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Guide to South LA

Lunch spots

You need a lunch spot that is consistent enough to become a regular part of your weekly rhythm.

Based on 665 Opinions
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01
Clemenโ€™s Kitchen ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ image 1
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Mexican restaurant offers a homey atmosphere with soft 70s Mexico City music and a small garden for outdoor seating. Food is fresh and satisfying at lunch, making it a reliable midday spot after errands or travel.

Food comes out fresh and satisfying during lunch hours. It works well as a reliable spot for a midday meal after travel or errands.

People are saying

"You have to try the gorditas; they're delicious."

Good to know

1

It is BYOB, so bring your own drinks.

2

The restaurant offers vegetarian options for diverse diets.

3

They close at 7 pm on some days, so plan accordingly.

02
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Open space with pet-friendly patio and smash burgers creates a casual vibe perfect for lunch. Friendly staff stay calm during busy times, enhancing the relaxed atmosphere. Nostalgic diner decor and lively music add charm to every visit.

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

"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.

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Open-air shopping with traditional brick buildings offers a lively, relaxed vibe. Benches near Cava and Dulce make a great lunch spot for coffee or meals. Young crowds gather in courtyards, adding to the vibrant atmosphere perfect for people watching.

Benches provide a spot to relax with coffee or lunch. Options like Cava and Dulce offer varied choices. The area suits people watching during lunch breaks.

People are saying

"It's a pleasant lunch spot for people watching and relaxing."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for up to two hours, making it convenient for quick visits.

2

USC Village features a Target and Trader Joe's for grocery shopping.

3

The area offers a variety of dining options, including several eateries.

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Robot chef delivers quick meals in a clean, affordable space. Mini bowls offer satisfying portions perfect for a workday lunch near campus. Seating creates a nice vibe for a convenient, healthy meal.

Affordable and convenient options make this a solid choice for a workday lunch. Mini bowls offer a quick, satisfying meal near campus.

People are saying

"This is a good, affordable lunch spot for my workday."

Good to know

1

The prices at Robowok Mini Bowls - USC are very affordable.

2

The plaza has ample parking and is conveniently located near the school.

3

The robot chef cooks quickly, providing fast service.

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Casual spot near campus with lively vibe and comfortable seating. Famous for spicy Nashville hot chicken served all day. Lines form fast at lunch, so pre-ordering is smart.

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 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.

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Offers microwaveable healthy meals priced between $6 and $9, perfect for quick work lunches. Atmosphere is clean and convenient, attracting students and budget diners near campus. Focuses on accessible nutrition for low-income communities with evolving EBT/SNAP policies.

Offers quick snacks and meals suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Popular choice for work lunches among coworkers.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's meals are delicious, nutritious, and worth it."

Good to know

1

The meals are very affordable, ranging from $6 to $9 per plate.

2

On Fridays, food is 50% off if purchased early in the morning.

3

Only those in the hot meals program can now use EBT/SNAP at EveryTable.

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Small, intimate spot with a homey vibe and soft music perfect for family talks. Offers a wide range of affordable meals with standout spicy grilled chicken sandwiches for lunch. Friendly atmosphere draws neighborhood regulars.

Offers a wide selection of breakfast and lunch options with good value for money. Lunch sandwiches, like the spicy grilled chicken, are flavorful without being too spicy.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's sandwiches are flavorful and not too spicy."

Good to know

1

Parking is minimal, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

The dining space is small, leading to potential wait times.

3

They close for a few hours between lunch and dinner.

08
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Enjoy authentic noodles and spicy soup in a cozy space with soft lighting. Lunch is quiet with a full orange chicken plate and Thai tea for $10. Flexible seating suits small groups and families.

Lunch offers a full orange chicken plate with rice and Thai tea for about $10. The spot stays quiet and empty during lunch hours.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup at this Lunch Spot has great taste and plenty of beef."

Good to know

1

Qin West Noodle offers free parking for customers.

2

You can order food and pick it up at the front.

3

Liang Pi often sells out quickly, so arrive early.

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Small spot with only four seats and no air conditioning serves freshly cooked Chinese dishes. Lunch specials are affordable and draw a long line before 3:30 pm. Known for authentic flavors like wonton soup and combo egg rolls.

Lunch specials come with good food at reasonable prices. Expect a long line before 3:30 pm to get the deal.

People are saying

"The lunch spot special is a good price."

Good to know

1

Takeout is recommended due to the very limited seating available.

2

Expect long lines during lunch hours, especially for specials.

3

Prices are affordable, with generous portion sizes for the cost.

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Upscale Southern restaurant shines with live jazz music and historical jazz decor. Lunch offers quick, tasty options perfect for a weekday break. Warm, inviting space blends modern style with cultural homage for a chill vibe.

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

"The service at this Lunch Spot was quick and hospitable."

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.

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Known for crispy, spicy fried chicken, this take-out spot offers affordable lunch specials under $10. It serves multiple fish options with good portion sizes. Busy, family-friendly vibe suits quick, last-minute meals despite some cleanliness concerns.

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

People are saying

"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.

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Cozy spot with colorful murals and soft lighting offers a warm vibe. Known for crepes served all day, including hearty options like eggs Benedict with salmon. Open street views add to its casual-upscale feel, perfect for quick or leisurely meals.

Specializes in crepes with a menu that covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day. Portions like the eggs Benedict with salmon are generous, suitable for a full meal.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, with outstanding flavors."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited due to nearby businesses.

2

Expect reasonable wait times during busy hours.

3

The menu features a range of sweet and savory crepes.

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Italian restaurant serves generous portions in a family-friendly and cozy setting with lively vibes. Lunch is quick with fast pasta specials at $12, perfect for a midday break. Seating suits couples and groups, often with soccer games on TV for entertainment.

Lunch offers Italian pasta served quickly, almost at fast food speed. The lunch special provides a large portion for just $12, making it a solid choice for a midday break.

People are saying

"This Italian lunch spot is perfect and reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

The restaurant hosts a 28-inch pizza challenge for teams on special occasions.

2

Parking can be problematic, so arrive early or consider alternative options.

3

The menu features a diverse selection, including pizza, pasta, and burgers.

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Casual hamburger spot with a cozy atmosphere perfect for lunch. Fresh, delicious burgers shine on a straightforward menu. Clean space with inside and outside seating offers a welcoming vibe for a relaxing midday break.

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 this lunch spot to be a nice place to eat."

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.

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Creole restaurant offers a fish special for lunch with corn and salad. Attentive service shines even in busy times. Enjoy live jazz music in a lively bar area with expertly mixed cocktails. The interior blends Southern charm with modern style.

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

People are saying

"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.

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Small, cozy spot with a chill vibe and Ghibli films playing softly. Quick, kind service makes it a great lunch spot for a fast, soothing meal. Known for rich, spicy ramen with thin noodles, perfect for quiet dinners or casual hangouts.

Quick service includes a kind employee greeting and helpful support throughout lunch. Soups serve well for a fast, soothing meal during a workday.

People are saying

"The tonkatsu bento set for lunch is perfectly crisp and just like in Japan."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging due to double-parked cars for takeout.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but check for any additional fees.

3

Restrooms are accessible through the kitchen, which may be unusual for some.

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Interior feels like a food court with cozy, modern design. Lunch specials are quick and tasty, especially the chicken basil dish. Offers vegan and meat options with good portions and fair prices, making it a chill, family-friendly spot.

Lunch specials offer quick, delicious bites with the chicken basil special standing out as filling and flavorful. Some options lean heavily on rice rather than protein, which may affect satisfaction.

People are saying

"The lunch specials here are delicious and filling."

Good to know

1

Expect short wait times during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of meat and vegetarian options.

3

Most dishes can be made vegan upon request.

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Warehouse-style space with Mexican-themed decor offers a festive vibe with pool games and a jukebox. Lunch specials near the Science Center come with $4 beer, making it a great quick midday meal spot. Dim lighting suits both lively and quiet moods.

Lunch specials offer good value and come with $4 beer during lunch hours. The spot works well for a quick midday meal, especially near the Science Center.

People are saying

"The carne asada tacos at this Lunch Spot were delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer tacos for $2 each, with a special deal of 2 for $14.

2

Prices on the menu may differ from what you are charged at the restaurant.

3

The restaurant does not have a full bar, only beer and wine available.

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Enjoy fresh seafood with homemade tartar sauce and generous portions. Lunch features a 3 piece + 5 shrimp combo at a great price. Positive energy fills the clean space with free parking available nearby.

Lunch offers fish and shrimp combos at a great price. The 3 piece + 5 shrimp lunch special stands out as a popular choice.

People are saying

"I always get the lunch special with shrimp."

Good to know

1

The market accepts EBT for purchasing fish.

2

There is free parking available, but the area is challenging to access.

3

Expect little wait time during peak hours.

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Wood tavern style meets modern vibes in a classic Irish pub with many TV screens for sports fans. Lunch shines with a $15 double burger special and a full bar for casual meals. Outdoor terrace exists but lacks warmth without heaters.

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 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.

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Lively spot offers authentic Thai flavors with quick, fresh cooking. Lunch is simple and affordable at about $10, with clean tables and punctual service when you call ahead. Casual space uses plastic utensils, perfect for fast, flavorful meals.

Lunch costs about $10 and stays simple. Tables stay clean, and calling ahead keeps service punctual.

People are saying

"The lunch special here had less chicken."

Good to know

1

For $12, I could get fresh pad Thai or fried rice.

2

Street parking is the only option available.

3

There is a vegan menu available.

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Small dine-in area with fresh, crispy dough pizza shines near USC. Lunch combos under $10 and family deals below $20 offer affordable prices. Clean, casual, family-owned spot focuses on quick take-out and freshness.

Lunch combos cost under $10 and stay fresh. Family combos come in under $20, making both options affordable and fresh.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's pizza is crispy and delicious."

Good to know

1

The lunch combo costs no more than $10 and is fresh.

2

The restaurant is mostly a take-out establishment with limited seating.

3

They charge extra for toppings and cheese-stuffed crust.

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Small shop with 90's vibe offers authentic Japanese flavors and generous portions at wallet-friendly prices. Lunch Special before 4 pm makes it a great lunch spot. Casual setting suits takeout more than dine-in.

Lunch prices offer a more affordable option when ordering the Lunch Special. Ordering before 4 pm is key, though sometimes the dinner price is charged by mistake.

People are saying

"This lunch spot is very good because they make everything fresh."

Good to know

1

The food is priced fairly with reasonable portions for sharing.

2

It's primarily a takeout place, serving food in takeout containers.

3

Prices are cheaper before 4pm, making it a good lunch option.

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