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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Mission Valley

American lunch spots

A midday break for a classic sandwich or burger is the only way to get through the afternoon.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar image 1
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar image 2
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Bar with outdoor seating under awnings and live daily music creates a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere. Fans circulate air at the bar, while heat lamps warm the outdoor tables. Frequented by shoppers and solo visitors, it offers self-seating and a lively crowd.

Chicken wings stand out with a strong flavor and high praise. Nashville Hot Chicken sliders, shrimp BLT flatbread, and hurricane tots offer solid variety. Kids can enjoy simple dishes like Mac and cheese or butter noodles. Key lime pie melts smoothly for dessert.

Lunch here features friendly service from staff like Izzy, Katie, Mariah, Victor, and Zach. The spot offers a pleasant bar setting ideal for a midday break while shopping.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal, especially the espresso martini."

"The Lunch Spot staff, like Zach and Victor, are so nice and attentive."

"The American Food here is great, and the service is top notch."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3pm to 6pm with great drink deals.

2

Mai Tai Mondays offer special pricing on cocktails every week.

3

Live music is featured on weekends, enhancing the dining experience.

02
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar image 1
American restaurant

Large space with warm lodge-like decor and a dog-friendly outdoor patio featuring heaters and a fire pit. Atmosphere feels homey and lively, suitable for both casual meals and social gatherings. Busy environment often requires reservations, with a mix of bar seating and dining booths.

BBQ bison meatloaf stands out as a highlighted dish. Pot roast comes across as excellent. Grilled hamburger patty with brown rice serves as a solid meal option.

Large menu offers good burgers, salads, and lunch specials. Suitable for team lunches and casual midday meals.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented."

"The American Food here, especially the steak, is amazing."

"This lunch spot has great food, generous portions, and reasonable prices."

Good to know

1

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar allows customers to bring their dogs during Sunday brunch.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.

3

Parking can be challenging, so arrive early.

03
The Remy image 1
Steak house

Modern twist on an old school steakhouse blends upscale yet inviting atmosphere with warm, rustic charm. Large, comfortable bar features glistening gold flakes and craft cocktails stand out. Space feels cozy but cramped, with lively energy and occasional distractions from a shaking floor upstairs.

Steaks like the A5 Wagyu Ribeye, porterhouse, and New York strip come out cooked to perfection. The menu also features surf and turf tacos and hearty sides like Mac and cheese.

Offers a quiet early lunch setting with a hidden gem vibe. The experience stays pleasant and consistent for special occasions.

People are saying

"I had the most tender and flavorful steak ever."

"The New York strip steak here is cooked to perfection."

"This Lunch Spot's chile relleno was exquisite and knocked my socks off."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with drink prices between $10 and $12.

2

Parking can be challenging; street parking is often necessary.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

04
Hot Chickz Chicken Sandwiches image 1

Colorful, chicken-themed interior with wall art and wood accents creates a casual, cool vibe. Music ranges from 80s and 90s rock to mid-2010s pop, setting an energetic atmosphere. Frequent orders and a mix of quiet and lively moments shape the experience.

Coleslaw stands out as a key feature, often praised for its quality and flavor. Sides like mac and cheese and loaded fries complement the main dishes well, enhancing the overall meal experience.

Lunch options include affordable combo deals like sandwiches with fries and a drink for around $8 to $10. The spot serves consistently during lunch breaks with satisfying portions.

People are saying

"I thought the chicken sandwich was the best I ever had."

"The coleslaw here is scrumptious and perfectly fresh."

"This American food's chicken is so juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a burger, fries, and drink for $9.

2

Expect to pay around $18 for a sandwich and tender combo.

3

Extra sauces are available at no extra charge.

05
Novo Brazil Brewing Mission Valley image 1

Massive space with huge TV screens inside and outdoors creates a sports-focused atmosphere. Large patio with kid-friendly playground and family-friendly environment attracts groups and families. Energy shifts from relaxed to loud and crowded during popular games, offering a versatile setting.

Mac and cheese stands out with rich flavor. Nachos come in colorful varieties with bottomless refills. Dishes like Carne Asada Nachos and cheese balls offer solid American food options.

Casual spot offers a great space for kids to play while adults enjoy lunch. Saturdays feature a lively vibe with game viewing and beer options.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really good."

"The American Food here, especially the nachos, is delicious and colorful."

"This lunch spot has a great outdoor play area for kids."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-6pm daily with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The venue is dog-friendly, allowing pets both indoors and outdoors.

3

Large parties of up to 80 people can be accommodated for events.

06
Tender Greens image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a loud atmosphere with a cozy outdoor patio that is dog-friendly and shaded. It attracts those seeking healthy food options for all meals, emphasizing nourishing and clean dishes. The vibe balances casual energy with a welcoming environment.

Buttermilk fried chicken and country fried chicken plate stand out with rich flavors. Sides like mashed potatoes accompany sandwiches and plates, while bowls mix sushi rice, coleslaw, and salmon for a fresh twist.

Lunch offers healthy options that feel satisfying without being heavy. Meals come quickly and taste clean and fresh, making it a solid choice for a quick, nutritious meal.

People are saying

"I loved the Mediterranean steak salad; it was delicious."

"This lunch spot has fresh, healthy, and delicious food."

"I thought the fried chicken was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of over 30 minutes for mobile orders during peak hours.

2

The outdoor dining area is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

3

Tender Greens offers a variety of nutritious options catering to different dietary preferences.

07
IKEA image 1
Furniture store

Spacious showroom-style layout presents furniture in stylish, cozy rooms that feel like flipping through a live Pinterest board. Cafeteria offers Swedish meatballs, veggie options, and a large dining area with real silverware. Kids find activities engaging, making the place feel like an amusement park for families.

Fried chicken stands out as a notable dish here. Affordable breakfast deals include eggs, tater tots, and coffee with refills, while cheap hot dogs offer a quick bite after shopping.

Offers half-price meals on Fridays and serves both lunch and breakfast. Provides a casual spot to grab a meal while browsing or shopping.

People are saying

"I went for the Swedish meatballs and they were delicious."

"The Lunch Spot's plant balls and lingonberries were great."

"You can get a cheap, yummy hot dog here."

Good to know

1

IKEA offers furniture at affordable prices.

2

I found plenty of parking at IKEA.

3

IKEA Family members can get two free kids meals with one adult entrรฉe on Wednesdays.

08
100's seafood grill buffet image 1

Buffet restaurant offers spacious layout with high ceilings and an indoor koi pond creating an airy atmosphere. Noise levels rise from both lively diners and active staff, contributing to a chaotic vibe during peak times. Self-serve stations and fresh cooking areas add interactive elements to the dining experience.

Clam chowder stands out with its rich flavor. The menu features a wide variety of seafood, including crab legs, lobster, and sushi, alongside prime rib and Mongolian dishes.

People are saying

"The seafood here is amazing, especially the shrimp."

"The American food, especially the prime rib and fried chicken, was delicious."

"This Lunch Spot has amazing crab legs and plenty of sushi options."

Good to know

1

On Thursdays starting after 4 pm, the restaurant offers all-you-can-eat for $54.99 per person.

2

Lobster night on Thursdays costs $55 per person.

3

Expect a long line for lobsters on Thursday nights due to limited supply.

09
Broken Yolk Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Breakfast spot offers a big, open space with a dog-friendly outdoor patio that provides more privacy and a calmer atmosphere than the loud, busy inside. Sports on TV and good music add to the lively vibe. The setting includes umbrellas for sun protection and a beautiful view from inside.

Eggs Benedict stands out with multiple variations, including a menu option to try two different styles in one dish. Other notable items include Classic French Toast, Cinna-Cakes, and a Hash Skillet, along with a well-regarded chilaquiles with steak and eggs.

Offers a huge variety of breakfast items and some lunch options. Serves hearty and tasty meals suitable for lunch with friends or special occasions.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast here to be consistently great."

"I loved trying different combinations of their Eggs Benedict."

"This lunch spot has delicious and well-prepared meals."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30 to 40-minute wait during peak hours.

2

Parking is available at the cafe.

3

Prices for breakfast items can be higher than expected.

10
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Large space with multiple TVs at every table creates a strong sports bar vibe. Lighting is low, casting a soft glow on mahogany tables, supporting a family-friendly atmosphere. Noise levels tend to be high, especially during busy times, with a mix of casual diners and groups.

Baby back ribs stand out as a flavorful choice. Hamburgers come with a solid reputation, and the 3 for 1 special offers good value for those in the mood for a burger.

$10 lunch specials let you pick 3 items for a custom combo. Lunch options come affordable and yummy. Beer is available to enjoy alongside lunch.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"The burgers here are so juicy and delicious."

"I found the American Food, especially the hamburgers, to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample, including wheelchair accessible spots.

2

The restaurant is extremely busy, with a half-hour wait common during peak hours.

3

Chili's offers a generous happy hour with daily wing specials.

11
Mimi's Cafe image 1

Multiple rooms with an old-time diner feel create a space that accommodates large parties and families. The atmosphere ranges from calm and relaxed to noisy when crowded, with occasional loud music and espresso machine sounds. A comfortable patio offers a pleasant spot for photos and relaxation.

Menus offer a wide range of comfort favorites like chicken pot pie, turkey dinner, and pot roast. Eggs Benedict varieties stand out with excellent texture and temperature, including classic and Florentine styles. Desserts feature a silky, flaky pumpkin pie and tart, spiced cranberry sauce.

Three course meals offer a solid value for lunch. The spot suits both quiet meals and casual gatherings with friends or family.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is delicious, especially the eggs Benedict."

"The American Food here, especially the eggs Benedict, is so delicious."

"The Lunch Spot's chicken ciabatta was juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Mimi's Cafe offers a special Veteran's Day meal for military members.

2

Saturdays and Sundays at Mimi's are always packed, expect long wait times.

3

Parking spaces are tight, making it difficult to park without damaging adjacent cars.

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Mission Valley, San Diego

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