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Best of Pasadena

Lunch spots for salsa

A midday break calls for a quick bite and the sharp, fresh bite of salsa.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tortas Mexico image 1
Tortas Mexico image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Small indoor space with homey decor and outside picnic tables creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Family-run vibe brings warmth and authenticity to the experience. Known for large portions and authentic Mexican tortas that stand out.

Quick service suits those needing a fast lunch. Options focus on grab-and-go convenience for a brief stop.

Salsa here stands out for its simple seasoning and great flavor. The green salsa served with chilaquiles is especially notable.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food tortas to be the best I have ever tasted."

"The Asada and cheese at this lunch spot were outstanding."

"I thought the salsa here was really great."

Good to know

1

The wait time is usually under ten minutes for orders.

2

There are many vegetarian options available on the menu.

3

Indoor seating is limited, but outdoor seating is available.

02
Amigo's Restaurant and Cantina image 1

Spacious interior with a dark Mexican atmosphere and a mural on the back wall sets a warm, comfortable vibe. Bar area offers a loud, fun energy with a jukebox and booths, attracting mostly locals. Strong, flavorful margaritas are a key draw, making it a popular spot for casual dining and drinks.

Lunch specials come with generous portions at reasonable prices around $12.50. The large burritos often leave leftovers for the next day, making it a solid choice for a quick, affordable lunch.

Warm chips come with flavorful salsa that encourages at least two servings. Portions are generous, and chips and salsa are consistently excellent.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was delicious and had good flavor."

"This lunch spot has huge portions; I had leftovers for days."

"The chips and salsa here are excellent and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Expect limited parking; consider arriving early or using street parking.

3

Lunch specials cost $12.50 and offer generous portions.

03
Madre Maiz Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican cantina offers intimate indoor tables and ample outdoor seating with umbrellas. Atmosphere feels cozy and casual with good music and friendly staff. Kitchen is visible and efficient, creating an authentic vibe.

Lunch here draws repeat visits and convinces others to come back for dinner. The spot offers consistent quality and a friendly atmosphere during midday meals.

Breakfast salsa stands out with its special flavor and pairs well with blue corn tortillas. Red salsa brings a spicy kick, while green salsa offers a mild lime flavor that complements dishes like Gorditas.

People are saying

"The birria here is so juicy and flavorful."

"The salsas here are flavorful and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's food was amazingly delicious."

Good to know

1

There is limited indoor seating for large groups.

2

They have an outdoor seating area which is nice.

3

There is a free parking lot outside.

04
The Original Tops image 1

Diner with 1950s nostalgia and 1980s theme offers a friendly, bustling atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Bold character shines through Route 66 history and a classic soda fountain serving orange whips. Small drive-thru and lively vibe make it a familiar spot for casual meals.

Offers a wide menu covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a standout Pastrami Burger. Drive-thru is available and recommended to avoid busy lunch hours.

House-made spicy red salsa adds a tangy balance to dishes. Salsa verde and other homemade dressings enhance salads and sides. Options include requesting extra salsa and specifying potato doneness.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were the best in town."

"The salsa here is a symphony of breakfast flavors."

"The pastrami burger here is stacked high and perfectly done."

Good to know

1

Parking can be an issue, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant has a drive-thru for quick service.

05
Roll Em Up Taquitos - Pasadena image 1

Open concept Mexican restaurant with vibrant patio seating and reggae music sets a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Board games and free books add a playful touch while plenty of parking accommodates various vehicles. Artistic decor and clean grounds create a welcoming environment.

Lunch offers very good food with a price over $17. It's a spot where meeting a friend for lunch feels natural.

A variety of spicy salsas are available, including a Green Goblin that stands out for its heat and flavor. The red salsa is milder but still good, and the staff ensures salsa is served with meals.

People are saying

"I loved their crispy, flavorful taquitos; it's great Mexican food."

"The salsa here is spicy, especially the green goblin."

"The tequitos at this Lunch Spot are made fresh and are perfect."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of free parking in the lot.

2

The restaurant offers vegan and vegetarian options, including potato, chicken, or beef taquitos.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food served.

06
Andy's Coffee Shop image 1

Small, cozy diner with old school vibe and classic Americana charm fills up with a laid-back, family atmosphere. Space feels cramped but welcoming, with booths and a coffee counter creating an authentic, down-to-earth setting.

A large, traditional menu serves breakfast and lunch all day, with lunch options starting after 11am. Local police often take their lunch breaks here, showing its role as a reliable lunch spot.

Salsa here is full of flavor without being spicy. The homemade side salsa pairs well with breakfast, especially the burrito, and the avocado and salsa combo stands out.

People are saying

"The diner's hashbrowns were perfectly crispy and amazing."

"The portions at this lunch spot were big and the prices fair."

"The chilaquiles' salsa verde was amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

There is good parking available at Andyโ€™s Coffee Shop.

2

They are closed on Tuesdays.

3

The restaurant was packed on a Sunday morning.

07
ANAYA'S RESTAURANT image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant offers large family seating and a well-stocked bar with quality cocktails. Live music creates a lively atmosphere, though noise levels can be high. Outdoor patio provides a comfortable al fresco dining experience.

Carnitas tacos stand out with flavor better than many Midwest versions. Food remains outstanding for lunch, making it a reliable go-to spot downtown.

Tomatillo salsa stands out with its excellent flavor. Complementary chips and salsa are offered at the end of the meal.

People are saying

"The Mexican food's depth of flavor, especially the chilaquiles, was amazing."

"The cocktails here are amazing and delicious."

"This lunch spot's carnitas tacos were better than any I had back home."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price margaritas and drink specials on weekdays.

2

Sunday brunch features a special menu with unique dishes.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

08
Dena Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Booths feature ornate upholstery with Los Angeles scenes, creating a cute atmosphere inside. The place offers both indoor and outdoor seating along with a drive-through. It serves a mix of classic burgers and authentic Mexican dishes, with a notable spicy green salsa that stands out.

Lunch hours show the restaurant mostly empty. It serves meals throughout the day including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The spot offers a quiet atmosphere during lunch.

Green salsa stands out with its perfect spice level and creamy avocado base. The spicy green version packs heat from habanero, not for the faint of heart, and both can be bought to go.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast burrito to be super delicious."

"The green salsa is spicy, avocado-like, and worth the pain."

"I thought this was a great lunch spot."

Good to know

1

You can buy the green salsa to go.

2

There was plenty of parking available.

3

Dena Burgers offered indoor and outdoor seating options.

09
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant combines colorful traditional decor with a family-style atmosphere that feels like dining at home. A lively mariachi band often plays, enhancing the vibrant cultural vibe. The space splits between a restaurant and cantina, offering distinct dining and social experiences.

Lunch offers quick service with friendly servers who provide helpful recommendations. Specials include 2 combo lunch options that deliver good food at reasonable prices.

Chips and salsa stand out with a homemade taste and consistent quality. The house salsa is popular enough to buy for takeout.

People are saying

"The tacos here are fresh, flavorful, and satisfying."

"The staff here is so friendly and attentive, making our Salsa night feel homey."

"This Lunch Spot's food is great and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a $30 minimum payment per person.

2

Parking can be challenging during busy periods, especially for larger vehicles.

3

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

10
Yuca's / We Cater! image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small food stand with limited seating focuses on takeout and quick service. Atmosphere feels casual and unassuming, with a short wait and modest portions that often lead to leftovers. Known for classic Mexican dishes, large portions, and minimal sauce servings.

Food arrives quickly and portions are generous, enough for sharing. Expect a long wait during lunch hours.

Salsa options include a very good roja salsa and fresh pico de gallo, which adds a raw, bright flavor. Extra salsa costs more, and portions can be small or dry with just a bit of lettuce and meat.

People are saying

"The carne asada burrito here is tasty, but the beef could be more tender."

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

"This Lunch Spot's burritos are mostly from fast-food chains."

Good to know

1

Yuca's is a food stand with no seating available.

2

Expect to pay extra for additional salsa.

3

Portions are large enough to share between two people.

11
El Torito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spanish-style building offers modern renovations with separate dining areas including sports TVs and banquet space. Atmosphere ranges from loud bar with live mariachi music to more relaxed dining sections. Brunch features unlimited mimosas and live entertainment, creating a festive vibe.

Offers tasty lunch specials with a great selection of breakfast and lunch options. Provides good deals that suit tighter budgets.

Unlimited nachos and salsa come quickly with attentive service that keeps chips and salsa refilled. The salsa is tasty and warm, prompting requests for more.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and flavorful."

"The house salsa is great, and the servers are attentive."

"The lunch spot's chicken fajitas were delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3pm to 9pm in the cantina and bar area.

2

Karaoke night happens every Friday from 5pm to 11pm.

3

The price for brunch is $24 per person, which is considered a bargain.

12
Lucky Boy Drive-In at Walnut image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Old school diner with late 70s atmosphere and classic Pasadena vibe offers massive breakfast burritos and chili cheese fries. Space feels small and cozy with a quiet, unhurried mood even when busy. Outdoor patio provides a solid seating option without shade tarps.

A spot with a lot of history and a nice place to sit down for lunch. It works well for a quick meal with about 45 minutes to spare.

Salsa comes in a red color with a mild spice level. It pairs well with breakfast burritos and is served on the side, offering a hot option that complements the meal.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were solid and enormous."

"The breakfast burritos here are insanely huge, feeding three people easily."

"The food here is delicious, especially the zucchini fries."

Good to know

1

The diner is not a drive-thru, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect reasonable prices for large portion sizes.

3

There is plenty of parking available at the location.

13
King Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Fast food Mexican restaurant with a spacious dining area and bright, clean interior. Atmosphere feels nostalgic and inviting despite occasional sketchy moments. Known for affordable prices and authentic flavors in tacos and burritos.

Offers good value for work lunch with filling options. Requires planning ahead due to potential wait times during short lunch breaks.

Green salsa stands out with its drinkable freshness and bold flavor. Both salsa verde and roja bring authentic Mexican taste that pairs perfectly with dishes like chicken flautas and Carne Asada nachos.

People are saying

"I always come back for the consistent Mexican food here."

"The salsas here are flavorful with a delightful kick."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking at King Taco is difficult and often inconvenient.

2

You can only order online after they open at 10am.

3

They charge $1 for an extra hot sauce.

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