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.
Rib-eye and Carnitas tacos offer rich, flavorful bites with just the right heat. The quesabirria tacos and mole chicken enchiladas bring bold, savory layers to the menu.
"You have to try the quesabirria tacos; they're amazing."
"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.
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 homemade tortillas and beef asada that stand out for their flavor. The tacos come with outstanding customer service and consistently deliver a tasty experience.
"These tacos are the best I've had in a while."
"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.
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.
Tacos come with carne asada and pollo options that taste delicious and stay affordable. An open kitchen lets you watch chefs prepare each taco fresh, adding to the casual vibe.
"I found the tacos here to be delicious and affordable."
"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.
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.
Tacos feature pork belly with blue corn tortillas, Al pastor mushrooms, and authentic chicken options. Gourmet Mexican flavors come through in every bite.
"I loved the breakfast tacos with mushrooms."
"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.
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.
Shrimp tacos stand out with grilled tomatoes and great taco meat. Fish tacos also appear on the menu alongside enchiladas and homemade chips.
"This lunch spot's food is amazing, fresh, and made to order."
"I recommend the shrimp tacos."
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.
Breakfast tacos stand out with 3 machaca tacos, hash browns, and house red salsa in a bottle. They come with coffee and deliver a consistently amazing and excellent taste.
"This lunch spot feels like stepping back in time with its classic diner vibe."
"The breakfast tacos here are yummy."
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.
Meat tacos come stuffed with meat and feature handmade tortillas made without machines, highlighting traditional methods. Carnitas and tripe tacos stand out, paired well with horchata water.
"You have to try the carnitas tacos; they were amazing."
"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 cafe with cozy decor and personal touches creates a peaceful atmosphere that feels like a slice of Ecuador. Comfortable seating and a full espresso bar support a relaxed, inviting vibe. The place draws a mix of patrons enjoying authentic Ecuadorian and American dishes in a family-owned setting.
Extensive menu offers plenty of lunch options alongside breakfast and dinner. Service during lunch is consistently awesome, making it a reliable spot to stay and enjoy a meal.
Shrimp and fish tacos stand out with fresh flavors and balanced seasoning. Taco Tuesday offers a deal with three tacos and an agua fresca for $14, featuring options like steak with cilantro and onion or warm veggie salad with salmon.
"This lunch spot's meals are delicious and filling."
"I loved the shrimp tacos; they were super delicious."
Good to know
They host a perreo and coffee event on select weekends.
On weekends, Cafe Fresco serves unmissable Ecuadorian dishes.
The Taco Tuesday deal includes three tacos and an agua fresca for $14.
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.
Soft, fresh maza stands out in the mulita and tacos. The pink tacos and pink nachos pack a lot of flavor and come highly recommended.
"The tacos were pink and so was my latte."
"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 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.
Authentic street tacos come with rich carnitas and cochinita pibil fillings. Tacos offer strong flavor and a warm, inviting vibe.
"I thought these tacos were 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.
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 packs big flavor with Birria Taco, pork belly, and quesabirria tacos standing out. Consommé accompanies some tacos, adding depth to the taste.
"I wish I had gotten more of the Birria Tacos; they were fantastic."
"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.
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.
Tacos dorados stand out with authentic flavors, especially the chicken and suadero versions. Suadero beef tacos and cauliflower potato tacos also deliver delicious and memorable tastes.
"The tacos dorados de pollo were amazing and authentic."
"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.
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.
Hard shell tacos stand out with lots of meat and a full filling. Shredded beef tacos and taco platters offer delicious flavors despite some dryness in the rice.
"This Lunch Spot's burritos are massive and so flavorful."
"The hard shell beef tacos are really full with lots of meat."
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.
Large grocery store with a bright, clean layout and ample seating both indoors and outdoors. Atmosphere feels posh and pleasant, with a self-serve salad bar and coffee bar adding to the experience. Frequented by shoppers seeking organic and health-focused products in a spacious, well-designed setting.
Great selection of fresh, quality grab and go items makes it a solid spot for lunch. Offers lots of different choices, including hot lunches sold by the pound for a quick meal.
"It's a great lunch spot with lots of fresh, quality choices."
Good to know
Parking is available for free, but the lot can be crowded.
Expect higher prices compared to other grocery stores in the area.
The market offers a wide selection of organic products.
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.
"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.