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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Northeast Colorado Springs' best

Authentic lunch spots

Made for those who prioritize traditional preparation methods and refuse to compromise on the integrity of their midday meal.

Based on 862 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mexico Real Family Restaurant 3 Inc image 1
Mexico Real Family Restaurant 3 Inc image 2
Mexico Real Family Restaurant 3 Inc image 3
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Mexican restaurant with beautiful interior and exterior decor and a well-designed patio creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere with appropriate lighting and comfortable temperature. The vibe is relaxed and conducive to conversation, featuring great margaritas and generous portions that complement the authentic cuisine.

Food delivers authentic Mexican flavors with entrees like Carne Asada that are juicy and tender. Portions come large and true to traditional recipes.

Lunch features terrific specials with large portions. The poblano chicken stands out as a flavorful choice.

People are saying

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

"The authentic Mexican food here is fresh, flavorful, and prepared with true care."

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful for lunch."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a large menu with hard-to-find dishes like Abonogas soup.

2

Expect generous portion sizes that justify the price.

3

Parking can be tricky; use the next lot and exit at the light.

02
Moctezuma Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck with covered outdoor seating creates a chill, peaceful vibe enhanced by good music and pleasant lighting. The setup offers a relaxed, casual atmosphere with plenty of shade and a welcoming space to eat and wait. The overall experience feels like a small, well-decorated oasis for enjoying fresh air and flavorful food.

Food delivers authentic Mexican and Spanish flavors with consistently fresh and hot dishes. Tacos like carne asada and al pastor stand out for their genuine taste and bold seasoning.

Offers a quick lunch option with a casual vibe. Serves Mexican grill dishes suitable for a fast meal or a casual date.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and really excellent."

"I found the Mexican food here to be really authentic and delicious."

"You have to try the birria tacos; they're the best."

Good to know

1

They offer several gluten-free and dairy-free options.

2

The portions are generous.

3

The prices are very reasonable given the quality and service.

03
El Chapin image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating includes a covered patio with mist fans that keeps the area cool and comfortable. The atmosphere is lively and cool, reflecting authentic Mexican street food culture. Two food trucks, one serving Mexican dishes and another burgers, create a charming and casual setup next to a deli.

Street tacos stand out for their authentic style and good value. Quesabirria tacos capture traditional flavors well.

Lunch here feels like eating in Mexico with authentic flavors and a relaxed vibe. A patio awning provides shade, making it comfortable to enjoy an early meal outdoors.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The tacos and carnitas at this Lunch Spot are delish and moist."

"These authentic quesabirria tacos are loaded with flavorful meat and a great value."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the Ranch Foods Direct lot, accessible from Fillmore.

2

Seating is outdoors, so dress in layers during winter.

3

They accommodate special requests, like fish options for Lent.

04
La patrona Authentic Mexican restaurant #2 image 1

Authentic Mexican restaurant offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with stylish, beautiful decor that reflects thoughtful design. The vibe is fun and welcoming, energized by great music and a focus on women empowerment. The space feels cozy and casual, creating a unique dining experience distinct from typical strip mall eateries.

Bold, fresh flavors define the menu with dishes like menudo, quesa birria, and caldo de res. The food stays true to authentic Mexican roots, offering a genuine taste experience.

Stops for lunch happen every time coming down the hill. Considered a go-to spot for midday meals.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and aromatic, with huge portions."

"The authentic Mexican food tastes just like grandma's."

Good to know

1

A 4% service fee is added to the bill for credit card payments.

2

Bring cash as some vendors may not accept credit cards.

3

The wait time is generally very short.

05
Kebab and Gyro House & Grocery image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Middle Eastern restaurant combines authentic atmosphere with an attached traditional market selling spices, teas, and trinkets. The vibe is quiet and homey, enhanced by Arabic music and retro decor. Seating is small but accommodates groups, creating a friendly and serene environment.

Authentic Middle Eastern flavors shine in the shawarma, gyros, and falafel here. The homemade baklava and especially the authentic rice add to the genuine Arabic dining experience.

Falafel plates and gyro combos serve as satisfying lunch options here. Portions often provide enough for a meal plus leftovers for the next day.

People are saying

"I found the Mediterranean food here to be the best I've ever eaten."

"This lunch spot's shawarma plate is flavorful and tender."

"The food here is authentic Arabic cuisine, flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

The attached grocery store has some awesome finds.

2

Expect to pay around $30 for a small meal.

3

The market has a great selection of reasonably priced spices and breads.

06
Pakwan Indian restaurant and bar image 1

Indian restaurant blends modern elegance with traditional charm in a spacious, cozy setting featuring ambient soft lighting and chill music. Atmosphere balances warmth and sophistication with a casual, inviting vibe. Full bar complements the upscale yet relaxed environment.

Food offers rich, authentic flavors that reflect true Indian cuisine. Dishes consistently deliver fantastic, flavorful experiences that match traditional tastes.

Lunch features lamb vindaloo and other Indian dishes with spot-on recommendations from staff. The atmosphere stays warm and welcoming, fitting for casual meals with friends or colleagues.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and full of authentic flavors."

"The authentic flavors here are rich, bold, and made with care."

"This lunch spot's food was full of flavor and spices."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not offer a buffet, despite what is shown online.

2

Take-out portions are smaller than dine-in portions.

3

Prices are considered reasonable compared to other local restaurants.

07
Akarui Sushi & Wok image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Spacious interior blends modern decor with Asian fusion vibe, featuring red lanterns and elegant table settings. Atmosphere stays calm and relaxing with a soothing music playlist enhancing the experience. The setting feels family-friendly and welcoming, balancing stylish design with comfort.

Spicy Szechuan chicken stands out as a rare authentic dish here. Sushi and Chinese food deliver genuine flavors that match traditional tastes. The overall vibe feels authentic and immersive.

Lunch features well priced specials with large portions and includes soup. Waitstaff show poise that suits conversations during meals.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fantastic and full of great flavors."

"This Lunch Spot has fantastic, fresh food that's delicious."

"I found the authentic Szechuan chicken here to be the best."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accommodates dietary restrictions and allergies.

2

Expect no wait times during off-peak hours.

3

Prices are fair for the quality and quantity of food.

08
Briar Mart image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small Mediterranean restaurant with an attached mini market offers a casual, homey atmosphere and a quiet, unassuming vibe. The space features lovely exterior architecture and a unique grocery section that invites browsing. It draws a crowd looking for authentic, high-quality Greek food in a friendly, family-owned setting.

Fresh ingredients create authentic Greek flavors in dishes like gyros. A small grocery section offers authentic Middle Eastern items for a genuine taste experience.

Fresh gyro stands out as a quick, satisfying lunch option. The spot offers a pleasant atmosphere for a fast meal and a chance to shop at the food mart afterward.

People are saying

"I thought the Greek food here, especially the gyros, was excellent."

"I loved the fresh, authentic gyros at this lunch spot."

"I found their gyros to have authentic flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure timely service.

2

Briar Mart has a market with Mediterranean groceries and regional imports.

3

Expect large portion sizes at affordable prices.

09
Haru Ramen image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers elevated tatami seating and beautiful, cozy decor with neat, artistic touches. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and serene when empty to busy and lively during peak times. Known for authentic ramen that draws a dedicated crowd.

Ramen here matches the authentic flavors found in Japan. The dishes consistently deliver a local, genuine taste that stays true to traditional recipes.

Lunch hours stay quiet on Saturdays, making it a calm spot. The ramen serves as a solid midday meal choice, fitting well into a regular lunch routine.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so flavorful and rich."

"It's authentic, like the ramen I had in Japan."

"This Lunch Spot's tonkotsu ramen and yellow tail sushi were delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait for food during peak hours.

2

The ramen prices range from $10 to $15 per bowl.

3

Dine-in service closes 30 minutes before the restaurant's official closing time.

10
Pueblo Viejo Mexican Restaurant image 1

Wood carvings decorate tables and chairs, creating a cozy, festive atmosphere with darkish, authentic decor. The vibe stays low-key and family-owned, welcoming groups for casual meals. Drinks come with heavy-handed margaritas that complement the authentic Mexican food served in generous portions.

Menu offers authentic Mexican dishes with sauces that have wonderfully authentic flavor. Food consistently delivers authentic flavors that excite the taste buds.

Lunch offers affordable specials like tamales and enchiladas with fast service during breaks. It suits casual meetups for lunch or dinner with friends.

People are saying

"The food here is consistently great."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is excellent and very tasty."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food and its exciting flavors."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features daily food and drink specials.

2

The restaurant offers large portion sizes for a good value.

3

Expect reasonable prices for authentic Mexican cuisine.

11
Zapata Mexican Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with cozy, quiet atmosphere and white cafeteria-style interior offers self-service salsa bar and large booths. The vibe is laid back and inviting, suited for quick meals without server interruptions. Frequented for authentic street-style tacos and consistently good food.

Offers authentic street style tacos and burritos with great taste. Tacos come without cheese by default, reflecting traditional Mexican preparation.

Quick and delicious meals make it a solid choice for lunch. Staff could use a manager during busy hours to handle issues beyond their control.

People are saying

"These tacos are so full of meat, I needed extra tortillas."

"I found the authentic Mexican food here to have a great taste."

"This lunch spot has authentic Mexican food that reminds me of a taco truck."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay over $21 for a burrito, chips, and guacamole.

2

A fixed surcharge is added to every order, even for cash payments.

3

Zapata Mexican Taco Shop offers authentic street style tacos and filling burritos.

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Northeast Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs

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