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Lunch spots for Mexican food

A lunch spot serving Mexican food that is quick enough for a work break but substantial enough to keep you full until dinner.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tacos and Papas image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Small space offers a cozy, laid back atmosphere with a super cool 80s vibe featuring music from The Jam and TV shows like Mr T and the A-Team. The setting feels roomy and comfortable despite its size, creating a friendly and pleasant environment. The place attracts those seeking authentic Mexican cuisine in a casual, welcoming spot.

Lunch offers just enough portions to satisfy hunger without leftovers. Meals come out quickly and taste good, making it a reliable spot for a midday break.

Queso birria tacos stand out with rich flavor and a side of consommรฉ. Al pastor, pastor, and vegetarian brussel sprout tacos offer variety, while carne asada fries add a hearty touch. Friendly service complements the authentic Mexican cuisine.

People are saying

"I found the quesa-birria tacos to be amazing."

"I loved the amazing tacos, especially the quesa-birria and al pastor."

"I found my new favorite taco Lunch Spot; the shrimp tacos were divine."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos.

2

Dinner for two costs around $40 with drinks.

3

Prices are competitive for the area.

02
J B Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Simple burger joint with old-fashioned charm and wax paper-wrapped sandwiches creates a nostalgic vibe. Indoor seating is clean and echo-y, while outdoor tables offer a quieter option. The atmosphere feels fun and unpretentious, attracting those who appreciate classic burger experiences.

Small parties find this spot good for lunch with options like the turkey club sandwich and cheeseburger special. The lunch sauce stands out as a highlight.

Breakfast burritos come with ham, sausage, bacon, or a mixed option with everything. Burritos have good size and taste, including bean and cheese and carne asada tacos reflecting California influences.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast burrito here to be delicious and amazing."

"The burritos here are delicious and a great size."

"Their breakfast burritos are among the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Dine-in, outdoor seating, and takeout options are available.

2

The prices at J B Burgers are reasonable for the portion sizes.

3

Parking is available in a public lot or on the street nearby.

03
Lord Empanada image 1
Argentinian restaurant

Small space with cozy booths and homey decor creates an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. Loud ambiance contrasts with tranquil, coffee house vibe in dining area. Outdoor patio and flowery ornaments add charm, while family memorabilia on walls gives a personal touch.

Lunch offers delicious empanadas that stand out for their flavor. Many order through Uber Eats, and it's common to buy extra to take home.

Birria empanadas stand out with rich flavor and come with consommรฉ for dipping. Spicy asada and birria queso empanadas offer bold spice while spinach and cheese provide a milder option.

People are saying

"These empanadas are so delicious and flavorful."

"You have to try the birria empanadas with consommรฉ; they're so good."

"The empanadas here are delicious and fluffy."

Good to know

1

Parking at Lord Empanada is limited and can be challenging to find.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of empanadas, including vegan options.

3

The seating area is small, making it difficult to find a seat during busy times.

04
Nano Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Small space with wood-paneled walls and old booths creates a cozy, retro diner vibe. Atmosphere feels homey and welcoming, bustling yet laid-back with covered patio seating. Regulars and newcomers mingle in a spot that blends authentic family-style comfort with a quiet neighborhood charm.

Charming family-style diner serves a variety of breakfast and lunch options. Open only for these meals, it draws a steady crowd during the work week.

Warm tortillas and chilaquiles stand out with fresh avocado and solid flavor. Breakfast items like the burrito and omelette fold into a morning taco experience with simple, satisfying ingredients.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and fresh."

"The staff here are always quick and friendly."

"I highly recommend the chilaquiles; the avocado was beautiful."

Good to know

1

Nano Cafe opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 3:00 p.m.

2

The cafe has a huge breakfast selection available all day.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

05
Girasol Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with bright, vibrant decor and culturally themed music creates a welcoming, lively atmosphere. The vibe feels like a family-friendly fiesta with a cozy, home-like ambiance. It often draws a busy crowd, especially during weekend mornings.

A Tuesday lunch buffet runs for $20, offering a solid value. The meal features contributions from skilled chefs that enhance the experience.

Chilaquiles stand out as the most notable dish, prepared with care and served in various styles like tortas and trio plates. The Cafe De Olla complements the meals well, and the food consistently delivers authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The food here was so delicious, I cleaned my plate."

"You have to try the mole; it's rich, deep, and perfectly balanced."

"Our Lunch Spot server Priscilla was so pleasant and attentive."

Good to know

1

The brunch buffet is available on Tuesdays from 10am to 2pm.

2

A Saturday dinner buffet starts at 4:00pm.

3

Expect long wait times during busy weekend brunch hours.

06
T Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Spacious dining area with vintage decor creates a warm, cozy atmosphere ideal for family meals. Outdoor seating and ample parking add convenience. The environment stays quiet and relaxing, making it suitable for groups and casual dining.

Lunch offers burgers and burritos priced around 4.99. An after-school lunch menu for kids provides enjoyable options. Arriving before the lunch rush helps avoid crowds.

Burritos come with bacon, potatoes, eggs, and cheese or chicken. Green salsa tastes homemade and stands out.

People are saying

"This cheeseburger is juicy, flavorful, and pretty good."

"I always came here for lunch and enjoyed the burgers and burritos."

"These breakfast burritos are huge and loaded with chorizo and cheese."

Good to know

1

The family pack of burgers and fries is a good deal.

2

Expect a 15-20 minute wait for food during busy hours.

3

T Burgers offers a variety of foods including burgers, breakfast items, and burritos.

07
The State image 1
Restaurant

Industrial and chic decor shapes a small but impactful space with open sidewalk bar seating ideal for people watching. Atmosphere balances cozy and lively with a slower pace that suits conversation and enjoying drinks. Frequented for delicious burgers and creative cocktails, it offers a full bar and occasional live music with dancing.

Lunch offers a good variety on the regular menu. The atmosphere feels wonderful and fun, making it a solid spot for a midday break.

Happy hour offers tacos priced at $7 that taste great. The Machada Burrito and chicken tacos also stand out for their flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and a great bargain."

"The blackberry burger at this lunch spot was perfectly cooked."

"The short rib tacos are spicy and melt-in-your-mouth soft."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights.

2

Happy hour runs from 12 to 6 pm on weekdays with great specials.

3

Bar seating is available for walk-ins if reservations are full.

08
Cafe On Lemon image 1

Cafe blends rustic decor with cozy seating and a welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor seating adds to the relaxed vibe, while fresh coffee aromas fill the space. It stays quiet and less crowded, making it ideal for casual meetups or peaceful breaks.

Offers solid breakfast and lunch options with a consistent quality. Serves as a reliable spot for a midday meal.

People are saying

"The cafe's food is delicious and fresh, with perfectly seasoned filet mignon."

"The food at this lunch spot was outstanding."

"The pulled pork breakfast burrito at this Mexican food spot was super tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby at the lots behind the building.

2

They had a quoted wait time of 15 minutes, and we were seated just under that mark.

3

The prices at Cafe On Lemon are reasonable considering its proximity to Myrtle.

09
Le Roy's image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Old school diner with 1950s style and classic counter seating offers a cozy, bustling atmosphere filled with local energy. Small, intimate space encourages conversation and features seasonal decorations that add charm. Outdoor seating provides a sunny spot amid lively neighborhood activity.

Busy local spot serves American breakfast and lunch with plenty of options. The Reuben sandwich stands out as an excellent lunch choice.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh flavors. Breakfast options include a tasty breakfast burrito and salsa that adds a nice touch.

People are saying

"This diner's classic breakfast dishes are amazing and cannot be beaten."

"The lunch menu here is much better."

"I found the breakfast burrito to be good to great."

Good to know

1

Le Roy's closes at 3pm.

2

Parking is limited, so arrive early.

3

Portion sizes are generous, often enough for two.

10
Cafรฉ De Olla Restaurant image 1

Colorful, rustic decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Loud music and open space cause noise and echoes, making conversations challenging. Staff offer pan dulce from a dessert cart, adding a unique touch to the dining experience.

Hearty meals and authentic Mexican coffee make lunch here stand out. The spot captures the heart and soul of traditional Mexican cuisine with every dish.

Hearty dishes like the birria plate and chilaquiles divorciados stand out with rich flavors. Breakfast options include a house omelette with green chilaquiles and huevos rancheros with a delicious sauce.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the chilaquiles and cafe de olla, is really good."

"I found the breakfast here delicious and packed with flavor."

"I loved the delicious food and drinks at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 40-75 minutes during busy weekend brunch hours.

2

Reservations are recommended for large parties to avoid long wait times.

3

A 75-minute time limit on tables applies during peak weekend hours.

11
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Restaurant combines typical American flair with a bar area featuring plenty of televisions for sports viewing. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and chill to lively and loud during game time or busy nights. Offers affordable meal deals with a casual, easygoing vibe.

Lunch specials offer great value and a comfortable dining atmosphere. Options cater well to midday meals with consistent quality.

Fajitas stand out as a highlight, especially the chicken and steak versions. Meals come with fresh tortilla chips and salsa, and dishes like quesadillas and ribs arrive well packaged and flavorful.

People are saying

"The food here has great flavor and is delicious."

"The food at this lunch spot is delicious and fresh."

"The Mexican Food, especially the fajitas, was amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available only at the bar.

2

Chili's offers a great happy hour on weekends.

3

The wait time during dinner hours is typically 5-10 minutes.

12
Taqueria El Diablo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining with a small old town ambiance and large flatscreen TVs. Atmosphere suits family and friends with a chill vibe and lively music. Busy peak times create a crowded dining room with lines out the door.

Lunch offers rich, fresh textures like the chorizo potato egg breakfast burrito that stays flavorful even after 30 minutes. Meals come at affordable prices under $5, with food that tastes better than expected.

Tacos cost just 99 cents on Taco Tuesday, with options like tacos pastor and asada that pack bold flavors. The menu includes a wide variety of tacos, burritos, and guisados like Picadillo, plus free refills on agua frescas.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and incredibly fresh."

"You have to try their 99 cent tacos on Taco Tuesday!"

"The aguas frescas at this Lunch Spot are insanely tasty."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features tacos for 98 cents each with various meat options.

2

Expect long lines and busy dining during Taco Tuesdays.

3

Parking is free and available in nearby public lots.

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Monrovia, California

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