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Top picks in East Side

Mexican lunch spots

A lunch break that feels like a genuine pause in your day rather than a rushed transition between meetings.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
El Sabrosito de Jalisco Mexican Restaurant image 1
El Sabrosito de Jalisco Mexican Restaurant image 2
El Sabrosito de Jalisco Mexican Restaurant image 3
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Authentic Mexican decor fills the space with beautiful artwork and a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Handmade flour and corn tortillas accompany dishes like menudo with clean broth and excellent fajitas. Prices stay unbelievably reasonable without sacrificing quality or cleanliness.

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

Carnitas stand out with rich flavor. Breakfast tacos, huevos rancheros, and burrito come with handmade flour and corn tortillas. Menudo features a clean, perfect broth that is not greasy or overcooked.

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.

02
La Montanita image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers clean, open interior with a quiet atmosphere suited for casual meetings or light work. Family-owned with homemade tortillas and top-rated breakfast tacos, it closes early and has limited parking nearby.

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.

Barbacoa stands out with its rich flavor and authenticity. Homemade flour tortillas are soft, fully cooked, and remain tender after cooling. Puffy tacos and beef fajitas come with fresh ingredients and generous portions.

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.

03
Nopal Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a hole-in-the-wall vibe and plenty of space inside offers a cosy atmosphere with loud music and effective air conditioning. The place is clean and welcoming, attracting families and those seeking authentic homemade Mexican food at affordable prices.

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

Tacos and torta asada come with fresh avocado, lettuce, and tomato. Breakfast tacos and huevos rancheros stand out for their consistency and flavor. Corn tortillas are soft and crispy, and menudo is served mild, not spicy.

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.

04
Teran's Cafe (Mexican Food Specialists) image 1

Small, unassuming Mexican restaurant with a home-like atmosphere and cozy seating. The vibe is relaxed and friendly, with a lively energy from early morning to early afternoon. Known for large, generously portioned tacos that offer excellent value.

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.

Tacos stand out with large portions and affordable prices. Varieties like the Asada Tacos and breakfast tacos offer generous, flavorful servings that often leave leftovers.

People are saying

"These tacos are huge and really filling."

"The Mexican food here has huge, satisfying tacos."

"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.

05
Lazarita's Mexican Restaurant image 1

Rustic Mexican restaurant offers a peaceful, homey atmosphere with soft music and big chairs on a brick floor. The energy stays positive and welcoming, with cooks singing while preparing food. Known for homemade flour tortillas and large portions, it serves some of the best breakfast tacos around.

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.

Offers tender carne asada and carne guisada tacos made to perfection. Serves soft flour tortillas, menudo, and breakfast tacos considered some of the best around.

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.

06
Culebra Meat Market 29 image 1

Supermarket combines clean, well-organized space with freshly made tortillas and exceptional barbacoa. Atmosphere feels like a neighborhood grocery with a taqueria offering excellent lunch specials. Shoppers find fully stocked shelves and a notable bakery with fresh bread and tamales.

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.

Menudo and barbacoa stand out with exceptional flavor and good value. Handmade tortillas are fresh, soft, and delicious, complementing dishes like gorditas and tamales well.

People are saying

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

"The homemade tortillas for the Mexican food are delicious 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
Cowgirls Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers homemade tortillas and fresh daily food in a cozy, calm atmosphere. Prices stay very reasonable, with steady customers late into the night. The vibe feels like a hole-in-the-wall local spot that supports the community.

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

Fresh, homemade tortillas stand out as the best part of the meal. Tacos come in generous portions with great flavor, and enchiladas feature a tasty carne guisada sauce. The barbacoa is flavorful without excess fat.

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.

08
Taqueria Los Potrillos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Straightforward Mexican restaurant with a quiet, comfortable atmosphere and abundant parking. Offers homemade corn tortillas and flavorful charro beans alongside hearty burritos and breakfast tacos. Pricing is very reasonable with daily specials adding value.

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

Breakfast tacos come with homemade flour or corn tortillas filled with chorizo and egg or other favorites, served alongside red and green salsas. The Al pastor wet burrito and barbacoa dishes stand out, with burritos that fill you up and steak tacos served with chips, salsa, and charro beans.

People are saying

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

"I loved their breakfast tacos and lunch options."

"I found the Mexican food here to be 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
El Gran Tapatio Mexican Grill image 1

Mexican restaurant with loud, lively atmosphere featuring live mariachi music and generous margaritas. Spacious interior includes large tables suited for groups. The vibe is joyful and busy, with authentic food and affordable prices.

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

Authentic Mexican food shines with homemade tortillas and puffy barbacoa tacos. The Al pastor and beef enchiladas stand out, along with sizable tacos that offer good value.

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.

10
Jaime's Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Interior reflects old school Mexican style with festive, coordinated decor and loud music creating a lively atmosphere. Generous portions and homemade tortillas highlight the menu, attracting a diverse crowd throughout the day. Parking is accessible, and the vibe stays friendly and comfortable.

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.

Homemade tortillas and thick, flavorful salsa stand out here. Tacos come juicy and fresh, with options like Chicken Enchiladas Verde and tongue tacos offering distinct tastes.

People are saying

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

"The carne guisada tacos here are so tender."

"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.

11
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.

Freshly made tacos come generously filled with options like chicken, fish, and beef fajita. Large carnitas gorditas, crispy chalupas, and chicken flautas stand out alongside tasty tamales and cheese enchiladas. The horchata and flavorful salsa complement the meal well.

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.

12
El Bracero Mexican Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant with handmade decor and authentic tortillas creates a quiet, welcoming atmosphere. Drive-thru and ample parking add convenience. Pricing varies, but food quality and unique themed environment stand out.

Lunch features nacho Asada with an option to substitute rice for beans. The spot suits group lunches with coworkers.

Authentic Mexican tortillas come fresh and homemade here, paired with barbacoa and chicharrรณn tacos that stand out. Classic dishes like chilaquiles made the old way and mini tacos with fresh salsas add to the solid Mexican food lineup.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and cooked all the way through."

"I loved the homemade tortillas; they were so good!"

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and great."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample and easy to find near the restaurant.

2

The menu offers a wide variety of Mexican dishes.

3

Prices are generally affordable and reasonable.

13
Las Palapas - SE Military image 1

Lively fiesta decor and mariachi music create a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor patio suits big parties and allows dogs. Mango margaritas and tender fajitas stand out among the tasty food and drinks.

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

Chicken tortilla soup stands out as a highlight, prepared with care and flavor. Plates like carne guisada and shrimp enchiladas arrive hot and tasty, paired with some of the best Mexican rice around.

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.

14
Bill Miller BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Slow-paced and laid back atmosphere suits a barbecue restaurant known for traditional barbecue and reasonably priced fried chicken. The place fills with people picking up dinner after work, creating a steady, family-friendly flow. Breakfast tacos and pecan pie stand out as popular, well-regarded items.

Quick service gets orders out in less than 5 minutes, keeping lunches hot and fresh. Options like brisket salad, two-piece chicken lunch, and turkey come with plenty of sides and solid portion sizes.

Breakfast tacos feature briquet and brisket fillings with a perfectly sliced salsa. Tacos come with options like carne guisada and egg, served at a drive-thru window with iced tea.

People are saying

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

"I was in and out of this Lunch Spot quickly during my break."

"I thought the breakfast tacos were the best in town."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours due to popularity.

2

Prices are considered high for the portion sizes offered.

3

The restaurant's cleanliness is often reported as poor.

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East Side, San Antonio

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