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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Fairview Heights

Lunch and date spots

A lunch date that feels intimate and intentional rather than just a convenient place to eat.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Updated April 2026
01
Frida's Cocina image 1
Frida's Cocina image 2
Frida's Cocina image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant combines spacious, clean design with fun art and a beautiful mural. Atmosphere blends community vibe with part sports bar energy, featuring American rock music rather than Latino tunes. The place feels welcoming and lively, especially during large gatherings.

Lunch specials offer excellent food and satisfy consistently. Frequent visits show it as a reliable choice for midday meals.

Authentic food shines with carne asada fries and steak fajitas that stand out. The rice ranks among the best, making it a solid spot for a date night.

People are saying

"I loved the Mexican food here; everything was delicious!"

"The food here is amazing, especially the authentic flautas."

"This Lunch Spot's burrito is packed with flavor and Takis."

Good to know

1

Parking at Frida's Cocina is easy and accessible.

2

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities.

3

Prices at Frida's Cocina are affordable and reasonable.

02
Lilly's Gyros image 1
Gyro restaurant

Small family-owned gyro spot inside an old Taco Bell building offers a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere with fresh ingredients and phenomenal gyros. The space is intimate and welcoming, drawing locals who appreciate its authentic flavors and hometown charm.

Lunch features a homemade and fresh special that stands out. The lunch special consistently exceeds expectations and makes it a solid choice for a midday meal.

Authentic hospitality shines through with food prepared by the owner's husband. The menu features gyros and a Chicago dog that get strong positive reactions.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious with large portions."

"You have to try the gyros; they're the best I've ever had."

"This lunch spot has the best gyros I ever had."

Good to know

1

Lilly's Gyros closes early at 4 pm.

2

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially right after opening.

3

The gyro plate lunch special with fries or salad costs $11.

03
Royal Palm Mediterranean Cuisine image 1

Bright, fresh interior with beautiful murals and food photography creates a welcoming, warm atmosphere. Separate hookah lounge with state-of-the-art ventilation offers a distinct Mediterranean cafe vibe apart from the main dining area. Soft music plays throughout, enhancing the inviting and relaxed energy.

Guests get seated immediately for lunch with friendly service. The menu offers Mediterranean dishes like a Mezze sampler and shawarma, plus breakfast served until 2 pm for late morning cravings.

Shared plates like the Mezze appetizer sampler and mixed shawarma make for a casual, interactive meal. The pillowy soft pita bread adds a comforting touch, and the service stays attentive during dinner.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very fresh."

"The food at these Date Spots is delicious and fresh."

"This lunch spot's food was delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant serves breakfast until 2 pm, perfect for late risers.

2

They offer vegetarian options alongside traditional meat dishes.

3

Prices are affordable compared to similar restaurants in the area.

04
Atomic Wings Fairview Heights image 1
Chicken wings restaurant

Chicken wings restaurant offers variety of flavors with made-to-order dishes in a clean, bright space. Atmosphere stays comfortable and relaxed with a TV and a separate party room for groups. Pricing is surprisingly low compared to other local wing spots.

Offers lunch specials during the week with options for a light lunch.

Warm hospitality creates a welcoming vibe for couples. Shared meals include options like boneless wings, adding variety to the experience.

People are saying

"The chicken sandwich was fresh, crispy, and delicious."

"These boneless wings are crispy, good quality, and not dry."

"The wings at this Lunch Spot are hot, fresh, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

They frequently have a special deal available on any day of the week.

2

They offer lunch specials during the week.

3

The prices were surprisingly low, especially these days.

05
Taqueria Olvera image 1
Mexican restaurant

Line-type Mexican restaurant with bright colors and simple plastic seating creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Food focuses on authentic tacos and burritos, served fresh with no condiments provided. Prices are moderate, with some surcharges applied without clear signage.

Offers fast service with consistently good meat flavor during lunch. Popular choice for quick meals, especially on Fridays.

Barbacoa tacos get strong approval and stand out as a popular choice. Carne asada tacos and mini chimis also appear as enjoyed options for couples.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is heaping with fresh, authentic fillings."

"The tacos and burritos here are delicious."

"I loved the variety of taco fillings and toppings at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Prices have increased significantly; a burrito now costs $13.99 plus tax.

2

There is a 3% surcharge for card payments, which may not be clearly indicated.

3

The portions of the tacos are large, but only one tortilla is provided per taco.

06
Tasty Bowl image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion restaurant combines robotic cooking with spacious, cozy decor featuring anime on TVs and a sushi bar. Atmosphere stays calm and inviting with warm, friendly service and clean surroundings. Guests enjoy make-your-own bowl options and quick meal preparation.

Quick service and consistent quality make it a solid choice for lunch. Pricing leans higher than typical spots but the food maintains a reliable standard.

Attentive staff handle allergies carefully, ensuring safe and clean cooking for sensitive diners. Couples enjoy a relaxed vibe with options like an unlimited bowl and a fun, casual dining experience.

People are saying

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

"The Lunch Spot ingredients were fresh and the food was served hot."

"I loved picking my own bowl options for our Date Spot."

Good to know

1

Prices for sashimi are $28.95 for 18 pieces.

2

Expect a wait time of about 30 minutes, but it can extend to an hour.

3

They do not serve cocktails due to lacking a liquor license.

07
Rio Grande MX Cocina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious interior with warm ambiance and no music creates a welcoming, lively atmosphere that can get noisy. Known for exceptional margaritas and authentic Mexican flavors, it offers a variety of dishes with generous portions.

Lunch offers affordable deals with generous serving sizes. The spot suits both takeout and dine-in with friends.

Quick, attentive service sets the tone for a relaxed date. The menu features authentic Mexican dishes like burritos and queso, with shrimp salads as a solid choice for a light meal.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best I had ever eaten."

"The food here is really delicious, perfect for date spots."

"The shrimp salad at this Lunch Spot had a perfect amount of shrimp."

Good to know

1

The lunch deals at this restaurant are very affordable.

2

There is plenty of parking available for customers.

3

Expect a wait time of about 15 minutes during peak hours.

08
Ginger Buffet & Grill image 1
Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant with hibachi grill, full sushi bar, and koi pond near the entrance. Atmosphere is family friendly and generally peaceful with clean, nice interior decor. Offers a salad and dessert bar alongside various cooked-to-order options.

Offers a quick bite option for lunch with no need for a drive-thru. Lunch prices sit around 12.99, featuring dishes like peanut chicken, lo mein, and potstickers.

Frequent visits show this spot works well for couples. The buffet variety keeps things interesting, and trying new dishes together adds to the experience.

People are saying

"The buffet has a huge selection, including sushi and hibachi."

"This lunch spot has a great variety of fresh, delicious food."

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The price for the buffet is $16 per person.

2

Expect some wait times during dinner hours.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean and well-stocked environment.

09
Zapata's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina image 1

Cozy, colorful space with separate small rooms and spacious seating creates an authentic Hispanic vibe. Great music enhances the atmosphere, which feels more like a bar than a typical restaurant. Extensive Christmas decorations add a festive touch during the holidays.

Lunch features a fresh, well-stocked buffet that stays supplied through the afternoon. The buffet runs until 3 pm and offers a variety of options on Saturdays.

Frequent visits show it works well for couples looking for a casual meal. The food portions often leave leftovers, and margaritas tend to be disappointing.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, flavorful, and plentiful."

"The lunch buffet here is great and always fresh."

"The staff here are wonderful and friendly for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a lunch buffet on Saturdays with fresh options.

2

Buffet pricing is $15 per person, which includes a variety of dishes.

3

Karaoke night happens every Friday, providing a lively atmosphere.

10
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Restaurant features spotless tables and floors with a kiosk pay-at-the-table system that speeds up checkout. Atmosphere includes overlapping music styles creating a noisy environment and cold air from AC affecting comfort. Drinks like margaritas and Long Island iced teas stand out for quality.

Lunch offers flavorful specials with good prices. Options like the Tex-Mex chicken bowl and soup and salad stand out for a quick, satisfying meal.

Dinner offers tasteful pasta and dishes that please couples. The atmosphere suits a perfect date with attentive style and service.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really great."

"The bar service was excellent; our bartender was always on point."

"I found the lunch specials here to be loaded with flavor."

Good to know

1

Burger meal deals for $10.99 include soup or salad, a drink, a burger, and fries.

2

The restaurant offers a $10.99 three-course meal option.

3

Expect long wait times on Tuesday nights as the restaurant is often packed.

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Fairview Heights, Illinois

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