Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Mid Central's best

Lunch spots

You need a lunch spot that respects your time and your appetite.

Based on 555 Opinions
+552
User
User
User
Updated
01
Smokehouse Social Barbecue image 1
Smokehouse Social Barbecue image 2
Smokehouse Social Barbecue image 3
View all

Bright, clean space with lots of TV screens and a full bar creates a lively setting. Atmosphere stays laid-back and welcoming with 80's music playing, making it easy to relax and enjoy. The vibe suits those who appreciate authentic Texas-style barbecue in a casual environment.

Food comes out fresh to order and rich in flavor with large portions. BBQ tastes satisfying whether dining in or grabbing takeout.

Lunch features a lunch special that offers strong value. Meals suit group outings with staff.

People are saying

"The food here is smoky, moist, and flavorful."

"The brisket and pulled-pork at this Lunch Spot are excellent."

Good to know

1

Parking is available across at Vons, which solves the parking problem.

2

The wait might be a bit long depending on the number of people.

3

It could get crowded, so I recommend making a reservation if they allow that.

02
Wok Master image 1
Wok Master image 2
Wok Master image 3
View all

Small, unassuming Chinese restaurant with generous portions and affordable prices. Atmosphere is casual and quiet, often staffed by a single person. Offers strong vegan options and dishes praised for crispy tofu and flavorful entrees.

Food comes out super hot and consistently delicious with generous portions. The menu offers great value and fast, friendly service keeps the experience smooth.

Lunch features chicken chop suey and specials with orange chicken and garlic chicken. The food draws repeat visits and groups for midday meals.

People are saying

"The food here is so tasty and packed with flavor."

"This lunch spot's food is super delicious and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Wok Master shares its parking lot with other businesses, so parking may be difficult during peak hours.

2

The cost of $35 for two plates was reasonable in Pasadena.

3

The restaurant offers great options for vegans, especially since it shares a lot with Drink Erva.

03
Kaiba Japanese Ramen, Sushi & Grill - Pasadena image 1
Kaiba Japanese Ramen, Sushi & Grill - Pasadena image 2
Kaiba Japanese Ramen, Sushi & Grill - Pasadena image 3
View all

Japanese restaurant offers upscale interior with covered patio seating and multiple TVs showing sports. Atmosphere stays chill and relaxed, with a warm, inviting vibe suited for quiet meals or late-night dates. Seating is somewhat tight but sufficient for medium crowds.

Food arrives quickly with generous portions and features fresh ingredients. Dishes are consistently delicious and affordable.

Lunch offers a variety of options like ramen, poke, and sizzling plates. Lunch combos provide good value with deals including tonkatsu ramen and California roll for around $17.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot has delicious food and great prices."

Good to know

1

Happy hour deals on beer are available.

2

Lunch deals offer great value for money.

3

Parking is limited to one hour in the back lot.

04
Lee's Hoagie House image 1
Lee's Hoagie House image 2
Lee's Hoagie House image 3
View all

Small sandwich shop offers a family atmosphere with a self-serve pickle bar and fresh bread that stands out. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, with regulars and staff enjoying themselves in a cozy space. Known for unique chicken hoagies and reasonable prices, it feels like a local institution.

Food features fresh ingredients and offers exceptional quality at incredibly reasonable prices. Service is quick and friendly, complementing the solid, family-run atmosphere.

Lunch feels like eating with family, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The spot stands out as a favorite place within walking distance for midday meals.

People are saying

"The food here is loaded and flavorful."

"The chicken hoagie sandwich here is delicious with amazing flavors."

Good to know

1

A pastrami sandwich costs $12.99.

2

The restaurant has a big parking area.

3

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner.

05
Flame Broiler image 1
Flame Broiler image 2
Flame Broiler image 3
View all

Clean and organized Korean restaurant with a steady stream of customers and a calm atmosphere. Offers brown rice and tofu bases, chicken teriyaki and spicy chicken, and a notable green sauce alongside fiery spicy options. Prices are moderate, and sauce service is controlled rather than self-serve.

Food here is simple, healthy, and flavorful with sauces that stand out. Portions come big and hot, offering a quick, fresh meal that avoids heaviness or greasiness.

Lunch offers delicious and satisfying meals that work well before a visit to the Huntington Library.

People are saying

"I found the food here delicious and fresh."

"This Lunch Spot felt like a healthy choice."

Good to know

1

Parking in this part of town is generally difficult.

2

The parking lot in the shopping center fills up quickly.

3

Flame Broiler offers beef and chicken options.

06
HaiCha image 1
HaiCha image 2
HaiCha image 3
View all

Cozy, small space with comfortable seating and calming music creates a welcoming, family-run vibe. Free amenities like wireless chargers and Wi-Fi support study sessions and casual hangouts. The atmosphere feels like stepping into a homely spot with a peaceful, chill energy.

Fresh and beautifully presented Taiwanese dishes stand out here. The owner shows enthusiasm recommending drinks and snacks while managing the bar.

Quick service starts with a friendly greeting and prompt order taking. Haicha fish balls offer a tasty, well-sized option for lunch. This spot suits those looking for small eats during the midday break.

People are saying

"The owner's friendly chatter really made my day with the food."

"The owner Tommy is so nice and makes your lunch fresh."

Good to know

1

HaiCha opens before 11 AM.

2

Getting to HaiCha is very easy and there is street parking right outside the shop.

3

HaiCha has restrooms for customers.

07
Plate 38 Kitchen And Bar image 1
Plate 38 Kitchen And Bar image 2
Plate 38 Kitchen And Bar image 3
View all

Converted coffee shop with outdoor tented seating and a full bar featuring big screen TVs creates a casual, lively atmosphere. Patio seating faces street noise and car exhaust, adding an urban edge. The vibe mixes dog-friendly amenities with a quaint, industrial feel and energetic service.

Food here is consistently delicious with a 5-star quality that stands out. Every dish comes with excellent service that matches the high food standards.

Quick lunches include a sandwich and a calamari/shrimp small plate. Outdoor seating offers sunny spots for weekday meals.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's food tasted great and was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all night on Mondays, making it a busy time.

2

The happy hour menu offers smaller portions at higher prices.

3

Bring cash to avoid a 4% credit card fee.

08
Carl's Jr. image 1
Carl's Jr. image 2
Carl's Jr. image 3
View all

Fast food restaurant with an old-school interior and a mom and pop feel offers a generally peaceful and calming atmosphere. It stays clean and nice inside, attracting those looking for late night food options.

Food comes out quick and hot with a focus on freshness and delicious BBQ burgers. The environment stays clean, supporting a good dining experience.

Lunch offers a reliable spot with friendly staff handling orders smoothly. Frequent visits show it serves as a consistent choice for midday meals.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and always warm."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was amazing and hassle-free."

Good to know

1

Expect high prices for meals, with some items costing over $20.

2

The restaurant is generally clean and well-maintained.

3

Drive-thru wait times can be lengthy during peak hours.

09
Tops image 1
Tops image 2
Tops image 3
View all

Small, old school burger shop with a mom and pop feel and casual, easygoing atmosphere. Offers both indoor and outdoor seating and serves notable chili cheese fries and breakfast burritos. Feels like a diner sanctuary amid fast food giants.

Food here is greasy tasty with generous portions served quickly, usually under 10 minutes. The quality remains high with excellent hamburgers and fast food that stands out for its flavor and service.

A quick lunch option near the freeway with a drive-thru that often gets packed on weekdays. Portions like the pastrami are large enough to last into the next day.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great, especially the American classics."

"The pastrami at this Lunch Spot is huge and so satisfying."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging once the lot is full.

2

The portions are massive, with small chili cheese fries enough for four people.

3

The drive-thru is often busy during weekday lunch hours.

10
Tea Spots image 1
Tea Spots image 2
Tea Spots image 3
View all

Cozy cafe with a lavender scent and clean, cool environment invites quiet chats and work sessions. Many power outlets and free WiFi attract students and late workers. Drinks come in large buckets, and the menu offers non-dairy options and affordable, flavorful snacks.

Food comes in generous portions and arrives very quickly. Plates are massive and include a lot of tasty items, paired with great drinks and coffee.

Lunch offers good portions for under $10. The crispy chicken plate stands out as a solid choice. Service during lunch is usually smooth.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be excellent and generously portioned."

"I loved the crispy chicken plate for lunch."

Good to know

1

Expect a hidden $0.25 service fee added to your bill.

2

A 10% tip is automatically added on the kiosks, so check your total.

3

Parking is available in a tight lot, so arrive early.

11
Phở Bánh Mì Chè Cali image 1
Phở Bánh Mì Chè Cali image 2
Phở Bánh Mì Chè Cali image 3
View all

Vietnamese restaurant offers a clean, spacious dining room with barstool seating and a vegetable and sauce bar for pho. Atmosphere turns busy and noisy during peak hours, especially with many take-away orders. Known for affordable prices and authentic bánh mì sandwiches, it draws a steady crowd from nearby college.

Authentic Vietnamese food comes freshly prepared and well-priced. The dishes are consistently delicious with excellent quality and service.

Offers budget-friendly sandwiches with a free cold drink after two purchases. Gets busy during lunch hours due to nearby college, making it a popular spot for a quick workday meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and affordable."

"The Obama banh mi at this lunch spot is flavorful with crusty bread."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers free drinks every day from 2-5pm.

2

A big bowl of Pho costs $12.99, which is a great deal.

3

Parking is limited and tight, so arrive early.

Discover more

Mid Central, Pasadena

Area guide