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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Downtown

Salad lunch spots

A crisp, fresh meal in the middle of the workday makes the afternoon feel a little more manageable.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Lettuce Eat 1 image 1
Lettuce Eat 1 image 2
Lettuce Eat 1 image 3
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Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant offers a big salad bar with fresh ingredients and an all-you-can-eat option at a reasonable price. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, with a waterfront view enhancing the dining experience. The place feels family-owned and unpretentious, focusing on healthy, affordable food.

Salads come from a very clean salad bar with a great selection including chicken salad, pasta salad, and seafood salad. Staff accommodate special requests like egg-free tuna salad and let you make your own size plate.

Lunch offers super fresh food with options like salads and soups. Service stays fast during the lunch rush.

People are saying

"The salad bar was super fresh with plenty of toppings."

"This chicken soup feels like home, comforting and made with love."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot are so friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

Lettuce Eat is a weekday-only salad bar open Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 2 PM.

2

They offer all-you-can-eat salads for $15 and to-go salads at $9 per pound.

3

Parking is street-based, so if you donโ€™t work downtown, you need to pay the meter before heading in.

02
D&G Deli and Grill and corporate catering image 1

Restaurant offers a New York-style deli vibe with a casual, friendly atmosphere and cozy, clean dining area including outdoor sidewalk tables. It feels like a family-owned spot that values authenticity and quality, attracting a steady flow of locals who appreciate fast, fresh service.

Salads come fresh with quality produce and options like wild coho salmon or double tuna. Staff prepare them quickly in front of you, offering good size portions such as the chef salad for $15.

Offers family-owned breakfast and lunch options with a delicious menu. Provides corporate catering that satisfies groups up to 22 people.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has really tasty, fresh-made sandwiches and wraps."

"I had the best chicken gyro I ever tasted."

"I found their salads to be excellent and consistent."

Good to know

1

Expect busy times during lunch hours, which may affect wait times.

2

Parking can be difficult due to the deli's downtown location.

3

Prices for menu items may have changed; check for current pricing.

03
Russ-Doe's Sandwich Shop image 1

Sandwich shop with outside seating and a cash-only policy supported by an ATM inside. Atmosphere feels family-owned and friendly, attracting workers with budget-friendly prices and a steady, swift-moving line. Located near industrial areas and sports venues, it offers a local institution vibe with hearty, classic sandwiches and salads.

Salads include chicken, tuna, and egg, all noted for strong flavors. Fridge selections offer seafood, potato, and macaroni salads when available.

Fast service fits tight lunch breaks. Sandwiches stand out with consistent quality. Regular visits show it works well as a reliable lunch spot.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and fresh."

"I thought the lunch here was magnificent."

"You have to try the chicken, tuna, or egg salad."

Good to know

1

The shop only accepts cash, but there's an ATM inside with a $2 fee.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere, but the line moves quickly.

3

Get there before 1:30 PM as they close early every day.

04
Rojas Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small pizza spot with authentic New York style and a warm, laid-back atmosphere. Dining area is simple and clean but has some wobbly tables. Known for fresh, delicious pizza with great prices and a chill vibe.

Salads offer good value with options like the Caesar with chicken. The eggplant and grilled chicken garden salad stands out as delicious and fresh.

Quick service and affordable lunch specials make it a solid choice for a midday meal. Two cheese slices and a coke go for about $7, offering a good value for a fast lunch downtown.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here to be very affordable and a great deal."

"I thought the pizza was really good and fresh."

"This is the best New York style pizza lunch spot I've had."

Good to know

1

Meter parking is available right outside the restaurant.

2

Lunch specials offer great value for the amount of food provided.

3

Expect a busy lunch rush, especially during weekdays.

05
City Grille & Raw Bar image 1

A historic 300-year-old oak tree wrapped in sparkling lights anchors the courtyard, setting a gorgeous, light and airy atmosphere inside the restaurant. Several rooms offer varied vibes, from cozy and intimate to more open spaces with natural sunlight and tasteful decor. The place balances a quiet, refined energy with moments of liveliness depending on the room and time.

Beet and goat cheese salad offers a refreshing taste with a good portion size. Caesar and wedge salads come highly rated for their balanced flavors.

Lunch offers a nice ambiance and well-trained staff that create a pleasant experience. The spot serves both lunch and dinner, making it a solid choice for midday meals.

People are saying

"The seafood here is well-seasoned and flavorful."

"The Caesar salad here is incredible."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and never disappointing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

3

Parking is available only with valet service.

06
Desert Rider Sandwich Shop image 1

Quaint sandwich shop with old school charm and no-frills design offers indoor seating and a friendly, communal atmosphere where people gather like old friends. It stays busy at lunch with consistently good, affordable sandwiches and salads that have stood the test of time.

Salads feature chicken and options like the Rider Salad and Arabian Club. Potato salad stands out as tasty and well-liked. Some salads, like the deluxe, may lack tomatoes.

Quick lunch options fit well for those on a schedule. The deli gets busy at midday and the space inside is limited, making it a tight spot during peak hours.

People are saying

"I thought the salads here were the best."

"I found their sandwiches to be great and cheap."

"This lunch spot has delicious sandwiches and tasty potato salad."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging; expect to circle the block multiple times.

2

The deli gets busy at lunch, so plan to arrive early.

3

The shop offers both dine-in and take-out options.

07
Pour Taproom - Jacksonville image 1

Self-pour taps with over 80 beer options create an interactive drinking experience. The space combines retro arcade games, multiple seating levels, and a wine wall, blending a dive bar feel with a modern twist. Live music and multiple screens support a lively atmosphere suited for games and socializing.

Caesar salad stands out with high quality and arrives quickly. Chicken Caesar and classic versions both offer solid flavor alongside other menu items.

An inviting atmosphere makes it a solid choice for lunch. Meals come at a good price, fitting casual outings or watching a game.

People are saying

"It's a cool concept to pour your own beer after a learning curve."

"The burgers here are huge and delicious."

"I had an amazing chicken Caesar salad."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Self-service ordering is required; download the app to place your order.

3

Parking is available in a nearby garage, making access convenient.

08
Dorothy's Downtown image 1

Space combines modern elegance with a vibrant, inviting atmosphere featuring a covered courtyard and distinct dining and cocktail areas. Energy feels warm and lively, with a stylish mix of old and new decor. Cocktails are eclectic and well-crafted, complementing a menu known for standout dishes and desserts.

Salads come very fresh and well made here. The Caesar salad gets special care, and the house salad pairs well with the crab cakes.

Lunch offers a great happy hour deal with plenty of food and a cocktail included. The menu features good options and delivers amazing meals consistently.

People are saying

"The salmon dish was good, and I loved the presentation."

"This Lunch Spot's crab cakes are delicious and could be a meal."

"The Caesar salad was made with care."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with food and drink specials.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.

3

Parking meters only accept credit cards, so bring one for payment.

09
The Southern Grill image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Southern restaurant offers a laid back atmosphere with live music and both indoor and outdoor seating. The space includes a spacious patio and multiple large TVs, creating a casual spot for food and games. The vibe is family-owned and community-focused, blending comfort with entertainment.

Salads feature fresh ingredients and come in lighter options like the Greek salad with blue cheese, grilled shrimp, and homemade ranch. Grilled chicken and spicy chicken salads offer healthy choices that satisfy.

Lunch features quick service and tasty BBQ with crispy fried chicken and thick gravy. Outdoor seating welcomes small dogs, making it a relaxed spot for a midday meal.

People are saying

"I found the food to be tasty and prepared perfectly."

"The food here is phenomenal, especially the BBQ for lunch."

"I loved the Greek salad with shrimp and homemade ranch."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 PM.

2

Trivia night occurs every Tuesday with a lively atmosphere.

3

Live music features rotating bands on Friday nights.

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