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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Core-Columbia's best

Salad spots

Made for those who require a quick, efficient lunch that centers on fresh, vegetable-forward ingredients.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Sammich House Deli & Juice Bar image 1
Sammich House Deli & Juice Bar image 2
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Deli with a mom-and-pop vibe and Italian influence offers a warm, family-run atmosphere with fresh, generous sandwiches and healthy options. Music stays at a comfortable level, creating a fun-loving but relaxed environment. Seating is ample, and the place combines a classic NYC deli feel with a diner-style interior.

Salads come with sandwiches and wraps, featuring baby greens and a fresh vinaigrette. They taste fresh and add a light, tasty side to meals.

Offers a healthy quick bite that is reasonably speedy and large enough to fuel a busy afternoon. Serves as a refreshing spot to grab lunch or just chill during a break.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's sandwiches are huge and packed with flavor."

"The staff here is super helpful and sweet, with great vibes."

"I loved that it's a family owned spot with a warm atmosphere."

Good to know

1

The shop is located right next to the trolley for easy access.

2

Parking is available on the street, but there is no dedicated lot.

3

The breakfast plate costs $13, making it an affordable option.

02
Falafel California image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Middle Eastern restaurant offers a casual, cozy atmosphere with loungey techno music creating a chill vibe. Seating is limited and simple, with outdoor seating under a tree adding to the relaxed feel. The place stands out for authentic falafel and shawarma, praised for freshness and flavor.

Salads feature fresh, crisp ingredients with a tangy dressing that stands out. Options like the gyro and falafel salads mix vegetables well, though dressings can be heavy and portions tend to be small.

Offers a healthy lunch with quick service. Ordering ahead works best for a fast lunch break. Considered a reliable go-to spot for midday meals.

People are saying

"I found their falafel to be crispy and delicious."

"This lunch spot has delicious, fresh food that tastes homemade."

"This salad is incredibly fresh with a perfect tangy dressing."

Good to know

1

They offer both takeout and catering services.

2

The menu mainly focuses on falafel and wraps, offering limited variety.

3

They are open late on weekends and early for catering.

03
BB's Deli image 1

Environment resembles a New York deli with a lighthearted, easygoing atmosphere and a family-owned vibe. Lunchtime brings a busy, lively scene popular with students and locals. Sandwiches and soups offer wide variety and high quality at reasonable prices.

Chicken Caesar salad stands out with fresh ingredients and classic flavors. Salads come alongside a variety of options like soups and snacks, offering a diverse menu beyond just sandwiches.

Lunch sandwiches and breakfast options serve as reliable choices here. The team handles large orders quickly, making it easy to feed groups on short notice.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches were delicious and reasonably priced."

"The staff here are so friendly and attentive at this lunch spot."

"I found the salads here to be delicious and plentiful."

Good to know

1

The sandwiches cost around $10 on average.

2

BB's Deli gets very busy at lunchtime.

3

There is a lot of variety beyond just sandwiches, including soups and salads.

04
Yalla Habibi image 1
Lebanese restaurant

Small dining area creates an intimate setting with simple decor focused on food. Warm, welcoming atmosphere features Middle Eastern music that adds to a cozy, family-oriented vibe. Noise levels rise during busy times, but the space remains inviting and safe.

Chicken Shawarma Salad stands out as a hearty and flavorful option. Fresh salads come alongside dishes like shawarma plates, paired with creamy hummus and warm pita.

Lunch offers a casual vibe suitable for family outings. Meals provide a satisfying experience that stands out in the area.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is so delicious, especially the baba ganoush."

"I loved the hearty and tasty chicken shawarma salad."

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

Good to know

1

Yalla Habibi does not have a restroom.

2

The restaurant can get very busy, so I recommend making reservations.

3

There are various vegan options at Yalla Habibi.

05
CAVA image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers an open and airy space with huge windows letting in natural light. Atmosphere feels friendly and inviting, with a clean and cozy dining area. Downtown location brings some street noise but maintains happy and uplifting vibes.

Fresh ingredients are displayed for easy selection of meat and salad options not found nearby. Salad servings are notably small, often not reaching the top lid.

Lunch service runs fast and efficient, even after the rush. Staff offer friendly, welcoming interactions and sometimes provide drinks during waits. Food stays high quality and flavorful throughout busy periods.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and flavorful."

"The staff at this lunch spot are so friendly and helpful."

"I loved picking all my fresh ingredients for a perfect salad."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is clean and offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

2

Parking in the area is limited, with few street spots available.

3

Staff removes the drink machine an hour and a half before closing.

06
Maestro Lounge image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with elegant interior and high ceilings offers a relaxing atmosphere enhanced by smooth, high-quality hookah and lively music on weekends. The space includes a patio for outdoor dining and features well-ventilated hookah areas up front. Guests enjoy flavorful dishes like lamb chops and kabobs in a setting that balances comfort with vibrant energy.

Fresh salads come with vibrant arugula and a delicious vinaigrette. The salads pair well with flavorful meats and creamy hummus.

Lunch offers Mediterranean dishes paired with hookah in a relaxed setting. Staff like Khaled and Haythem provide great service during lunch hours.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, delicious, and full of flavor."

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

"The salad here is so bright and fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour prices for shisha are available all day on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

2

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

3

Brunch meetings are held at Maestro Lounge on weekends.

07
Mendocino Farms image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop offers open outdoor seating and a modern, clean environment with a hipster farm vibe. The atmosphere is comfortable and bright, attracting a casual crowd seeking fresh, healthy options. Busy periods showcase efficient sandwich preparation and a variety of unique menu choices.

Salads feature unique combinations like sweet peach with goat cheese and a floral vinaigrette, or mango paired with chicken. Options include a variety of fresh greens and creative dressings, with choices like the Impossible Salad and Pink Beet salad offering distinct flavors.

Offers a wide selection of sandwiches with large portions that suit lunch well. Staff handle busy lunch hours efficiently, making it a dependable lunch spot with good value.

People are saying

"I found all their salads to be a big hit."

"I loved the vegan Banh Mi and the Impossible Salad."

"This lunch spot has really tasty, creative sandwiches and salads."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited in downtown, making it difficult to find a spot.

2

Expect long wait times during lunch hours, especially between 11am and 1:30pm.

3

Ordering ahead is recommended to avoid stress during busy times.

08
A Brooklyn Pizzeria image 1
Pizza restaurant

Brick oven cooks pizzas with a crispy yet chewy crust in a rugged, unpolished space that feels like a New York pizzeria. Atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with a small-town family vibe and kid-friendly seating inside and out.

Salads come as part of combos and alongside pizzas and pastas. They have a creamy texture and pair well with wings and other dishes.

Offers a $10 lunch deal that provides great value. Serves as a quick stop for lunch or dinner with a decent experience.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was delicious and had a perfect crust."

"John's service at the Lunch Spot was incredible."

"I thought the salad was very good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very kid-friendly with a clean sit-down area indoors and outdoors.

2

The lunch deal offers two slices of pizza and a soda for $10.

3

Prices are reasonable, with slices priced lower than other places in the area.

09
Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar - San Diego, CA image 1

Restaurant offers ocean views from all seats and an outdoor dining area with bay views. Atmosphere suits casual dining with a friendly vibe and multiple TVs for watching games. Outdoor seating provides sunshine or night lights, enhancing the experience by the water.

Salads come fresh and crispy with lots of chicken and pecans. Options include an ahi tuna salad and a chicken salad loaded with fixings.

Lunch hours stay quiet with few crowds, making it easy to find a seat. The kitchen prepares dishes like fresh salmon promptly, and the waterfront views add a relaxed vibe before or after eating.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots is amazing and delicious."

"I loved the wedge salad; it was one of the best I've tried."

"The food at this lunch spot is consistently good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available all day on Sunday with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant offers a free lunch off a limited menu for veterans on Veterans Day.

3

Expect a late-night snack option as the restaurant is open until 11:00 PM.

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Core-Columbia, San Diego

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