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Guide to Downtown LA

Salsa lunch spots

Made for those who require a specific level of heat in their midday meal and refuse to dine anywhere that lacks a proper salsa selection.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
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Chicken shop

Chicken shop offers fresh, juicy chicken with flavorful sides like guacamole and street corn. Atmosphere feels clean and welcoming but can be warm inside due to poor venting. Ordering happens easily through touch screen kiosks, creating a quick and efficient experience.

Offers good value with a focus on light lunches. The harvest bowl stands out as a consistent choice for midday meals.

Variety includes several salsas with green salsa standing out as amazing and very good. Salsa comes with an upcharge despite being simple to make.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, healthy, and delicious."

"This lunch spot's chicken is so moist and tasty."

"The chicken's flavor is fresh with a lime accent."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos, making it a budget-friendly option.

2

Orders take approximately 6-10 minutes from order to ready.

3

Parking can be challenging during the daytime.

02
Avocado Fresh Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic flavors with dishes like creamy guacamole and juicy meats in a clean, welcoming atmosphere. The space feels like a family kitchen, inviting and comfortable for quick or relaxed meals. It stands out with fresh toppings and a variety of sauces not commonly found elsewhere.

Clean, well-laid out interior food court offers a pleasant setting for lunch. Quick, friendly service suits both quick bites and leisurely meals in a downtown environment.

Salsa here strikes a perfect balance of spice and freshness. The Jicama and mango salsa stands out as a favorite topping, adding a bright, crisp flavor to dishes.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's food is always fresh, flavorful, and made with quality ingredients."

"The tortas and burritos here have such authentic flavor."

"The salsas here are fresh and flavorful, a highlight of the meal."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special pricing on tacos every Tuesday.

2

The tostada bowl costs $15.25, with double meat at $6.50.

3

Guacamole is priced at $3.45, and fresh agua is $4.75.

03
LOQUI image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a chill atmosphere with a pleasant outdoor patio and fresh homemade hot sauces. Tacos feature bold, well-seasoned meats and standout vegetarian options, served in fresh flour tortillas. Canned cocktails and margaritas add to the quick, flavorful dining experience.

A weekday lunch spot with consistently great food and a reliable choice for groups like colleagues and clients. Offers a delicious menu that suits both lunch and dinner occasions.

Both house salsas are yummy and well-liked. Salsa does not come with meals and must be purchased separately, which is unusual for Mexican food.

People are saying

"The food here is tasty and fresh, especially the bowls and burritos."

"This lunch spot has seriously tasty tacos and bowls."

"I loved their house salsas; they always landed well."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect busy lunch hours.

2

Salsa is sold separately and not included with meals.

3

Vegan options are available on the menu.

04
Pinches Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful murals and festive music create a lively, authentic Mexican atmosphere with handmade tortillas and fresh ingredients. Bright decor features Dรญa De Los Muertos themes and local sports figures, attracting those seeking authentic tacos and burritos with generous portions.

Tacos serve as a quick lunch option with a satisfying portion size. Prices run about five dollars per taco, which some may find steep for a work lunch.

Salsa here is spicy but flavorful with a nice kick. Chips come with top tier salsa, and extra hot salsa is available on request.

People are saying

"These tacos are packed with filling and delicious."

"I found their tacos and salsa to be delicious."

"I loved getting work lunch tacos here; the hard shell was especially good."

Good to know

1

The prices at Pinches Tacos are reasonable considering downtown LA's usual costs.

2

Everything is made fresh at Pinches Tacos.

3

The portions at Pinches Tacos are generous.

05
Cilantro Lime image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a food court with a modern vibe and quiet atmosphere despite a busy setting. It serves affordable, visually appealing dishes with notable vegetarian options and unique items like birria pizza and keto tacos.

Offers a great menu focused on breakfast and lunch with dishes like Cilantro Lime that stand out for lunch.

Chips come with a variety of salsa options, including one with a strong lime flavor. The lime-heavy salsa can overpower dishes like the birria pizza and bacon breakfast burrito.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and worth the price."

"The chips and salsa here are flavorful and well-seasoned."

"This lunch spot's food is always fresh, well-seasoned, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Cilantro Lime is located inside a food court.

2

Parking isnโ€™t ideal, so plan accordingly.

3

The meal costs $23 for the 3 meat variety plate.

06
Javier's DTLA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Massive space with multiple bars and high arches creates a posh lounge atmosphere filled with loud energy. Design blends stunning decor and comfortable seating, evoking a vibrant Mexican vibe. Crowds gather for lively dining rather than quiet meals.

Lunch includes enchiladas served with guacamole and drinks like coffee and coke. Plates come together for a casual midday meal.

Complimentary chips and salsa come with the meal, which is unusual for a high-end spot. The salsa pairs well with the crispy chips, making a solid starter.

People are saying

"The guacamole here is creamy and tasty."

"The complimentary chips and salsa were amazing."

"The Lunch Spot dishes were delicious, especially the lobster enchiladas."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand at this new location.

2

Valet parking costs $45, while self-parking is available for $20 nearby.

3

Expect to pay around $40 for enchiladas, which some may find expensive.

07
Seรฑor Fish image 1
Restaurant

Spacious restaurant offers fresh seafood and Baja-style Mexican dishes with a large menu and generous portions. Atmosphere feels casual and laid-back, popular for lunch among downtown workers. Seating is ample, making it suitable for groups or quick meals away from the office.

Close to several city buildings, it draws a steady lunch crowd. Expect a wait over 30 minutes for food during busy times.

Salsa comes with three varieties alongside fresh guacamole. Chips are served in generous portions with plenty of salsa.

People are saying

"These fish tacos are the bomb, perfectly seasoned with fresh toppings."

"You have to try the fish tacos; they're perfectly seasoned."

"You have to try the fried fish tacos at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Stand-up comedy night happens every Monday evening.

2

Lunchtime special includes two tacos, chips and salsa or rice and beans, and a drink for under $15.

3

Parking can be difficult, but there are many garages nearby.

08
Sonoritas - DTLA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a shaded outdoor patio and long tables for groups offers a relaxing atmosphere with reggaeton music creating good vibes. The interior feels a bit breezy and mismatched but remains clean and attractive despite nearby construction. Popular for margaritas and flavorful tacos, it closes early and does not accept cash.

Quick service supports a fast lunch experience. The atmosphere suits a casual chat during midday breaks.

Homemade chips come with three kinds of salsa served free for dine-in. The salsa works well as a dressing and pairs nicely with the chips and margaritas.

People are saying

"I loved the salmon and shrimp burritos; the Mexican food here is amazing."

"This lunch spot's barbecue burrito is a delicious blend of sweet and spicy."

"They loaded me down with chips and three kinds of salsa."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available in the alley next to the restaurant.

2

The restaurant closes at 8 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

They do not accept cash, only credit cards and mobile payments.

09
Chuy's Tacos Dorados image 1
Mexican restaurant

Warehouse-style space offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating with self-serve kiosks for ordering. Atmosphere blends polished but approachable vibe with loud music and occasional stuffiness due to poor ventilation. Tacos stand out as generous and tasty, drawing a mix of opinions on quality.

Lunch draws a packed crowd and parking gets hectic. Tacos bring a nostalgic vibe but slow service means quesadillas take about 25 minutes.

Salsas here have a great flavor and remind of Taco Bell sauce but with a significantly better taste.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's tacos are stuffed with filling and packed with flavor."

"I tasted the best crunchy hard tacos I've ever had."

"I loved the crispy tacos with the salsa."

Good to know

1

Chuy's does not accept cash; bring a credit or debit card.

2

Parking can be tricky; a validation code is available for kiosk use.

3

Expect an automatic service charge on your order.

10
El Paseo Inn ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ image 1

Massive Mexican restaurant with historic charm and rustic decor creates a homey, peaceful atmosphere. Traditional costumes and lively music add to the authentic vibe. Outdoor patio and large indoor areas offer varied seating experiences.

Late lunch gatherings happen here with family to celebrate special occasions. The spot offers a chance to experience cultural flavors near a historic setting.

Chips and salsa come free and are made in house, offering a fresh and flavorful taste. The salsa stands out as extremely yummy and possibly the best restaurant salsa around.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is great, and the staff is so friendly."

"The complimentary chips and salsa were addictive."

"The Lunch Spot here has really tasty food and big portions."

Good to know

1

A mariachi band performs weekly on Sundays starting in the evening.

2

The restaurant serves drinks only on the last day of the Dรญa de los Muertos event.

3

Expect high prices for food, with tacos costing around $10 each.

11
El Cholo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with an antique atmosphere and a covered patio that opens to the sky. The vibe is lively and friendly, making it suitable for groups and post-event gatherings. Known for authentic Mexican food and a variety of margaritas, it balances fun energy with cozy charm.

Lunch features red pork and green corn tamales and a carnitas menu item. It suits group meals and team lunches well with a delicious Mexican food focus.

Chips come with fresh salsa served immediately. The Verde salsa pairs well with shredded chicken, while the Habanero Salsa complements the Sonora Enchilada.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

"The salsa here is delicious and fantastic."

"This lunch spot's food was so delicious and quick."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $20 in the adjacent lot with a cashless kiosk.

2

El Cholo celebrates its 100-year anniversary in 2023 with special events.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially during weekends.

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Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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