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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown Riverside

Mexican lunch spots

A midday break is the right time to sit down for a Mexican meal.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mariscos Morena Mia image 1
Mariscos Morena Mia image 2
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Food truck offers fresh, hand-prepared seafood with a lively, enthusiastic atmosphere. Dishes like aguachiles and shrimp empanadas stand out for their quality and flavor. The place draws a crowd looking for some of the best Mexican seafood in the area.

Lunch here centers on quick ordering and consistent quality. Meals arrive promptly, fitting well within a busy lunch hour.

Shrimp tacos and arrachera taquiqueso stand out with fresh guacamole added on request. The menu offers a variety of options from hot plates and tacos to cold shrimp ceviche tostadas.

People are saying

"I thought the shrimp empanadas were delicious and my favorite."

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

"This lunch spot has delicious food, especially the fresh aguachiles."

Good to know

1

Food is prepared fresh daily and made by hand.

2

Everything is very clean and well-maintained.

3

Expect to pay around $19.54 for a dozen shrimp.

02
Vegan Vatoz Casa Deโ€™ Tacos image 1

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.

An all-vegan food truck serves creative twists on traditional tacos with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Burritos offer great value with 2-3 servings each, and the chile de รกrbol salsa stands out as a highlight.

People are saying

"You have to try their amazing vegan tacos and burritos."

"I found the vegetarian food here to be absolutely delicious."

"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
Palenque kitchen by Mezcal image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant combines dark, lively interior with two dance floors and a central bar. Music energizes the space, creating a family-friendly yet vibrant atmosphere. Colored lighting and Mexican art add to the trendy, festive vibe.

Lunch menu satisfies most people here. The spot feels cozy and servers provide friendly service during lunch.

Super good Mexican food features amazing fajitas, Birria tacos, and chicken enchiladas. Dishes like pazole, ceviche, carnitas, campechano tacos, and green chilaquiles also stand out.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good."

"The Mexican Food here is great, and the servers are so attentive."

"This Lunch Spot has delicious tacos and fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6:30 PM with $10 margaritas and discounted appetizers.

2

Palenque offers bottomless mimosas on Sundays.

3

The restaurant has only one restroom for all guests.

04
M Tacos Mexican food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open patio with shaded seating creates a casual outdoor dining space. Atmosphere echoes family-run cantina vibes with lively lunch crowds filling tables. Menu highlights include birria and chicken tacos known for strong flavor, set against a backdrop of blaring country music.

Lunch hour brings long lines and a packed dining room with many single diners occupying four-seat tables. Service moves quickly despite the rush, but wait times can reach 30 minutes for some items.

Tacos stand out with exceptional flavor and seasoning, especially the al pastor and asada varieties. Burritos like the shrimp mojo de ajo and carne asada offer rich, filling options, while the birria and potato tacos bring unique, well-seasoned tastes.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is so good, I ate the whole burrito."

"The lunch spot gets crazy busy during lunch hour."

"The outdoor seating here has a nice patio area."

Good to know

1

Breakfast service ends at 11 am.

2

Reservations are not accepted; arrive early to avoid long lines.

3

The restaurant is located right across the street from the courthouse.

05
Coffee Court Bistro image 1

Small, cozy coffee shop with an eclectic, homey vibe and interesting art on the walls. Atmosphere feels relaxed and friendly, perfect for quiet coffee breaks or brunch. Offers comfortable seating and a mom-and-pop character that stands out from bigger chains.

Offers a solid mix of coffee and lunch options suitable for a midday break. Serves well during busy days with a relaxed spot to eat and grab a drink.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be outstanding and strong."

"This lunch spot's Cajun chicken sandwich is delicious."

"This Mexican food is one of the best breakfast burritos I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The medium-sized americano costs $3.20, which is affordable compared to other local coffee shops.

2

The cafรฉ offers a self-service option to avoid lines or wait times.

3

The bistro opens early, making it a good spot for breakfast.

06
Taco Station image 1
Mexican restaurant

Gas station-themed Mexican restaurant offers an open outdoor area with a large patio and outside bar featuring live music and a massive drink selection. Atmosphere is fun and inviting, with heaters and misters making it comfortable year-round. Vintage gas pumps and car-shaped topiary add unique charm to the setting.

Lunch offers tasty and filling meals that satisfy well. Frequent visits show it serves as a reliable go-to spot for midday meals.

Authentic Mexican food shines with consistently delicious dishes like Carne asada burritos, enchiladas, and fish burritos. Service feels warm and quick, creating a friendly, family-like atmosphere.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has a cool vintage service station theme."

"The outdoor seating has a fun, funky decor with old gas pumps."

"I found the lunch spot food to be delicious and filling."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features discounted tacos and is popular among locals.

2

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

3

Parking is available nearby, but can fill up quickly during peak hours.

07
Mr. Taco Main St. image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with live mariachi music creates a loud, energetic atmosphere that can make conversation difficult. Outdoor seating on a cozy patio offers a more relaxed vibe when not busy. Known for authentic Mexican dishes and rich micheladas, it draws a lively crowd focused on socializing.

Mexican food serves well for lunch and dinner with a focus on social lunch times. Music stays low to keep the atmosphere comfortable during meals.

Quesa-Birria tacos and chicken chimichanga plate stand out with fresh, authentic flavors. The octopus taco offers a unique twist with a cheesy corn quesadilla stuffed with generous octopus.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and tasty."

"The seafood tacos, especially the octopus and shrimp, were delicious."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is really good."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, especially on weekends.

2

Street parking is available on Spruce.

3

The restaurant offers large portions that are worth the money.

08
Estrella Taqueria Lounge image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant blends traditional and modern decor with an upscale Tulum vibe and intimate, family-style seating. Atmosphere features loud live music that energizes the space but can make conversation difficult. Tables are close together, and dancing happens between them rather than on a dance floor.

Lunch features pork red sauce enchiladas and other solid Mexican dishes. The spot suits work lunches well, offering a good vibe for colleagues to gather.

Mole and carne asada fries stand out for their rich flavors. The menu includes chicken and beef street tacos, red chicken enchiladas, and dishes with salsa verde, rice, and beans, all delivering satisfying Mexican food.

People are saying

"The food here is really tasty and delicious."

"The Mexican food, especially the chilaquiles, is so rich and comforting."

"The food here is excellent for a lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until closing with great prices on drinks.

2

Karaoke takes place every Thursday from 7 to 11 PM.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere with live music on Tuesday nights.

09
Yoli's Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with authentic decor and Catrina theme creates a welcoming, homely atmosphere. Loud jukebox music adds energy while tables remain intimate and cozy. Strong, varied margaritas and Paloma flights stand out as signature drinks.

Lunch draws a crowd, especially after church, so expect a wait during busy times. The spot serves solid Mexican food that fits well for a midday meal.

Mole stands out with its smoky and chocolatey flavor that balances well without overpowering dishes. Fresh food includes handmade tortillas, large wet burritos, and flavorful chilaquiles that lean slightly sweet.

People are saying

"Their homemade salsas are an absolute must-try."

"You have to try the mole; it's delicious and a little spicy."

"The food here is delicious and worth the wait."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of two hours during busy lunch hours, especially after church.

2

Chips and salsa are not complimentary and must be paid for.

3

A mandatory gratuity charge applies for parties of 5 or more.

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