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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Lower West Side

Lunch spots

A midday break is the only chance to step away from the desk and clear the head.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated April 2026
01
El Costeño image 1
El Costeño image 2
El Costeño image 3
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Restaurant

Bright colors and traditional Mexican music create a cozy, authentic vibe. Open, sunny space offers complimentary chips and salsa that enhance the relaxed feel. Lunch feels like visiting a neighbor's home with well priced and good food, plus no wait on late weekdays.

Lunch feels like visiting a neighbor's home with well priced and good food. No wait shows up for a late weekday lunch.

People are saying

"The cabeza tacos are tender and juicy."

"I thought the tacos al pastor were the best I'd ever tasted."

"This lunch spot has affordable, delicious food you can't go wrong with."

Good to know

1

El Costeño closes at 9 pm.

2

The prices at El Costeño are affordable.

3

El Costeño offers vegetarian options upon request.

02
Cà Phê Dá - Dang Good Wings image 1

Cozy spot with old funk music creates a relaxed vibe. Lunch shines with chicken curry and lemongrass pork meals. Quiet space suits solo diners and workers, offering excellent price-to-quality comfort.

Lunch options include a chicken curry meal sized just right for midday. The lemongrass pork workers lunch offers a flavorful alternative.

People are saying

"The egg custard coffee is light, fluffy, and amazingly good."

"The lemongrass pork banh mi was delicious."

"The chicken at this Lunch Spot tasted fresh and moist."

Good to know

1

The menu on Google may not reflect current offerings; check in person for updates.

2

Portions are slightly smaller than average, but prices remain reasonable.

3

Tofu is one of the most affordable protein options on the menu.

03
Urban Treez Chicago image 1

Coffee shop blends cozy lounge seating with plenty of lunch options and great coffee. Space suits working or casual chats with good WiFi and music. Can get noisy when busy but offers a solid spot for eating and reading.

Plenty of lunch options and a great selection of coffee and smoothies make it a solid spot. A lounging area in the front offers a nice place to work or read while eating.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients."

"I found the smoothies to be absolutely phenomenal and delicious."

"This is a great lunch spot with tasty, fresh food."

Good to know

1

Urban Treez Chicago offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.

2

Breakfast is served all day at Urban Treez Chicago.

3

Expect a wide selection of fresh juices and smoothies.

04
Banh Mi City image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Cozy spot with a chill vibe and soft rock music offers generous banh mi sandwiches perfect for lunch. Limited seating creates an intimate setting ideal for casual meals. Excellent pho adds to the simple, satisfying menu.

Cozy spot with delicious bahn mi sandwiches makes for a simple and satisfying lunch. Small, sweet atmosphere fits casual lunch dates well.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, has a really good broth."

"The banh mi here is delicious and packed with meat."

"I usually got a banh mi for my Lunch Spot here."

Good to know

1

Banh Mi City offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

2

Prices for banh mi start at $10, which is reasonable for the portion size.

3

Takeout is available, making it a good option for a quick meal.

05
Craft Burger image 1
Fast food restaurant

Walk-up window and heated outdoor seating create a laid-back vibe. Burgers use high-quality ingredients for phenomenal taste. Perfect for a solid lunch with a casual, lively atmosphere.

Craft burgers serve as a solid lunch option here. The spot offers a straightforward, satisfying meal for midday.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were the best I ever had."

"The cheesecake here is actually good."

"The craft burger is a great lunch option."

Good to know

1

Craft Burger closes at 10 pm on weekends and at 8 pm on weeknights, and is closed on Tuesdays.

2

Craft Burger is not a dine-in place; you order from a window.

3

There are only three tables, so be prepared to wait standing during busy hours.

06
Rubi’s Tacos image 1
Restaurant

Vibrant Mexican decor and loud mariachi music create a lively vibe. Thick homemade tortillas deliver authentic Latin flavors. Quick seating suits a fast, satisfying lunch with fresh, bold tastes.

Lunch offers fresh flavors and satisfying portions. The atmosphere suits a quick, enjoyable meal.

People are saying

"I loved the tacos, especially the homemade tortillas."

"The Al Pastor here is unbelievably flavorful."

"This Lunch Spot's tacos are amazing, especially the homemade tortillas."

Good to know

1

Rubi's Tacos makes chicken pozole on Thursdays, a must-try dish.

2

The restaurant is closed from Monday to Wednesday.

3

Seating fills up quickly, so expect to wait during peak hours.

07
QuesaBirria Jalisco Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers a cozy ambiance with authentic vibe and colorful artwork. Loud old school house music adds to the lively atmosphere. Perfect for a casual lunch with quick meals or takeout.

Cozy ambiance suits both quick and leisurely meals. It works well for a casual lunch with satisfying options that invite repeat visits.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and bursting with flavor."

"The consommé for the tacos is rich, deep, and comforting."

"This lunch spot has incredibly delicious, juicy birria tacos."

Good to know

1

QuesaBirria Jalisco Tacos is primarily a takeout spot, with limited seating available.

2

The price is $5 per taco, making it affordable for most visitors.

3

Parking is limited; expect to park a few blocks away on busy weekends.

08
Wen Cai Chinese Kitchen image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, hot interior offers an intimate setting with a friendly vibe. Lunch specials serve huge portions like orange chicken combos with pot stickers. Affordable prices and tasty dishes make it a reliable choice for casual Chinese food.

Lunch specials come with huge portions and include combos like orange chicken with chicken fried rice plus pot stickers or crab Rangoons. Options also feature chicken lo mein and triple delight spicy dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and fresh."

"I found the egg rolls here to be hot and very good."

"You get so much food for a great price at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

The prices at Wen Cai Chinese Kitchen are great for takeout.

2

Parking is available at Wen Cai Chinese Kitchen.

3

The portions are large, providing good value for the price.

09
Taqueria Los Comales Pilsen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant buzzes with authentic decor and an open kitchen. Lunch offers great value and relaxed service. Loud music fuels a lively vibe perfect for family or friends.

Lunch offers fantastic value with good service that is not rushed. The spot works well for an early lunch or late dinner hangout with friends or family.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos and burritos here were the best."

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

"The tacos here are moist, flavorful, and cheap."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at midnight.

2

Finding parking on weekends is difficult due to the location.

3

Call ahead for carry out orders to minimize wait time.

10
Cantón Regio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with authentic ranch-style decor and live mariachi music for a family-friendly vibe. Lunch offers fantastic flavors and a sweet flan finish. BYOB policy keeps the mood casual despite close tables crowding the space.

Lively yet relaxed atmosphere suits casual lunch with friends. Food impresses with fantastic flavors and finishes with flan as a sweet touch.

People are saying

"I thought the food tasted super good and fresh."

"I confirmed the cuisine was truly authentic and excellent."

"The carne asada here is tender, juicy, and smoky."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash payments; no credit cards are accepted.

2

Bring your own beer or wine, as the restaurant is BYOB.

3

An ATM is available on-site for cash withdrawals.

11
D'Nuez - Kitchen + Bar - Pilsen image 1

Cozy space with warm wood decor offers a lively, intimate vibe. Friendly staff create a family-friendly atmosphere with songs and celebrations. Good for lunch with coworkers, though food is slightly overpriced for the menu.

Good spot for lunch to go with coworkers. Food feels overpriced for the lunch menu but still worth considering.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and beautifully presented."

"You have to try their cafe de olla; it's really good."

"The lunch spot has a great atmosphere and delicious food."

Good to know

1

The prices are generally considered high for the portion sizes.

2

The menu offers a limited selection of vegetarian options.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

12
El Milagro Tortillas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic atmosphere with a lively, historic feel. Known for big portions and best tortillas, it serves quick, fantastic tacos perfect for a lunch spot. Affordable prices make it a popular choice for midday meals.

Quick lunch tacos make this spot a solid choice for a midday meal. It fits well into a regular lunch routine with consistently fantastic food.

People are saying

"This taco is humongous, stuffed with steak and rice."

"I found the tamales authentic and reminiscent of childhood."

"This lunch spot's tacos are stuffed with big chunks of steak."

Good to know

1

Get there early as they sometimes run out of tortillas by 11:30 AM.

2

To guarantee tamales, call ahead and pay in advance.

3

Expect big portions at reasonable prices.

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Lower West Side, Chicago

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