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Best of South Belt

American lunch spots

A reliable American food lunch spot is the anchor of a productive workday.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Dixie Deli image 1
Dixie Deli image 2
Dixie Deli image 3

Cozy deli with simple, comfortable ambiance and a welcoming scent. Lunch spot offers excellent sandwich bread and well-made gumbo with a variety of sandwiches including standout pastrami and po'boys. Open weekdays only, it draws a steady crowd seeking quick, affordable meals.

Gumbo stands out with its perfect spice balance and authentic Creole flavors, made by someone from Louisiana. The Reuben and Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches also get strong mentions for quality and taste.

Multiple sandwich options and a lunch special around $8 make it a solid choice. Open only Monday through Friday for lunch, it serves quick, fast lunches during the week.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the gumbo, is rich and bursting with Creole flavors."

"The muffuletta sandwich had a perfectly balanced ratio of meat, cheese, and olive spread."

"This muffuletta is the best lunch spot, perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Dixie Deli is only open for lunch Monday through Friday.

2

The pricing is very affordable, with lunch specials around $8.

3

Expect a casual atmosphere; no dress code is enforced.

02
Sam's Burgers & Gyros image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Mall food court spot offers halal meat and a varied menu with affordable prices. Atmosphere stays quiet with few people, making it a hidden gem for casual lunch. Known for chili cheese fries and well-seasoned sandwiches, it blends familiar fast food with unique touches.

Chili cheese fries come in huge portions and stay super hot. The menu features grilled chicken sandwiches, mushroom Swiss burgers, and chili cheese hot dogs, all served with solid American flavors.

Lunch here offers great prices and good burgers. The staff is amazing and friendly during lunch hours.

People are saying

"I found the gyros here to be delicious and affordable."

"The American food, especially the chili cheese fries, is huge and super hot."

"This Lunch Spot's Philly was perfectly cooked and seasoned."

Good to know

1

They serve halal meat, which is rare in the area.

2

Two full meals with drinks cost just over $20 after tax.

3

The price of the chicken quesadilla combo was reasonably fair.

03
Texas Grill 49 image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a relaxing atmosphere with live music and a beautiful, well-decorated space. Drinks come in unique clay pots, adding a distinctive touch to the experience. The vibe suits both quiet group gatherings and intimate date nights.

Brisket stands out with its melt-in-the-mouth texture and appears in dishes like the brisket baked potato. Chicken fried chicken comes with mashed potatoes and salad for a classic American meal.

Lunch features amazing specials with good food and service. Staff delivers above and beyond customer care even during slow hours.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and savory."

"The service at this lunch spot is really great and welcoming."

"The American Food brisket is melt-in-your-mouth delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour offers 2-for-1 margaritas on Saturdays.

2

Complimentary gifts for mothers on Mother's Day.

3

Parking is ample and convenient for guests.

04
House of Pies image 1
American restaurant

Classic all-American diner with clean, modern interior and roomy tables hosts a diverse late-night crowd including locals and police officers. Atmosphere feels welcoming and calm, though some find it cold due to open doors. Music plays a great role in setting a lively yet relaxed mood.

Hamburgers come out delicious every time, paired well with crispy hash browns cooked just right. Classic dishes like Dutch apple pie and chicken pot pie offer solid American comfort food flavors.

Generous portions and healthy options make lunch here solid. Service is prompt and professional, helping keep lunch breaks quick and easy.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always served hot."

"The American Food here, especially the pies, is stupidly delicious."

"The service at this lunch spot is excellent and attentive."

Good to know

1

House of Pies is open 24 hours for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

2

Expect a service fee added to your bill, along with charges for extras.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment throughout.

05
9er's Grill image 1
American restaurant

Small town vintage style decor creates a homestyle neighborhood vibe with a friendly, casual atmosphere. TVs show multiple sports games, adding to the sports bar feel without overwhelming noise. Regulars gather here, enjoying big, tasty burgers and a quiet, comfortable setting.

Homemade style hamburgers stand out here, including a bacon cheeseburger and a classic cheeseburger served with curly fries. The Philly cheesesteak also offers a tasty alternative to the usual American fare.

Fast service delivers food quickly even during busy lunch hours. The spot offers a laid back atmosphere and serves as a less processed fast food option for a quick lunch.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here had a great, delicious taste."

"The American food here is always amazing and fresh."

"You should try their burgers; they're a great lunch spot."

Good to know

1

9er's Grill is BYOB for those who didn't know.

2

Be prepared to wait at lunchtime.

3

The combo cost $9.68, which I found to be very affordable.

06
Ojos Locos image 1
Sports bar

Old building with giant TV screens shows live sports clearly from anywhere. Loud atmosphere with blasting Tejano music makes conversation difficult. Offers great ocean views and allows dancing throughout the space.

Nachos stand out here, especially on Thursdays and the al pastor version with pineapple. The menu also features chicken wings, a smash burger, and loaded fries, all at reasonable prices.

Tacos feature in the lunch special and pair well with a cold beer or an ICE T. Seating at the bar offers a casual spot to enjoy a late lunch.

People are saying

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

"I loved my lunch spot because Yocelin was so friendly and professional."

"I thought the nachos were especially good."

Good to know

1

Expect a $20 cover charge for entry, even for short visits.

2

Drink specials are available every day of the week.

3

The venue is not family-friendly; children are not restricted.

07
Golden Corral image 1
Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant offers a spacious dining room with packed tables and booths creating a busy, sometimes chaotic atmosphere. Kids run freely around the area, contributing to a lively, family-friendly vibe. Salad and soup bars provide self-service options with gloves for hygiene.

Fried chicken stands out with good seasoning and beats many well-known chains. Classic sides like mashed potatoes with gravy, cornbread, and pecan pie complement the hearty American menu.

Buffet offers fresh food with a variety of options for lunch. Early lunch hours around 11:30 to 12pm provide a good time to visit for a great meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and flavorful."

"The American food here has an incredible variety, from turkey to pecan pie."

"This lunch spot has an incredible variety of food."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is only served on weekends.

2

Steaks and ribs are available starting at 4 pm.

3

Dinner costs about $20 per adult, including a drink.

08
Luby's image 1
American restaurant

Old building hosts a cafeteria atmosphere with a quiet, cozy vibe. The space feels clean and family-friendly, often attracting groups with kids. Food options are budget-friendly with a variety of choices.

Chicken fried steak stands out as a main dish, served in a half-size portion rather than cut from a full one. Other dishes include cornbread dressing, cheesesteak, chicken fries steak, fried fish, blackened chicken with roasted potatoes, jambalaya, and carrot cake.

Lunch offers great home cooking with familiar flavors. The team handles last-minute order changes smoothly, and combo meals with iced tea run around $17.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and tasty."

"The chicken fried steak here is always delicious American food."

"The lunch here is great, just like home cooking."

Good to know

1

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, kids eat free at Luby's.

2

Luby's closes at 8:00 p.m. but maintains the buffet until closing time.

3

The place opens at 11am, but it can be fully packed by 10:30.

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South Belt / Ellington, Houston

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