Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Riverside

Taco lunch spots

A quick taco is the only thing that hits the spot when the clock strikes noon.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
User
User
User
Updated
01
Ramiro's Cocina Mexicana image 1
Ramiro's Cocina Mexicana image 2
Ramiro's Cocina Mexicana image 3
View all

Small, charming hole-in-the-wall with authentic Mexican style and a nostalgic, home-like atmosphere. Quiet and casual with friendly energy and well-chosen music enhancing the experience. Known for delicious, spicy dishes and a warm, welcoming vibe.

Lunch includes weekday specials and taco deals on Tuesday and Thursday. Food suits breakfast, lunch, and dinner with options to take home.

Carne asada tacos come off-menu but staff gladly make them. Crispy beef tacos stand out as mouthwateringly delicious, even for those not usually into crispy tacos. Tacos go for $1.50 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

People are saying

"I found their carne asada tacos to be the best I've had."

"This lunch spot's food is so delicious, I couldn't wait to eat it."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available from Monday to Friday.

2

Taco specials on Tuesday and Thursday cost $1.50 each.

3

Reservations are recommended due to a small menu that changes daily.

02
Vegan Vatoz Casa Deโ€™ Tacos image 1
Vegan Vatoz Casa Deโ€™ Tacos image 2
Vegan Vatoz Casa Deโ€™ Tacos image 3
View all

Food truck serves all vegan Mexican cuisine with fresh, high-quality ingredients and bold, creative flavors. Outdoor seating includes picnic tables in parking lot with music playing, creating an inviting and authentic vibe. Popular for flavorful vegan proteins and unique vegan tacos and burritos.

Lunch here draws a crowd, often requiring a 15-minute wait during peak hours. The menu focuses on vegan tacos that deliver a great lunch experience.

Tacos here feature a creative twist on traditional Mexican flavors with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Options like carne asada, birria, and carnitas come in all-vegan versions that stand out for their taste and quality.

People are saying

"These vegan tacos are so flavorful and satisfying."

"This Lunch Spot's burritos are amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

They offer specials throughout the week that make some items more affordable on specific days.

2

Tacos with vegan egg are excluded from the $2 taco Tuesdays offer.

3

The restaurant's hours change daily, so check before visiting.

03
Maria's Mexican Kitchen image 1
Maria's Mexican Kitchen image 2
Maria's Mexican Kitchen image 3
View all

Small restaurant with tasteful old school decor offers a dark, cozy atmosphere that feels like a warm hug. Outdoor seating adds to the relaxed vibe, which stays quiet and comfortable without being crowded or loud.

Lunch specials offer solid options like the chile verde wet burrito. The spot works well for a casual lunch with family or friends.

Shredded beef tacos come in a hard shell with a crunchy texture. The tacos pair well with soup, creating a satisfying combo. They taste delicious and have a solid flavor.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has amazing food that's priced right."

"I found the tacos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is no waiting on Saturday evenings.

2

The menu offers a variety of options, including a kids menu.

3

Expect to pay around $50 for a meal for one person.

04
Jose's Mexican Food image 1
Jose's Mexican Food image 2
Jose's Mexican Food image 3
View all

Open salsa and chip bar invites self-service with variety of salsas and unlimited chips. Crowded space creates a loud, warm atmosphere with rustic decor and colorful art. Family-oriented crowd enjoys authentic Mexican dishes and well-made micheladas and margaritas.

Frequent lunch visits highlight quick service and a friendly atmosphere. The chicken fajita burrito offers a filling and tasty option for midday meals.

Street tacos stand out with fresh ingredients and amazing carnitas. Shrimp and fish tacos offer a crispy texture that complements the flavors well.

People are saying

"You have to try the salsa bar with all the salsas."

"Sandi always had a smile and a nice conversation ready for our lunch spot visits."

Good to know

1

Daily specials change every weekday, usually costing about $8.

2

The menu offers a variety of options, from smaller plates to large nachos.

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $20 per person.

05
Smoke and Fire Social Eatery image 1
Smoke and Fire Social Eatery image 2
Smoke and Fire Social Eatery image 3
View all

Rustic restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a dog-friendly patio that includes complimentary treats for pets. Atmosphere feels friendly and community-oriented with smooth music and a casual vibe. Strong focus on barbecue and craft beers, featuring brisket and a variety of margaritas.

Free parking and fast service make it easy to grab lunch without the downtown hassle. Food comes out fresh and well prepared, creating a relaxed spot for a quick meal or casual bites after drinks.

Brisket tacos come with purple corn tortillas and are plated with care, offering extreme flavor in every bite. Tacos arrive with pretzel bites and cheese, creating a unique twist on traditional flavors.

People are saying

"You have to try the brisket tacos; they just melt in your mouth."

"This lunch spot's food is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 to 6 pm with a buy-one-get-one-free deal on draft beer.

2

There is only one restroom available for about 80 people.

3

The restaurant is family-friendly and dog-friendly.

06
Tacos al Fuego image 1
Tacos al Fuego image 2
Tacos al Fuego image 3
View all

Restaurant offers a lively vibe with Mexican-inspired decor and a front patio. Music plays at a balanced volume, often featuring a DJ that keeps energy high. An extensive tequila selection and a salsa bar provide distinctive drink and food options.

Lunch specials include two crunchy tacos, beans, and rice for $9.99. Salsa comes with the meal, and Modelo Negra is available to drink.

Tacos come huge and bursting with flavor, made with fresh, vibrant ingredients. The Taco Flight offers a great variety, including birria tacos and a tierra/mar burrito, all embracing authentic Mexican cooking methods.

People are saying

"I found the birria tacos to be outstanding and so delicious."

"The Lunch Spot salsas are among the best I have ever had."

Good to know

1

The $9.99 lunch special includes 2 tacos with rice and beans.

2

Happy hour offers great prices on drinks and appetizers.

3

Taco Tuesday is a popular event worth planning for.

07
Mariposas image 1
Mariposas image 2
Mariposas image 3
View all

Latin American restaurant combines urban and greenery decor with a cozy, spacious layout suited for events. Atmosphere carries great vibes and a lively energy, attracting a diverse crowd. Multiple food stations offer varied choices, creating a dynamic dining experience.

Lunch features a Birria option that stands out. Regular visits confirm it as a solid choice for midday meals.

Taco Tuesday features a great selection with fresh and flavorful options like asada, quesabirria, and pozole tacos. Prices stay reasonable while the service keeps tacos coming quickly.

People are saying

"I loved Taco Tuesday; the tacos were a great price."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is incredible."

Good to know

1

Reservations are accepted, but it's first come, first serve for the buffet.

2

Taco Tuesday features $2 tacos and happy hour from 3-7 PM, Monday through Friday.

3

The buffet costs $27 and is available without reservations.

08
Zacatecas Cafe image 1
Zacatecas Cafe image 2
Zacatecas Cafe image 3
View all

Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and art-filled walls creates a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Spacious seating allows for comfortable dining despite occasional crowding. Drinks like Cadillac margaritas and micheladas complement traditional dishes such as carne asada and mole.

Lunch offers delicious dishes with a variety suitable for group occasions like birthdays and office events. Expect a wait time around 50 minutes during busy periods.

Tacos come in large portions with flavorful carnitas that feel like two tacos in one. The potato taco uses mashed potatoes for a smooth texture, and the overall taco selection is consistently really good.

People are saying

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and authentic."

"I found the carnitas taco to be delicious and large."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for private events to ensure availability.

2

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

3

The restaurant closes at 3:30 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

09
Tacos El Jr 6 image 1
Tacos El Jr 6 image 2
Tacos El Jr 6 image 3
View all

Mexican restaurant offers authentic dishes with generous portions and freshly made tortillas. Atmosphere stays friendly and moderately quiet, with plenty of seating. Pricing leans slightly high but provides good value for the quality and quantity of food.

Extremely quick service handles the lunch rush well. The campechana stands out as a consistent lunch choice and makes this a reliable work lunch spot.

Fish tacos stand out with abundant seafood and a surprisingly rich flavor. Carne asada and pastor tacos feature well-seasoned meat that many find memorable.

People are saying

"I found the fish tacos ridiculously amazing and tasty."

"I loved my lunch here; the food was great."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back, with the entrance on the right side.

2

The restaurant has generous portions at reasonable prices.

3

Expect a casual atmosphere; no dress code is enforced.

10
Mariposas Cantina Urbana image 1
Mariposas Cantina Urbana image 2
Mariposas Cantina Urbana image 3
View all

Open floor plan features live mariachi music and neon skulls with glow-in-the-dark paint, creating a nightclub-like atmosphere with loud, energetic vibes. Tables sit close together, making the space feel lively and social. Photographers capture moments amid the bold Day of the Dead decor.

Lunch features great specials like $1.50 tacos on Taco Tuesday. Service stays amazing and quick, fitting well into a busy lunch hour.

Tacos feature fresh avocado without mix-ins, catering to picky eaters. Options like Quesa Birria and carnitas deliver strong, consistent flavor.

People are saying

"You've gotta try the tacos on Taco Tuesday; they're a great deal."

"The lunch specials here are delicious and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer an unlimited topping bar for $10 drinks.

2

Happy hour features discounted food options and good prices.

3

Reservations are not required for large groups, and separate checks are available.

11
Baja Mar image 1
Baja Mar image 2
Baja Mar image 3
View all

Seafood restaurant offers live music that energizes the space but can be excessively loud, especially on weekends. The setting is beautiful and clean, creating a nice atmosphere during calmer times. Guests enjoy authentic seafood dishes with unique flavors alongside well-crafted cocktails.

Lunch offers $10 specials that provide good value. The atmosphere stays very calm, making it easy to relax during the meal.

Shrimp and beef tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful fillings. Lobster tacos also appear as a notable option for takeout.

People are saying

"The food at this lunch spot was delicious."

"I really enjoyed the tacos here."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens on Thursdays, but it can get quite loud.

2

Live music is featured every Sunday at Baja Mar.

3

Happy hour offers good prices on drinks and appetizers.

12
Con Madre Restaurant image 1
Con Madre Restaurant image 2
Con Madre Restaurant image 3
View all

Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and beautiful artwork creates a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Multiple TVs display sports while loud karaoke adds energy, making it lively and fun. The setting includes an excellent beach view enhancing the relaxed vibe.

Tacos, tortas, and burritos make up the flavorful lunch options here. Service can be slow or unhelpful, but the food is quick and fulfilling.

Tacos come well seasoned and bountiful with reasonable prices. Options include taco salad, tortas, and burritos for lunch and dinner.

People are saying

"The tacos here are bountiful and very well seasoned."

"Maggie's service at this Lunch Spot was always smiling and kind."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Friday at 9pm.

2

Taco Tuesdays offer special pricing on tacos all day.

3

Reservations are recommended for karaoke nights due to high demand.

Discover more

Riverside, California

Area guide