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Guide to Irvine

Rib lunch spots

Made for those who want a substantial, meat-heavy midday meal and refuse to wait until dinner to satisfy their craving for ribs.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Seoul N Spirits BBQ image 1
Seoul N Spirits BBQ image 2
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Korean restaurant

Spacious Korean restaurant with modern interior and tablet ordering system offers a cozy atmosphere filled with warm, smoky aromas and lively music. The space suits both small and large groups, creating a fun vibe that feels welcoming and homey.

Ribs come in lean or fatty options to suit different tastes. The rib fingers stand out as a recommended choice, while the marinated ribs do not meet expectations.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is delicious and tasty."

"The quality of the meat here is superb."

"The meat quality at this Lunch Spot is top notch."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait for dinner.

2

The restaurant offers table cooking and kitchen cooking options.

3

Parking is ample due to its location in a busy plaza.

02
Soup Shop image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a modern, cozy interior with spacious seating and a warm, inviting atmosphere. It stays open late, providing a lively yet comfortable vibe uncommon in the area. The space features bright, clean decor with a high ceiling and a welcoming environment.

Short ribs come out soft and tender. Baby back ribs offer a solid option. Beef Rib Pho features meat that is perfectly falling off the bone. Rib bone pho has more meat than rib eye pho.

Clean and comfortable setting suits both quick lunches and relaxed meals. Conveniently located near a grocery store, it fits well for a casual midday break.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, has the best broth I've ever had."

"The rib bone pho here is so yummy and flavorful."

"This Lunch Spot's broth is rich, flavorful, and made with care."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open late until midnight, making it a great option for night owls.

2

Parking may be scarce during peak hours due to its location in a busy plaza.

3

The menu includes a variety of dishes beyond pho, catering to different tastes.

03
Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar image 1
New American restaurant

New American restaurant offers a clean, modern interior with an open kitchen and a comfortable outdoor patio featuring a fire pit. Atmosphere feels elegant without pretension, balancing chic design with a relaxed vibe. Space is bright and airy, accommodating groups with thoughtfully placed tables.

Braised short ribs come out perfectly tender with a smoky flavor that highlights the kitchen's skill. The Malbec Braised Wagyu Short Rib stands out as mouthwatering and richly flavorful.

A friendly and attentive staff creates a welcoming atmosphere for lunch. The spot sits near several business complexes, making it convenient for a work lunch or a quick walk from the office.

People are saying

"The tuna salad was delicious with its rich garlic sauce."

"The cocktails here are incredibly well crafted and balanced."

"These braised short ribs are mouthwatering and perfectly tender."

Good to know

1

Parking is validated, making it easy to visit without worrying about fees.

2

The menu changes seasonally, offering new dishes every few months.

3

Happy hour runs until 5:30pm, featuring special drink and appetizer prices.

04
Georgia's Restaurant image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant offers a laid back atmosphere with warm lighting and wood accents that create a cozy, inviting space. Clean, shaded outdoor seating adds a peaceful vibe. Music plays softly, enhancing the relaxed, welcoming mood.

Ribs come out flavorful and well-cooked, often paired with fried chicken for a hearty meal. Plates with ribs also include options like flat iron steak and tri tip, offering a variety of meat choices.

Warm lighting and inviting atmosphere create a cozy setting for lunch. Quick bites are available, making it suitable for casual meals.

People are saying

"The food here has soul and story, passed down through family."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and reasonably priced."

"The ribs here are fantastic."

Good to know

1

Brunch is served until 2pm on weekends.

2

Parking is easy to find in the Northwest parking structure.

3

Prices range from mid $20s for small portions.

05
MooMoo Hot Pot image 1
Hot pot restaurant

Spacious hot pot restaurant with one-person-one-pot design and black-and-gold decor blending modern elegance and traditional Chinese elements. Atmosphere feels cozy and clean, suitable for small gatherings or dates with private rooms available. Self-service bar offers a wide variety of fresh ingredients and sauces, enhancing the all-you-can-eat experience.

Wagyu short ribs stand out for their rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The Basil Beef Short Rib Pot serves a whole bone-in rib simmered with a strong basil aroma, making the meat incredibly tender.

Offers an all-you-can-eat hotpot lunch special from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays for $28.99. The under $30 price makes it a solid choice for a filling midday meal.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's like it came straight from the ocean."

"The lunch special is a great value at $28.99."

"The basil beef short rib pot was unbelievably tender."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available on weekdays from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM for $28.99.

2

The all-you-can-eat hotpot menu offers an impressive variety of fresh, high-quality ingredients.

3

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and organization.

06
Kingchops Irvine 金園排骨 image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Natural and elegant decor creates a comfortable dining space with a chill vibe and Jay Chou's music playing in the background. The atmosphere feels like being in Taiwan, attracting families and those seeking authentic Taiwanese flavors. Popular dishes sell out quickly, reflecting generous portions and affordable prices.

Ribs come fried to the right softness and crispness with a taste very much like Taiwan. The pork rib rice is super delicious and often paired with fried chicken or beef noodles for a satisfying meal.

Lunch here offers a takeout lunch box with rich side dishes. It suits a quick work lunch but can affect your mood.

People are saying

"The Taiwanese-style fried pork chop food is a must-try."

"The pork rib rice here is super delicious."

"The Lunch Spot food was pretty tasty, especially the popcorn chicken."

Good to know

1

On Tuesday, they had a special menu.

2

Kingchops offered a buy one get one milk tea promotion.

3

They only accept credit cards, no cash.

07
Tang N Tang image 1
Korean restaurant

Small, clean space offers authentic Korean cuisine with generous portions and affordable prices. Tables include convenient utensil drawers for easy access to napkins and chopsticks. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, attracting many local Korean groups.

Braised beef ribs here lean towards Gangnam-style soy-braised with a sweet, non-spicy flavor. The ribs are tender and fall off the bone, with a huge portion size that can feed three people for two meals.

Cold noodle with Pork cutlet stands out as a lunch choice. The food overall is good and satisfying during midday.

People are saying

"The soup here is steaming, flavorful, and packed with pork backbone."

"This Lunch Spot's soups are pretty authentic and good."

"These braised beef ribs are so tender they melt in your mouth."

Good to know

1

The waiting time is over 40 minutes during peak hours.

2

Parking is easy in the Hmart plaza with a sizeable lot.

3

Soju prices are cheaper than other Korean places around.

08
Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse image 1

Spacious, well-lit Brazilian steakhouse with tasteful decor and exceptional atmosphere. Meat service includes tableside presentations and a showy cocktail experience featuring flaming drinks. Offers a great salad bar and screens sports games, creating a lively yet elegant dining environment.

Pork and beef ribs fall off the bone with tender meat. Beef short ribs can be under-salted but salt is easy to add.

Lunch offers a high-end dining experience with attentive service. Meals can be costly, with two people spending nearly $200, but the food and atmosphere support a special occasion vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the Brazilian barbecue."

"This Lunch Spot's food is amazing, especially the candied bacon."

"The pork and beef ribs here are so tender, the meat just falls off the bone."

Good to know

1

Expect a variety of meats served continuously until you signal for a stop.

2

The restaurant offers a salad bar with numerous options included in the meal.

3

Prices are reasonable considering the quality and service provided.

09
Yoshiharu Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Cozy ramen restaurant with clean, sleek design and outdoor seating in a charming shopping center. Atmosphere shifts from quiet at lunch to lively during dinner rush with regulars. Offers unique ramen dishes including fusion options and a variety of price points.

St. Louis pork ribs come juicy and flavorful, especially in the St. Luis Pork Rib Miso dish. The ribs in the ramen stay moist and do not dry out.

Lunch orders come out on time with many opting for take-out and delivery. Chicken karaage tastes like mystery meat from a school lunch.

People are saying

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

"The ramen at this Lunch Spot tasted good."

"The ribs in the ramen were juicier than I expected."

Good to know

1

Ample parking is available near the restaurant, close to Spectrum mall.

2

The restaurant is often understaffed, leading to longer wait times.

3

Expect a high price point for ramen dishes compared to other places.

10
Northern Cafe Westpark image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright, bustling Chinese restaurant with barcode ordering and generous portions creates a lively, noisy atmosphere. Crowds gather for authentic and Americanized dishes, including skewers and hot pot, making it popular for small groups and casual meals.

Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs offer a well balanced flavor and stay not greasy, pairing well with rice. Pork ribs come tender and flavorful, often served in a dry pot with refreshing green beans.

Visits include both lunch and dinner options. Limited exploration of the lunch menu so far. Plans exist to return for more.

People are saying

"The Chinese food skewers are smoky, juicy, and flavorful."

"The sweet and sour ribs taste just like Hong Kong style."

"The Chinese BBQ skewers here are flavorful and use high-quality ingredients."

Good to know

1

BBQ skewers are available after 5pm, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

The late-night menu is limited to skewers and hot pot options.

3

Prices average around $30 per person, offering good value for the area.

11
Marble Steakhouse & Grille image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious Korean barbecue restaurant with a modern, upscale design and a quiet, calming atmosphere. Guests enjoy table-side steak grilling and a wine and cocktail bar that adds to the refined vibe. The setting suits date nights and special gatherings with its comfortable yet exclusive feel.

Boneless short ribs show beautiful marbling and stay incredibly tender with every bite. Ribeye and marinated short ribs come out tender and juicy, highlighting high meat quality.

Lunch specials offer good value with items under $18. The atmosphere stays calm compared to typical all-you-can-eat spots, making it a solid choice for a midday meal.

People are saying

"The Korean food here has such flavorful, tender meat."

"The boneless short ribs are rich, juicy, and top quality."

"The lunch specials here are a great deal for the price."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially after 5 PM due to high demand.

2

Expect a wait time of less than 5 minutes for seating on Sundays.

3

Parking is plentiful in the plaza surrounding the restaurant.

12
Yoo's place image 1
Korean restaurant

Casual Korean restaurant with a homey atmosphere and bright fluorescent lighting. Offers unlimited side dishes and complimentary bone broth served in stainless steel tumblers. Busy during lunchtime, it attracts those seeking authentic Korean flavors in a simple, comfortable setting.

Galbi ribs come fried and rich, paired well with spicy braised short ribs that fill you up. Short ribs stew offers a hearty, savory option with deep flavors.

Lunch draws a steady crowd with dishes like Sundubu, Galbi, and Dolsot Bibimbap. Arriving just after lunch hours helps avoid waiting since the spot stays busy.

People are saying

"The home-style Korean food here is so delicious and fresh."

"The short ribs were so tender, the bones were already removed."

"This Lunch Spot's Korean stews and bibimbap are authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Yoo's place is very busy during lunchtime, expect longer wait times.

2

The menu at Yoo's place is extensive, featuring many popular Korean dishes.

3

Expect to pay a bit more, as some find the food expensive for the portions.

13
Its Tofu image 1
Restaurant

Clean, modern space with spacious seating booths and classy table settings creates an inviting atmosphere. Korean dishes come with a wide variety of banchans served in bronze tableware, adding a royal food vibe. The vibe is hip and trendy, with an authentic feel and welcoming smiles.

Combination dishes feature LA BBQ Short Ribs paired with Tofu Soup. Rib combos come with options to adjust the spice level of the soup.

Lunch includes dine-in and takeout options. Service covers both lunch and dinner times.

People are saying

"The Korean food's side dishes were so clean and delicious."

"The short rib galbi was great, and my nephew loved it."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is friendly and efficient."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of up to 45 minutes for weekend dinners.

2

Prices for entrees can be high, with a tofu pot costing around $20.

3

The restaurant offers lunch and dinner service, as well as takeout options.

14
Moobongri Soondae Irvine Barranca (무봉리 순대국 얼바인 바랑카) image 1

Korean restaurant offers clean, modern interior with a warm, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of spots in Korea. It serves authentic soondae soup and fresh seafood dishes with balanced spice. The place feels like one of Irvine's hidden gems for Korean comfort food.

Short ribs come generously portioned and are simmered until the meat falls off the bone. The beef ribs are tender and easy to eat, often served alongside octopus, abalone, chicken, and mushrooms.

Lunch hours bring a packed crowd here. Groups of around 10 people often gather, but the spot does not suit typical lunch or dinner needs.

People are saying

"The soup broth here is rich and delicious."

"The ribs here are so tender, the meat just falls off the bone."

"This lunch spot has delicious Korean cuisine."

Good to know

1

Expect a 10-minute wait on busy Saturday mornings.

2

The restroom cleanliness may not meet expectations.

3

Korean-speaking customers often prefer the sundae soup.

15
Tasty Spot Cafe Irvine image 1
Hong Kong style fast food restaurant

Hong Kong-style fast food restaurant with big neon signs and a modern, clean interior creates a casual, inviting atmosphere. The space fills with lively Cantonese music and clanking dishes, making it busy and noisy, especially during peak hours. Families often dine here, enjoying authentic Cantonese food in generous portions.

HL Style Spare Ribs come braised and differ from typical presentations by lacking black beans and chili. Pork ribs appear in dishes like rice and noodle rolls, offering a delicious and varied experience.

People are saying

"This Chinese food captures Hong Kong's taste and atmosphere."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot are so nice and attentive."

"I loved the HL Style Spare Ribs."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but the private room is first come first serve.

2

Expect long lines for Sunday lunch; arrive early to avoid waiting.

3

Dimsums are served daily but only until 3pm.

16
Northern Cafe image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious Chinese restaurant with large outdoor dining area and dark brown wood decor creates a casual, lively atmosphere. The place fills up quickly, becoming noisy and crowded, with authentic spicy food drawing many families. Seating includes both booths inside and patio options outside, supporting a warm, welcoming vibe.

Garlic pork ribs offer a strong garlic flavor without vegetables. Beef ribs have a crunchy exterior and a tender inside. Both ribs taste even better the next day.

Crowds fill the space during lunch on weekdays, showing its popularity. Expect a busy atmosphere at lunchtime.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and delicious Chinese."

"The Lunch Spot's ma po tofu and spicy beef rolls are amazing."

"The garlic pork ribs are even better the next day."

Good to know

1

Expect large portion sizes, often enough for 2-3 people.

2

Ordering by phone is cheaper than online orders.

3

The restaurant is busy, especially during peak hours.

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