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Chips and salsa lunch spots

You judge a lunch spot entirely by the quality of the chips and salsa they put on the table.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
La Colina Mexican Cantina image 1
La Colina Mexican Cantina image 2
La Colina Mexican Cantina image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with festive decor and unique bar creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere filled with great music. The space includes a cute outdoor area and uses iPads for menus, adding a modern touch. Service is friendly and attentive, welcoming even pets with water bowls.

Lunch offers a delicious and enjoyable experience with options that appeal to both adults and kids. The spot suits casual outings like weekends or catching up with friends.

Fresh chips arrive quickly with a bowl of salsa that has a noticeable kick. The salsa and chips come free and are served right after sitting down.

People are saying

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

"The chips and salsa arrived right away and had just enough heat."

"Carol made us feel like family at this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are recommended for weekend dining to avoid long wait times.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

02
Cinco De Mayo Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful and hand-carved wooden chairs create an authentic Mexican atmosphere that feels cozy and inviting. The space maintains a pleasantly calm vibe with festive decor and comfortable seating. It attracts those seeking a family-friendly setting with a genuine cultural touch.

Lunch offers special pricing that stands out for value. Many come here for casual gatherings or family meals during the day.

Tortilla chips and salsa stand out with their amazing flavor. Chips and salsa come with free refills without needing to ask.

People are saying

"I found the food to be fresh, authentic, and amazing."

"This lunch spot has fresh, delicious Mexican food."

"The chips and salsa here were amazing and made fresh."

Good to know

1

They are having a weekend Cinco de Mayo celebration with special events.

2

Taco Tuesday specials are available every week.

3

Parking is conveniently available behind the restaurant.

03
Don Jose Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Authentic Mexican decor fills the space with a south of the border feel and colorful seating. A live mariachi band moves through the restaurant, adding lively music to the casual, friendly atmosphere. The place is often loud and suits families, groups, and friends.

Lunch combos offer great value with quick service. Prices stay affordable for a casual midday meal.

Freshness stands out with fresh chips and salsa served. Timing varies, sometimes they arrive quickly with drink orders, other times only after the meal is nearly finished.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and packed with flavor."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and bursting with flavor."

"The chips and salsa here are always fresh."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-45 minute wait during peak hours without reservations.

2

Mariachi performances occur every Saturday night, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Reservations are recommended for busy weekend nights to avoid long waits.

04
Chapala Mexican Cuisine image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large space with a great bar and modern decor creates a comfortable setting. Atmosphere shifts from quiet to lively with a DJ and karaoke, especially during busy times. Known for excellent margaritas and festive energy.

Lunch offers a special deal with three empanadas for 12 bucks. The spot serves solid options for a midday meal.

Fresh chips arrive quickly with free salsa that tastes very good.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot's empanadas and margaritas are amazing."

"I loved the chips and salsa; they came out quickly and were delicious."

Good to know

1

Chapala Mexican Cuisine charges a credit card fee in addition to taxes and tips.

2

Bring cash to benefit from cashback rewards.

3

The restaurant is perfect for large groups or parties.

05
Al Chile Mexican Bar Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant with Day of the Dead-themed decor and vibrant traditional artwork creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Live music, karaoke, and a DJ keep energy lively and fun, especially during celebrations. Drinks like top-notch margaritas and incredible pina coladas complement the experience.

Lunch features carnitas nachos and excellent service that treats diners like VIPs. The experience stays consistent with outstanding service throughout the meal.

Chips and salsa come only when requested and cost an extra $2. They are not complimentary and not automatically served like at most Mexican restaurants.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so flavorful and amazing."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is always fresh and delicious."

"I snacked on their delicious chips and salsa while I waited."

Good to know

1

They have private parking, which is convenient for customers.

2

Happy hour offers $1 tacos on Taco Tuesday all day.

3

Karaoke night is popular and has great sound quality.

06
Taqueria Michoacรกn image 1

Small restaurant with colorful decor and a family-style atmosphere offers a cozy and comforting vibe. Mexican music plays alongside American sports on TV, creating a unique sound mix. Frequent comings and goings keep the energy casual and lively.

Ordering lunch here works well for a quick break, with to-go orders available by phone. The food comes out fresh and satisfies typical lunch cravings.

Complimentary chips come with a red salsa that stands out for its flavor. The chips and salsa are consistently well prepared and pair nicely with horchata.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really good and tasty."

"This lunch spot's chicken burrito was large, well-filled, and flavorful."

"The complimentary chips and salsa here are very well prepared."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers a vegan option on the menu.

3

Prices for tacos are $4 each, which is considered reasonable.

07
NORTE 175 image 1
Restaurant

Cool old mill building with industrial-style decor creates a cozy and fun atmosphere. Bar offers well-stocked drinks including standout margaritas and tequila flights. Space suits both casual dining and events, blending upscale and relaxed vibes.

Quick lunches and family dinners fit well here with a menu that suits various occasions. Adding this spot to your lunch rotation works for casual or more formal meals.

Fresh tortilla chips come with salsa served on the house. The chips and salsa stand out as top-tier and among the best available.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and nicely presented."

"The Lunch Spot's salmon and rice dish was amazing."

"I've never had chips and salsa this good."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Bingo events are hosted regularly, providing a fun group activity.

3

Happy hour runs on Sunday and Monday with discounted drinks.

08
El Asadero Mexican Grill Fort Lee image 1

Decor revives Mexican hacienda tradition with Talavera wall plates and wooden furniture creating a warm atmosphere. Live Mariachi band performances add vibrant energy, while outdoor seating offers a relaxed vibe. Family-friendly setting features unique touches like a life-size horse at the entrance.

Lunch offers a memorable meal that impressed even a 9-year-old. Meals often end with a flan sweet treat.

Complimentary tortilla chips and salsa come with orders. Chips have a great crunch that pairs well with dishes like octopus. The salsa is consistently excellent.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"I got complimentary chips and salsa with a great crunch."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was amazing and the portions were generous."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7 PM with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Taco entrees are half off on Tuesdays, making it a great deal.

3

Wednesdays feature a steak dinner special with mashed potatoes and a glass of wine.

09
El Asadero Mexican Grill Secaucus image 1

Vibrant interior with cowboy-style attire and authentic mariachi music creates an immersive Mexican atmosphere. Staff wear western gear including boots and sombreros, enhancing the lively vibe. Expertly crafted cocktails and flavorful dishes add to the engaging experience.

Lunch features skirt steak praised by a meat expert. Service includes helpful staff like Roberto. Prices lean toward the expensive side.

Complimentary chips and salsa come with drinks and meals, though portions vary depending on the order. Additional chips and salsa to take home cost extra, and staff clarify portion sizes when serving.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and exceeded my expectations."

"I enjoyed complimentary chips and salsa with my adult beverages."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was outstanding."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM with deals on beer, drinks, and food.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere with mariachi performances on Sundays.

3

Valet parking is available due to limited parking space.

10
Don Jose Mexican Restaurant East Hanover NJ image 1

Colorful, festive decor creates a vibrant Mexican theme throughout the space. Live music, including a strolling guitarist and mariachi band, adds an authentic atmosphere that feels lively and engaging. The setting suits family gatherings and relaxed dinners with a fun, cheerful vibe.

Lunch offers a good portion size with a lunch special available. The spot is usually not too crowded during lunch hours.

Warm, crisp chips arrive quickly with salsa that has a balanced spice and tang. The salsa adds just enough kick to awaken the appetite.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"The food here tasted great and the portions were decent."

"The chips and salsa here are amazing with a good balance of spice."

Good to know

1

The BYOB policy allows guests to bring their own drinks without a markup.

2

There is plenty of free parking available for customers.

3

Expect a wait of about 10 minutes for a table during peak hours.

11
Jose's Mexican Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with dark interior and festive atmosphere hosts mostly Spanish-speaking guests. Music and lively kitchen noises create an energetic vibe despite occasional loudness. BYOB policy and authentic Mexican dishes with unique flavors define the experience.

Simple dishes and lunch specials satisfy with straightforward flavors. The lunch offerings deliver a fabulous experience.

Free chips and salsa start the meal. The salsa stands out as a reason to try the place.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so authentic and fresh."

"These dinner spots offer authentic Mexican food and a great atmosphere."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite wine or beer.

2

Expect to pay extra for most menu items, even for multiple dinners.

3

The mini portion of chicken soup costs almost $4.

12
East LA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Historic former ice cream parlor with festive decor and warm lighting creates a chill vibe that feels like a living room. Outdoor seating draws a lively crowd, especially for frozen margaritas and socializing. Atmosphere can get loud and cramped during busy times but remains enjoyable.

Outdoor tables offer a nice spot to eat after a lunch break. The place suits team lunches and gets extremely busy during lunch, which can slow service.

Chips and salsa arrive fast and keep coming steadily. The salsa pairs well with fresh, crispy chips and complements the margaritas nicely.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is great, and the service is outstandingly friendly."

"I always looked forward to the chips and salsa."

"This Lunch Spot has amazing nachos and quesadillas."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 PM with half-off margaritas and appetizers.

2

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to all bills, so check your total.

3

The restaurant is not wheelchair accessible, which may be a concern for some visitors.

13
Los Cuernos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating offers a vibrant atmosphere featuring live music and a DJ. The space includes a bar with polished wood counter and a big screen showing sports. The vibe blends Mexican and Latin influences with festive decor and a lively party space.

Lunch offers a solid option with a great meal experience. The spot also serves during happy hour and dinner, showing flexible timing.

Free chips and salsa start the meal and are tasty enough to leave some leftovers. They serve as a satisfying appetizer that complements the meal well.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the tacos and margaritas."

"The complimentary chips and salsa were delicious."

"The lunch here is delicious, especially the fish tacos."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7 PM on weekdays and all day on Sunday.

2

Draft Modelo or Voodoo Head IPA is only $5 during happy hour.

3

Late happy hour is available every day from 10 PM till midnight.

14
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Spacious and dimly lit with a cozy, warm vibe, the restaurant feels airy and friendly despite occasional loudness. It welcomes families with kids' activity sheets and offers easy, free parking. The bar serves excellent margaritas and ice-cold beer, complementing a menu known for fajitas and burgers.

Lunch offers a very good experience with satisfying meals. Saturdays provide a nice setting for a relaxed midday break.

Chips and salsa come out quickly, often before dinner orders finish. They offer endless chips and salsa and sometimes include them free with rewards signup, though charges can still apply.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, and the staff is friendly."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is excellent and very helpful."

"I loved the endless chips and salsa with my frosty beer."

Good to know

1

Happy hour drinks cost $6 on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs all day Saturday and Sunday.

3

Parking is easy and free.

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