking for quality tacos and carnitas alongside groceries and cooked meals. Clean and organized space maintains a reliable spot for lunch despite staff turnover.

Offers quick lunch combos like frijoles y arroz and other filling options. Stands out among local lunch spots for its hidden gem quality and solid meal choices.

Street style tacos stand out with variety of protein options like carne asada, al pastor, and beef tongue. The carnitas and carne asada offer exceptional flavor and freshness, complemented by a wide selection of meats and salsas.

People are saying

"I thought the street style tacos were the best in town."

"I thought the street style tacos were the best in town."

"The street style tacos here are the best, with onions, cilantro, and salsa."

Good to know

1

The market has a cooked food and meat department, along with bread, beers, and many other products.

2

The taco stand offers amazing prices for delicious tacos.

3

Cleanliness is a concern; staff should maintain hygiene practices while handling food.

03
Ponchos Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a casual, street-style vibe and a focus on takeout. Warm interior and a salsa bar offering several flavorful options enhance the experience. Known for authentic tacos like Al Pastor and carne asada, it attracts a lunch crowd despite a less accessible location.

Tacos stand out as a quick and satisfying choice during lunch. The spot leans heavily on its lunch business due to its location.

Tacos here stand out for their fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, especially the Al Pastor and birria tacos which are tender and well seasoned. A salsa bar offers several spicy options that complement the tacos perfectly.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are unreal and so flavorful."

"The salsa here has such a homemade flavor, it's unmatched."

"The al pastor tacos here are tender, juicy, and well-seasoned."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer tacos for $1.75 each.

2

The restaurant is located in a less crowded shopping mall.

3

Check out the salsa bar next to the counter for extra flavor.

04
George's Hamburgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small, old-school diner with a retro style and mom-and-pop feel creates a cozy, friendly atmosphere where regulars are remembered. The space fills quickly, especially on weekends, reflecting its local popularity. Simple, worn seating adds to the authentic neighborhood vibe.

Offers burgers under $10 that make lunch affordable and quick. Serves as a local staple for all meals, with a solid reputation for lunch options.

Breakfast burritos stand out with their huge size and all three meats option. They combine good ingredients and come at a reasonable price, making them a solid choice any time of day.

People are saying

"I found these burgers to be a Fullerton favorite."

"The breakfast burritos here are amazing and worth the wait."

"This lunch spot's burgers are juicy and taste like real beef."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during weekends, especially for lunch.

2

Breakfast service ends at 1:00 p.m., so plan accordingly.

3

Credit and debit cards are accepted, but there's a 3% surcharge.

05
El Camino Real image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant combines street-style and sit-down dining across a large space with authentic Mexican roots. Atmosphere shifts from quiet to lively and vibrant during busy times, with a welcoming vibe. Known for best nachos and solid authentic dishes, it draws crowds especially for takeout.

Lunch rush creates a busy atmosphere with a bumping crowd on weekends. Staff stay helpful and friendly even when it gets crowded, and the lunch options remain consistently good.

Authentic Mexican dishes fill the menu, including standout tacos, burritos, and sopes. The green salsa and pico de gallo with chips add fresh, bold flavors that complement the food well.

People are saying

"The carne asada tacos here are delicious and so good."

"You've got to try the carnitas; they're so yummy."

"The food at this lunch spot is excellent."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during lunch rush hours due to popularity.

2

Takeout is a great option for a quick bite of authentic Mexican food.

3

Prices are reasonable and affordable for the amount of food served.

06
The Grill image 1
Fast food restaurant

Newly remodeled fast food spot with indoor and outdoor seating plus a drive-thru offers a loud, energetic atmosphere filled with TV and music. Space feels compact but well laid out, attracting those who appreciate classic burger-style dining with a modern touch.

Lunch offers a large variety of foods that satisfy different tastes. The spot feels really nice and comfortable for a midday meal.

Asada burritos stand out with rich flavor and come with salsa Verde that is notably good. Carne Asada Fries and taco platters also feature as solid options in this Mexican food selection.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"This lunch spot has great food with lots of variety."

"I loved the toasted bread on the California melt."

Good to know

1

They just added a drive-through, which is very convenient.

2

The restaurant is the only one open later than 8 pm nearby.

3

It can get really busy during rush hours, but it's worth the wait.

07
Kitch Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Bright, airy space with high ceilings and window-lined walls creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Both indoor and outdoor seating accommodate a calm, positive vibe where dogs on leash are welcome. The environment balances modern design with a cozy, clean feel suitable for brunch gatherings.

Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating suits casual business lunches or meetups with friends. The spot stays busy on weekdays, especially around lunchtime.

Brisket shines in the breakfast burrito, juicy and smoky with scrambled eggs and potatoes. The spicy Korean pork belly burrito adds a bold twist to the Mexican offerings.

People are saying

"You have to try the matcha pancakes and cube toasts for brunch."

"You have to try the brisket burrito; it's so flavorful and filling."

"The souffle pancakes here are so soft and cloud-like."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for weekend brunch due to high demand.

2

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

3

Plenty of parking is available nearby for customers.

08
Shorty'z image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Small indoor and outdoor seating areas create a lively vibe with funny pictures on the walls and baseball on TV. The atmosphere feels warm and clean, offering a shaded patio that welcomes pets. Counter service delivers a wide variety of breakfast options in a local, mom-and-pop style setting.

Offers high-quality breakfast and lunch options that are relatively cheap. Serves as a local hangout spot suitable for breakfast meetings and lunches.

Breakfast burritos stand out with thick, large portions packed with ham, bacon, sausage, and potatoes. They come with onions and pastrami on the side, and extra salsa is common, though the salsa is just okay.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

"The breakfast burritos here are thick, affordable, and really good."

"The staff at this lunch spot are genuinely friendly and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Shorty'z is open for breakfast and lunch but closed on Wednesdays.

2

Expect generous portions at Shorty'z, making it a good value.

3

Shorty'z charges separately for coffee, affecting overall meal prices.

09
Pour Company image 1

Spacious brewpub offers a large covered patio with dog-friendly garden seating and live music that creates a lively yet laid-back vibe. Inside, the atmosphere is quiet and classy, suitable for relaxed dining. The outdoor bar and unique setup in a small alleyway add to its distinctive charm.

Lunch here offers a relaxed vibe where eggs meet alcohol in a space that welcomes both breakfast and lunch crowds. Wait times are short, around ten minutes, making it a solid spot for a midday meal.

Burritos come with an artistic logo stamp and pack in meat, beans, fries, several cheeses, plus a thick consommรฉ for dipping. Chilaquiles keep their crunchy chips but lean away from traditional spice levels.

People are saying

"The patio is open and relaxing, a great outdoor space."

"The ambiance for Mexican food here is laid back and perfect."

"This Lunch Spot's burrito is heavenly, packed with meat, cheese, and fries."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the small capacity and kitchen size.

2

Parking is street parking, which can be challenging in busy Downtown Fullerton.

3

The restaurant allows dogs in the outdoor section.

10
Tacos Los Cholos Fullerton image 1

Small, crowded space with community seating and a self-serve salsa bar offering unlimited toppings. Loud music creates an intense atmosphere that feels like a nightclub. Regulars enjoy award-winning tacos and a lively, energetic vibe.

Quick service stands out even during busy lunch hours. Food holds up well when reheated, making it a solid choice for next-day meals. The spot generates workplace excitement when ordering in.

Tacos here stand out for their ribeye tacos that melt in your mouth with rich flavor. Burritos come loaded with filet mignon, rice, beans, and guacamole, making the Mexican food truly memorable.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the carne asada burrito; it was very good."

"I thought their tacos were the best in town."

"This Lunch Spot's adobada pizza was amazing."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers discounts but can get very busy.

2

Expect long wait times on Taco Tuesday due to high demand.

3

Parking can be difficult, especially during peak hours.

11
Monkey Business Cafe image 1

Cafe offers a homey vibe with artistic decor featuring mismatched chairs and local art. Music plays at a lively volume, creating an energetic atmosphere. It serves as a community spot where people come to work, learn, and relax.

Offers great food with solid breakfast and lunch options. Stands out as a non-fast food chain spot for midday meals.

Burritos stand out with fresh ingredients and a balanced red salsa that enhances flavor without overpowering. Breakfast options like chilaquiles and tacos come colorful and packed with egg, chorizo, and seasoned sides.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and reasonably priced."

"The breakfast staff here are friendly and helpful."

"The lunch options here are great."

Good to know

1

Performers play music here on Saturdays.

2

Parking can be limited; street parking is available nearby.

3

The cafe is a non-profit supporting at-risk young people.

12
Palapas Tacos image 1
Taco restaurant

Outdoor patio with angled windows and colorful decor creates a cool vibe despite busy street noise. Quick seating and service support a lively atmosphere. Menu features authentic tacos with standout green salsa and well-made keto mullitas.

Quesabirria tacos and a Birria Burrito stand out as lunch options. Lunch service runs with just two staff, a cook and a cashier/server, which can feel a bit slow.

Tacos stand out with quesabirria and carne asada options that deliver bold flavors. Taco Tuesday offers affordable street tacos around $1.75 to $2, with fresh pozole and menudo also available.

People are saying

"Their chilaquiles and poblano breakfast are amazing."

"I found the quesabirria tacos and ramen delicious."

"The birria tacos here are a great lunch surprise."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 street tacos, a great deal for budget-friendly dining.

2

Palapas Tacos is only open for breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

3

Lunch service starts at 2:30 PM, so plan accordingly.

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