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New Yorkers 1st Choice
South Austin's best

Lunch spots

A midday break is essential for resetting before the afternoon begins.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Salam's Grill image 1
Restaurant

Food truck setting creates a cozy outdoor vibe perfect for lunch. Enjoy top-tier beef and chicken shawarma with fresh falafel and hummus. Meals are filling and flavorful, offering great value in a lively, welcoming spot.

Lunch offers filling and flavorful dishes with great value. Meals come across as both delicious and satisfying.

People are saying

"I've never had shawarma this amazing; it's the best I've ever had."

"The hummus is so creamy and fresh."

"This Lunch Spot's chicken shawarma wrap is flavorful and fresh."

Good to know

1

Everything is made fresh daily at Salam's Grill.

2

The beef on the Fat Manโ€™s Plate was sold out by 5 PM, indicating its popularity.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere on Saturday nights.

02
Taco Brother image 1
Mexican restaurant

Classic taco truck offers authentic tacos with generous portions perfect for lunch. Covered picnic tables and a shaded seating area create a casual, inviting atmosphere. Soft music adds to the good energy while you enjoy your meal.

Food portions come in generous sizes, often leaving enough for dinner. The spot is conveniently close, just a short walk away, making it easy to grab lunch while waiting around.

People are saying

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

"The salsa verde here is amazingly delicious and spicy."

"The lunch portions here are huge, you'll have leftovers."

Good to know

1

Most breakfast tacos cost between $3 and $3.25.

2

There wasn't a long wait during my visit.

3

The parking lot is busy but has ample space available.

03
El Perrito ATX image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic El Paso style Mexican food with unique dishes like shredded beef flautas. Spacious seating and colorful murals create a casual vibe. Great for lunch with friendly service and lively weekend music.

Lunch offers unique and delicious options that stand out from usual spots. The team delivers great service making it a solid choice for a midday meal.

People are saying

"I thought the drowned tacos were among the best in Texas."

"I found authentic El Paso Mexican food here."

"The OG hotdog at this lunch spot is flavorful and filling."

Good to know

1

Parking is free and plentiful near the restaurant.

2

Taco Tuesday features live music and special menu items.

3

Menudo Sundays offer a unique dining experience with Oldies music.

04
Tropical Smoothie Cafe image 1

Bright space with natural light offers a quiet, pleasant atmosphere. Quick, healthy options like protein-rich smoothies and flatbread sandwiches make it ideal for lunch or post-workout meals. Casual vibe suits those seeking affordable, flavorful choices.

Offers quick and healthy options ideal for a fast lunch. Serves well for both lunch and post-workout meals with a casual, inviting vibe.

People are saying

"The staff here made my smoothie experience amazing and professional."

"The cafe staff here is genuinely friendly and welcoming."

"This is my go-to lunch spot."

Good to know

1

You can get a smoothie for $5 if you buy a sandwich or flatbread.

2

The bowl is priced at $10, offering good value.

3

The kids menu has limited options with only 4 items available.

05
Knuckle Sandwich image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop blends indoor and outdoor pickleball courts with arcade games for a lively vibe. Outdoor seating offers a great view of games. Food truck serves quick, high-quality sandwiches perfect for lunch.

A food truck next to a bar offers sandwiches that work well for a quick lunch. The spot is convenient for grabbing a bite on workdays.

People are saying

"This sandwich is the best I've ever had."

"The bread here is phenomenal, perfectly fresh with the right chew and crunch."

"I loved the turkey sandwich from this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $17 for a 9-inch sandwich.

2

The 12-inch cold cut sandwich costs $26 after tip and tax.

3

Free pickleball is available on Thursday evenings.

06
El Marisquero Seafood image 1
Seafood restaurant

Outdoor covered dining with shaded picnic tables offers a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Loud cumbia and reggae create a lively beach-like atmosphere. Perfect for a refreshing lunch after pool time, serving light, satisfying seafood.

Offers a refreshing lunch ideal after a pool day or on hot days. Serves seafood that feels light and satisfying in the heat.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican seafood here to be the best in Austin."

"I found the authentic Mexican seafood reminded me of home."

"The ceviche at this Lunch Spot is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

El Marisquero Seafood is a BYOB restaurant, allowing guests to bring their own drinks.

2

A hidden 5% fee applies for card payments, which may not be clearly posted.

3

Prices for seafood dishes are generally affordable, but some may find them high for the portion size.

07
Five Four Restaurant & Drafthouse- S Austin image 1

Upscale spot blends rock 'n' roll memorabilia with a lively vibe and spacious seating. Lunch shines with a $10 menu featuring a tasty rib eye sandwich and quick service. Outdoor patio boasts a fire pit and retractable ceiling for versatile dining.

Lunch offers a solid value with a $10 menu until 3 PM. Options include a rib eye sandwich with a delicious sauce, and the service is quick and friendly.

People are saying

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

"Their happy hour drinks were strong and not sweet at all."

"This lunch spot has delicious French dip and chicken fried steak."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 9 PM to close with $5 beers and $6 long islands.

2

Parking can be difficult; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, primarily high barstools.

08
Twin Peaks image 1
Sports bar

Open layout with many televisions shows football, soccer, and UFC. Lunch specials beat fast food prices and staff like Amy and Chloe L add charm. Heated patio offers great views while cold draft beers and rock music keep energy high.

Lunch specials cost less than fast food and come with a great atmosphere. Friendly staff like Amy and Chloe L make the experience enjoyable.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and visually and tastes great."

"The service for live sports here is outstanding and prompt."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is awesome and attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink deals.

2

Expect BOGO wings during happy hour, a popular choice.

3

Late night happy hour starts at 10 PM with special pricing.

09
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue serves authentic plate lunch with mac salad in a tiny dining area that buzzes with Hawaiian and hip-hop music. The space feels hot and humid but welcomes kids and offers some wheelchair access. Enjoy a lively Ohana vibe in a cozy setting.

Authentic L&L Hawaiian barbecue offers a classic plate lunch experience with mac salad on the side.

People are saying

"I found the Hawaiian food here to be the best I've had."

"This BBQ's mac salad is a new favorite, so delicious."

"This lunch spot's authentic Hawaiian food makes me feel closer to home."

Good to know

1

Online ordering is unreliable; expect cancellations and lost payments.

2

Prices are high compared to the quality of food served.

3

Dining in can be uncomfortable due to the environment and air conditioning issues.

10
First Wok image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese spot shines with hot and sour soup and huge portions. Lunch specials offer great value and filling meals. Casual vibe feels dark and sketchy due to no dine-in, but food quality stands out.

Huge portion sizes make lunch here feel like a meal for two. The lunch specials offer great value with plenty of food, especially the combo fried rice that clears every time.

People are saying

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

"The sweet and sour chicken takeout here is excellent."

"The lunch spot portions are huge, enough for two meals."

Good to know

1

First Wok offers carry out and delivery only.

2

They are closed on Tuesdays but open the rest of the week.

3

The prices and lunch specials at First Wok are great.

11
La Familia Mexican Restaurant image 1

Small Mexican spot shines with huge portions and affordable lunch specials around $8 to $10. Warm, remodeled interior creates a family gathering vibe. Quiet, friendly atmosphere draws regulars for Tex-Mex classics and all-day breakfast.

Lunch specials cost around $8 to $10 and include enchiladas or taco plates with iced tea. Portions come in huge sizes, and daily specials run at lunch and dinner.

People are saying

"You have to try the pozole; it's some of the best Mexican food I've had."

"I thought their breakfast tacos were amazing and filled to the brim."

"I enjoyed the great food and service at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Margarita Mondays offer good value with discounted drinks.

2

Breakfast is served all day, making it a flexible dining option.

3

Daily specials are available for both lunch and dinner.

12
Tacoly Moly By Ygor image 1

Enjoy best tacos and pastor tacos for lunch in a lively, casual spot with live music and plenty of shaded outdoor seating. Great for families and casual diners seeking tasty food and refreshing beer and cocktails.

A taco truck serves both breakfast and lunch with tamales and pastor tacos featured on the lunch menu. Bowls are also available for a late lunch option.

People are saying

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

"These nachos are the best I've ever had."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and fairly priced."

Good to know

1

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

2

Live music and entertainment create a unique atmosphere at the event.

3

The food truck offers generous serving sizes at affordable prices.

13
Jalisco's Restaurant & Bar at Austin, TX image 1

Vibrant cantina vibe shines with live Mariachi music and a strong tequila selection. Quick service and lunch specials like carne guisada make it perfect for a fast meal. Outdoor heaters and a photo spot add to the lively, casual atmosphere.

Lunch specials offer carne guisada and guisada con enchilada plates at decent prices. Service is quick, making it a solid choice for a fast lunch break.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and tastes like home."

"I really liked their salsas, especially the spicy green one."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was delicious and piping hot."

Good to know

1

Wednesday features all-day happy hour.

2

For birthday celebrations, they bring out a cake and play 'maรฑanitas'.

3

Reservations are needed for large parties, especially on weekends.

14
Casa Maria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with chicken fajitas for lunch and a full bar serving sweet margaritas. Cozy booths and traditional decor create a warm vibe. Real Mexican music adds lively, pleasant noise.

Chicken fajitas stand out on the lunch menu. Service stays friendly and fast even when it's not busy.

People are saying

"I loved the bakery items; they were amazing."

"I found the Mexican food here to be truly authentic."

"The food at this lunch spot is so flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is on weekdays from 3 to 6 pm with $4 house margaritas.

2

Live mariachis perform every Friday from 7-9 pm.

3

They charge $5 for a basket of chips with salsa.

15
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina (South Austin, TX) image 1

Sports bar buzzes with many TV screens showing games, creating an energetic vibe. Outdoor palapa dining offers a lively weekend spot for socializing. Lunch features street tacos with friendly service, though waits and billing errors can happen.

Lunch specials include street tacos that many find pretty good. Service varies with friendly waitstaff like Mia and Savannah, though busy times can cause long waits and occasional billing errors.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing."

"The beer here is always ice cold."

"My lunch spot waitress was so attentive and made my experience pleasant."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, but can fill up quickly on weekends.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for smaller vendors.

3

Food typically arrives quickly, usually within 15-20 minutes.

16
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Bar area has a laid-back atmosphere with great music and rickety booths for seating. Lunch suits group celebrations with a friendly vibe and tasty options. Place stays open late, perfect for casual meals with friends or family.

Lunch here offers a friendly atmosphere suitable for group celebrations like birthdays. The menu provides enjoyable options that make for a great midday meal with coworkers.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing, Austin anticipated our needs."

"The bar staff here are so loving and inviting."

"This Lunch Spot's food is great and always served hot."

Good to know

1

Chili's offers a '3 for me' deal that is affordable and easy on the wallet.

2

The bill pay machine is located at the table for quick payments.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak hours due to high customer volume.

17
Taquerias Arandinas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers sizzling fajitas perfect for lunch. Cozy, authentic decor creates a family-like atmosphere. Soft music and TVs showing games add a lively vibe that feels fun and relaxed.

Sizzling fajitas bring strong flavor to lunch here. Several dishes offer a quick, tasty bite for a midday break.

People are saying

"I thought the authentic Mexican food here was phenomenal."

"The salsa here is fresh, flavorful, and has a great kick."

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

Good to know

1

Prices are not displayed on the menu, leading to unexpected charges.

2

The restaurant does not sell alcohol, so bring your own if desired.

3

Refills on drinks are not available; consider ordering large beverages.

18
Asiana Indian Cuisine image 1
Indian restaurant

Spacious dining area with comfortable booths offers a tranquil vibe with soft Indian and world music. Lunch platters provide variety for groups, perfect for birthdays. Clean, elegant interiors make it easy to relax and enjoy a consistent meal.

Lunch features platters with a lot of variety. Options suit group occasions like birthdays. Frequent visits confirm consistent offerings.

People are saying

"The food here is rich, flavorful, and perfectly spiced."

"These date spots serve amazing, authentic Indian food with flavorful dishes."

"This Lunch Spot has the best naan I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

They have a Valentine's Day special with a special menu.

2

A weekend lunch buffet starts in February, offering a variety of dishes.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events like Valentine's Day.

19
Bill Miller BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Simple building with shabby chic dining offers a cozy spot for lunch. Quick online ordering and efficient service make meals fast and easy. Enjoy affordable barbecue in a relaxed, lively setting with a busy drive-thru.

Quick online ordering makes lunch convenient and ready on arrival. The menu offers great lunch options suitable for family and friends, making it a solid stop on the route.

People are saying

"I loved their sweet tea; it was just the right strength."

"The BBQ brisket here is so tender and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's food is consistently good."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20+ minute wait due to the batch cooking system.

2

Drive-thru service is generally efficient, even during busy hours.

3

Combo meals are priced around $10, offering good value.

20
Tejas Birria- Austin image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck near tennis courts offers best birria tacos with a lively, family-friendly vibe. Outdoor seating under umbrellas is basic but inviting. Lunch can be heavy with a four-taco minimum and drinks may be limited.

Lunch features Birria tacos with a minimum order of four, which can be too much food and expensive for a midday meal. Beverage availability may vary during lunch hours.

People are saying

"The birria tacos and flavorful consume are amazing."

"The Texas toast soaked in the consomรฉ was amazing."

"This lunch spot's birria is amazing, especially the quesabirrias."

Good to know

1

Tejas Birria is a food truck with outdoor seating available.

2

Expect large portions that are worth the price.

3

Street parking can be tricky around the food truck.

21
True Texas BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant inside a grocery store offers delicious BBQ and easy access to shopping. Enjoy a quiet, calm atmosphere with friendly service and free parking. Perfect for a work meal with indoor and outdoor seating.

Lunch here offers delicious BBQ with options suitable for work meals. Convenience stands out with easy access to grocery shopping upstairs.

People are saying

"The brisket here is so tender and delicious."

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

"This lunch spot's BBQ, especially the brisket and pulled pork, is fantastic."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, they offer $2 off on beers.

2

Thursdays are Trivia nights hosted by Mark, which are lots of fun.

3

The establishment is clean and very reasonably priced.

22
Beto's Restaurant and Bar image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican-themed decor and a small bar with TVs create a lively vibe. Lunch shines with the amazing chicken feed plate. Front porch offers a sunset view for a relaxed outdoor feel.

Lunch features a consistently amazing chicken feed plate. The spot suits both lunch and dinner occasions with familiar, reliable dishes.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here has really kind and attentive servers."

"This lunch spot has amazing food and great service."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Thursday until 7 PM with discounted drinks.

2

Live music occurs every Thursday night, enhancing the dining experience.

3

The menu prices for to-go orders differ from in-house dining prices.

23
Evangeline Cafe image 1
Cajun restaurant

Small space with bayou decor and eclectic memorabilia sets a strong Cajun vibe. Live music creates a funky atmosphere but can make talking hard. Lunch specials like crawfish po' boy offer casual, affordable meals in a lively spot with indoor and outdoor seating.

Lunch offers reasonable prices with specials like the crawfish po' boy and fries. The spot suits casual meals and dates with a friendly vibe.

People are saying

"I found the Cajun food here to be the most authentic outside Louisiana."

"The fried catfish Po Boy here is incredible and not greasy."

"You'll love this lunch spot for its tasty Cajun dishes."

Good to know

1

Evangeline Cafe offers live music from Monday to Thursday.

2

Live music happens on Monday nights from 7 to 9 pm.

3

The cafe has a small dog-friendly patio for outdoor dining.

24
El Secreto de Abuela #2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with a casual taqueria vibe and air spray paint decor feels homey and relaxed. Breakfast tacos and menudo stand out for flavor and price. Lunch features a cheap, filling special that satisfies hunger fast, making it a true hidden gem.

Lunch offers a cheap, fast, filling special that satisfies hunger well. The #1 lunch special delivers great value and taste consistently.

People are saying

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

"I thought the breakfast tacos were delicious and handmade."

"The lunch special is cheap, fast, filling, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Lunch costs $13.95, but the price isn't clearly posted.

2

Dine-in customers receive free chips and salsa.

3

Extra tortillas cost an additional 75 cents.

25
La Posada image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with warm, cozy atmosphere and family-run vibe. Lunch offers crispy beef tacos and hearty specials near $10. Great margaritas and reasonably priced food make it a solid spot for any meal.

Lunch specials include crispy beef tacos and other dishes priced around $9.99. Quality food and satisfying portions make lunch a solid choice here, though prices have risen from earlier rates.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and reasonably priced."

"I found the enchiladas here to be delicious and filling."

"The lunch specials here are great."

Good to know

1

You pay near the front door in a narrow hallway on your way out.

2

The restaurant fills up quickly after 6 PM, so expect a wait.

3

Parking is easy because there is a big shared lot.

26
Schlotzsky's image 1
Sandwich shop

Warm sourdough bread and fresh sandwiches shine here. Family-friendly vibe and clean space welcome all. Lunch rush is busy but staff stay fast and friendly, making it a reliable lunch spot with quick service and a welcoming atmosphere.

Lunch hours bring a busy rush that affects service speed. Staff handle orders quickly despite the crowd. The spot offers a reliable choice for a midday meal.

People are saying

"I loved my sandwich, it was loaded with meat and very tasty."

"The drive-thru confused my gift card balance."

"I found the food, service, and atmosphere at this lunch spot to be great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect a wait during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers a buy one, get one free deal for seniors.

3

Parking is available and the lot is kept clean.

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