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Guide to Summit - University

Lunch spots

You have a limited window for a midday meal and you need it to be worth the time.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Golden Thyme Restaurant & Bar image 1
Golden Thyme Restaurant & Bar image 2
Golden Thyme Restaurant & Bar image 3
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Cozy spot with historic Black culture photos sets a romantic mood. Enjoy live jazz music at a perfect volume while dining. Lunch shines with quick service and standout jambalaya. Outdoor patio with umbrellas adds a relaxed vibe.

Lunch offers really good food with no long waits. The jambalaya stands out as a favorite choice.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the jambalaya linguine, was phenomenal."

"I can't stop thinking about their creamy, flavorful Shrimp And Grits."

"This lunch spot has the tastiest food I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available on weekdays from 4-7pm with discounted drinks.

2

Live jazz performances occur every Sunday evening.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

02
Homi Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy spot offers authentic Mexican food with a calm vibe. Best known for birria tacos and enmolada, perfect for filling weekday lunches. Portions are generous, often leaving leftovers for next day.

Barria tacos and enmolada serve as filling lunch options. Portions often leave leftovers for next day. Frequent visits show it works well for weekday lunches.

People are saying

"These birria tacos are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

"The Sunday buffet is an amazing family-style brunch."

"The birria tacos at this lunch spot are tender, juicy, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The Sunday Brunch is available from 10 AM to 3 PM for $19.

2

On Sundays, the owners offer a Mexican Buffet from 10 AM to 3 PM.

3

Expect limited parking behind the building, which is very small.

03
Hamburguesas El Gordo #3 image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small space buzzes at noon with a busy lunch crowd. Warm, smoky air carries scents of fresh vegetables and spices. Old school Latino vibe shines through old pictures on walls, making it a favorite lunch spot.

Small and busy at noon, this spot draws a crowd quickly for lunch. Known for consistent quality, it earns repeat visits and stands out as a favorite lunch spot.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here to be very satisfying and flavorful."

"The Lunch Spot's food is unique, flavorful, and really delicious."

"The vegetarian options here are extremely good."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available, but limited; there's a small lot behind for three cars.

2

The restaurant is women-owned, which may appeal to some visitors.

3

Expect uncomfortable dining conditions during summer due to broken air conditioning.

04
Trieu Chau Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small, cozy Vietnamese diner offers standout pho and large portions at affordable prices. Lunch brings a lively, working-class Asian crowd and immaculate vibes. Arrive early or take out to beat the busy, charming space.

Pho serves as a go-to meal any time of day here. The spot draws a working-class Asian crowd during lunch, creating a lively vibe. Arriving early or choosing takeout helps avoid the lunch rush.

People are saying

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

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, has the best broth I've ever had."

"This Lunch Spot's broth is so flavorful, I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is small and can get busy during peak hours.

2

Arrive before the lunch rush or opt for takeout to avoid long waits.

3

Prices are affordable, making it a great option for pho lovers.

05
Tay Ho image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Cozy spot offers authentic Vietnamese dishes with affordable lunch specials around $8.50. Huge portions ensure a filling meal and leftovers. Warm, ethnic setting with traditional pho draws many Asian regulars.

Lunch specials cost about $8.50 and come with huge portions that provide a filling meal plus leftovers. Pho features as a delicious option among the great lunch choices available.

People are saying

"I tried the Bun Bo Hue; it's the best Vietnamese food I've had."

"The pho broth here is excellent and nicely balanced."

"The lunch specials here have huge portions and are a good deal."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are priced at $8.50, offering good value.

2

Parking is ample in the lot and on the streets.

3

A 15% service charge is automatically added to the bill.

06
Thai Boat 89 image 1
Asian restaurant

Small space with a cozy vibe offers authentic Thai noodle dishes like boat noodles and pho. Busy lunch hours create a lively atmosphere with quick seating and smooth service. Occasional cold drafts near the entrance add a rustic touch.

Busy lunch hours bring a lively atmosphere with quick seating and great service even when packed. Fridays tend to be especially busy but staff handle it smoothly.

People are saying

"The food, especially the crispy pork belly, has an amazing crunch."

"I thought the spring rolls were so fresh and good."

"I loved the spring rolls; they were nicely wrapped."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using street parking.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, suitable for small groups of 2-4.

3

Menu features authentic Thai dishes, including boat noodles and pork belly.

07
King Cajun image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood shines in a bright setting with friendly service. Perfect for family lunches and quick midday stops. Tables come with shell crackers and bibs for easy eating.

Seating is easy to find around midday with no need for reservations. The spot works well for family lunches and casual stops during work hours.

People are saying

"I experienced the best seafood boil in the Twin Cities."

"It's so kid friendly, my daughter loved the crab and sticky rice."

"This Lunch Spot's seafood boil is hot, fresh, and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

The meal costs around $30 on average.

2

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and well-kept environment.

3

The entrance is located off of University Avenue.

08
The Best Steak House image 1

Old-fashioned steakhouse offers tender steaks with traditional sides in a family-like atmosphere. Small, clean space with vintage photos adds charm. Great for solid lunch options, whether dining in or quick to go.

Steak stands out as a solid lunch choice here. Options include both laid back dine-in and quick to go meals.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, cooked just right."

"I found the T-Bone steak perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful."

"I believed this was the best steak for lunch."

Good to know

1

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

2

Portions are very generous, providing good value for the price.

3

Prices on the menu may differ from what you are charged.

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Summit - University, Saint Paul

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