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Lunch spots in East Side

You need a lunch spot that respects your schedule while providing a meal that is actually worth the break.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Hamburger restaurant

Hamburger joint shines with fantastic burgers and a family friendly vibe. Enjoy live oldies bands and multiple big screens showing sports. Perfect for a chill lunch spot with cold beer on tap and a quieter back area.

Lunch offers delicious food with several big screen TVs showing various sports on Fridays. This spot serves reliably good meals any time of day.

People are saying

"I loved the huge, down-home tasting burgers here."

"These burgers are so good, you'll want to share them on a date."

"This lunch spot's old-fashioned burgers are mouthwatering and delicious."

Good to know

1

Dollar wings are available on Wednesdays.

2

Car shows happen every Friday night, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

Live music is featured on Friday nights.

02
El Sabrosito de Jalisco Mexican Restaurant image 1

Authentic Mexican decor creates a cozy, family-friendly vibe with beautiful artwork. Lunch offers delicious mini tacos and hearty dishes like Fideo loco. Prices stay unbelievably reasonable while quality and cleanliness remain top-notch.

Lunch features Fideo loco, tripas, and mini tacos that satisfy cravings. Food tastes very delicious during midday meals.

People are saying

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

"The menudo here is really good, with a clean, perfect broth."

"I found the food here really delicious."

Good to know

1

The Friday special offers a parrillada for 1 with tea for $10.99.

2

Expect no wait for tables during late morning hours.

3

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

03
SNOW ISLAND & What You Want Southern Foods image 1

Tiny space with dim lighting and beautiful artwork creates a cozy vibe. Large portions offer Southern flavors that satisfy hunger. Soft music and limited seating make it perfect for quiet conversations in a lively setting.

Large portions turn lunch into dinner, making it a solid choice for a filling midday meal. The food offers Southern flavors that draw people from nearby cities for delicious, hearty dishes.

People are saying

"The fried fish here is perfectly crispy and flaky."

"This American food tastes like somebody's grandma was cooking."

"This lunch spot's food is so flavorful, I'd drive down for it."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts cash, Cash App, and Apple Pay, but not credit cards.

2

Portion sizes are large, often enough for two meals.

3

Expect busy times; patience is needed during peak hours.

04
Burger Boy image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small dining area with an old-timey diner vibe and friendly atmosphere filled with sizzle sounds. Burgers come out hot and fast, juicy and delicious, paired with crispy fries. Drive-thru features a real person taking orders, adding to the relaxed, welcoming energy.

People are saying

"The staff here are hilarious and friendly, making the burgers even better."

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"The lunch spot staff are hilarious and friendly."

Good to know

1

Expect around 20-minute wait times in the drive-through during peak hours.

2

Parking can be tricky; be prepared to back up onto the go lane.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

05
Radicke's Bluebonnet Grill image 1

Old gas station diner offers southern home cooking with a cozy, rustic cafรฉ vibe. Lunch features jalapeรฑo fried chicken topped with chile con queso, popular among CDL instructors and students. Local family atmosphere adds to hearty, flavorful meals.

Grilled jalapeรฑo chicken breast topped with chile con queso features in the lunch specials. This spot draws many CDL instructors and students during lunch hours.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, like a wonderful home-cooked meal."

"You have to try the pie; it's amazing."

"The jalapeรฑo chicken lunch special is phenomenal."

Good to know

1

The restrooms are outside and require a key to use.

2

The prices at Radicke's Bluebonnet Grill are extremely reasonable.

3

Get there early for lunch as it gets crowded quickly.

06
Culebra Meat Market 29 image 1

Supermarket offers a clean, well-organized space with freshly made tortillas and exceptional barbacoa. Lunch spot shines with excellent lunch specials and a variety of soups and dishes. Bakery features fresh bread and tamales for a true neighborhood feel.

Lunch features outstanding plates and specials with a variety of soups and dishes. The spot serves excellent lunch specials and offers options for both breakfast and lunch.

People are saying

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

"The handmade tortillas are fresh, soft, and hot."

"The lunch specials here are excellent."

Good to know

1

The store is clean and well-stocked with a variety of products.

2

Lunch specials are available daily, offering good value.

3

Parking is limited due to ongoing construction in the area.

07
Nopal Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot offers authentic homemade food in a cosy atmosphere with loud music and good air conditioning. Lunch features all-you-can-eat chips and specials like the Chlupa, served from 11:00 until after lunch. Clean and welcoming for families.

Lunch includes all-you-can-eat chips and decent specials like the Chlupa. Service starts at 11:00 and closes after lunch.

People are saying

"I loved their affordable and delicious Mexican food tacos."

"I found the breakfast tacos here to be the best and most consistent."

"The lunch specials here are decent."

Good to know

1

The average cost is around $6 per person.

2

The restaurant offers homemade Mexican food.

3

Expect varying service speed depending on the time of day.

08
Taqueria Los Potrillos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Straightforward Mexican spot offers homemade corn tortillas and hearty burritos in a quiet, comfortable atmosphere. Lunch specials bring great value with tasty options like menudo and breakfast tacos. Ample parking makes visits easy and stress-free.

Lunch specials deliver great value with tasty options. Menudo, breakfast tacos, and salsas add variety to the well priced menu.

People are saying

"I loved the chorizo and egg breakfast tacos here."

"I loved their breakfast tacos and lunch options."

"The homemade corn tortillas here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is abundant and the restaurant is clean.

2

The lunch specials offer good value.

3

They offer daily specials.

09
Capparelli's Italian Food & Pizza image 1

Cozy dining room offers a family-friendly vibe with oldies music setting a warm tone. Lunch brings fast service and large portions, especially the lasagna. Known for excellent pizza, it serves hearty Italian dishes at great value.

Lunch features fast and friendly service with large portions and great lunch specials that often cover two meals. The lasagna stands out as a solid choice during lunch hours.

People are saying

"The Italian food here tastes homemade and is delicious."

"Their Italian cream cake is the best I've ever had."

"This lunch spot has delicious, freshly prepared food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure timely seating.

2

Expect large portion sizes; meals can often feed multiple people.

3

Parking is limited, so consider arriving early to find a spot.

10
La Montanita image 1
Mexican restaurant

Family-owned Mexican spot shines with homemade tortillas and top-rated breakfast tacos. Clean, open space offers a quiet atmosphere perfect for casual meetings or light work. Early closing and limited parking make it best for quick, early lunches.

Only open until 3 PM, it serves breakfast tacos and lunch with a focus on early dining. The spot offers a casual atmosphere suitable for quick meals.

People are saying

"You have to try the breakfast tacos; they're huge and delicious."

"These breakfast tacos have the best homemade flour tortillas I've ever had."

"The Lunch Spot's flour tortillas are homemade and comparable to Mom's."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 3 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Parking is limited, with only about 10 spaces available in front.

3

Expect a wait of up to an hour for food during busy times.

11
Jaime's Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old school Mexican style shines with festive decor and loud music for a lively vibe. Lunch serves generous portions with homemade tortillas and consistent quality. Friendly service and clean space make it a reliable lunch spot.

Lunch offers fantastic flavor and attentive service in a clean setting. Food quality remains consistent across meals, making it a reliable spot for midday dining.

People are saying

"The food here is great, especially the enchiladas verde."

"The breakfast tacos here are great and pick up is quick."

"The lunch here is fantastic with wonderful flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is accessible and not overcrowded.

2

The restaurant automatically adds a tip for parties of five or more.

3

Prices for breakfast plates start at over $12.99.

12
El Gran Tapatio Mexican Grill image 1

Mexican restaurant shines with live mariachi music and generous margaritas. Spacious interior fits large groups well. Lunch menu offers satisfying options at affordable prices in a lively, joyful setting.

Offers a solid lunch menu with satisfying options. Serves as a reliable spot for midday meals.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has amazing food with huge portions."

"I found the food to be authentic and home-cooked."

Good to know

1

Parking might be difficult to find when the restaurant is really busy.

2

The prices are very affordable.

3

The servings are big for a reasonable price.

13
Big Lou's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Sports bar vibe meets family-friendly space with numerous TVs and lively energy. Convenient for lunch with Pizza Wraps that fill you up. Great for casual group meals and offers free photos to diners.

Close proximity to work makes it a convenient lunch spot. Pizza Wraps serve as a filling meal, with three wraps enough for lunch. Suitable for casual group lunches like going away gatherings.

People are saying

"I found the pizza to be really good."

"The side salads here are huge and ice-cold."

"The large pizzas here are a showstopper, especially for kids."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted appetizers.

2

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends after 5pm.

3

The restaurant charges a service fee for large groups.

14
Las Palapas - SE Military image 1

Lively fiesta decor and mariachi music create a fun vibe. Outdoor patio fits big parties and welcomes dogs. Lunch specials are great for families, with kind service making meals pleasant. Mango margaritas and tender fajitas stand out among tasty food and drinks.

Lunch offers good specials that appeal to families and groups. Service is kind and thoughtful, making the meal enjoyable.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the handmade tortillas."

"These tacos were so small, I spent $40 and only had a few bites."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is always friendly and prompt."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru is fast, but it may close early if the kitchen runs out of food.

2

Expect limited menu items, as there may be no meat or tortillas available.

3

Prices are generally low, making it an affordable option for meals.

15
Lung Fung Chinese Restaurant 2 image 1

Chinese restaurant features clean seating and a peaceful atmosphere even when busy. Lunch specials are affordable and generous, perfect for families with kids. Large parties fit well despite somewhat close tables.

Lunch specials cost between $7.99 and $9.99 and offer generous portions. The spot is kid friendly and provides affordable meals that satisfy a variety of tastes.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot has delicious chicken dishes and fantastic crab rangoons."

"I found the boba and Thai tea to be very good."

"The service at these dinner spots is super friendly and fast."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials range from $7.99 to $9.99, offering good value.

2

Parking can be challenging during rush hour, so plan accordingly.

3

The restaurant is small, which may lead to limited seating at peak times.

16
Teran's Cafe (Mexican Food Specialists) image 1

Small Mexican spot offers large tacos with a home-like atmosphere. Lunch serves breakfast tacos at a steady price, drawing repeat visits. Cozy seating and a friendly vibe make it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.

Lunch features breakfast tacos served at a steady price around $10. The spot draws repeat visits for its consistent taco quality enjoyed at both breakfast and lunch.

People are saying

"These tacos are huge and really filling."

"The food portions here are huge, like burritos!"

"These big tacos are amazing and filling for a Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

The cafe opens at 3:30 AM and closes at 1:30 PM.

2

Bean tacos are priced at $2.70 each, totaling $5.40 before taxes.

3

The parking lot can fill up quickly.

17
Lazarita's Mexican Restaurant image 1

Rustic Mexican spot shines with homemade flour tortillas and affordable lunch specials like fajitas. Big chairs and soft music create a peaceful, homey atmosphere. Cooks sing while preparing food, adding to the positive, welcoming energy.

Affordable lunch specials at $5.99 include a beef taco, chalupa, rice and beans, and tortillas. The lunch fajitas stand out as really good, making it a reliable spot for breakfast and lunch tacos.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is packed with delicious meat and gravy."

"I thought the homemade flour tortillas were some of the best."

"The lunch fajitas here are really good."

Good to know

1

The Wednesday special costs $10.49 with iced tea.

2

The lunch special is affordable at $5.99.

3

Expect a long wait at the drive-thru.

18
Peter Piper Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Smaller pizza spot offers a family-friendly atmosphere with an arcade area that entertains kids. Budget-friendly lunch buffet serves fresh, thin-crust pizzas with popular toppings until 2 PM. Frequent birthday parties add a lively vibe to the place.

A budget-friendly lunch buffet offers a variety of pizzas with staff actively refilling and keeping the area clean. The buffet stops taking orders at 2:00 PM, and pizza options narrow near closing time.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza was always good."

"This place is perfect for kid-friendly birthday parties."

"Christine personally delivered our pepperoni pizzas to our table at the Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

They stop taking orders for the lunch buffet at 2:00 PM.

2

Expect limited dessert options before the buffet is cleared.

3

Kids can enjoy various activities while waiting for food.

19
TAQUERIA ELRANCHERO DE JALISCO image 1

Tex-Mex restaurant offers quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with creative table artwork enhancing the dining space. Food arrives quickly and features generously filled tacos and an extensive menu from breakfast to dinner. Cleanliness and bilingual staff contribute to a well-kept, welcoming environment.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was genuinely authentic and tasty."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is stuffed and delicious."

"I thought the food was great at this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Plenty of parking is available, but the area can be congested.

2

Food arrives quickly after ordering.

3

The menu features a wide variety of options from breakfast to dinner.

20
Cowgirls Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant shines with homemade tortillas and a cozy atmosphere. Lunch offers reasonable prices and a menu that invites repeat visits. Late-night crowd shows strong community support.

Lunch options come with reasonable prices and a menu that invites repeat visits. Regular choices include both breakfast and lunch items served every Saturday.

People are saying

"The homemade tortillas for the Mexican food were the best part."

"The carne guisada tacos had good flavor and fresh tortillas."

"The enchiladas at this Lunch Spot were delicious with homemade tortillas."

Good to know

1

Cowgirls Cafe is open until 2 AM, attracting late-night customers.

2

Tacos are priced at 3 for $4.49, offering good value.

3

The lunch menu is reasonably priced with generous portions.

21
Subway image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop boasts friendly service and a clean atmosphere perfect for lunch. Staff prepare delicious sandwiches and keep snacks well stocked. Drive-thru lines move slowly but show steady flow.

Friendly service shines during lunch, with young ladies greeting customers and helping high school students pick up orders. The spot offers a drive-thru option but it can get busy at lunch.

People are saying

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

"The sandwich artists here are super sweet and attentive."

"Jennifer made my Lunch Spot experience super nice and efficient."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru takes about 13 minutes for one car to advance.

2

The store is well kept and managed for a pleasant visit.

3

This location is fully stocked with chips and cookies.

22
Shangrila image 1
Chinese restaurant

Cozy spot with a homey feel serves large portions that satisfy lunch crowds. Prices stay affordable and the quiet, clean dining room offers friendly service. Perfect for hearty, authentic meals any time.

Lunch specials come with large portions that fill you up. Prices stay reasonable while offering good value compared to dinner.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and tasty."

"I loved their hot and sour soup."

"I loved the food here, especially the sweet and sour chicken."

Good to know

1

Shangrila is back open for dine-in service.

2

The portions at Shangrila are large, often leading to leftovers.

3

Lunch specials at Shangrila are reasonably priced.

23
Buffet City image 1
Buffet restaurant

Huge buffet restaurant with an oriental theme and dim lighting creates a cozy but slightly old atmosphere. Spacious dining area offers many tables and booths, often with some noise from children. Features include a Mongolian BBQ and fresh sushi, making it a solid choice for variety and value.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The variety of food options here is great for kids."

"This Lunch Spot has so many satisfying food options."

Good to know

1

Lunch costs $12.99 plus tax, while dinner is $15.00.

2

The restaurant has a Mongolian BBQ with a decent selection of meats and veggies.

3

The buffet is generally clean and well-maintained during visits.

24
Bill Miller BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue spot shines with fast drive-thru for lunch and friendly atmosphere that shifts from quiet to busy. Staff stay loud but attentive during rush. Dining areas are well-maintained and prices stay reasonable.

Lines form during lunch time and the place stays busy then. A fast drive-thru option handles lunch orders efficiently while staff stay attentive to needs.

People are saying

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

"I found the smoked BBQ turkey to be very good."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot always greet you with a smile."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 8:30 pm and stops taking orders at that time.

2

Expect long lines during lunch hours, especially on weekends.

3

The dine-in area and restrooms are clean and well maintained.

25
Lone Star Steakhouse image 1
Family restaurant

Interior blends clean design with soft country music for a quiet atmosphere. Menu mixes Mexican dishes and steaks, offering variety for families. Lunch features hearty meals and breakfast options, making it a versatile midday spot with well-prepared steaks and flavorful sides.

Lunch offers satisfying meals with a focus on hearty dishes. The spot also serves breakfast options, making it a versatile choice for midday dining.

People are saying

"My ribeye steak was delicious and cooked exactly how I asked."

"The chicken fried steak here is so delicious, I couldn't stop eating it."

"I loved the lunch special fried chicken sandwich and homemade fries."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait during busy dinner times.

2

The restaurant charges an additional 3-4% fee for credit card payments.

3

Menu includes a variety of Mexican dishes alongside a few steak options.

26
La Unica Birotes image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot offers authentic atmosphere and fresh birria tacos. Friendly servers serve barbacoa tacos and coffee at lunch. Calm vibe shifts to Italian after 3 pm, with a convenient drive-through.

Lunch includes barbacoa tacos and shredded beef tacos with drinks like coffee and tea. Servers are friendly, and meals cost around $45 for two people.

People are saying

"You have to try their birotes; they're Mexican food sourdough rolls."

"You have to try the guacamole with chicharron; it's worth it."

"This is an amazing lunch spot that I highly recommend."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect long lines on weekends.

2

The restaurant serves mixed meat only until 3 pm.

3

Drive-thru service may not be fast, especially on busy days.

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East Side, San Antonio

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