Small Mexican restaurant offers outdoor seating with handmade tortillas and a menu featuring authentic tacos like asada and carnitas. The atmosphere is cozy and lively, surrounded by Latin flair near Mariachi Plaza. It attracts both meat and veggie eaters looking for flavorful, casual meals.
Offers both veggie and meat options that suit different tastes. Located near a lively plaza, it serves as a relaxed spot to enjoy lunch or dinner with friends.
Tacos feature hand-made tortillas and a variety of Mexican-style meats like asada, barbacoa, and chorizo. Burritos include options like the Spicy Pig, a carnitas burrito with chicharron, even if not on the menu.
"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is the best I've had."
"I loved the tacos at this Lunch Spot; the pollo y asada were the best."
Good to know
Parking can be extremely difficult to find in the area.
The menu includes tacos, burritos, bowls, mulitas, and tortas.
Outdoor dining is available at their location.
Large outdoor patio with fire pits and shuttered overhead cover creates a cozy, inviting space. Interior blends stylish decor with a quality sound system, offering a warm atmosphere that transports guests. A traveling tequila cart adds a unique touch to the relaxed vibe.
Lunch features great tacos and a good lunch special with an appetizer and entree at a set price. Portions are generous enough to have leftovers even after lunch.
Salsa arrives quickly, dark and robust with the right heat. Carnita and chicken tinga tacos offer superb flavor and balanced spice. Mole chicken enchiladas and quesabirria tacos stand out for their amazing taste.
"I thought the Mexican food was delicious and tasted fresh."
"Ashley's fast service makes this Lunch Spot great."
Good to know
Happy hour runs all day on Tuesdays with drinks priced between $7 and $8.
Sunday brunch is available from 10 am to 3 pm, perfect for post-church visits.
Validated parking is available for up to two hours with a restaurant receipt.
Latin American restaurant with a cozy cafe vibe and bebop jazz music playing. Offers indoor and outdoor seating, including a small patio by the street. Atmosphere feels chill and welcoming, attracting those who appreciate healthy, flavorful meals.
Lunch offers healthy, yummy options with a delicious chicken taquito plate. Service moves fast during the lunch hour.
Breakfast burritos stand out with birria, brisket, and sausage options that avoid processed flavors. Pozole, taquitos de papa, and esquites add variety with authentic Mexican tastes.
"The breakfast burrito here is always delicious."
"This lunch spot has delicious food and coffee options."
Good to know
Parking can be iffy, so plan to arrive early.
Free street parking is available, but it may be a block away.
The Sunday menu is limited to burritos and tacos only.
Cafe space features vibrant art exhibition and well-designed seating layout. Atmosphere feels lively and uplifting with old school music and strong bonds among staff creating a human touch. Visitors find a chill vibe and a sense of belonging in a community-focused setting.
Lunch offers a great variety of tasty options. The spot earns consistent praise and draws repeat visits for its breakfast and lunch selections.
Chilaquiles stand out with a crunchy texture that lasts until the last bite and come in both red and green chili varieties. Toppings include queso panela, sour cream, eggs, and carnitas, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish.
"The Mexican food here, especially the chilaquiles, is full of flavor."
"The lunch options here are delicious and not your average menu."
Good to know
Street parking is available near the café, but it can be tight.
The café has a small parking lot in the back for customers.
Reservations are not required, but expect a line during peak hours.
Small space centers on an open kitchen where chefs prepare tacos. Atmosphere stays relaxed yet energetic with a warm, inviting charm. Affordable prices attract those seeking genuine Mexican flavors in a casual setting.
Offers a really nice atmosphere for lunch with good food options. Serves as a solid spot to stop by for a midday meal.
Carne asada tacos and carnitas burritos stand out with rich, authentic flavors. The menu includes home-style huevos rancheros and filling burritos like pollo and carnitas, all at very affordable prices.
"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is fantastic."
"I found it to be a really nice lunch spot."
Good to know
The food at Tacos Locos is very affordable.
Expect limited seating inside the restaurant.
Tacos Locos is great for a quick meal with friends.
Family-owned restaurant offers an authentic Mexican Salvador fusion experience with huge portions and shaded outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels joyful and welcoming, encouraging casual chats among diners. Space stays immaculate and exudes a homey vibe.
Lunch features a variety of dishes that satisfy different tastes with consistent quality. Friendly service from the owner and staff creates a welcoming, family-like atmosphere.
Enchiladas, burritos, and pupusas stand out with rich flavors. Shrimp cocktail, nachos, tacos, and homemade chips add variety to the menu.
"This Mexican food is simply spectacular and delicious."
"This lunch spot's food is amazing, fresh, and made to order."
Good to know
Breakfast is served all day.
Parking is available right in front of the restaurant.
The menu is extensive, offering something for almost everyone.
Small, old-school diner with U-shaped counter seating and covered outdoor patio. Atmosphere feels nostalgic and classic, with a lively vibe from regulars like city workers and families. Located in an industrial area, it offers a simple, hearty breakfast experience.
Offers a good selection of breakfast and lunch plates with well-portioned options. Serves classic meals suitable for both breakfast and lunch.
Mexicali chilaquiles stand out as a solid dish here, paired with homemade salsa that tastes very good. Pork options like chorizo and ham also feature on the menu.
"The Mexican breakfast burritos here are huge and loaded."
"This lunch spot feels like stepping back in time with its classic diner vibe."
Good to know
Nick's Cafe opens super early at 6:00 am, which is an advantage over many restaurants.
Nick's Cafe closed at 2 PM.
The wait time was 45 minutes before getting seated.
Tight, old-school deli with authentic Mexican vibe and loud mariachi music outdoors. Women slap tortillas in sync over a giant comal, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Outdoor community tables offer casual seating despite worn furniture.
Lunch offers good value with meals under $11 and includes a bottled Coke. The spot stays consistently busy during lunch hours, showing its popularity.
Tacos come with fresh handmade tortillas and include options like meat, tripe, and carnitas. Burritos and tamales also feature, with the bean and cheese burrito standing out.
"The Mexican food tamales here are tasty and full of beef."
"You have to try the tacos at this Lunch Spot; they hooked it up."
Good to know
On Saturdays and Sundays, they serve menudo.
Parking is tricky, so I parked on a nearby street and walked over.
The line can get long on weekends, but it moves fast.
Small space filled with bright pink decor and vibrant feminine energy creates a quirky, Instagrammable atmosphere. Friendly, welcoming vibe with photo-friendly spots and a lively DJ. Space feels cozy but can get hot and cramped.
Green sauce chilaquiles come with fried eggs and grilled meat for lunch. Seating is available inside for a late lunch.
Tacos feature authentic al pastor, chorizo, and asada with some unique options like heart-shaped mulitas and pink tacos. Salsas stand out as top notch, and the tortillas are notably fresh and flavorful.
"The Mexican food's homemade taste makes you feel nostalgic."
"This lunch spot is so over the top pink and super cute."
Good to know
There is street parking available nearby.
Expect a long wait for a table during busy hours.
On Wednesdays, wearing pink gives you a 10% discount.
Small, intimate space evokes traditional Mexican rancho vibe with a family-owned atmosphere. Music adds to the welcoming, home-like feel. Crowded yet cozy setting highlights authentic, handmade Mexican cuisine.
Smash burger stands out as a solid choice for lunch. Quick service suits those needing a fast meal before heading out.
Authentic mole stands out, especially in the chilaquiles and enchiladas. The menu features café de olla, huevos rancheros, chorizo torta, and a wet burrito praised for its flavor. The Anthony Special combines chilaquiles in mole and green sauce topped with eggs.
"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the flavorful mole."
"This Lunch Spot's marinated chicken burrito was so flavorful and delicious."
Good to know
Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait during peak hours.
The restaurant has about 5-6 small tables inside and 2 small tables outside.
They sometimes run out of popular dishes like mole, so arrive early.
Upscale Mexican restaurant with modern warm decor and an intimate patio area creates a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. Live mariachi band and curated playlists provide lively music that energizes without overwhelming. Guests enjoy authentic high-quality food and expertly crafted cocktails in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Lunch runs until 4 PM with a dedicated menu. The spot suits casual dining for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Small street taco size tacos pack bold flavors like Birria and pork belly with consommé. The menu features exceptional mole, guacamole, chile relleno, pozole, and a dessert trio of churros, flan, and tres leches.
"I wish I'd gotten more of the fantastic Birria Tacos."
"I was surprised the Lunch Spot buffet had quesadilla birria and tacos al pastor."
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 3 PM to 6 PM on weekdays with discounted drinks.
The Sunday brunch features an all-you-can-eat buffet from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Live Mariachi performances occur every Friday evening and during Sunday brunch.
Old school Mexican diner with small indoor space and covered patio seating creates a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Crowd feels uplifting and positive, often lively but welcoming. Known for legendary burritos and authentic vibe that recalls past decades.
Lunch offers generous portions that often leave enough for a next-day meal. The spot suits family gatherings well and draws people willing to drive out just for the midday meal.
Known for its Hollenbeck burrito, this spot serves authentic Mexican food with a focus on burritos like machaca and Chile Verde. Chilaquiles with eggs and taquitos with guacamole also feature on the menu.
"The Mexican food here, especially the burritos, is massive and loaded with flavor."
"This Lunch Spot's burritos are massive and so flavorful."
Good to know
Expect longer wait times during peak lunch and dinner hours.
Parking is generally easy, with street parking available nearby.
Prices are reasonable, but guacamole can significantly increase your bill.
Small stand with limited outdoor seating offers authentic street tacos and fresh made-to-order tortillas. Atmosphere feels tight due to closely packed tables, with food served quickly. Known for flavorful carnitas and cochinita pibil, it provides a quick bite with distinct personality.
Lunch here centers on a family-run kitchen with mother, father, and daughter cooking together. The spot holds a James Beard recognition and draws visitors after activities like running at Griffith Park.
Carne asada burrito stands out with fresh, made-to-order tortillas and rich flavor. Cochinita pibil tacos offer authentic street taco taste with bold personality and great seasoning.
"I thought the Mexican food here, especially the tacos, was the best I'd ever had."
"This Lunch Spot burger is juicy, crispy, and seasoned perfectly."
Good to know
The price for the burrito is steep, costing less than $11.
Beans contain lard, which is important for plant-based eaters.
There is a customer-only parking lot in the back of the restaurant.
Historic Mexican restaurant with nostalgic decor and divided dining areas creates a cozy, old-timey vibe. Strong, flavorful margaritas and classic Hispanic dishes define the experience. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with a mix of quiet booths and lively spaces.
Lunch offers a chance to gather with family and friends. Meals come after meetings or shopping trips, providing a reliable midday option.
Old style Mexican food stands out with authentic flavors and refried beans that are notably rich. This spot serves consistently traditional dishes that capture classic tastes.
"The Mexican food's margaritas were excellent and a highlight."
"This lunch spot's enchiladas were so delicious, I wanted the whole plate."
Good to know
Parking costs $9, with valet service available.
Green corn tamales are available from May through October.
USC students get 50% off with a valid ID.
Historic hole-in-the-wall with mid-century decor and authentic Mexican vibe creates a relaxing, home-like atmosphere. Counter service offers quality margaritas and a small bar with beers, while music adds to the inviting mood. Seating is ample and the setting feels classic and unpretentious.
Portion sizes suit lunch and next-day meals well. Burritos come with generous servings and service feels attentive.
Breakfast burritos stand out with chorizo and chicken options that pack flavor. The fajita combo and chimichanga offer bold, authentic tastes at reasonable prices. Chips and salsa come free, adding to the welcoming vibe.
"I thought the carne asada burritos were the best Mexican food."
Good to know
Prices are reasonable, making it a good option for budget-conscious diners.
Expect a minimum spending rule when using the restroom, which is not clearly communicated.
The restaurant closes by 9 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.
Spacious indoor and outdoor seating features colorful decor and authentic Oaxacan roots. Live music, including a marimba band and mariachi, creates a lively, noisy atmosphere that immerses diners in culture. A large mezcal selection complements the vibrant setting.
Strong mole stands out and lifts the whole meal. Food offers a solid option for a nice lunch with family.
Mole sauces stand out with over 40 ingredients and spices in each, showing no shortcuts in preparation. The Coloradito mole offers a unique flavor that many find transformative.
"The mole at this Mexican food spot is absolutely delicious."
"This Lunch Spot's mole negro was rich, warm, and super tender."
Good to know
Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.
The restaurant only accepts cash, so plan accordingly.
Valet parking is available but can be expensive.
Midcentury style Mexican restaurant with a hot pink house and multiple cool rooms and patios creates a festive atmosphere lively enough for big parties. Outdoor spaces feature dog-friendly patios with music playing all genres, while indoor lounges offer private rooms and a casual game-watching spot. Energy stays vibrant with a mix of group-friendly vibes and unique campy touches.
Lunch offers generous portions like the carnitas, which comes in a delicious serving. Service stays exceptional during the midday rush, and leftovers are common due to the size.
Mexican food here features authentic flavors with dishes like carnitas with oranges and carne asada burritos standing out. Portions are generous and salsas balance perfectly between thick and runny.
"This Mexican food feels like a party, it's my favorite ever."
"The staff here makes this lunch spot feel like family."
Good to know
Valet parking costs $7, and street parking is limited.
Brunch is available on weekends from 11 am to 3 pm.
They host events like game days and pride season parties.