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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Lake Forest

Mexican lunch spots

Made for those who want a midday break that centers on the specific flavors of Mexican cuisine.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mr. G's Tacos image 1
Mr. G's Tacos image 2
Mr. G's Tacos image 3
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Taco restaurant

Small taco restaurant offers a family-run atmosphere with modern, clean design and pleasant background music. The vibe is welcoming and casual, with generous portions and a variety of flavorful tacos and house-made salsas. Prices are reasonable, and the space feels bright and well cared for.

Lunch offers great food with a satisfying variety. It fits well into an everyday lunch rotation.

Three tacos sampler offers a variety of flavors including al pastor, barbacoa, and carne asada. The vegetable taco features unique, flavorful ingredients, and the salsas are refreshing and delicious.

People are saying

"It's family owned and the staff are so friendly and helpful."

"The carne asada tacos are full of meat and made with care."

"I loved the Carnitas Burrito; it had better flavor and a good size."

Good to know

1

Each taco costs $4.50.

2

I paid $12.50 for three tacos, which is a good deal.

3

The restaurant is very clean.

02
La Casita Olvera image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant combines lively atmosphere with vibrant decor and a nice patio for outdoor dining. Sports play on multiple TVs, creating a fun environment that feels like a party. Margaritas stand out as a highlight alongside flavorful tacos and other dishes.

Lunch here suits group celebrations and casual meals. It offers a reliable spot for midday dining with coworkers or family.

Street style tacos cost around $1 each with self-serve toppings and include options like carne asada, burria, carnitas, fish, and El Pastor. Combination plates feature items like chili relleno and beef taquitos served with rice and beans, while margaritas come in flavors such as lavender, watermelon, mango, jalapeรฑo lime, and blackberry.

People are saying

"I found the food to be really good and authentic Mexican."

"The tacos here are so delicious, especially the steak and carnitas."

"The margaritas here are expertly prepared and a great value."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays feature $1 street tacos.

2

The Sunday buffet offers made-to-order food items.

3

Expect a wait of over 30 minutes during peak dinner hours.

03
La Tia Tacos & More Foothill Ranch image 1

Restaurant offers a home kitchen atmosphere with loud, blaring music creating a lively vibe. A salsa bar adds variety and freshness to meals. Tacos feature fresh ingredients and unique options like dipping in broth, setting it apart from typical Mexican eateries.

Affordable prices make it a solid choice for lunch, with meals averaging around $10 per person. Many start coming here specifically for the lunch offerings.

Tacos come with flavorful and juicy carne asada on traditional corn tortillas. The salsa bar offers many varieties with fresh toppings. Burritos like shrimp and blackened fish taste refreshing and authentic. Quesabirria tacos stand out as very delicious.

People are saying

"You have to try the blackened fish tacos; they're a must-try."

"I warned others to get their potato tacos before I bought them all."

"The Lunch Spot had plentiful meat with good flavor."

Good to know

1

They have Taco Tuesday with tacos costing $2 each.

2

You place your order at the counter, and they bring the food right to your table.

3

The cost averages around $10 per person for lunch.

04
Forest Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Small cafe offers a cozy, homey atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking a parking lot. The vibe stays relaxing and casual, attracting those seeking a warm, family-like environment. It stands out for its authentic Mexican-American breakfast dishes with notable presentation.

Small spot serving breakfast and lunch meals. Offers a cozy setting for a casual midday meal.

Breakfast dishes feature authentic Mexican flavor with items like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and chorizo burritos. Chilaquiles stand out with crispy tortilla chips and a perfectly runny egg on top, complemented by well-balanced salsa.

People are saying

"I had the best breakfast burrito Iโ€™ve ever had."

"The chilaquiles here have a great crunch and perfectly runny eggs."

"The Lunch Spot burritos and huevos rancheros were really good."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the weather.

2

Coffee refills are charged, which is unusual for a breakfast spot.

3

The breakfast burrito costs $22, including a drink and tip.

05
Angelo's Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Greek style burger joint with charbroiled burgers and self-serve setup offers a clean, modern interior and plenty of seating. Atmosphere feels casual and family-friendly with loud kitchen music and a welcoming vibe. Portions are large and prices affordable, making it stand out among burger places.

Lunch offers big protein options with great food. Burgers stand out as a solid choice for a midday meal.

Breakfast burritos stand out with large size and authentic flavors like Huevos rancheros. Steak quesadillas and other Mexican dishes offer solid, tasty options alongside the breakfast menu.

People are saying

"This cheeseburger is delicious, tasty, and perfectly cooked."

"This is a great lunch spot with fresh, tasty food."

"You have to try the breakfast burritos; they're delicious."

Good to know

1

The breakfast menu is available from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

2

The lunch and dinner menus are available all day.

3

Expect large portion sizes; a single order can feed two people.

06
California Fish Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small, casual seafood spot with rustic wooden tables and a vibe that shifts from chill to lively. Ordering happens through kiosks or app, speeding up the process. Known for freshly prepared fish dishes and healthy options, it offers a fast-food feel with better quality seafood.

Fish tacos stand out with flavorful taste and healthy options. Lunch here suits those wanting a quick, satisfying meal during work.

Fish tacos stand out with Baja style and Cajun shrimp and fish options. Lunch deals include two tacos, two sides, and a drink, offering flavorful and filling meals.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, high-quality, and delicious."

"This lunch spot's fish tacos are delicious and filling."

"The fish tacos here are delicious and filling."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; expect a wait during busy hours.

2

Parking can be difficult in the shopping center, so arrive early.

3

Ordering from kiosks or the app is quick and easy.

07
Cuca's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating offers a casual and relaxed vibe with Spanish music enhancing the atmosphere. A salsa bar adds a lively touch, attracting those who enjoy flavorful accompaniments. The place draws people looking for affordable Mexican dishes with a friendly, easygoing environment.

Lunch specials offer an option to swap fries for a salad. The spot serves familiar dishes like Cucas, a lunch staple from Yucaipa schools.

Tacos come in crispy chicken and soft fish options with a $3 Taco Tuesday deal. Enchiladas stand out for their balanced sauce and come with rice and beans. Burritos like shrimp and fiesta fill out the menu with authentic Mexican flavors at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and tastes like home cooking."

"I thought the chicken tacos here were great."

"This lunch spot offered great value and better taste."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $3 tacos, making it a great deal.

2

Kids eat free on Wednesdays with the purchase of an adult meal and drink.

3

The restaurant has a large parking lot that is easy to access.

08
Sizzler image 1
Restaurant

Spacious dining area combines elegant decor with a family-friendly atmosphere that suits both casual and formal gatherings. The environment stays fresh and clean, with a well-maintained salad bar offering fresh options. It fills up quickly but maintains a pleasant vibe where conversation is easy.

Staff provide excellent and attentive service even during busy lunch hours. The team makes occasions like birthdays special and comfortable while accommodating dietary restrictions with flexibility.

Taco bar offers fresh options with all essentials. The salad bar includes nachos with ground beef, cheese sauce, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo, plus a variety of soups like menudo and clam chowder.

People are saying

"I found the salad bar to be fresh and well-stocked."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is amazing and accommodating and the staff are amazing."

"The Mexican food here has a fantastic taco bar with fresh options."

Good to know

1

The salad bar is well-stocked and kept clean.

2

Prices for the Unlimited salad bar are over $19 per person.

3

Sizzler offers options for vegetarians and vegans.

09
3rd Place Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Farmstyle design shapes an open, welcoming space with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and several plants adding a fresh touch. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting, suited for relaxing or working quietly. Board games and self-serve water contribute to a cozy, community feel.

Lunch features fresh and healthy options with sandwiches like the Santa Fe melt standing out. The menu suits breakfast well but offers fewer choices for lunch.

Brochacho burrito stands out for its flavor and size variation. Breakfast burritos and vegan options also feature prominently and receive positive remarks.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was great."

"The breakfast burritos here are so fresh and tasty."

"I found the coffee syrup and menu specialties to be distinctive."

Good to know

1

3rd Place Coffee hosts live music and open mic nights on Wednesdays.

2

They offer vegetarian sandwiches with both cold and hot options.

3

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

10
Morena's Mexican Cuisine image 1

Restaurant offers a clean, spacious interior with a warm, inviting atmosphere and live mariachis on Sundays. Bar area features several TVs often showing sports, creating a casual vibe. Separate banquet room accommodates private events, adding versatility to the space.

Weekday lunch buffet offers a variety of dishes with plentiful portions. Options like chicken fajitas and spinach enchiladas come with enough for leftovers.

Mole chicken stands out with tender meat and a rich, savory sauce. Chips come with salsa served automatically, and margaritas offer options with higher-quality tequila or adjusted sweetness.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is so delicious, I took leftovers home."

"The Mexican food here is so authentic, I can tell."

"The lunch buffet here is excellent, with lots of dishes."

Good to know

1

A 20% service charge is added for large parties, which may not be disclosed upfront.

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and is very popular.

3

Mariachi performances occur every Sunday at noon, enhancing the dining experience.

11
La Cocina De Ricardo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, quaint Mexican restaurant with warm, inviting interior and authentic Mexican music sets a chill, home-like vibe. Casual atmosphere feels like stepping into old Mexico, attracting those seeking genuine flavors and a cozy setting. Outdoor seating adds a relaxed option for dining.

Offers a nice selection of lunch specials suitable for various cravings. Serves meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts, making it a frequent choice for team lunches.

Authentic Mexican food shines with moist chicken enchiladas and a carnitas tostada salad praised for its flavor. Drinks like mango and strawberry margaritas complement dishes such as menudo, chicken molรฉ, and al pastor tacos.

People are saying

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

"I found the Mexican food here to be muy delicioso and authentic."

"The meats at this Lunch Spot had great flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features a lively crowd and special menu items.

2

Expect generous portions with every meal.

3

The menu includes a wide range of classic Mexican options.

12
Lupe's Mexican Eatery image 1

Small indoor space with newly renovated decor and wall art creates a local, casual vibe. Outdoor seating is plentiful, complementing the salsa bar that offers customizable spice levels. Background music adds to the lively atmosphere, though the inside can get loud.

Lunch offers fresh and delicious options with breakfast and lunch burritos standing out. Chilequiles are flavorful but priced at about $20, which feels high. The spot gets busy during lunch rush.

Authentic Mexican food shines through with dishes like the surf n turf burrito and pastor tacos that pair well with beer. Unique options like smoked tuna burrito and seafood tacos add variety beyond typical menus.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and plentiful."

"The Mexican Food here is great, thanks to the friendly staff."

"The steak quesadilla at this Lunch Spot was delicious and a very large portion."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour offers $2 bottled beers and half-price appetizers.

2

Taco Tuesday provides a $1 discount on most tacos.

3

All tacos are $1 off except for the signature tacos.

13
El Pollo Norteรฑo Lake Forest image 1

Mexican restaurant offers juicy, flavorful chicken with a smoky BBQ flavor and large portions. Atmosphere stays chill despite a packed dining area. Family-owned spot stands out for traditional flavors and consistent cleanliness.

Lunch features specials and deals that offer good value. The spot draws regulars looking for a satisfying midday meal.

Chicken dishes stand out with perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken in burritos and quesadillas. The menu also features amazing carnitas and El pastor, plus a 3-piece chicken plate served with tortilla, salsa, rice, and beans.

People are saying

"The Mexican food's chicken is so juicy and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's food was delicious and had good flavor."

"The burritos here are huge and filled with juicy chicken."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers family deals that provide good value for larger groups.

2

Expect limited seating as the dining area can get packed during peak hours.

3

Customers are limited to three sauces per order, with additional sauces available for $1 each.

14
Avila's El Ranchito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Eclectic Mexican restaurant with tiki decor and a lively atmosphere filled with loud noise from large groups. Big margaritas and authentic dishes create a festive vibe, while a fish tank adds visual interest for children.

Lunch specials change daily and come out quickly even during the busy lunch hour. The spot gets crowded, which can slow down service but offers a variety worth trying throughout the week.

Carnitas and chili verde burrito stand out with authentic flavors and tender meat. Crispy chicken tacos, homemade guacamole, and carne asada with shrimp add variety to the family-style Mexican food served here.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was usually excellent."

"The Mexican Food margaritas here are amazing."

"The Mayan Treasure at this Lunch Spot is spectacular, smothered in green sauce."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on select menu items.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere after 5 p.m.; arrive early to secure a table.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

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Lake Forest, California

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