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Jambalaya lunch spots

A quick bowl of jambalaya is the ideal way to spend a lunch spot break.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Voodoo Crab North Babylon image 1
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Seafood boil restaurant with spacious booths and modern cozy vibe offers a welcoming atmosphere and great music. Guests enjoy roomy tables designed for messy meals and a lively, pleasant energy throughout. The setting supports casual celebrations with flexible policies like allowing outside cake.

The Jambalaya features insane flavor and a rich sauce that pairs well with bread. The pasta jambalaya stands out as particularly delicious and appeals to all ages.

Lunch offers affordable options with a lunch special that combines good food and great price.

People are saying

"You have to try the seafood boil; it's among the best."

"Our server Samantha was so nice and attentive."

"The pasta jambalaya here is insane and incredibly flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are easy to make and confirmed via text.

2

Happy hour runs from 4:30 to 7:30 PM with great deals.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere on weekends, especially around dinner time.

02
Carla image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with pink jungle-themed decor and abundant plants creates a warm, intimate atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly patio with live or background music enhancing the vibe. Drinks feature creative cocktails like guava margaritas and spicy palomas, complementing flavorful dishes such as jambalaya and wings.

Shrimp jambalaya stands out with its rich flavor and comes topped with an egg, needing no extra hot sauce. Both shrimp jambalaya and chicken fajitas pair well with refreshing beverages.

Quick service and reliable quality make it a solid choice for a lunch stop during busy days. It works well for grabbing a bite when out-of-town guests need a casual meal.

People are saying

"I dream about this Mexican food salad with its amazing dressing."

"The Lunch Spot's fish tacos with chipotle mayo were excellent."

"The Jambalaya here is delicious and prepared with special skill."

Good to know

1

Tacos are $6 each, which is considered overpriced given the quality.

2

The kitchen closes at 9:30 PM.

3

The outdoor seating is pet-friendly, with water provided for dogs.

03
The Original Soup Kitchen image 1

Simple walk-up counter offers a quick, satisfying lunch with spicy chicken jambalaya. Meals come packed with bread, fruit, and chocolate for a complete takeout experience. Nostalgic vibe adds charm to this no-nonsense hole in the wall spot.

Jambalaya comes as a spicy, flavorful soup that fills you up. The chicken jambalaya stands out with a nice kick, fitting well with the lobster bisque and rolls served alongside.

Lunch comes with a full bag packed with tasty soup, bread, fruit, and chocolate. This spot offers a quick, easy, and yummy meal option.

People are saying

"The soup here is always hot and flavorful."

"I thought the lobster roll was pretty good."

"This lunch spot's soups are hot and flavorful."

Good to know

1

This place is takeout only with no seating available.

2

The price of the lobster soup is $12 for a small cup.

3

The price of the lobster roll is $18.

04
KJUN image 1
Korean restaurant

Small space with fewer than 25 seats offers an intimate vibe with chef's passion visible. Jambalaya shines with a kimchi fusion twist blending Cajun flavors. Lunch serves a hearty fried chicken special with sides like gumbo or kimchi soup, all amid lively jazz and a cozy, communal energy.

Jambalaya here blends Cajun flavors with a fusion twist, especially with kimchi infusions. It stands out alongside dishes like ribs and fried chicken, offering a unique take on a classic.

Lunch features a chicken sandwich and a filling lunch special with large fried chicken, bread, and a choice of gumbo, honey butter chips, or kimchi soup. Tables stay ready even during a busy lunch rush.

People are saying

"The food here is a delicious Korean and Cajun fusion."

"The kimchi jambalaya was a creative and delicious combination."

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

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended because the restaurant is often fully booked.

2

The lunch special is time-sensitive and can be missed if not planned properly.

3

KJUN is BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle), so bring your favorite drink.

05
Yard House image 1
New American restaurant

Spicy jambalaya with flavorful sauce and shrimp stands out here. Large lunch platters like wings and stir fry edamame offer generous servings in a chill, uncrowded space. Big screens and a lively pub vibe keep energy high while dining.

Spicy jambalaya features a flavorful sauce and shrimp. It ranks among the best meals tasted here.

Lunch here offers large servings including platters like wings and stir fry edamame. The atmosphere stays chill and not crowded, making it easy to grab a meal with coworkers or clients.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious and thoughtfully prepared food."

"This lunch spot's food is always delicious and beautifully presented."

"I had the best jambalaya I have ever tasted."

Good to know

1

The open bar is available until 1 o'clock on New Year's evening.

2

Guests are asked to leave the building after the party ends at 12:30 AM.

3

Expect a crowded venue during happy hour and game nights.

06
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant immerses diners in a Forrest Gump theme with playful decor and interactive dining elements like trivia and signal signs to call servers. The atmosphere combines lively energy with views of Times Square, creating a unique and engaging experience.

Jambalaya here has lots of shrimp and a good heat level. It tastes really delicious and stands out as a dish worth returning for.

Lunch here offers efficient and quick service ideal for a fast meal. The spot near Times Square serves a wonderful lunch with a focus on seafood.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fun, with decor inspired by the Forrest Gump movie."

"Our server Serge made our lunch super pleasant and fun."

"The jambalaya here is packed with flavor and cooked just right."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for New Year's Eve to secure a spot.

2

Expect long wait times even with a reservation on New Year's Eve.

3

The restaurant offers a great view of the ball drop in Times Square.

07
Rye Roadhouse image 1
Cajun restaurant

Cozy neighborhood bar with authentic pub atmosphere and intimate, homey vibe. Interior feels dark and well-decorated, divided between table service and bar areas. Loud environment with classic rewind music and a mix of families and locals.

Rich and flavorful, the Jambalaya stands out with its bold spices and hearty mix. It pairs well with gator bites for a satisfying meal.

Lunch hours run Monday to Friday with a friendly bartender named Mike. The spot serves late lunch options and offers a pleasant atmosphere for midday meals.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, with a real Cajun flair."

"I thought the Jambalaya was awesome."

"I had an amazing burger and fries for lunch."

Good to know

1

Dogs are allowed on the back patio.

2

There is ample parking available in the back.

3

Rye Roadhouse gets very busy later in the evening.

08
1803 NYC image 1
Cajun restaurant

Live jazz bands play daily, creating a mellow, soothing atmosphere that fits a modern southern aesthetic with rustic decor. The space includes a second floor and secret basement, adding layers to the experience. The vibe is relaxed and eclectic, with music and design evoking New Orleans.

Jambalaya here has great flavor and impresses with its taste. The vegan version highlights tofu as the star, making it stand out.

Late afternoon visits avoid waiting and meals come out fresh. Lunch options consistently deliver amazing flavors and satisfy during work breaks.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and expertly balanced."

"I found the jambalaya to be smoky and hearty."

"The food here is delicious; everyone enjoyed what they ate."

Good to know

1

Live music is available on weekends from noon to 3 PM.

2

Happy hour specials include $2 off drinks; arrive early for the best selection.

3

Reservations are required for dinner on Saturday evenings.

09
Filรฉ Gumbo Bar image 1
Creole restaurant

Open concept bar and live jazz trio create a lively, somewhat loud atmosphere with a trendy, upscale decor featuring mustard yellow accents. The space draws a crowd seeking authentic Creole cuisine and vibrant flavors, with music often parading through the dining area. Seating is assigned and intimate, enhancing the energetic yet cozy vibe.

Jambalaya comes fresh and hot, made on the spot with a rich, hearty flavor. It pairs well with crawfish bread and gumbo, creating a satisfying, classic combo.

Lunch offers a $30 special that feels like a solid deal. The gumbo stands out as a lunch choice, and the staff often remembers guests and seating preferences.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the oysters and shrimp, is the best I've ever tasted."

"Sophie really made our Lunch Spot experience lovely."

"The jambalaya here is fantastic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

The restaurant will have a jazz trio and parade every weekend.

3

Their happy hour is from 3-6pm with specialty cocktails for $12.

10
Aqua Boil image 1
Seafood restaurant

Nautical boathouse vibe sets a cozy, lively scene with dimmed lighting and upbeat music. Lunch specials offer great value with tasty seafood boils and jambalaya mac n cheese. Dining is informal and fun with disposable cutlery and gloves for a hands-on experience.

Jambalaya Mac n cheese stands out with its rich, creamy texture and bold flavors. The classic jambalaya also delivers a satisfying mix of spices and ingredients that hit the mark.

Lunch specials offer great value with reasonable prices and include options like a mix of the lunch special and seafood boil. The spot features yummy seafood and a vibe suited for casual outings.

People are saying

"I experienced the best seafood boil in the city."

"This Lunch Spot has incredibly fresh and flavorful seafood."

"The jambalaya was exactly what I wanted."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially between 6-8 PM.

2

Happy hour drinks are $6 all day from Monday to Thursday.

3

From Friday to Sunday, happy hour drinks are $6 before 7 PM.

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