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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Hillcrest's best

Lunch spots

A midday break away from the desk is essential for getting through the rest of the afternoon.

Based on 653 Opinions
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01
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Small indoor space with a street front patio offers a relaxed, friendly vibe. Danish classics play softly, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like a piece of Denmark. The place draws those interested in authentic Scandinavian flavors and casual outdoor dining.

Food features exceptional freshness and unique Danish flavors that stand out. The dishes consistently deliver delicious and high-quality tastes with a friendly, joyful atmosphere.

Lunch offers an open face trio that provides good value. Outdoor seating lets you enjoy a shaded spot while eating. An extra treat like a delicious apple danish often comes at the end of the meal.

People are saying

"The food, especially the rye bread and Danish pastries, is amazing."

"You have to try the Danish pastry; it's the best I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult and requires payment.

2

Everything at Taste of Denmark is cooked to order.

3

You can buy the bread and take a huge loaf home.

02
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Small Japanese restaurant with cozy indoor seating and a welcoming patio offers a laid-back Hawaiian vibe and fresh, high-quality sushi. Music adds a sophisticated touch while the atmosphere stays casual and inviting. The space feels simple but neat, focusing on authentic flavors and relaxed energy.

Freshness stands out with every dish, paired with exceptional quality that feels authentic. Dining in offers a full experience with amazing service complementing the fantastic food.

Lunch here offers fresh sushi in a laid-back and energetic atmosphere. It suits both casual meals and special occasions like birthdays.

People are saying

"The owner Matthew was so kind and took great care of us."

"The owner Matthew makes you feel right at home during lunch."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

The menu features a variety of poke bowls and sushi options.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can be limited during peak hours.

03
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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.

Greek dishes come with authentic flavors and generous portions. Plates include soup and Greek salad for around $10-11, offering budget-friendly and quick service.

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

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"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.

04
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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.

Food arrives with top tier crispiness and generous portions for the price. Meals come out on time and taste consistently delicious.

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.

People are saying

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

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

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.

05
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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.

Food features fresh ingredients and dishes like the Salmon Benedict, a signature from Food Network. Meals include vegetable and cheese-filled omelets and oven-roasted potatoes, all prepared with care and flavor.

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

People are saying

"The food here is great and delicious."

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

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.

06
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Coffee shop with modern, stylish decor and bright, welcoming atmosphere offers indoor seating with Wi-Fi and outlets. The vibe feels cute and homemade, creating a relaxing space for small groups. Unique features include an interactive post-it note wall and dog-friendly policy.

Food features top quality ingredients and real food options. Dishes consistently taste great and delicious.

Huge portions make it easy to have one order for both lunch and dinner. The spot suits catching up with friends or remote work, with coffee available alongside meals.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was outstanding."

"This Lunch Spot's portions are huge; I ate for two meals!"

Good to know

1

You can park in the back of the cafe with 15 minutes of free parking.

2

The Latte costs $10.50, totaling over $12 with tip.

3

Alternative milk options incur an extra $1 charge.

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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.

Mexican food comes out quickly and is consistently delicious with good flavor. Drinks, including mezcal, complement the meals well, and service stays attentive throughout.

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

People are saying

"I found the food here delicious and beautifully presented."

"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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Classic New York-style pizzeria with old boxing photos and subway-themed decor creates an authentic, old-school family business atmosphere. Space includes takeout window and modest dine-in seating, with a lively, no-frills energy. Cash-only policy and a small step at the entrance are notable features.

Food offers an authentic New York City atmosphere with great quality at reasonable prices. Staff serve straightforward, satisfying dishes that make the experience feel like being back in NYC.

Offers a lunch special around $9 with slice deals and drinks. Plenty of seating makes it a casual spot. Pizza slices are filling and popular enough for repeat visits.

People are saying

"The pesto food here is vibrant, garlicky, and unforgettable."

"This Lunch Spot's pizza is thin, crispy, and so yummy."

Good to know

1

Bronx Pizza only accepts cash payments; an ATM is available inside.

2

The entrance has a half-step, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

3

Parking is limited, so plan accordingly when visiting.

09
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Small, cozy space with wooden tables and chairs and a quiet, warm atmosphere. Guests watch dumplings being handmade through a window, adding a hands-on feel to the experience. The place offers vegetarian-friendly options and feels like home cooking.

Authentic Chinese food shines here with delicious dumplings and other dishes. Prices stay reasonable, making it a solid choice for quality and value.

Lunch specials offer a great deal with a $13.99 option that stands out. Big pork buns work well for lunch, especially when taken to go and eaten the next day.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"This lunch spot's special was excellent and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough around the restaurant, so plan accordingly.

2

Lunch specials offer great deals for budget-conscious diners.

3

The restaurant is family-run and known for handmade dumplings.

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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.

Food here offers authentic Afghan flavors with a supreme caliber that stands out. Service matches the quality, making dining consistently excellent and enjoyable.

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.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

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

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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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.

Food arrives quickly, usually in about 6 minutes, and offers great flavor with a delicious taste. The menu consistently delivers top notch dishes and service across multiple visits.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is authentic, rich, and flavorful."

"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.

Food comes out fast, fresh, and full of flavor with consistently excellent quality. The menu offers authentic Indian dishes that satisfy family dining and casual meals alike.

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

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

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

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.

Mexican dishes come with lots of flavor and generous portions. Food quality stays consistently excellent alongside attentive service.

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.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and flavorful."

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

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.

14
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Open space with an outdoor bar and patio creates a bright, colorful setting. Energetic vibe features top-notch drag shows and burlesque performances that entertain throughout the day. The atmosphere feels friendly and safe, welcoming the LGBT community with modern, next-level decor.

Food here is consistently excellent with a solid reputation for being awesome and great.

Lunch hours get pretty busy here, showing it's a popular spot. People often stop by on their way to other destinations, making it a convenient grab-and-go option.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and delicious."

"It's such an inclusive and supportive community here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great drink specials.

2

The kitchen closes at 9:30pm during the week.

3

Free street parking is available after 6PM.

15
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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.

Food arrives quickly, often within minutes, with consistently delicious and great flavors. Service matches the pace with fast and attentive delivery.

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.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

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

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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European bakery atmosphere combines with rustic wooden accents and cozy seating to create a welcoming vibe. Indoor and outdoor seating options include a great patio that invites people watching. The space feels like a comforting haven with charming artwork and thoughtful details throughout.

Food features amazing bread like lush levain, fresh ingredients, and phenomenal quality. Pastries and dishes consistently deliver delicious flavors with warm, sincere service.

Cozy atmosphere and welcoming vibe create a relaxed setting for lunch. Hearty options like the half sandwich and half soup combo and avocado toast with salad stand out for midday meals.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and amazing."

"The breads and pastries here are amazing and clearly made fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends when lines can be long.

2

Expect a chaotic parking situation; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with some items costing up to $8 for small loaves.

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Space features traditional Indian decor with walls adorned by Indian art and tables set with authentic display items. Atmosphere stays relaxed and comfortable with background music and TV screens playing MTV. The vibe is simple and low key, suited for quick bites or sit-in meals.

Food here is flavorful and fresh with generous portions at reasonable prices. Indian dishes come with rich taste and good value.

Affordable lunch specials offer a relaxing sit-down meal. Options include vegetarian Manchurian, chili paneer, and garlic naan for around $12 plus taxes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and freshly cooked."

"This lunch spot has really good food, especially the paneer."

Good to know

1

Parking in front of the restaurant is very limited; consider public parking nearby.

2

Expect hidden gratuity charges added to your bill without prior notice.

3

Food is served without utensils, requiring customers to use their own.

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Pay-by-the-slice pizza shop with thin crust pizza and affordable combo deals creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Music ranges from top 10 hits to opera, adding variety to the dining experience. Chalkboard art and mascots add a charming, casual touch to the space.

Food comes fresh and full of flavor with consistently delicious and wonderful dishes. Service matches the quality, making the overall experience excellent.

Lunch features a $12 pasta special that offers good value. Saturdays stay uncrowded, making it easy to grab a seat. Portions are generous enough to split between lunch and dinner.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and absolutely amazing."

"This lunch spot's antipasto salad is huge for the price."

Good to know

1

You can get two slices of pizza and a soda for $8.99.

2

A lunch special offers any pasta for $12.

3

They have a deal for 2 slices and a beer for $11.

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Open, spacious dining area features bright murals and mounted TVs creating a casual, authentic vibe. A self-serve salsa bar with hot carrots adds interactive flavor options. The atmosphere suits relaxed meals with family and friends, blending modern comfort with traditional Mexican elements.

Tacos stand out with spicy flavors that meet high standards. Food offers good value and consistent quality for the price.

Casual atmosphere suits family and friends gatherings. Lunch costs about $20 including drink and tip.

People are saying

"The tacos here are packed with flavor and loaded with meat."

"The Lunch Spot food is fresh, flavorful, and not greasy."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers four tacos for $7 starting at 2 PM.

2

Happy hour runs from 4 to 8 PM with fish tacos at $1.29 each.

3

They accept credit cards only; no cash payments.

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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.

Food offers authentic New Orleans flavor with a focus on classic dishes. Service complements the down home food with attentive care.

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.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and tasty."

"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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Cozy space offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere with a friendly, warm vibe. Guests order at the front before sitting down, creating a casual flow. Strong Fabuloso cleaner smell and slightly grimy feel contrast with the overall peaceful energy.

Food comes fresh and plentiful with consistently good quality and generous portions. Prices stay reasonable, and the menu offers a delicious Mediterranean experience.

Lunch features well priced specials that make it a solid stop. The menu leans on Mediterranean flavors with consistent quality.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and flavorful."

"The staff at this lunch spot are super friendly."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are well priced and offer good value.

2

The restaurant offers a free Belly Dance Show on Saturdays at 7 pm.

3

Catering services are available and well-received by guests.

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