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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Lincoln Park

Authentic lunch spots

You want a lunch spot that serves food with a genuine, unpretentious connection to its roots.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Strapoli Pizzeria image 1
Strapoli Pizzeria image 2
Strapoli Pizzeria image 3
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Pizza restaurant

Small pizza spot with open kitchen and outdoor patio offers a cozy, family-run vibe and BYOB option. Music sets a lively tone while seating stays intimate with mostly two-person tables. Pizza features authentic Italian style with thin crust and balanced toppings.

Pizza features a thin crust, perfect sauces, and toppings that capture true Neapolitan style. Garlic bread and other dishes carry authentic Italian flavors that remind of Italy trips.

Pizzas serve as a solid choice for lunch with a great size that feels filling without being too much. Arriving early helps avoid the lunch rush and enjoy a quieter meal.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here to be genuinely very good."

"The pizza here is authentic Italian and reminds me of trips to Italy."

"This lunch spot's pizza is so damn good, I forgot to take photos."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB with a small corkage fee.

2

Expect a 10-20 minute wait for dine-in orders.

3

The weekday $10 pizza deal is available for a limited time.

02
Döner 97 image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers authentic Berlin-style döner kebab with fresh, chewy pita bread and spicy sauces in a cozy, warmly lit atmosphere reminiscent of Istanbul streets. Space feels meticulously clean but can get hot and smoky in the evening. It attracts those seeking genuine European kebab flavors not commonly found locally.

Doner kebabs here deliver an authentic European taste with traditional bread, sauce, and spices. The flavor and style closely match those found in Turkish and German kebab spots.

People are saying

"This döner sandwich is authentic and reminds me of Germany."

"This Lunch Spot is packed with so much juicy, perfectly cooked meat."

"I found the Döner Kebab to be authentic and reminiscent of Berlin."

Good to know

1

The price of a döner sandwich is around $15, including tax.

2

Expect smaller portion sizes compared to European döner versions.

3

Döner 97 does not have Zabiha Halal certification.

03
Southport Taqueria Dine-in & Take-out image 1

Mexican restaurant with cozy, well-appointed decor and a chill, no-frills vibe. Atmosphere stays warm and welcoming, making it easy to have conversations while enjoying authentic, flavorful tacos. Space fills quickly, creating a lively but comfortable environment.

Tacos come with fresh, flavorful, and authentic tastes, featuring vibrant Al pastor and chorizo. Spicy salsas match preferences and the food avoids Tex Mex style, staying true to Mexican roots.

Busy right at opening, this spot serves fast healthy lunch options with a good dine-in experience.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is fresh and flavorful."

"The tacos here are fresh, flavorful, and authentic."

"I found the Lunch Spot food to be very fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos, making it a popular day to visit.

2

Dine-in customers receive free chips and salsa with their meal.

3

The restaurant allows customers to bring their own alcohol, which is a unique perk.

04
Yaya Mas Greek Kuzina image 1
Greek restaurant

Small, colorful space with vibrant blue accents and a clean, cozy atmosphere evokes a Greek village feel. DJ mixes Greek and EDM music, creating a lively, friendly vibe. Indoor dining resembles a trendy Greek coffee shop, while outdoor seating offers a relaxed setting.

Food features authentic Greek recipes with dishes like creamy pastitsio and crispy spanakopita made with care. The spot offers authentic Greek olive oil and pastries alongside unique coffee.

Quick, hearty Greek dishes make lunch here satisfying. The gemista stands out as a delicious option for a midday meal.

People are saying

"I thought the gyro meat was seasoned to perfection."

"It felt like a taste of Greece with their authentic food."

"This lunch spot's gyro plate is so flavorful and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open from 7 AM to 5 AM, perfect for late-night bites.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

Desserts are affordable, with sharable options priced at $6.

05
D Cuisine image 1
Chinese restaurant

Space blends modern elegance with traditional Chinese decor creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. Lighting and air quality sometimes affect comfort, but overall the environment feels calm and welcoming. Dim sum and authentic dishes attract diners looking for quality Chinese cuisine in a chic setting.

Authentic dim sum includes sandy salted egg yolk buns rarely found outside China. The menu features Hong Kong style Cantonese cuisine alongside American classics, delivering high-quality Chinese dishes with a modern twist.

Lunch specials run from 1 pm to 3 pm with a great selection of options. Prices stay very affordable, making it a solid spot for a quick lunch.

People are saying

"I thought the food was tasty and a great value."

"I found the dim sum here to be pretty authentic, like Chinatown."

"The dim sum here is surprisingly delightful and delicious."

Good to know

1

D Cuisine is BYOB, so feel free to bring your own drinks.

2

Lunch specials are available from 1 pm to 3 pm at affordable prices.

3

Parking can be challenging on weekends; consider public transport.

06
Trilokah Kerala and South Indian Restaurant image 1

Small, cozy space with rustic Indian decor and Kerala-inspired ambiance creates a welcoming, nostalgic vibe. Warm colors, exposed bricks, and soft lighting give an earthy elegance that invites lingering. The atmosphere feels like a peaceful retreat reflecting authentic South Indian culture.

Authentic Kerala cuisine shines with rich flavor and traditional Malayalee dishes. The food captures the essence of home-style South Indian cooking.

Lunch offers dosa and kothu parotta that are both filling and flavorful. The Filter Coffee and Beef Roast add a satisfying touch to the meal, creating a well-rounded experience.

People are saying

"I found the most delicious, authentic Kerala food here."

"The beef curry with porotta is a heavenly combo."

"This lunch spot has authentic Kerala food, like flavorful biryani and porottas."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available and requires payment.

2

Credit cards are accepted for payment.

3

Portion sizes are small relative to the prices.

07
Aloha Eats image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small Hawaiian restaurant with cozy decor and cafeteria-style seating offers a laid back atmosphere that feels like home. The vibe is quiet and unhurried, reflecting an authentic Aloha spirit. Generous portions and made-to-order meals create a comforting experience.

Food features authentic Hawaiian dishes like loco moco and spam musubi. The atmosphere reflects a genuine Hawaiian feel especially around lunch plates.

Lunch features barbecue chicken and BBQ beef plates with a strong Hawaiian vibe. Combo plates offer generous portions that can easily cover two meals.

People are saying

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

"The BBQ beef here is tender, sweet, and great mixed with rice."

"The food here is so authentic, it tastes like it's straight from the island."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait after ordering due to made-to-order meals.

2

Portions are large enough to easily feed two people.

3

Combo plates provide enough food for two meals.

08
PastaFi image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, modern space with all seats facing large windows creates a bright, inviting atmosphere. Laid-back vibe suits quick meals or quiet meetings, enhanced by pasta-themed decor and barstool seating along the window. Fast service and fresh, flavorful pasta define the experience.

Pasta here features flavorful sauces and a taste that aims for authentic Italian-style. Prices stay affordable while delivering mouthwatering pasta dishes.

Quick service fits well into a lunch break. Small portions offer a great lunch size. Options suit carry out or a last-minute meal.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is so fresh and flavorful."

"This Lunch Spot's pasta tasted incredible and fresh."

"I found the pasta sauces here to be incredibly flavorful and authentic."

Good to know

1

PastaFi is open until midnight on weekdays and 2 am on weekends.

2

PastaFi offers gluten-free pasta options for those with dietary restrictions.

3

All sauces at PastaFi are made with fresh ingredients every morning.

09
China Wok image 1
Chinese restaurant

Modern chop-suey style space features fresh flowers at every table and warm lighting with round red lanterns. Atmosphere stays cozy and calm with instrumental music, inviting relaxed dining. Large portions and generous lunch deals attract steady crowds seeking satisfying meals.

Flavors stay true to traditional Chinese cooking with authentic dishes alongside classic Chinese-American options. Every dish offers incredible flavor that reflects genuine recipes.

Lunch offers generous portions under $20 with a lunch special set including an egg roll and a soda. The menu features Sesame Chicken and crab ragoon options, making it a quick and tasty spot with deals until 3pm.

People are saying

"The food here tastes incredibly fresh and delicious."

"The authentic Chinese food here reminded me of home-cooked meals."

"The lunch portions here are so generous for the price."

Good to know

1

The lunch special is available until 3pm and includes an egg roll and soda.

2

Lunch deals cost around $13, offering great value for the portion size.

3

Expect long wait times for carryout orders, often exceeding the estimated time.

10
Kapitan image 1
Malaysian restaurant

Spacious interior with bar area and TV monitors creates a casual, group-friendly setting. Atmosphere is bright and cozy, though some furniture feels institutional. Pet-friendly policy allows dogs on the first floor.

Dishes deliver authentic Malaysian and Singaporean flavors with rich aroma and taste. The beef rendang stands out for its authentic spicing and tender meat.

Dipping the roti into curry brings a familiar, comforting feel to lunch. Large groups can sit down immediately, making it a relaxed spot for weekend meals.

People are saying

"The satay chicken is a solid, flavorful appetizer choice."

"I found the Malaysian food here to be so authentic and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's flavors taste just like Malaysia."

Good to know

1

A mandatory 20% tip is added to all dinner bills.

2

Some menu items are halal, catering to dietary preferences.

3

The restaurant offers full bar service, making it suitable for groups.

11
Jaimito's Burritos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Fast-casual Mexican restaurant with spacious seating and lots of natural light creates an easygoing atmosphere. The upgraded space feels clean and inviting despite being somewhat small. The vibe is calm and quiet, especially during slower times.

Salsa stands out as authentic and very good. Mexican tacos come closest to authentic Mexican food in the area. Overall, the menu offers tasty and genuine Mexican dishes.

People are saying

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

"I found the Mexican food here to be very tasty and authentic."

"The tacos at this Lunch Spot are so meaty and tasty."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms available.

2

The prices were inexpensive for the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

3

It took 15 minutes before I received my food.

12
Ghareeb Nawaz image 1
Restaurant

Small, cafeteria-style restaurant with minimal decor and a casual, cozy setup. Atmosphere is friendly and chill, with kitchen sounds audible and a mix of smells. Offers inexpensive, hearty portions of northern Indian and Afghani dishes.

Food offers fresh, authentic Pakistani and North Indian flavors. Dishes taste deliciously authentic and reflect traditional recipes well.

Lunch specials cost between $4.99 and $8, offering vegetarian options and large portions. Prices stay reasonable and meals deliver good taste.

People are saying

"I loved their butter chicken; it was so flavorful and buttery."

"The lunch specials here are a great deal for the price."

"I found the food to be fresh, authentic, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available for $4.99, allowing two people to eat for under $20.

2

The restaurant is known for its large portion sizes compared to the price.

3

Expect a small dining room; parties larger than four may be uncomfortable.

13
Green Tea Japanese Restaurant image 1

Sushi restaurant offers a cozy, intimate space with modern Japanese-inspired decor and an open kitchen. Atmosphere feels clean and inviting with lowfi jazz music playing softly. Small size suits quiet dinners, though noise can rise with lively conversation.

Rich, creamy tonkotsu broth defines the ramen here, offering a deep, authentic flavor. The menu includes a wide range of authentic Japanese dishes served with genuine warmth and hospitality.

Lunch offers great value with a lunch special and a lunch box set that provide solid options for a midday meal.

People are saying

"The staff's kindness made the Japanese food experience feel special."

"This lunch spot has really good sushi and ramen."

"The authentic Japanese food here is so good and well done."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own alcohol.

2

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to limited seating.

3

A $20 'large party' fee applies for groups over four.

14
CM Chicken image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant with K-Pop music videos playing in the background creates a fun, low-key atmosphere. The menu features crispy, flavorful fried chicken and authentic sides like tteok-bokki and dumplings. Cold beer and soju complement the experience, enhancing the casual vibe.

Tteok-bokki and fried dumplings taste very authentic here. Rice bowls like Kimchi Fried Rice do not match authentic flavors and taste off.

Lunch specials offer a solid deal with spicy garlic wings, fries, a drink, and water included. Specials are available for dine-in only, making it a good spot for a midday break.

People are saying

"The snow onion and green onion Korean food here is a great combination."

"I thought the fried chicken tasted really authentic and wasn't greasy."

"The spicy garlic wings lunch special is crunchy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available for dine-in only.

2

Expect a 10-minute wait for food during busy hours.

3

Parking is not available near the restaurant.

15
Maison Parisienne - French Café Armitage Ave image 1

Bright, cozy space with authentic Parisian décor and soothing French music creates a serene, inviting atmosphere. Small seating area offers a quiet spot to enjoy fresh croissants and classic French pastries. Energy stays calm and welcoming, making it easy to linger and chat.

Pastries here are authentic French with quiche and croissants that taste very true to tradition. The overall feel is very authentic French throughout.

Lunch options include a cafe area for sit-down meals and a selection of pastries. The spot suits both casual lunches and special occasions with friends or family.

People are saying

"I loved the buttery, delicious French pastries and croissants."

"The food at this lunch spot is delicious and well presented."

"I thought the croissants and baguettes were the most authentic French."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay over $40 for a coffee and pastries.

2

Seating stops at 3pm on Thursdays; plan your visit accordingly.

3

An automatic 3% service fee is added to every order.

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Lincoln Park, Chicago

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