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Local picks in Mid Central

Lunch spots

Made for those who need a reliable midday refueling station that fits seamlessly into their workday.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Smokehouse Social Barbecue image 1
Smokehouse Social Barbecue image 2
Smokehouse Social Barbecue image 3
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Barbecue restaurant

Bright, clean space with full bar and many TV screens creates a lively, laid-back vibe. Enjoy authentic Texas barbecue with 80's music in the background. Lunch specials offer strong value and staff support group outings well.

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

People are saying

"I thought the brisket was immaculate and mouthwateringly good."

"This Barbecue is the best I've had in my life."

"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
Chinese restaurant

Small Chinese spot offers generous portions and affordable prices with a quiet, casual vibe. Lunch shines with orange chicken and garlic chicken specials. Strong vegan options include crispy tofu that keeps diners coming back.

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."

"This Chinese food is amazing and so affordable."

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
Lee's Hoagie House image 1
Sandwich shop

Small sandwich shop offers fresh bread and a self-serve pickle bar in a family atmosphere. Unique chicken hoagies make it a local institution and a favorite lunch spot within walking distance. Warm, cozy vibe welcomes regulars and newcomers alike.

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 sandwich here is juicy and packed with flavor."

"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.

04
Kaiba Japanese Ramen, Sushi & Grill - Pasadena image 1

Upscale Japanese spot features a covered patio and multiple TVs for sports fans. Lunch shines with tonkatsu ramen combos offering great value. Atmosphere stays chill and relaxed, perfect for quiet meals or late-night dates.

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

"The ramen here has a rich, flavorful broth."

"You have to try the frozen beer; it's a must-try."

"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.

05
Plate 38 Kitchen And Bar image 1
New American restaurant

Converted coffee shop with outdoor tented seating and a full bar offers quick lunches like sandwiches and calamari plates. Patio faces street noise, adding an urban edge to the lively, dog-friendly vibe. Big screen TVs and energetic service complete the casual scene.

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

People are saying

"The ricotta lemon pancakes were light and incredibly flavored."

"The dinner spots here are so accommodating and friendly."

"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.

06
Flame Broiler image 1
Korean restaurant

Clean Korean spot serves brown rice and tofu bases with spicy chicken and a unique green sauce. Lunch meals satisfy before Huntington Library visits. Calm vibe and moderate prices keep customers coming.

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."

"I felt like I was eating 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.

07
Phở Bánh Mì Chè Cali image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese spot shines with authentic bánh mì and a vegetable and sauce bar for pho. Busy, noisy vibe peaks at lunch, fueled by a nearby college crowd. Budget-friendly prices and a free cold drink after two sandwiches make it a top lunch spot.

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

"The Vietnamese food here is fantastic and affordable."

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

"The pho soup here is amazing and unlike any other."

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.

08
HaiCha image 1
Bubble tea store

Cozy space with comfortable seating and calming music offers a peaceful vibe. Quick service and Haicha fish balls make it a great lunch spot. Free wireless chargers and Wi-Fi support study sessions and casual hangouts.

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

"I found the tea here to be fresh, flavorful, and wonderfully smooth."

"I thought the bubble tea here was the best I ever had."

"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.

09
Tea Spots image 1

Cozy cafe with lavender scent and free WiFi suits quiet chats and work. Lunch features crispy chicken under $10 with smooth service. Large drinks and non-dairy options make snacks affordable and flavorful.

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 thought the Thai Milk Tea tasted amazing."

"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.

10
Carl's Jr. image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food joint with old-school interior offers a calming atmosphere perfect for late nights. Friendly staff make it a reliable lunch spot with smooth service. Clean and cozy, it feels like a mom and pop place you can trust.

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."

"I found the burgers here to be really tasty."

"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.

11
Tops image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small burger shop with a mom and pop feel offers notable chili cheese fries and breakfast burritos. Quick lunch spot near freeway with a drive-thru and large pastrami portions. Casual, easygoing vibe with indoor and outdoor seating.

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."

"I found the chili cheese fries to be massive, enough to feed four people."

"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.

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Mid Central, Pasadena

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