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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Maplewood

Lunch spots

A lunch break that gives you a real moment of pause instead of just another rushed hour between meetings.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
El Itacate Mexican Food LLC image 1
El Itacate Mexican Food LLC image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Small, casual Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a visible kitchen creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Music plays softly, adding to the lively yet comfortable vibe. The space feels clean and well maintained, attracting a steady flow of diners.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors made with fresh ingredients served in enormous portions. Dishes like pozole blanco and burritos stand out for being consistently hot and fresh.

Offers quick, friendly lunch options with solid Mexican dishes like enchiladas. Food quality supports both casual meals and catering needs.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is authentic, fresh, and full of flavor."

"The food here is authentic, fresh, and delicious."

"This lunch spot's chimichanga with asada and queso is so good."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $2 tacos, making it an affordable dining option.

2

Enchiladas are $3 off on Wednesdays, offering another great deal.

3

Burrito Mondays and Nacho Thursdays provide additional weekly specials.

02
J Pot image 1
Asian restaurant

Tables feature grills for Korean BBQ and hot pot, creating an interactive dining experience. Spacious, clean interior combines with robot servers playing Super Mario tunes to add a modern, lively touch. Atmosphere ranges from comfortable to loud, with energy shaped by music and robotic service.

K BBQ stands out with consistently amazing food and excellent service. The dishes are so delicious they create strong cravings to return.

Lunch offers an all-you-can-eat BBQ deal that draws weekday crowds. Seating happens quickly before the lunch rush, making it a solid spot for a midday meal with coworkers.

People are saying

"The hot pot and BBQ here are fantastic, with great meat quality."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"I found the food at this Lunch Spot to be really good."

Good to know

1

Everyone in my party must be present to be seated.

2

The all-you-can-eat option for both hot pot and BBQ is priced at $32.95 per person.

3

There is a $20 per pound charge for food wasted.

03
bb.q Chicken Maplewood image 1

Small restaurant with a modern, clean design and minimal seating creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Low-key music and K-pop videos set a calm, enjoyable vibe. The kitchen stays quiet, and the place feels comfortable and kind even on busy nights.

Food arrives piping hot and crispy, especially the chicken. The taste stays authentic and consistent with quick preparation and great service.

Lunch offers an 8-piece bone-in wing special with fries and a drink. Servers provide complimentary drinks and apologize for any wait, making it a nice spot for a quick meal.

People are saying

"This food is the best chicken I've ever had."

"These boneless wings are crispy, packed with flavor, and delicious."

"The Honey Garlic and Galbi wings are crispy, juicy, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect a 40-minute wait for takeout orders during peak hours.

2

Ordering ahead is recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with a rice bowl costing nearly $40.

04
Johnny Kitchen & Bar image 1

Spacious bar and grill with a quiet atmosphere and large tables for groups. Offers pull tabs and TVs showing football games, creating a casual vibe. Food includes well-prepared burgers and diverse drink options like Guinness on tap.

Food features excellent quality and a standout side salad with blue cheese dressing. Service complements the clean and inviting atmosphere.

Great selections make lunch here enjoyable. The spot stays quiet, offering a calm place to eat.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful with the burgers."

"The food here was delicious and cooked perfectly."

"The food here is great, especially the salmon and steaks."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7pm, but discounted drinks may not always be available.

2

Parking is available in the restaurant's lot, making access easy.

3

Credit card payments may be unreliable; cash is recommended.

05
Mike's Corner Cafe image 1

Small, mom-and-pop diner with a cozy, old-school vibe and friendly neighborhood atmosphere. Comfortable seating and a quaint interior with mismatched dishware create a welcoming, no-frills setting. Quiet during late breakfast hours, it offers a calm place where people sometimes play board games.

Food tastes like it was cooked with love and pride, reminding of farmhouse cooking. Portions are plentiful and inexpensive, with a great selection and solid coffee.

Open for both breakfast and lunch, the menu offers reasonably priced options. It suits a quick sit-down meal any day of the week.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and a great find for the price."

"The breakfast staff here is super friendly and accommodating."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and tasty."

Good to know

1

Bring cash as the cafe may not accept credit cards.

2

The cafe serves breakfast and lunch all day.

3

Expect large portion sizes, especially for the chicken salad.

06
Elephant Thai Cuisine image 1
South Asian restaurant

Small, modern restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with dim lighting and loud music that can challenge conversation. The space feels clean and inviting, suitable for casual dining and special occasions. It attracts those who appreciate healthy, flavorful South Asian cuisine with consistent quality.

Food arrives quickly, usually within 5-10 minutes, and stays fresh and flavorful. Dishes feature bold, authentic flavors and the menu often includes new items alongside consistent quality.

Good for lunch meetings and group lunches. Offers a variety of dishes suitable for lunch or takeout.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, is exceptionally good."

"The food here is delicious and really flavorful."

"This lunch spot has really good food that comes out quickly."

Good to know

1

Parking is free on Sundays, but it's street parking.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait to be seated during busy times.

3

Call ahead to reserve a table for groups of 10 or more.

07
Vietnam Star Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Interior showcases fresh flowers and classic Asian artwork, creating a clean and inviting atmosphere. The dining area feels comfortable and relaxed, with a quiet and pleasant vibe. Regulars appreciate the well-organized space and fresh flower centerpieces on tables.

Food here is consistently delicious and hot, with a focus on authentic Vietnamese and Asian dishes. They make their own sauces, and the setting allows enjoying a big bowl of pho without feeling rushed.

Lunch features delicious lunch sets that suit family dining, including young children. Meals come with fresh flavors typical of Vietnamese cuisine.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, is simply delicious."

"I thought the egg rolls here were the best I'd ever had."

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The menu listed a lower price for the pho than what I was charged.

2

They charged $4 for a glass of tea.

3

My total bill for four people was 64 dollars for four bowls of pho.

08
Borchert's Meat Market image 1

Small butcher shop combines top-notch meat selection with prepared foods and local products in a compact space. Atmosphere feels neighborhood-friendly with on-site parking and a casual spot to eat. Offers a mix of fresh, frozen, and pantry items alongside treats for dogs.

Offers a great selection of frozen pizzas, meat, prepared foods, and snacks. Sandwiches stand out among the food options. Pricing is generally fair for the quality received.

Hot lunches come most days with Broaster chicken and sides at the deli counter. Daily lunch specials include Fish Fry and deli sandwiches, with current deals posted on Facebook.

People are saying

"I loved the broasted chicken and mac and cheese at this grocery store."

"I thought the Fish Fry Lunch Spot was the best I ever had."

"The food here, especially the fried chicken, is amazing."

Good to know

1

Borchert's Meat Market offers a variety of local products, including BBQ sauces and sausages.

2

Hot lunches are available most days at Borchert's Meat Market.

3

Check their Facebook page for daily lunch specials and current deals.

09
Tokyo Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat menu with high-quality sushi and reasonable prices. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and comfortable during off-peak hours to crowded and lively on weekends. Seating includes small, cramped booths and mismatched chairs in a space that feels somewhat run down.

Food comes out quickly and stays fresh and delicious. Portions are generous, leaving you full after the meal.

Lunch offers a simple menu with very good value. Prices make it feel like a great bargain during midday hours.

People are saying

"I loved the food here; it was so good."

"I tried some of the best sushi I've ever had."

"This lunch spot is the best all-you-can-eat value."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat option costs around $30 per person.

2

Lunch costs about $22-25, making it a more affordable choice.

3

Reservations are not required, and wait times are usually under 10 minutes.

10
Great Moon Buffet image 1
Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant offers a very spacious dining room with a high ceiling and a great selection of food. Atmosphere ranges from calm and comfortable when quiet to noisy and chaotic during busy times, with background music and lively family energy. Seating accommodates many diners, though some areas show signs of wear.

Buffet offers more than 30 varieties of food including a salad bar and sushi. Food stays fresh and delicious with some dishes featuring smoked oil for extra flavor.

Lunch offers a buffet priced around $14 including a beverage. Prices stay reasonable compared to other spots nearby. The setting suits both casual lunches and family gatherings.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese buffet food to be spectacular."

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

"This lunch spot has amazing food, especially the chicken wings and sushi."

Good to know

1

Discount price per person is available Monday through Friday before 4 pm.

2

The buffet costs $20 per person, increasing to $22 later.

3

Expect a 10-15 minute wait during peak hours.

11
Wild Orchid Restaurant image 1

Pho restaurant offers a homely atmosphere with a light scent of beef bone broth filling the air. Portions tend to be extremely large, making it more suited for takeout or casual lunches. Friendly staff and affordable prices contribute to a straightforward, unpretentious dining experience.

Food here stands out for its authentic Vietnamese flavors and consistent deliciousness. The dishes create a homely atmosphere that complements the tasty offerings.

Beef pho without protein stands out as a delicious lunch option. A modest lunch crowd suggests it's popular for quick meals and takeout suits families well.

People are saying

"The boat noodle food here is flavorful and well-seasoned."

"The pho here is the best soup I ever had."

"The pho broth at this lunch spot was clear and not too sweet."

Good to know

1

Online ordering is available, but expect delays on Friday nights.

2

The restaurant offers large portion sizes, ideal for sharing.

3

Prices are affordable, with most dishes under $15.

12
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Restaurant offers a lively and energetic atmosphere with plenty of TVs showing sports. Seating feels cramped and uneven, and music volume often hinders conversation. Food quality varies but includes notable dishes like baby back ribs and white cheddar Mac n cheese.

Food arrives quickly and tastes delicious with perfectly cooked juicy steak standing out. Portions come in ample amounts and pricing matches the good quality.

Lunch offers quality food at a reasonable price with lunch specials that provide good value. The spot handles large groups smoothly, ensuring an undisturbed meal experience.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's ribs and mac n cheese are fantastic."

"The service here is so kid-friendly and made our experience easy and fun."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are accepted only before 5 PM and after 8 PM.

2

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

3

The restaurant offers a $10.99 meal deal that includes a side and drink.

13
Red Lobster image 1
Seafood restaurant

Dim lighting and dark wood decor create a quiet, relaxed atmosphere without loud music or TVs. Seating suits families and groups seeking secluded tables for easy conversation. The vibe feels calm and comfortable, with a seafood-focused menu that draws attention.

Food arrives fresh and hot with consistently delicious flavors. Service complements the meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Lunch specials include seafood options and a small spaghetti serving. The spot is quiet on Mondays, making it easy to find a table.

People are saying

"The staff here are so friendly and charismatic with kids."

"The food here is always great and prepared perfectly."

"Scott, the manager, was so kind and professional during my lunch."

Good to know

1

Parking is hectic due to construction in the strip mall area next to the restaurant.

2

The restaurant charges for side salads and includes only one side with meals.

3

Expect longer wait times during special events like the Shrimp Fest.

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Maplewood, Minnesota

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