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Guide to Harlandale

Lunch spots for Mexican food

A midday Mexican meal that respects your limited time, rather than turning a quick lunch into an hour-long ordeal.

Based on 911 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Linda's Cafe image 1
Linda's Cafe image 2
Linda's Cafe image 3
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Restaurant

Small restaurant with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that feels like dining in a family kitchen. The space has a hole-in-the-wall vibe and serves authentic Mexican food with fresh, homemade tortillas. It attracts those seeking comforting, honest meals in an intimate setting.

Lunch options focus on simple, satisfying meals with consistent quality. The spot also serves breakfast dishes, making it a solid choice for midday or morning meals.

Homemade fresh tortillas accompany dishes like eggs with barbacoa, potatoes, and beans. Menudo offers a super comforting weekend option, while enchiladas and chicharron tacos stand out for their exceptional flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and flavorful."

"The green chicken enchiladas are packed with flavor."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait during peak hours.

2

The restaurant gets busy, especially on weekends; arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

Payment is accepted via credit card and cash; mobile payments may not be reliable.

02
Trailblazer Café image 1

Restaurant offers stunning runway views with planes and helicopters taking off nearby. Atmosphere stays serene and cozy, welcoming families and those seeking a peaceful meal. Live music adds a pleasant vibe, complementing the historic building's charm.

Offers a nice place to chat and hang out during lunch with amazing service. Stands out as a great spot for a nice lunch away from busier options.

Homemade dishes include fresh, hot tortilla chips made from scratch, salsa, and spinach dip. Breakfast tacos and fried pickles are also on the menu, with guacamole that could be enhanced by adding finely chopped purple onions and cilantro.

People are saying

"You get cool views of the runway and planes here."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is always good."

"The homemade tortilla chips here are perfectly crisp and seasoned just right."

Good to know

1

Live jazz performances occur every Saturday night.

2

The café closes at 8 pm on weekends.

3

Expect the café to be busy during peak hours.

03
Nicha's Comida Mexicana - Southside image 1

Mexican restaurant with beautiful decor and a small, cozy space that reflects Mexican culture. Atmosphere is inviting and chill with wonderful music at a comfortable volume. Known for excellent margaritas and authentic dishes like enchiladas and fajitas.

Great lunch specials stand out here, offering solid value for groups and individuals alike. The menu keeps consistent quality across all meals, making it a reliable spot for midday dining.

Enchiladas stand out with varieties like green, poblano, and chipotle, all consistently flavorful. Plates often include fajitas, mole, and hearty options like the Texas Fried burrito, paired with great chips and salsa.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and came out fast."

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

"This lunch spot's enchiladas in special sauce were always very good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a reverse happy hour from 9 pm to close.

2

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 pm on Fridays with discounted appetizers.

3

Parking at Nicha's is limited, especially during peak times.

04
Nora's Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with a calm, family-oriented atmosphere and homemade tortillas. Offers authentic dishes like barbacoa tacos and cheese enchiladas with generous portions. Prices stay very affordable, making it a good value spot.

Ample parking and seating make lunch convenient here. The spot serves solid Mexican food right after visiting nearby Mission churches.

Homemade corn and flour tortillas complement a variety of tacos, including crispy beef and barbacoa options. Cheese enchiladas and puffy tacos stand out for their flavor and size, while menudo offers balanced seasoning.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the cheese enchiladas."

"The cheese enchiladas at this Lunch Spot are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served all day.

2

Prices are reasonable and great for budget-conscious diners.

3

Ample parking is available during lunch hours.

05
La Sorpresa Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with fiesta decor creates a lively, authentic vibe. Menu features handmade corn tortillas and Lengua tacos, offering traditional Mexican flavors. Atmosphere stays consistent, welcoming for breakfast and lunch with daily specials available.

Lunch offers good value and reasonable prices with a delicious menu. It suits casual meals like after church or a midday break.

Handmade corn tortillas melt in your mouth and accompany dishes like carne guisada with cheese tacos and lengua tacos. The huevos rancheros and menudo come fresh from scratch, with flavorful Spanish rice and enchilada sauce that stand out.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and flavorful."

"This Mexican food is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking at La Sorpresa Restaurant can be challenging.

2

The tacos cost $4 each, which may be considered high.

3

La Sorpresa Restaurant offers different daily specials.

06
My Tia's Mexican Restaurant image 1

Small restaurant with bright colors and vibrant decor creates a lively, family-like atmosphere. Live music and dancing energize the space, encouraging guests to join in and enjoy. Clean environment and unique neon signs add character, making it feel welcoming and authentic.

Lunch features homemade food with a family environment. Specials include a drink but are pricier than some nearby spots.

Homemade tortillas stand out, especially the flour and corn varieties that many consider the best around. Tacos come with spicy red salsa and consistently earn high praise for flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, Lucy makes you feel right at home."

"The Mexican food here has really great, soft tortillas."

"This lunch spot's food is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

Good to know

1

If you come in dancing, you can get a free drink, either tea or coffee.

2

The restaurant closes at 2:00 p.m., so visitors should come early.

3

Getting there early is important for parking because after 10 am, parking is almost impossible to find.

07
Sea Island Shrimp House image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with palm trees outside and a cold, clean interior that feels comfortable and inviting. Atmosphere stays pleasant and quiet, with plenty of room and TV screens for entertainment. Prices are reasonable, and the place fills up quickly due to its reputation for quality seafood.

Lunch specials come with reasonable prices and good food. The atmosphere stays quiet and enjoyable, making it easy to relax during a meal.

Mahi Mahi tacos stand out with strong flavor and consistent praise. Shrimp tacos and southern fried fish also feature alongside awesome sides on platters.

People are saying

"The fried fish and shrimp were so good and served hot."

"The grilled shrimp and hushpuppies at this Lunch Spot are delicious."

"The Mahi Mahi tacos here are surprisingly good."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free on Thursdays.

2

The restaurant gets packed quickly, so arrive early.

3

Parking is not very accessible for handicapped individuals.

08
Gorditas Mi Torreón image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small, crowded fast food spot with visible kitchen and nostalgic Mexican decor creates a casual, noisy atmosphere filled with lively chatter. Authentic gorditas draw steady crowds despite limited space and parking. Music and vendors add to the genuine local vibe.

Small space fills up quickly during lunch hours, making it crowded. Parking gets tough on weekdays around lunchtime. Meals suit any time of day, including hearty lunch options.

Charcoal-grilled gorditas come freshly prepared and well-filled with rich, traditional flavors like picadillo with beans. Sauces, especially the green one, add a distinct kick that elevates the taste.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the gorditas, is so flavorful and homemade."

"Parking is limited and can be tricky to find a spot."

"This lunch spot has amazing, freshly prepared gorditas with tons of fillings."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and can be difficult to find.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours due to crowding.

3

The restaurant is better suited for take-out than dining in.

09
Rolando's Super Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, mom-and-pop style Mexican restaurant with a warm, home-like atmosphere and Tex-Mix music playing. Space feels cramped and lively, often getting loud when busy. Known for large, hearty tacos and very reasonable prices.

Lunch specials offer authentic Mexican flavors at a great price. Plates are filling and tasty, making it a solid choice for midday meals.

Huge tacos stand out with authentic homemade tortillas and hearty fillings like carne guisada with cheese. The tortilla soup comes in large servings and complements the consistently great Mexican food.

People are saying

"You won't believe how large these tacos are!"

"The Mexican food here, especially the super tacos, is humongous and filling."

"You'll need a large for this Lunch Spot; it's more than sufficient."

Good to know

1

The special costs $7.99 with an additional $0.50 charge for tea.

2

There is a $1 charge for refills.

3

The restaurant charges a 10% surcharge for credit or debit card use.

10
Mini Tacos CANTARITO image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic street tacos with meats prepared in view. Atmosphere feels cozy and comforting, reminiscent of traditional carnecerias. Features include a customizable salsa bar and a drive-thru for convenience.

Lunch here features mini tacos served in a casual setting. The spot works well for a quick meal or a relaxed lunch date.

Mini tacos here stand out with exceptional tomatillo salsa and a variety of fillings like lengua, pastor, and tripa. The pizza birria is also a delicious twist on traditional birria tacos.

People are saying

"These mini tacos are delicious and better than others."

"I thought the tacos here were some of the best in town."

"I got the quesabirria tacos for my lunch spot; they were banging."

Good to know

1

This restaurant has a cash-only policy, so be prepared to pay with cash.

2

Prices on the menu may not match what you are charged at checkout.

3

Expect to pay around $40 for a meal that may not meet your expectations.

11
Pollos Asados de Sinaloa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Drive-thru service offers a quick and efficient way to order with a small, clean salsa bar enhancing the experience. The atmosphere feels casual and family-oriented, with a cool vibe despite limited indoor seating. Generous portions and budget-friendly prices make it a practical choice for traditional Mexican meals.

Lunch specials offer big drinks and include half a chicken or half a pound of meat with rice, beans, and an agua fresca for under $9. Meals can feed two people and provide great value on weekdays.

Fajitas and carne asada stand out for their flavor and quality. Lunch specials offer good value with options like half chicken or beef fajita plates paired with agua fresca and rice for under $9.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and seasoned perfectly."

"The lunch specials here are a great value, feeding two for under $10."

"I had the best carne asada I have ever had."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials before 2pm offer half a chicken or half a pound of meat, rice, beans, and an agua fresca for less than $9.

2

Combo meals are available for under $10.

3

The drive-thru option is quick and efficient for ordering.

12
Pollos Asados Don Jose image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic Mexican-grilled chicken with flavorful salsas and homemade tortilla chips. Dining area is clean and pleasing, with a designated to-go section to reduce wait times. The atmosphere is busy and lively, popular for satisfying cravings for Mexican barbecue.

Lunch draws a busy crowd here, making it lively and active. Portions lean toward large servings, often more than needed for a midday meal.

Green salsa stands out as absolutely delicious and pairs well with homemade tortilla chips. The fajita combo offers generous portions with tasty chicken, rice, and beans, while the Mexican rice is notably flavorful.

People are saying

"I thought the food tasted really good and was a great value."

"I thought the Mexican food chicken was great and flavorful."

"The grilled beef and vegetables at this Lunch Spot were amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back, but the lot has potholes.

2

The menu prices online may differ significantly from in-restaurant prices.

3

Extra charges apply for credit card payments without prior notice.

13
Lupita's Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy space with a home-like atmosphere and casual dining room. Energy rises during busy times, creating a crowded but welcoming vibe. Known for authentic Mexican food with standout homemade tortillas and hearty portions.

Lunch features weekly specials and classic dishes like the cheese enchilada plate. The spot fills up quickly, especially on weekends, showing its popularity for breakfast and lunch.

Homemade tortillas stand out as soft and flavorful, often described as the best ever. Puffy tacos hold together well when picked up, with fillings like Carne Guisada and bean and cheese with bacon offering authentic, delicious flavors.

People are saying

"I loved the hot, homemade tortillas here."

"The homemade tortillas for the Mexican food are second to none."

"The food here tastes homemade and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is chaotic and at your own risk.

2

Expect long waits during busy weekend hours.

3

They have a deal — 2 tacos for just $3 before 10AM.

14
El Sol Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with close tables creates a loud, friendly atmosphere. It fills up quickly during lunch and weekends, often requiring a wait. Known for authentic Mexican food and fresh homemade tortillas, it offers breakfast all day with a variety of choices.

Lunch specials stand out with great variety and flavor. The spot gets pretty packed during lunch, showing its popularity for a midday meal.

Homemade tortillas stand out, especially when the tortilla lady is there. Dishes like menudo, puffy tacos, and enchiladas deliver authentic Mexican flavors with consistent quality.

People are saying

"I thought the homemade tortillas were excellent."

"The enchiladas here are always on point with flavor."

"The Mexican food here, especially the enchiladas, is delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait during weekends due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Prices are higher than average for the quality of food offered.

3

Chips are charged separately, unlike many other Mexican restaurants.

15
Bud Jones Restaurant image 1
Seafood restaurant

Older building with Southside charm and old-timey vibe creates a lively, fun atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. Large dining area includes TVs with games, attracting coaches and groups. Music adds to the easygoing, comfortable energy.

Attentive waitresses serve lunch quickly. Two lunches with water and tip cost about $42, making it a straightforward spot for a midday meal.

Cheese enchiladas stand out as the most notable dish, often described as exceptionally good and large. The enchilada dinner pairs well with flavorful rice, and crispy tacos add variety to the meal.

People are saying

"The food here is pretty good and better than expected."

"These cheese enchiladas are the best I've had in years."

"The food at this lunch spot was delicious and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, so arrive early, especially on weekends.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, particularly on Sundays.

3

A 3% fee applies for debit card transactions.

16
Sherry's Texan Seafood Restaurant image 1

Cozy mom and pop seafood restaurant with a southern-themed diner vibe and family atmosphere. Tables are close together in a small space, creating a busy and lively environment. Offers generous portions and reasonable prices, making it popular for casual meals with friends or family.

Lunch features an awesome daily special with tea for $9.25. Portions are plenty and prices stay very affordable.

Enchiladas stand out with cheese and beef options that come packed with flavor. Fresh chips arrive with amazing salsa that has a little heat, and the rice and beans are richly seasoned.

People are saying

"I found the chicken fried steak to be awesome."

"The lunch special here is a great deal with plenty of food."

"The cheese enchiladas here are so good."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and often packed, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect long wait times on Saturdays due to high customer volume.

3

The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

17
Don Pedro Mexicano image 1
Mexican restaurant

Huge Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and separate sections for large and small groups creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. High noise levels rise near areas with big parties and game viewing on large TVs. Live mariachi and roaming singers add lively entertainment to the experience.

Lunch offers large portions and everyday specials with dishes like enchiladas and carne quisada. Staff handle even large groups smoothly around 11 am.

Chicken and beef fajitas come with charro beans, grilled peppers, onions, guacamole, and both corn and flour tortillas. The menu features queso flameado, cabrito tacos, and chile enchiladas, all fresh and flavorful.

People are saying

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

"I've been coming here for over 40 years for the delicious Mexican food."

"The enchiladas at this Lunch Spot are some of the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3pm to 7pm with $5 margaritas.

2

The restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet on weekends from 8 to 11am.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties due to potential fees.

18
Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant offers homemade tortillas and generously packed tacos with perfect green and red salsas. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, suitable for quick meals or casual dining. It gets busy at times, reflecting its popularity for good value and authentic flavors.

Tacos come generously packed with homemade tortillas and offer great carne guisada options. Both green and red salsas complement the dishes well, and prices stay reasonable across the menu.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is delicious and reasonably priced."

"This Lunch Spot's meat was fall-apart soft with great spices."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak dinner hours on weekends.

2

The enchiladas cost $8.99, with iced tea priced at $1.99.

3

Total cost for enchiladas and iced tea is approximately $11.89 after tax.

19
Chinese Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, inviting space feels like the front part of a home with a warm atmosphere and quiet lunch vibe. Offers both Chinese and Mexican cuisine made from scratch with reasonably priced large portions. Serves a mix of dishes that satisfy cravings for bold flavors in a hidden gem setting.

A quiet spot serves large portions like sesame chicken that can feed two or last for multiple meals. Lunch specials include plates and drinks, with some orders adding unexpected items like to-go tea.

Tacos come with homemade tortillas and include options like bean and cheese at very low prices and tender carnitas. Plates like enchiladas come with rice and beans, offering a solid Mexican food experience.

People are saying

"The food here is so tasty and comes in large portions."

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

"This Lunch Spot's portions are huge; you'll take some home."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay an extra 15% surcharge for parties of four or more.

2

They charge extra for condiments and sides like egg rolls.

3

Parking is limited, often requiring street parking.

20
Las Cazuelas Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with a quiet, down-to-earth vibe. The space is large and busy, attracting groups and families who enjoy authentic Tex Mex flavors. Homemade tortillas and dishes like menudo and mole stand out as signature, authentic foods.

Lunch offers Tex Mex flavors that stay consistent and tasty. The spot suits a 1-hour lunch break and sometimes features local events like the Rey Feo and his Court during mealtime.

Menudo stands out with its authentic, homemade flavor. Fresh ingredients make the tacos and homemade tortillas taste great, while dishes like enchiladas and mole also deliver solid Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the authentic menudo."

"The tortillas tasted, smelled, and felt homemade."

"I found this lunch spot delicious, especially the fajita nachos."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges for tortilla chips, which are not complimentary.

2

Tip is automatically added to your bill, so check before paying.

3

Parking is available for approximately 50 cars near the restaurant.

21
Mi Parrillada Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space offers a cozy atmosphere with clean surroundings and moderate noise from lively conversations. It suits both solo diners and families, with a steady flow of takeout and call-in orders. Affordable prices and fresh, flavorful dishes define the experience.

Lunch features tacos de pastor and tacos de asada as solid choices. The cheese enchilada lunch plate costs more than typical specials.

Crispy tacos and barbacoa stand out with bold flavors. Breakfast tacos like chilaquiles rojos with queso fresco and crema offer a fresh take. The salsa and bean dip add a big taste without high prices.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the crispy tacos, is amazing."

"I loved the burrito, it was a burrito on steroids."

"You've got to try the breakfast tacos at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

They stop serving breakfast at 10 AM.

2

The restaurant is small, so it might be easy to miss.

3

The restaurant is busy with takeout and call-in orders.

22
Luby's image 1
American restaurant

Cafeteria-style dining offers a nostalgic vibe with family-friendly atmosphere and spacious seating. The place often feels busy and lively with cheerful sounds and a festive mood. Classic comfort food draws a steady crowd, creating a dependable and welcoming environment.

Lunch offers a variety of options with a notably quiet atmosphere. Friendly service from staff like Jenna and the cornbread stand out during midday meals.

Enchiladas stand out with their exceptional flavor and unique preparation. They consistently deliver a great taste that ranks high among Mexican dishes here.

People are saying

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

"I thought their fried fish was amazing."

"I loved the enchiladas; they were great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a large variety of food choices.

2

Prices at Luby's are very reasonable for the portion sizes.

3

Expect cafeteria-style dining with freshly cooked food.

23
Sabor A La Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a warm, authentic atmosphere with live mariachi and folklorico performances. The space feels comfortable and welcoming, suited for large parties and lively gatherings. Music volume can be high, adding to the energetic vibe.

Lunch features a great buffet with a variety of options and a Chile relleno lunch special that stands out. The menu offers delicious listings for both lunch and dinner.

Pozole and barbacoa come with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Fresh, homemade thick flour and corn tortillas stay soft and complement dishes like birria tacos, fajitas, and green enchiladas. Menudo features quality meat and the Mexican deluxe plate offers cheesy enchiladas with flavorful carne.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really tasty."

"The Mexican food, especially the birria tacos, was so delicious."

"The lunch buffet here is really good and well seasoned."

Good to know

1

Karaoke nights are on Thursdays and Saturdays, starting at 8pm.

2

Mariachi performances happen every Friday night, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers on Sundays.

24
Nico’s Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space offers a calm atmosphere with relaxing music and a friendly vibe. Food features homemade corn tortillas, tender meat, and generous portions served in a clean setting. Prices run slightly higher than competitors, but the experience remains welcoming and unhurried.

Breakfast and lunch options draw attention with solid flavors. The lunch menu sparks curiosity after an excellent breakfast experience.

Tacos come in a good size with homemade tortillas that are fresh and fluffy. Picadillo tacos with potatoes and dishes like enchiladas and chilaquiles offer old-fashioned flavors and a lot of vegetables in the caldo.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"The homemade tortillas at this Mexican food spot are terrific."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and the tortillas are homemade."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $34 for four tacos when picking up.

2

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

3

Portions are generally large, making it a good value.

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