Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Long Beach

Lunch spots with salsa

A midday break needs the sharp, bright kick of fresh salsa.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
User
User
User
Updated
01
Alma Tacos image 1
Alma Tacos image 2
Alma Tacos image 3
View all

Restaurant offers fresh handmade tortillas and scratch-made salsas in a clean, open space with patio seating and big screen TV. Atmosphere stays relaxed and family-oriented, with a menu featuring vegetarian options and reasonably priced dishes. Flavorful tacos and burritos highlight homemade, tender meats and unique salsas with pineapple.

Lunch includes freshly baked churros that stand out as a sweet finish. The spot serves solid options for a Sunday afternoon meal.

Fresh salsas made from scratch bring vibrant flavors that tie the meal together. The house salsa stands out and pairs well with dishes like brisket.

People are saying

"The salsa here is incredibly spicy, so go easy if you don't like heat."

"The churros at this Lunch Spot are delicious and freshly baked."

Good to know

1

There is patio seating with TV and indoor seating for larger groups.

2

Patrons should be warned about the spice level; hot is not the default.

3

Everything is made fresh from scratch, including hand-ground masa tortillas.

02
Bubu's Restaurant image 1
Bubu's Restaurant image 2
Bubu's Restaurant image 3
View all

Small, cozy space with a homemade personal touch and comfortable chairs creates a welcoming, inviting atmosphere. The vibe feels like being in a grandmother's kitchen, with a lively yet relaxing energy. It stands out for its customizable dishes and a sense of being a hidden gem.

Offers a solid choice for lunch with a casual vibe. Serves both breakfast and lunch options that fit well for a midday meal.

Salsa here ranges from tasty to spicy, with some versions like the Bubu salsa pairing well with fried shrimp tacos. Spiciness varies, sometimes less intense than expected.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's food is so fresh and delicious, every bite is a treat."

"I found the salsa to be tasty and spicy."

Good to know

1

Customers should bring cash to avoid the card fee.

2

Bubu's Restaurant offers the option to customize dishes.

3

The portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

03
Leo's Mexican Grill image 1
Leo's Mexican Grill image 2
Leo's Mexican Grill image 3
View all

Casual Mexican restaurant with a well-stocked salsa bar featuring multiple varieties and fresh accoutrements. Cozy and sometimes crowded interior with a small sidewalk patio. Offers affordable prices and generous portions, known for standout tacos and breakfast burritos.

An intimate spot with above average Mexican fare serves lunch quickly even when busy. It works well for a quick lunch or breakfast with consistent service.

A well-stocked salsa bar offers a variety of fresh and tasty salsas. The chips and salsa pair well with delicious fresh salsa options.

People are saying

"The fish tacos at this Lunch Spot are amazing."

"The salsa bar here is fresh with several spicy options."

Good to know

1

Tacos are $1.75 on Tuesdays and Fridays.

2

Happy hour features $2 Bud Lights.

3

The restaurant only accepts cash or Zelle for payment.

04
Los Compadres Restaurant image 1
Los Compadres Restaurant image 2
Los Compadres Restaurant image 3
View all

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a lively atmosphere that shifts from deafening noise during large parties to a pleasant vibe afterward. Multiple TVs show sports in the bar area with comfortable booths. The place feels inviting despite its size and somewhat dark lighting.

Lunch offers flavorful shrimp enchiladas and amazing salads. The atmosphere suits a relaxed lunch break well.

Complimentary chips come with smoky, spicy roasted salsa that packs a lot of flavor. The salsa casera stands out as spicier and better than the one served with the chips.

People are saying

"The salsa here tasted wonderfully fresh and amazing."

"This lunch spot's wet burrito with flavorful meat and sauce is delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs from 3-6 p.m. Monday to Friday with select dishes for $12.

2

Parking may get limited when it's busy, so arrive early.

3

The restaurant gets very crowded during weekends, expect longer wait times.

05
El Burrito Grill image 1
El Burrito Grill image 2
El Burrito Grill image 3
View all

Small family-owned Mexican restaurant with a magical vibe and outdoor patio. Food features free in-house tostada chips and affordable prices. Atmosphere stays quiet with quick service and few customers.

Chips come with mild salsa that appeals to kids and adults alike. The salsa pairs well with the 2 bean & cheese burritos and is served alongside chips and a drink for a reasonable price.

People are saying

"I loved their chips and mild salsa."

"The burritos at this Lunch Spot are really tasty."

Good to know

1

Free street parking is available near the restaurant.

2

Most tacos during Taco Tuesday are priced at $1.99.

3

The restaurant is a small family-owned business.

06
LUNA Bistro & Cafe image 1
LUNA Bistro & Cafe image 2
LUNA Bistro & Cafe image 3
View all

Tulum-inspired space with beige colors and lots of plants creates a serene vibe. Live bands play on weekends, making the atmosphere loud and lively. Two back patios offer private outdoor seating for events.

Lunch here involves a quiet atmosphere where management collects empty plates but does not engage with diners or check on their experience. The spot suits casual meals with minimal interaction during service.

Salsa here ranges from mild salsa verde topping the carnitas enchiladas to a version that's three times spicier than a traditional homemade style. Some dishes come with flavorful salsa, while others do not include any salsa at all.

People are saying

"The green salsa here is amazing and delicious."

"I plan to keep coming for happy hour."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

2

There is a late happy hour option available.

3

Live entertainment occurs on Sunday nights.

07
Boathouse on the Bay image 1
Boathouse on the Bay image 2
Boathouse on the Bay image 3
View all

Open air seating with harbor views and a breezy SoCal vibe creates a relaxed atmosphere. A lively bar area features steel drum performances and friendly energy that keeps the mood upbeat. Crowds gather consistently, making the space feel busy and social.

Lunch offers a friendly service even during busy times and a better quality than nearby airport options. The spot has a lively vibe with game viewing and drinks available before flights.

Homemade salsa stands out with its fresh, vibrant flavor. It pairs well with breakfast items like omelettes and burritos, adding a tasty kick.

People are saying

"The Salsa here is amazing, and the service is so attentive."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is so personable and eager to please."

Good to know

1

Boathouse on the Bay is located inside Long Beach Airport by Gate 4.

2

Expect high prices, with burgers around $28 and drinks up to $35.

3

Portion sizes are small, which may not match the high prices.

08
Ham 'n Scram image 1
Ham 'n Scram image 2
Ham 'n Scram image 3
View all

Breakfast spot offers best breakfast burritos with balanced ingredients and exceptional salsa. Space is simple and clean with free parking but no seating. Prices vary, with some items considered reasonable and others overpriced.

Lunch features a Corned Beef sandwich and turkey sandwiches with a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options. Bread quality can vary, with some instances of stale bread noted.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has one of the best breakfast burritos."

Good to know

1

Breakfast burrito costs $11, and iced coffee is $3.

2

They don't have seating inside, so this is a take-and-go spot.

3

There is free parking right out front.

09
Buen Provecho image 1
Buen Provecho image 2
Buen Provecho image 3
View all

Mexican restaurant with stylish decor and semi open-air space offers a friendly, energetic vibe that suits dates and gatherings. Live mariachi music adds lively energy but can be loud during brunch. Carefully crafted cocktails and well-prepared dishes complement the modern, playful atmosphere.

A cute restaurant offers a welcoming spot for lunch. It attracts people walking by looking for a casual meal.

Salsa has an odd crunch and contains cashews, which can be risky for allergies. Chips and salsa come with dishes like lamb rack birria and chicken flautas.

People are saying

"The servers here are so accommodating, they even brought us a free appetizer."

"I got food poisoning from the beef cheeks at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

The restaurant serves halal meat, making it suitable for halal diets.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended during busy hours.

10
Acapulco image 1
Acapulco image 2
Acapulco image 3
View all

Outdoor seating overlooks waterfront views with a beautiful patio and marina scenery. Atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming, ideal for casual meals and conversation. Popular for brunch and margaritas, it draws groups looking for a laid-back dining experience by the bay.

Lunch offers cheap specials with fast, yummy food. Seating includes shade next to the boats for a relaxed vibe.

Fresh chips come with spicy salsa throughout the meal. A food bar offers free chicharron, tortilla chips, and salsa. Chips and salsa arrive quickly and in ample portions.

People are saying

"The staff's care made our Salsa experience so memorable."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is so attentive and friendly."

Good to know

1

Sunday brunch is available until 2pm, with no menu service until then.

2

The buffet costs $33.50 per person, including bottomless mimosas.

3

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 8pm, offering great drink specials.

11
Los Tres Pollos #3 image 1
Los Tres Pollos #3 image 2
Los Tres Pollos #3 image 3
View all

Small, clean chicken restaurant with a corner location and visible signage. Atmosphere is lively but not romantic, suited for casual meals and sports viewing. Food features generous portions and flavorful chicken, though some dishes vary in quality.

Offers lunch options alongside dinner and sports game viewing. Leftovers work well for a heated lunch with mixed salsa and beans.

Salsa comes with tortillas and has a hint of spice with amazing flavor. Portions are generous, offering enough for multiple people.

People are saying

"The salsa here is amazing with a hint of spice."

"This lunch spot's chicken barbecue really makes it stand out."

Good to know

1

They charge 75 cents for using a debit card.

2

The restaurant offers lunch, dinner, sports game viewing, and afterwork options.

3

The portions are generous; one chicken dish can feed three people.

Discover more

Long Beach, California

Area guide