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Guide to Downtown

Lunch spots

You need a lunch spot that is as focused on the quality of the food as it is on the midday pace.

Based on 481 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Gyro Express image 1
Gyro Express image 2
Gyro Express image 3
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Restaurant

Restaurant offers fast, tasty Middle Eastern food with fresh, generous portions and vegan and vegetarian options. Atmosphere feels bustling and family-friendly with clean indoor and pleasant outdoor seating. Popular spot for a quick, reasonably priced lunch during weekdays.

Food features fresh preparation right in front of you, ensuring quality and transparency. The menu offers Halal Greek dishes that are reasonably priced and taste homemade, served by friendly staff.

Gyros stand out as a quick and affordable lunch option with authentic Middle Eastern flavors. The spot suits a fast take-out lunch and offers a friendly, familiar vibe.

People are saying

"I thought the gyros here were the best I've ever had."

"I thought the Greek food here was the best I've had locally."

"I found the food here to be great and freshly made."

Good to know

1

Expect a long line during events at the convention center, but it moves quickly.

2

Gyro Express is only open on weekdays.

3

The prices at Gyro Express are reasonable for a quick lunch.

02
The Cobblestone STL image 1
Grocery store

Exposed brick walls and rustic wooden accents create a cozy yet modern vibe in an open, airy space. A coffee shop upstairs and a cafรฉ, convenience store, and bar downstairs offer a welcoming atmosphere where locals gather. Dog-friendly policies and a market with everyday essentials add to the comfortable, easy-to-navigate setup.

Food features fresh ingredients and a great selection with consistently delicious flavors.

Beating the lunch rush is possible here. It works well for picking up picnic meals near the arch.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches here to be scrumptious and yummy."

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

"The people here make this Lunch Spot feel so welcoming."

Good to know

1

The market offers a daily happy hour at the cocktail bar.

2

Parking is available right across the street from the restaurant.

3

The Cobblestone STL supports local farmers and gardeners.

03
Five Ace's Smokestaq Lightning image 1

Old late 1800s building with wooden beams and hardwood floors creates a blues stage vibe. Smoker on the sidewalk fills the air with rich barbecue aroma. Covered patio offers riverfront views and a family-friendly atmosphere with tasteful music.

Smokestaq Lightning serves phenomenal BBQ with food cooked to perfection. Friendly staff ensure every dish is delicious and made just for you.

People are saying

"I had the best BBQ I've ever experienced here."

"This lunch spot's smoked meats, like the ribs and brisket, are tender and flavorful."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family-run and veteran-owned, providing a personal touch.

2

The menu is small but offers a variety of BBQ options.

3

The location is easily accessible from the metro station.

04
Asian Arch image 1
Asian restaurant

Spacious dining area with lots of natural light creates a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. Clean, well-decorated interior adds to the pleasant experience. Regulars enjoy large portions, delicious sushi, and great lunch specials in a top-notch setting.

Food arrives quickly and maintains perfect temperature. Consistently excellent quality and delicious taste make meals stand out.

Lunch specials include General Tso's chicken with a generous portion and balanced sauce, alongside sushi and appetizers. Prices stay under $30, making it a solid choice for a downtown lunch with a good atmosphere.

People are saying

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

"I loved the Thai iced tea; it was made with legit quality ingredients."

"This lunch spot has delicious, fresh, and vividly flavorful food."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging due to the restaurant's location on Tucker.

2

The restaurant offers a buy one get one free sushi roll promotion on Labor Day.

3

Expect large portion sizes, making it a good value for the price.

05
Chili Mac's Diner image 1

Small diner with boomerang countertops and a retro vibe that feels like stepping into a time warp. Atmosphere is cozy and nostalgic, filled with 70's music and a friendly, lively energy. Space is limited, creating a close, unpretentious setting popular during breakfast hours.

Food comes out fresh to order and is prepared right in front of you in about six minutes. Expect good diner classics with excellent service and reasonable pricing.

Lunch runs smoothly with quick service and inexpensive prices. The menu offers solid breakfast and lunch items that keep things simple and satisfying.

People are saying

"It's a cool old-school diner with a great vibe."

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

"I planned on returning to this great little lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Chili Macโ€™s Diner is the original home of the Slinger, a locally famous food legend.

2

The restaurant only stays open until 1:30 pm.

3

Expect quick service and affordable meals.

06
Kimchi Guys - Laclede's Landing image 1

Small dining space uses self-ordering kiosks and QR codes for ordering. Atmosphere stays chill despite sticky floors and warm temperature inside. Korean dishes offer distinctive flavors with some standout items like fried chicken tacos and bulgogi bibimbap.

Food here is fresh and flavorful with a focus on spicy Korean dishes. Preparation is quick, with takeout ready in about 7 minutes, and the cooking shows fine craftsmanship.

Great for grabbing lunch near Gateway Arch National Park and downtown. Food is suitable for a quick meal and fits well for a casual lunch spot.

People are saying

"The American Food, especially the wings and fries, is amazing."

"You have to try the kimchi nachos; they're out of this world."

"The Bibimbap Bowl with spicy chicken is a great lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Parking is standard on the Landing and may be difficult to find.

2

The restaurant does not accept cash; only card payments are allowed.

3

Restrooms are available and kept clean for customers.

07
Tin Roof image 1
Live music bar

Live music fills a spacious venue with an outdoor patio that draws crowds after games and concerts. The atmosphere shifts from lively bands to a darker, less inviting dance floor when the DJ takes over. Plenty of seating and a well-equipped stage support a vibrant music scene.

Food arrives quickly, about 15 minutes even when busy, and stays consistently good. Expect simple bar food that tastes amazing and comes at a great price.

Lunch hours feature a fantastic bartender named Ms. Jamaica who stands out during the rush. The food suits a quick lunch, and a happy hour menu offers additional options for late lunch.

People are saying

"The food here was really good and served hot."

"The bar staff here is super friendly and attentive."

"Jamaica at the Lunch Spot took great care of me."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially during events like baseball games.

2

The kitchen closes earlier than many other places in the city.

3

A service charge is added after a certain time.

08
The Over/Under Bar & Grill image 1

Bar and grill combines live music with an adult arcade and multiple TVs for sports viewing. Atmosphere is loud and chilly, with patrons often bundled up indoors. Seating includes a patio and private lounge areas, though some spots have obstructed views due to pillars.

Food comes out hot and fresh with huge sides. Fried ravioli stands out as a delicious choice.

Lunch options include dine-in, outdoor seating, and catering services. Staff provide attentive service and the spot suits both casual and business lunches.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great."

"The patio seating is really nice, especially when the weather is gorgeous."

"The servers at this Lunch Spot are super friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

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

2

Brunch on weekends features buy one get one free mimosas.

3

The kitchen stays open until 1am on Friday nights.

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