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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to South LA

American lunch spots

Made for those who want their midday break to feel like a reliable, no-nonsense American classic.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Softies Burger - USC Village image 1
Softies Burger - USC Village image 2
Softies Burger - USC Village image 3
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Hamburger restaurant

Open space with interior and exterior seating creates a casual vibe ideal for relaxed meals. Decor blends nostalgic diner style with modern touches and lively music. Crowds gather often, drawn by incredible smash burgers and a pet-friendly patio.

Caesar salad with fried chicken stands out as a unique twist. The cheeseburger is solid, and the tater tots are notably good. The sandwich combines a burger inside a hot dog bun with minimal extras.

A casual vibe makes it easy to relax during lunch. Staff stay friendly and calm even when busy or facing tech issues. Both breakfast and lunch offerings are solid choices.

People are saying

"I found the smash burgers here to be fantastic."

"I found the American Food, especially the cheeseburger, very good."

"The Classic Double with cheese was juicy and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

They offer free parking for 2 hours.

2

A double-double, fries, and soda cost around $20.

3

The restaurant can get crowded during peak hours.

02
L.A. CRAZY CRAB image 1
Restaurant

Spacious restaurant with big TVs showing various sports and a full bar featuring Micheladas and margaritas. Atmosphere stays quiet and family-friendly with a vibrant vibe boosted by a DJ playing throwbacks. Seafood boils stand out with fresh, succulent shrimp and spicy sauces.

Seafood boils, chicken wings, and clam chowder soup stand out with rich flavors. Fries come with extra Cajun seasoning on request, and sides like corn ribs and Mac and cheese balls add variety.

Girls lunch features personalized service with staff like Kimberly attending closely. The owner often makes a point to introduce himself, adding a friendly touch to the meal.

People are saying

"This seafood boil was the best I've ever had."

"The American Food here is great, and the staff is so friendly."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is amazing and very flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $2 beers from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

2

A 3-liter beer tower is available for $16 during happy hour.

3

Expect no wait times during happy hour on Sundays.

03
East-West Fish Market image 1
Seafood market

Seafood market buzzes with packed crowds and steady call-in orders, especially on Fridays. Fish and shrimp come fresh and crisp, often fried extra crispy with well-seasoned flavors. Prices stay affordable, drawing those who seek quality seafood in a busy, no-frills setting.

Fried lobster and fried chicken stand out on the menu. The onion rings, fries, and hush puppies are tasty sides. Chicken wings are decent but not exceptional.

Lunch features a special combo with shrimp, fish, and fries. Sides are priced around $1.12 each, though that pricing seems unclear.

People are saying

"I found the fish here to be so fresh and delicious."

"I questioned what I would do with just the sides from this Lunch Spot."

"The American food, especially the fried fish, is seasoned to perfection."

Good to know

1

East-West Fish Market accepts EBT payments.

2

Parking is available in front or on the side street.

3

Expect a 15-20 minute wait for orders during busy times.

04
Dulan's On Crenshaw image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant combines modern renovation with a homey atmosphere and gospel music playing softly. Spacious dining area includes outdoor seating and a patio for private events, creating a welcoming and accommodating environment.

Fried chicken stands out with a homemade flavor and is often paired with collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread that balance sweet and savory well. Meatloaf and smothered chicken also feature as hearty, well-cooked dishes.

Big portions make lunch filling and often enough to save some for later. The spot draws people from far away, showing its appeal for midday meals.

People are saying

"I loved every dish I tried; the food was amazing."

"The American food, especially the fried chicken, is crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned."

"The lunch spot's fried chicken is moist, tender, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Free valet parking is available right out front.

2

They have spoken word and comedy nights on Wednesdays.

3

They plan to start serving peach mimosas at their upcoming brunch.

05
Bruxie image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant offers casual atmosphere with comfortable seating and a lively vibe near a university campus. The space fills quickly during lunch, encouraging early arrival or pre-ordering. Food features spicy Nashville hot chicken and freshly made items served all day.

Fried chicken stands out with crispy texture and juicy meat. Chicken BLTs served on waffles come with creamy coleslaw on the side.

Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day. Lines form quickly, so pre-ordering or arriving early helps avoid the lunch rush.

People are saying

"The chicken sandwich here is super crispy with just the right amount of heat."

"The American Food here is great, and Jessica made it memorable."

"The chicken tenders at this Lunch Spot are crispy and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Bruxie serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day.

2

Expect a short line during off-peak hours.

3

There is limited seating inside, which fills up quickly.

06
Louisiana Fried Chicken & Fish image 1

Take-out spot known for authentic OG flavor and crispy, spicy fried chicken with affordable prices under $10. Atmosphere feels busy and family-friendly despite concerns about cleanliness and surrounding area. Offers multiple fish options and reasonable portion sizes.

Fried chicken stands out with an authentic OG flavor from the 1980s, delivering a delicious and satisfying taste. Gumbo accompanies the menu but tends to be spicy and served with more rice than broth.

Affordable lunch specials offer good value and taste. The spot works well for a quick, last-minute meal.

People are saying

"This American food, the fried chicken, was the best I've ever had."

"I thought the seasoned fish here was very well prepared."

"The lunch specials here are affordable and delicious."

Good to know

1

Louisiana Fried Chicken & Fish is a take-out only spot.

2

The price for four pieces of chicken without fries is $8.99.

3

Fries are now charged separately from the chicken.

07
Rock & Reilly's USC - Restaurant and Bar image 1

Wood tavern aesthetic blends with modern elements in a classic Irish pub setting filled with many TV screens for sports viewing. Atmosphere shifts from comfortable and relaxed to lively on game days, with a full-service bar offering a variety of cocktails and draft beers. Outdoor terrace exists but can feel cold and uncomfortable without heaters.

Cheeseburgers come with options like egg, avocado, and bacon. Tater tots, wings, and nachos, including mini nachos and chicken nachos, appear regularly and satisfy cravings.

Lunch offers a $15 special with a double burger or Spicy Korean Crispy chicken sandwich, fries, and a smoothie. A full-service bar supports casual meals or drinks, making it a solid spot for a working lunch alone or with others.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and always on point."

"The American Food cheeseburgers here are juicy, gooey, and perfect."

"The double cheeseburger combo at this Lunch Spot was juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM on Sundays.

2

Trivia night happens every Tuesday with challenging questions.

3

You must pre-tip before ordering food.

08
Harold & Belle's image 1
Creole restaurant

Creole restaurant blends modern touches with Southern charm in a classy, inviting interior featuring a full bar with expertly mixed cocktails and a lively bar area with live jazz music that captures New Orleans spirit.

Seafood dishes like fried oyster Po boy and gumbo stand out with rich flavors. Jambalaya features unique sausage, and the mac and cheese tastes like homemade comfort food.

Lunch features a fish special served with corn and salad. Service stays attentive even during busy lunch rushes.

People are saying

"The seafood platter here is massive and amazing."

"The American Food here, especially the gumbo and red beans and rice, is delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's food was seasoned to perfection and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Valet parking is available for $10, but street parking is also an option.

3

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

09
Delicious at The Dunbar image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Upscale Southern restaurant with live jazz music most of the time creates a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with natural light and historical jazz decor. The layout offers both high and low tables, fostering a comfortable dining experience with a chill vibe. The space blends modern style with cultural homage, making it a unique spot in its area.

Dishes feature perfectly cooked jambalaya and gumbo with crab, sausage, chicken, and shrimp. The grits and mac and cheese stand out with creamy, rich flavors including mushroom and cheese wiz.

Lunch options include a Dine LA menu with quick choices. The spot suits a weekday lunch break or a casual meal with a friend.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and well presented."

"I love the live jazz music they have on Sundays."

"The American Food here, like the gumbo and jambalaya, is seasoned perfectly."

Good to know

1

Brunch includes endless Mimosas for $25.

2

Live jazz happens on Sundays from 2:30 to 4:30pm.

3

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

10
Johnny's Pastrami image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop offers a huge secluded patio with firepits and heat lamps for outdoor dining. Atmosphere stays friendly and relaxing, with a vibe similar to a spoken word cafe. Space includes a fully equipped bar and a rentable party room with DJ for social events.

Pastrami sandwich and grilled cheese stand out with rich flavors and satisfying textures. Onion rings, loaded fries, and brisket add hearty, classic American sides and mains.

An assembly line of pastrami sandwiches speeds up service during lunch rush. The back area offers a relaxing vibe for a quick break, and street parking is usually easy to find.

People are saying

"I loved the outdoor seating, it was so nice and spacious."

"The pastrami here is nostalgic and phenomenal."

"The pastrami sandwiches here are delicious and definitely recommended."

Good to know

1

Johnny's Pastrami is open 24/7.

2

Parking is difficult around Johnny's Pastrami.

3

Food is cooked to order and ready in 10-15 minutes.

11
Habit Burger & Grill image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Casual hamburger restaurant with cozy, inviting atmosphere and extremely clean environment. Offers both inside and outside seating with a welcoming vibe that feels like family. Burgers are fresh and delicious, complemented by a straightforward menu suitable for various tastes.

Hamburgers stand out as very tasty and well-prepared. Patty Melts come with a strong salty flavor that might be too much for some.

Offers a relaxing atmosphere for lunch with consistent visits indicating steady appeal. Serves satisfying meals suitable for a casual midday break.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"These burgers are amazing, fresh, and delicious."

"I thought the American Food, especially the hamburgers, was great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

3

The menu has a variety of options for everyone.

12
Hawkins House of Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Old building with no seating and a worn-out view sets a down and dirty atmosphere. Music plays softly, creating a comfortable vibe despite the rough surroundings. Burgers draw a family-friendly crowd who often eat outside, sometimes on car trunks, in a hidden neighborhood spot.

Burgers come big and juicy with fresh veggies and a bacon cheeseburger that stands out. Chili cheese fries are a highlight, often worth the wait.

Lunch here feels like home with a welcoming vibe. Expect a long wait time, often around 30 to 60 minutes, which can stretch beyond a typical lunch break.

People are saying

"I thought these burgers were the best in LA."

"I thought the American food burgers were the best, seasoned and fresh."

"The burgers here are massive and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; ordering ahead is recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant only offers takeout service; no dining in is available.

3

Parking is very limited due to a gated lot across the street.

13
Dulan's image 1
Soul food restaurant

Outdoor seating with a lovely patio setting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with smooth R&B music that adds a lively vibe. The space is very clean and offers shade for comfort during hot weather. Food service happens through a window, emphasizing a casual, relaxed experience.

Meatloaf stands out as a satisfying choice, paired often with mac n cheese and cornbread. Fried chicken and hearty sides like yams and cabbage also feature prominently.

Generous portions stand out during lunch hours. Plates like baked fish with mac n cheese and candied yams or smothered pork chops with meatloaf deliver hearty, homestyle flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and tasty."

"The American food here, especially the meatloaf and mac and cheese, is delicious."

"This lunch spot's soul food tastes like grandma's cooking."

Good to know

1

Dulan's accepts EBT payments for eligible customers.

2

Turkey wings are only available on weekends.

3

Oxtail is served only on Fridays.

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