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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Richardson

Mac and cheese lunch spots

Comforting mac and cheese that feels like a real lunch, not just a side dish meant to keep the kids quiet.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
Piada Italian Street Food image 1
Piada Italian Street Food image 2
Piada Italian Street Food image 3
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Italian restaurant

Large indoor and outdoor dining areas feature modern decor and concrete floors that contribute to a lively, sometimes noisy atmosphere. Warm, welcoming staff create a friendly vibe despite the bustling environment. Outdoor seating offers a pleasant view and a quieter alternative.

Quick and efficient service handles large groups smoothly. Lunch feels like a homey break with careful attention to food and service, making it a solid choice for a fast, satisfying meal.

They serve loaded mac and cheese with options like hot fried chicken. The dish is well-liked but comes with high prices, around $36 for two bowls and drinks.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is amazing, thanks to Roberto and Sandra."

"This lunch spot's staff are so friendly and welcoming."

"I thought the mac and cheese was very good."

Good to know

1

On Wednesday nights, students receive an $8 wrap or bowl with their student ID.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on Wednesdays.

3

Parking can be difficult due to high customer volume.

02
Anaya's Seafood - Richardson image 1

Seafood restaurant offers a laid back atmosphere with live piano music and a huge outdoor patio decorated in a Mardi Gras theme. The space feels quaint and inviting, suitable for casual dining and celebrations. Guests enjoy fresh seafood and a variety of margaritas in a peaceful, clean setting.

Lunch offers large portions like the shrimp fettuccine with strong flavors. Drinks come tasty and inexpensive during lunch, making it a solid spot for work events or casual meals.

Fried mac and cheese topped with crab offers a unique twist, paired with a tomato Parmesan sauce. The classic mac and cheese comes creamy and pairs well with seasoned vegetables and fried catfish.

People are saying

"I found the seafood here to be so delicious and fresh."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is top-notch and the food is excellent."

"The fried Mac and Cheese with crab was incredible and unique."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available all weekend with $7.95 for any selection.

2

Happy hour lasts until 7 pm and offers excellent prices.

3

Before 7pm, the standard cocktails cost only $8.

03
AJ's Hot Chicken image 1

Small space with rustic decor and Nashville-themed wall art creates a clean, inviting atmosphere. Free soft serve ice cream accompanies every order, adding a unique touch. Energy stays laid-back and welcoming throughout visits.

Quick lunch orders arrive well-made and on time, even during busy hours. The menu features chicken with coleslaw and offers a solid option for dine-in or meetings.

Fried mac and cheese comes out creamy and rich with a spicy kick in the bites. Sides include perfectly seasoned fries and standout pickles.

People are saying

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

"The chicken tenders at this Lunch Spot are exceptionally flavorful and satisfying."

"The mac and cheese bites were spicy and amazing."

Good to know

1

AJ's Hot Chicken closes at 2 am.

2

AJ's Hot Chicken offers free ice cream with every order.

3

AJ's Hot Chicken is Halal, catering to dietary needs.

04
Tricky Fish image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers spacious interior with cozy bar and outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels casual and lively, suited for date nights or evenings with friends. Music and sports on TV add to the energetic vibe.

Lunch specials offer a variety of tasty options like shrimp linguine. Staff provide a friendly welcome and create a quiet atmosphere for lunch.

Creamy texture and perfect seasoning define the mac and cheese here. It stands out as a phenomenal side alongside fries and gets special attention from staff when needed.

People are saying

"The blackened fish and shrimp combo was flavorful and a great value."

"This lunch spot has excellent shrimp and crab cream soup."

"The Mac and Cheese here is seasoned to perfection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-6pm on weekdays with $2 off starters.

2

Parking is available right in front of the restaurant.

3

Daily specials feature fresh fish and unique dishes.

05
JS International Grill image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Caribbean restaurant with cozy, intimate ambience and beautiful artistic decor creates a welcoming, nostalgic vibe. Music blends R&B and Afrobeats, often featuring live performances or a DJ setting the tone. The atmosphere feels like home, combining cleanliness with a lively yet relaxed energy.

Staff handle to-go lunch orders with care and attention. Vegan options stand out as a key choice on the menu.

Creamy and out of this world, the mac and cheese stands out with its rich texture. The Lobster Mac and cheese stuffed turkey leg adds a unique twist to the classic dish.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and well-seasoned."

"The Mac and Cheese was creamy, gooey, and amazing."

"This Lunch Spot is packed with flavor and delicious."

Good to know

1

Be prepared to wait almost one hour or more for your food.

2

The restaurant was out of many menu items due to high demand.

3

Karaoke happens on Thursdays; no cover charge.

06
Fusion Vibes Kitchen + Lounge image 1

Modern lounge space blends Afrocentric flair with live band and DJ music, creating an energetic and vibing atmosphere. Food features standout dishes like Jerk Lamb Chops and oxtails, cooked in an outdoor trailer. The environment balances elegant decor with a lively, dance-friendly vibe.

Lunch offers Caribbean Oxtail, Jollof Rice, plantains, and meat pie. Quick, light meals suit lunch dates well. Complimentary birthday drinks and dessert sometimes appear.

Creamy texture defines the mac & cheese here, pairing well with dishes like jerk lamb chops and oxtails. It holds up well for takeout and gets positive reactions from groups.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, full of flavor and perfectly seasoned."

"This Lunch Spot's oxtails and jollof rice were delicious."

"The mac and cheese tasted like a Kraft-style base with cheese baked on top."

Good to know

1

Karaoke nights happen every Wednesday, starting at 8pm.

2

RnB and Bingo events take place every Thursday night.

3

Reservations are recommended for private events to ensure availability.

07
Dave's Hot Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Bright space with retro graffiti art and diamond plate trim creates a unique vibe. Atmosphere ranges from friendly and cool to occasionally unwelcoming depending on location. Drive-thru service adds convenience.

Lunch features double slider combos and macaroni and cheese as common orders. The spot serves straightforward food suitable for casual midday meals.

Sides include creamy mac and cheese and kale slaw that complement meals well. Fries and mac and cheese stand out as top-notch options.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really delicious."

"The Mac and Cheese here is amazing, thanks to the friendly staff."

"The chicken at this Lunch Spot is so juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Dave's Hot Chicken is halal.

2

You need to sign a waiver before trying the hottest chicken.

3

One chicken tender costs almost $5, with small portion sizes.

08
Ricky's Hot Chicken image 1

Small, tight space designed mainly for takeout with limited seating creates an intimate but sometimes crowded atmosphere. Mouthwatering smell of fried chicken fills the air, drawing a steady crowd and lineup at opening times. Known for best Nashville hot chicken, varied spice levels, and large portions at reasonable prices.

Limited seating means lunch crowds often leave only standing room available. Planning group lunches can be tricky due to the small space.

Sides include super solid mac and cheese that stands out alongside fries and chicken. The mac and cheese is consistently excellent and well-prepared.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the fried chicken, is amazing and perfectly crispy."

"This lunch spot has great, fresh chicken with just the right heat."

"The mac and cheese here is super solid."

Good to know

1

Ricky's Hot Chicken closes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

2

Current hours are 11 AM to 2 PM and 4 PM to 7 PM.

3

Expect long lines during lunch; arrive early to avoid waiting.

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