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Lunch spots for Mexican food

A Mexican lunch spot that serves a full meal in the time it takes to grab a quick bite.

Based on 764 Opinions
+761
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Updated April 2026
01
7 Café image 1
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Breakfast restaurant

Spacious café with cozy, light atmosphere and simple outdoor seating invites a local, welcoming vibe. The environment feels cute and breezy, perfect for relaxed mornings.

Wraps and sandwiches stand out as lunch options here. The spot offers a comfortable work environment while eating, making it a solid choice for a midday meal downtown.

Authentic chilaquiles come with rich, flavorful sauces. Freshly brewed Mexican coffee complements the dishes well.

People are saying

"The food at this cafe is amazing and delicious."

"I thought the pancakes here were the best I'd ever had."

"Their authentic Mexican coffee and chilaquiles were delicious."

Good to know

1

Portion sizes were large for the reasonable price.

2

Prices were considered fair and affordable.

3

The café offered a variety of dishes with fresh ingredients.

02
Roxy’s Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with heated outdoor seating and picnic tables creates a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. Upbeat music adds to the chill vibe while friendly staff contribute to a comfortable experience. Outdoor seating offers a pleasant spot despite the surrounding urban grunge.

Affordable prices make it a solid choice for a quick lunch. The spot offers a fast service and a casual vibe ideal for midday meals.

Carne Asada quesadilla and surf and turf burrito with grilled beef and shrimp stand out. Burritos like the California and shrimp versions offer rich flavors. The Queso taco also delivers a notable taste.

People are saying

"I had the best burrito I’ve ever had."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is delicious."

"The fish tacos here are really good; I'd order them again."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited in the downtown area, so arrive early.

2

Expect long wait times during peak lunch hours.

3

The restaurant does not have a restroom available for customers.

03
Carnivore Sandwich image 1

Bright, minimal, and modern deli with a community-oriented atmosphere and chill vibe. Offers all-day breakfast and Chicago-style sandwiches with large portions and high-quality ingredients. Small indoor seating complements nice outdoor tables, creating a cozy and friendly environment.

Special lunch sandwiches stand out with fresh ingredients and hearty portions. The spot offers a pleasant atmosphere and is known for breakfast and lunch options that draw repeat visits.

Breakfast burritos stand out with roast beef, hash browns, and egg packed inside. The boss burrito offers a medium spice level, while the steak burrito delivers a flavorful and filling experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, with generous portions and great pricing."

"This is a great lunch spot for quality sandwiches."

"I had the best breakfast burrito I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers Chicago-style hot dogs and sandwiches.

2

There is both indoor and outdoor patio seating.

3

The prices are very reasonable.

04
Ali's Chicken & Waffles image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant offers clean, spacious interior with a chill vibe and wheelchair accessibility. Food is cooked to order, featuring crispy, tender chicken and halal menu options at reasonable prices. Games are available to play while waiting, adding a casual touch to the experience.

Offers family friendly seating and menu options suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Staff are accommodating and the spot works well for unplanned or regular downtown lunches.

Chicken and breakfast burritos stand out with a spicy Ali sauce that adds a bold kick. The surf and bird burrito combines flavors well, making it flavorful and satisfying.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and well-priced."

"The chicken sandwich here is crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned."

"I had the most flavorful and satisfying Mexican food burrito."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a halal menu with a variety of options.

2

Parking is a little tough in this area, but spots can be found on 6th Street.

3

You can order through their website for better prices.

05
The Farmacy image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor patio offers a chill, peaceful vibe with a bright, comfortable atmosphere inside. Space feels large and nicely decorated, inviting guests to relax and enjoy. Music and quiet surroundings create a nice, calm energy ideal for breakfast or brunch.

Unique biscuits and gravy stand out among the lunch options. Breakfast and brunch items also offer solid choices for midday meals.

Breakfast burritos feature red and green chile reflecting the chef's background in New Mexico and South Dakota. Breakfast tacos come in great-sized portions and are very filling.

People are saying

"I had the best breakfast burrito I've ever tasted."

"The biscuit sandwiches at this Lunch Spot are amazing."

"I've never had a breakfast burrito this good; it's top-notch."

Good to know

1

The Farmacy offers plenty of inside and outside seating.

2

The prices at The Farmacy are very reasonable.

3

Expect no long lines, making it a quick breakfast option.

06
Lucys Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Colorful Mexican taco shop with cramped outdoor seating and minimal indoor space. Atmosphere includes obnoxious music and a grimy, unappealing look. Known for authentic Mexican street food and large, flavorful burritos.

Quick service suits a lunch break near the federal building. Options like carne asada fries offer a filling meal within walking distance.

Breakfast burritos come with crispy bacon, well-seasoned beans, potatoes, cheese, and salsa with a kick. Cali Burritos offer great flavors and generous portions. Rolled tacos and taquitos feature plenty of meat and crisp textures, paired well with flavorful salsas.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the burritos, is massive and packed with great flavors."

"This breakfast burrito is giant and fantastic."

"This lunch spot's Cali Burrito has great flavors and a good portion."

Good to know

1

Expect limited seating inside, especially during peak hours.

2

Prices for tacos start at $6 each, with two simple meat tacos costing $12.

3

There is no parking available nearby; most customers walk or use public transport.

07
Sabrina Cafe & Deli image 1

Deli with a picturesque style and short menu offers big, flavorful sandwiches and quick service. Atmosphere feels friendly and peaceful with plenty of space for groups. Locals frequent the spot, drawn by reasonable prices and convenient location near courthouse and trolley.

Quick and cozy spot near the Courthouse offers great breakfast and lunch options. Service during lunch tends to be curt and unfriendly.

Spicy sauce adds a well-balanced flavor explosion to the burrito. Tortillas come crisped outside and soft inside, holding savory fillings well. Sausage burritos often have minimal sausage and mostly potatoes.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches were delicious."

"I loved the coffee here; Mike made me the best ever."

"This Mexican food is flavorful and perfectly wrapped."

Good to know

1

The cafe is conveniently located near the courthouse, making it ideal for visitors.

2

Expect a short wait time for food after ordering.

3

Prices are reasonable compared to other dining options in the area.

08
Burgeon at The Arbor - Little Italy image 1

Brewpub offers a huge indoor seating area and patio with mostly bar-height tables and a top-notch bar top. Atmosphere blends beach-like vibes with loud music featuring 90s and early 2000s hits, creating a casual, chill beer garden feel. Regulars come for amazing craft beers and socializing, often catching sports on TV.

Groups find space for lunch and pints. Lunch service starts at 12 noon, so plan arrival accordingly.

Stewed shrimp fills the tacos instead of the usual battered style, offering a different but tasty take. Flautas and pretzels with beer cheese stand out as bold flavors in the Mexican food lineup.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great beer selection here."

"The Mexican food and drinks here are great."

"I loved the great beer selection at this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-5pm Monday to Thursday with discounted drinks.

2

Trivia Tuesday features fun quizzes at 7pm with prizes for winners.

3

Wing Wednesday offers special pricing on wings all day.

09
Valentine's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Casual Mexican restaurant with strong heritage decor and subtle Frida Kahlo art creates a cozy atmosphere. The vibe is lively and sometimes loud, not suited for quiet meals. Known for hefty burritos and double-fried chips, it offers a quick, flavorful dining experience downtown.

Quick lunch service handles a high volume of customers efficiently. Small downtown spot fills up fast during lunch hours, so timing matters to avoid the rush.

Mexican food here is authentic and filling with standout dishes like menudo, burritos, and flautas. The salsa has a wonderful flavor and just enough heat to pause every few chips.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and reminds me of home."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the flavorful al pastor."

"This lunch spot's food is always just right."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect a wait during peak lunch hours due to high customer volume.

3

The taco menu does not display prices, which may surprise first-time visitors.

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Core-Columbia, San Diego

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