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New Yorkers 1st Choice
the Upper East Side's best

American lunch spots

American classics for lunch that are prepared with actual care instead of being mass-produced convenience food.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
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Updated June 2026
01
Water & Wheat Upper East image 1
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Italian restaurant

Cozy room with fresh pasta station offers a quiet, authentic vibe. Lunch specials shine with vodka sauce pasta and quick service. Rich grass-fed brisket bolognese and creamy truffle Mac and cheese highlight hearty American flavors.

Rich and hearty grass-fed brisket bolognese stands out with deep flavors. The truffle Mac and cheese offers a creamy, indulgent twist on a classic.

Offers a reasonable lunch special with quick service. Pasta dishes with vodka sauce and a chicken parm lunch sandwich stand out, along with perfectly cooked octopus.

People are saying

"The Italian food service here is fantastic, they really took care of us."

"This lunch spot has delicious pasta and sandwiches."

"The rigatoni and truffle mac and cheese here are to die for."

Good to know

1

Make a reservation before visiting to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant offers gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

3

The price for two people is about $100 without tip.

02
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Automat-style dumpling spot offers bacon cheeseburger dumplings and apple pie dumplings for a bold American twist. Lunch specials make it a reliable midday choice with consistent service. High-tech lockers and games create a fun, casual vibe for all ages.

Bacon cheeseburger and apple pie dumplings stand out with strong American flavors. Mac and cheese dumplings and waffle fries add classic comfort food vibes.

Lunch offers a great deal with specials that draw regular visits. Service stays consistently good, making it a reliable spot for a midday meal.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked."

"The American food, especially the dumplings, is creative and addictive."

"This is my favorite local spot for lunch."

Good to know

1

Customers must pay by credit card or on their phone; cash is not accepted.

2

Expect a long wait time, especially during peak hours.

3

The kitchen closes 20 minutes before the official closing time.

03
Mighty Quinn's Barbeque image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Spacious setting with modern decor and plenty of seating creates a casual, welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating adds to the relaxed atmosphere. The team brings fun energy and the place maintains cleanliness throughout.

Brisket stands out with its juicy, rich flavor that rivals Texas styles. Pulled pork, ribs, and mac and cheese also deliver solid, satisfying tastes.

Lunch bowls come with rice, two sides, and a meat. The pulled pork and Brussels sprouts stand out as highlights. Lunch specials offer a lot of food for around $13, making it a solid deal.

People are saying

"The brisket and pulled pork here are amazing American Food."

"The Mac and Cheese here is so creamy and delicious."

"The lunch special is a great deal for $13."

Good to know

1

The lunch special costs $13 and includes a pulled pork sandwich or brisket rice bowl.

2

Expect a $2 upcharge for the lunch rice bowl from the posted price.

3

Delivery is fast, but ensure to check for included napkins and utensils.

04
Home Kitchen image 1
American restaurant

Cozy spot offers crispy fried chicken and a flaky pot pie with classic flavors. Lunch brings high-quality sandwiches and Italian dishes in a laid-back, kid- and dog-friendly setting. Outdoor seating adds charm despite some street noise.

Fried chicken stands out with its moist, sweet inside and crispy, non-greasy outside. The chicken pot pie features a light, flaky crust and is highly praised. Meatloaf and white bean bruschetta also deliver strong, classic flavors.

Lunch features a mix of Italian dishes and simple, high-quality sandwiches. The Brunch Platter offers a blend of breakfast favorites for a relaxed meal.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and incredibly fresh."

"The chicken pot pie is the best American food I've ever had."

"This is a cozy lunch spot that's very family-friendly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are preferable for groups larger than three.

2

Happy hour oysters are $2 each from 12 to 5 pm, Monday to Thursday.

3

The restaurant serves brunch on Saturdays and has an all-day brunch menu on Sundays.

05
Emmy Squared Pizza: Upper East Side image 1

Urban chic space with an outdoor terrace offers a fresh vibe and artisanal pizza that stands out. Atmosphere tends to be loud, making conversation challenging during busy times. Group dinners fit well with long tables and reservation options.

Detroit style pizza stands out with its thick, square crust and rich toppings. The skillet Apple Pie a la mode offers a sweet finish that complements the savory dishes well.

Casual lunch features pepperoni and olive pizza with attentive outdoor service. It suits a relaxed meal after visiting nearby attractions.

People are saying

"Our server Cesar was so attentive and asked about allergies."

"The American Food burgers here are perfectly cooked and delicious."

"The Detroit style pizza at this Lunch Spot did not disappoint."

Good to know

1

The pizza place stops taking orders at 8:30 PM.

2

Make a reservation to avoid a wait, especially for parties of 4 or more.

3

You will experience a one-hour wait at this place during peak times.

06
Dave's Hot Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant offers stylish, clean design with a casual, welcoming vibe and friendly staff. The atmosphere features good music that enhances the experience. It serves highly spicy, flavorful chicken that stands out for quality and heat.

Spicy fried chicken stands out with a Cajun crisp flavor on the fries and fresh sides like coleslaw and pickles. The menu stays simple, focusing on hot chicken and a solid mac and cheese.

Long waits happen around lunch time, so ordering way in advance helps. Staff explain the menu clearly and assist with picking options.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and excellent."

"The American food here, especially the fried chicken, is delicious."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was so friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is halal.

2

Prices are a bit expensive, and combos must include fries.

3

You can choose your spice level, but going spicier may compromise taste.

07
Wonder Upper East Side image 1

Space offers plenty of seating with clean, eco-friendly design and real-time order displays. Atmosphere feels cozy and fresh with nice background music and a seamless ordering process. Crowd includes groups of teenagers who can be loud, but overall vibe remains positive.

Brisket stands out with options like sandwiches and Tejas style. Other highlights include the spicy fried chicken sandwich, mac and cheese, ribeye, and carrot soufflรฉ.

Offers both grab-and-go and sit-down options for lunch. Salad choices are available, and payment can include promos. Refunds may take an extra 5-7 minutes to process during busy times.

People are saying

"I was happily surprised by the quality of the food from delivery."

"The American food, especially the brisket and mac and cheese, is amazing."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is amazing and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

You can order from multiple restaurants at Wonder in one transaction.

2

The app is user-friendly for ordering from different places.

3

Delivery is consistently on time for all orders.

08
Pastrami Queen image 1
Kosher restaurant

Small deli with cramped seating and classic diner vibe featuring mirrored walls and stainless steel slabs. Atmosphere feels authentic and nostalgic with a calm, traditional energy. Space is limited, making seating sometimes hard to find.

Sandwiches feature juicy brisket, pastrami, and corned beef stacked in triple deckers. Coleslaw stands out as fresh and perfectly balanced, complementing the pickles and mustard well.

Lunch features a 1/2 pastrami sandwich paired with matzo ball soup as a special. Taking lunch to Central Park is common when weather allows.

People are saying

"I found the hot pastrami sandwich to be very tasty and flavorful."

"You have to try the pastrami sandwich; it's some of the best."

"This Lunch Spot's pastrami is tender, juicy, and spiced to perfection."

Good to know

1

Each pastrami sandwich costs around $26, which is considered high by many.

2

The restaurant is less than a 10-minute walk from Central Park.

3

Reservations are not accepted, and expect long wait times during peak hours.

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Upper East Side, New York

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