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Top picks in Hillcrest

Lunch and dinner spots

You want a reliable spot that works just as well for a midday break as it does for a full evening meal.

Based on 653 Opinions
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01
Alexi's Greek Cafe image 1
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Mysterious blue lights and vintage decor create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere with a family diner vibe. The space feels unpretentious and welcoming, focusing on hearty, authentic Greek food at affordable prices. Generous portions and a no-frills setting make it a rare gem for casual dining.

Lunch offers affordable specials around $9 to $10 including taxes. Lamb gyro with fries and dinner plate combos provide great value and consistent quality.

Dinner options include a Greek dinner with gyro, fresh salad, soup, and fries. Affordable dinner plate combos offer good value around $9 to $10 with tax.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here serve genuine Greek cuisine, hitting the gyro and souvlaki cravings."

"I thought the food at this lunch spot was excellent."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials make meals affordable, typically around $10-11.

2

Happy hour offers excellent deals on drinks and appetizers.

3

Dinner specials include a cup of soup, salad, and an entrรฉe for $12.

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Cozy diner with a friendly atmosphere and soft music creating a comfortable vibe. Seating includes cushioned banquettes and a back area accommodating reactive dogs. Walls feature artwork and celebrity signatures, adding a unique touch to the space.

Offers a family and kid-friendly atmosphere with solid options for lunch. Serves consistently great meals suitable for midday dining.

Cozy little spot serves dinner with options like Lumpia, French Onion Soup, and Bacon-wrapped Meatloaf. Breakfast is available all day, making it easy to enjoy breakfast for dinner.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's fries are great and not overly seasoned."

"The short rib dishes at these dinner spots are delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available behind the building.

2

There is metered parking on the street and a small lot behind the restaurant.

3

They serve breakfast all day.

03
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Restaurant offers authentic Afghan decor with vibrant blue tones, intricate patterns, and cultural artwork. Atmosphere feels genuine and inviting, suitable for relaxed dining. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor options, creating a versatile experience.

Lunch offers quick seating on weekdays and meals that stand out for their exceptional quality. The experience often turns into one of the best meals had in a long time.

Dinner features shrimp and salmon kabobs and generous portions like the Fesenjan stew with chicken that often leaves leftovers. The spot handles group dinners well, accommodating parties of eight comfortably.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's cherry curry is outstandingly sweet, tangy, and deep."

"These dinner spots have flavorful, authentic Afghan dishes everyone loved."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service due to limited seating.

2

Expect to pay around $100 for a two-person lunch.

3

Parking can be challenging in the area, so plan accordingly.

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Fast food spot with a hole-in-the-wall vibe and about eight tables inside, plus limited outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels friendly and inviting with Mandarin music playing softly. Known for juicy, well-seasoned chicken and affordable prices, it offers a clean, casual place to enjoy simple meals.

Lunch features a weekday $7.99 special with two pieces of juicy fried chicken, a side, and a drink. Staff provide attentive service and the lunch combo offers great value every day.

Spicy chicken sandwich serves as a cheap dinner option. Fried chicken dinners come with mixed reviews and may not satisfy everyone.

People are saying

"The lunch combo is a great value for the price."

"I loved the spicy chicken sandwich for dinner."

Good to know

1

They offer a lunch deal every day for $7.99, including two chicken tenders, a side, and a drink.

2

Happy hour specials are available at Cluck N' Sip.

3

The restaurant is halal certified, making it a good option for halal diners.

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Walls covered in manga pages create a casual, laid-back atmosphere that feels more like a burger joint than a traditional sushi spot. The place fills with an energetic, noisy crowd enjoying affordable, fresh sushi and a variety of sake cocktails.

Lunch offers a $10.99 bento box that includes a soft drink, providing solid value. Good lunch specials like the dialysis lunch special make it a reliable spot for midday meals.

Arriving just before dinner time usually means quick seating. The menu offers a wide range of options including ramen, curry, sushi tacos, and sushi fries alongside many sushi rolls.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has unbelievable value for the price."

"The sushi rolls here are always fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3-6pm with food and drink specials.

2

Daily specials on food and rotating monthly specials are available.

3

Parking is limited, so consider arriving early or using public transport.

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Modern Mexican restaurant offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating with a breezy patio elevated for people watching. Atmosphere feels high class yet welcoming, with artistic plating and a lively bar featuring fresh margaritas and unique cocktails. Crowd enjoys a comfortable, friendly vibe with generous portions and stylish design.

Lunch offers Chilaquiles Verdes and outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. The spot suits casual midday meals with a relaxed vibe.

Dinner service runs slower but features a warm, welcoming staff that creates a family-like atmosphere. The dinner menu offers solid options, though brunch remains the standout meal here.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are phenomenal for dinner."

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious, especially the homemade tortillas."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 pm most days with affordable prices.

2

Expect a busy crowd on weekends; arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

Parking can be limited with only street parking available.

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Small space with wood style design feels cozy but can get crowded quickly. Atmosphere stays calming and intimate, attracting those who appreciate quiet dining. Seating is limited and uncomfortable, contributing to a packed yet popular vibe.

No wait on weeknights makes it easy to grab dinner. The spot works well for pre-show dinners and hanging out with friends.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has the best ramen I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The place fills up quickly, and they do not take reservations.

2

Expect wait times of over an hour on Friday evenings.

3

Parking can be inconvenient due to nearby construction.

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Modern interior combines with beautiful decor and clean, comfortable atmosphere. Calm environment features Indian music that suits families and friends. Staff attire varies, but overall vibe remains welcoming and cozy.

Lunch hours show a quiet atmosphere with few or no other diners. Portions come with enough leftovers to take home.

Dinner here suits both family dinners and casual outings. Portions come generous, enough for two with leftovers.

People are saying

"The food at this Lunch Spot is wonderfully fresh and nicely presented."

"The dinner spots here are flavorful and well prepared."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the lot under the Atlas building, which is free.

2

The restaurant does not yet have a liquor license, but it is being worked on.

3

The menu features a good variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

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Quaint bistro with authentic Mexican decor and soft lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Classic Mexican music plays, adding to the vibrant yet cozy vibe. Outdoor seating and a separate upstairs area offer varied spaces for dining and meetings.

Lunch offers chicken tortilla soup and carnitas hash and eggs. Options suit both midday and late lunch times. Happy hour also overlaps with late lunch.

Dinner features lobster tail, steak, and chicken pippian with attentive service that notices details like drink orders during business dinners.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's food was delicious and superb."

"The dinner spots here have excellent service."

Good to know

1

Brunch includes unlimited mimosas at a great price.

2

Happy hour specials are available from 6pm.

3

Parking can be a challenge in the area.

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Older building with New Orleans vibe and tiny interior creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. Loud music and bar energy fill the space, especially near the bar area. Outdoor dog-friendly patio offers a relaxed spot for lunch or watching games on multiple TVs.

Patio seating offers a relaxed spot for lunch. The menu features blackened chicken club, wedge lunch special, and tasty po boys. Service stays attentive even during busy lunch rushes.

Fried catfish stands out as a popular dinner choice. The spot offers a pleasant atmosphere for family dinners and pairs well with enjoyable drinks.

People are saying

"The dinner here is flavorful, especially the Cajun shrimp pasta."

"The food here is delicious, especially the po boy."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour at NOLA on 5th is from 3 to 6 pm.

2

The food price range is from $8 to $26.

3

NOLA on 5th offers limited vegetarian options, mainly two salads at $14 each.

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