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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Northwest Side

Lunch and date spots

A midday meal that feels special enough to share with someone you care about changes the entire pace of the day.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Amen Cafe Eritrean And Ethiopian Restaurant image 1
Amen Cafe Eritrean And Ethiopian Restaurant image 2
Amen Cafe Eritrean And Ethiopian Restaurant image 3
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Restaurant offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with beautiful Ethiopian and Eritrean decor and East African music enhancing the experience. People from Ethiopia and Eritrea gather around the bar watching football, creating a lively, communal vibe. Space is clean and bright with an outdoor seating option.

Great for sharing plates and intimate dinners, it suits a date night well. Celebrations like Valentine's Day dinners happen here, making it a spot to return to with a partner.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and super good."

"This Lunch Spot's Ethiopian food is the best I've ever had."

"The food here is perfect, with phenomenal flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan-friendly options on the menu.

2

Prices are reasonable, with meals for a party of 10 costing under $140.

3

The restaurant maintains a high cleanliness standard, with a health department score of 100.

02
Burgers Vs Tacos image 1

Wrestler-themed decor with neon lights and artwork creates a fun, cozy atmosphere. Spacious seating and black walls add to the welcoming vibe. The place balances a calming yet lively energy with a cool playlist and friendly environment.

Quick service suits lunch breaks well. Options fit both hunger levels and time constraints.

Fish tacos stand out with the Lucha Libre style offering a unique flavor. Trying multiple tacos reveals original combinations unlike typical options, making it a spot that invites frequent visits.

People are saying

"The tacos here are awesome and perfectly seasoned."

"The burgers here are amazing and packed with flavor."

"The tacos here are flavorful and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

The menu features burgers and tacos inspired by different fighting styles and gourmet ingredients.

2

Canned sodas cost $3 each, and no meal deals are available.

3

Expect large portions with a variety of beef, chicken, or seafood options.

03
Zito's Deli image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop with a large, clean dining area and an old-timey, eclectic vibe. Music from the 90s and 00s plays, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that feels laid-back and comfortable. The space often feels crowded yet family friendly, offering ample seating to sit and chat.

Sandwiches stand out as the main lunch option here. Friendly service adds to the experience, making it a regular spot for lunch visits.

Sandwiches and meatballs stand out as solid choices for a casual date lunch. The Italian sandwich, meatballs, and potato salad get consistent praise for flavor and quality.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches here were delicious and great."

"You have to try the sandwiches at this lunch spot; they're delicious."

"These Italian sandwiches are solid and great tasting."

Good to know

1

You can call in and take it home or on the go if you do not have time to sit and enjoy it there.

2

The sandwiches are affordably priced, especially the large size.

3

Wait timing is about right for how busy they can get, especially at lunch time.

04
Maria Bonita Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful decor creates a lively yet comfortable setting with ample indoor seating and a private party room. Live mariachi music adds authentic Mexican ambiance and energizes the space. The atmosphere balances laid-back vibes with moments of festive energy during performances.

Lunch offers a variety of Tex-Mex options with beef fajitas, chips, and salsa featured. The atmosphere stays relaxed and service is attentive during this time.

Sizzling beef fajitas and tasty enchiladas create a flavorful meal for couples. Friendly service and a relaxed vibe make it a solid spot for a dinner date or happy hour together.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the tender beef fajitas."

"The Mexican food here has excellent, spicy margaritas."

"The margaritas here are smooth, spicy, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Fajita Tuesdays offer special pricing on fajitas all day.

3

Mariachis perform on Wednesday and Friday evenings during dinner.

05
Stuffed image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant with early 90s graffiti art and comic book design creates a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Music features live DJ sets and tunes that enhance the Cali vibe. Large patio offers open indoor and outdoor seating for a relaxed dining experience.

Lunch here suits group outings and work gatherings well. The spot draws attention from passersby looking for a solid midday meal and offers a reliable casual dining experience.

Friendly owners create a warm atmosphere that makes date nights special. The food, especially the burritos, stands out as a favorite choice for couples.

People are saying

"The burrito here is huge and full of flavor."

"These date spots have massive burritos with amazing flavor."

"This Lunch Spot's burritos are enormous and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 6pm with discounted drinks.

2

The restaurant offers authentic California burritos made by owners from California.

3

Expect generous portions; sharing a burrito is common.

06
Taco 16th Street Northwest image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with authentic flavors and a well-stocked salsa and condiment bar. Atmosphere is family-friendly and clean, featuring a play area for children and Mexican music that enhances the vibe. Seating is open and comfortable, with plenty of parking available.

Lunch offers satisfying portions that appeal to different tastes. Meals often come with extra servings for later.

Friendly staff create a welcoming vibe even close to closing time. The atmosphere suits couples, with barbacoa torta and pastor standing out as notable dishes.

People are saying

"I found the tacos to be delicious with fresh ingredients."

"The al pastor tacos here are amazing and delicious."

"The pastor tacos here are so delicious, a perfect Date Spot."

Good to know

1

Al pastor tacos are $1 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

2

The ordering process is fast and easy, and they accept Apple Pay.

3

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

07
El Ceviche de Waldito image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Small, mom-and-pop Peruvian restaurant with a cozy, family atmosphere and mรบsica criolla playing softly. Warm and inviting vibe makes it feel like dining in a relative's home, filled with history and soul. Regulars enjoy a community-focused experience that transports diners to Peru.

Generous weekday lunch buffet features arroz con gandules, roasted pork, and fresh ceviche. Service encourages lingering, turning a quick meal into a relaxed experience.

Couples enjoy natural fruit juice with meals, often having multiple refills. The chef responds personally to requests, like preparing a special bowl of aji hot sauce on demand.

People are saying

"Chef Waldo's ceviche is the best I've ever had."

"This Lunch Spot's chef is amazing and so hospitable."

"Chef Waldo treated us like family and made delicious food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash-only; credit cards are not accepted.

2

Expect higher prices than advertised on the menu.

3

Bring cash as the restaurant does not accept mobile payments.

08
Hanamaru Cafe image 1
Japanese sweets restaurant

Quaint cafรฉ with an open kitchen and Japanese theme offers a calm, cozy atmosphere without background music. Spacious seating and seasonal decor create a chill vibe suited for dates or small groups. Aromas from fresh sweets fill the air, enhancing the inviting, relaxed energy.

Generous portions make it easy to have leftovers for lunch the next day. The setting suits a nice lunch date with a relaxed vibe.

A great spot for a nice lunch date with a relaxed vibe. Sharing unique treats like Blueberry Taiyaki and Mitarashi Dango adds a fun twist to the meal.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the taiyaki, is really yummy."

"I loved the sweet and savory taiyaki, especially the soft serve."

"The taiyaki here is crispy outside, soft inside, and comes in yummy flavors."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 5 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

They stop serving food at 7:40 PM, even though the restaurant closes at 10 PM.

3

The cafe offers drinks and snacks after the kitchen closes.

09
China Star Chinese Restaurant image 1

Small, dimly lit space with an old, cozy vibe that feels like a blue collar, mom and pop spot. Quiet atmosphere suits lunchtime dining with mostly working-class patrons. Stacks of boxes and limited seating add to the unpolished, authentic character.

Lunch specials come with soup, egg roll, and entrรฉe for just $8. Portions are huge and affordable, and service stays friendly even during busy times.

People are saying

"I always got a lot of delicious food for a great price."

"The lunch spot food here is delicious and generously portioned."

"These date spots offer great food and attentive service."

Good to know

1

The lunch specials are available from 11am to 5pm daily.

2

A to-go lunch with soup, egg roll, and an entrรฉe costs only $8.

3

The meal includes soup and an egg roll or rangoon, which is rare nowadays.

10
Mambo Seafood - Medical Center image 1

Huge, clean space with covered outdoor seating and a playground for kids creates a family-friendly environment. Latin beats fill the air, making the atmosphere pleasant and lively. Spacious layout supports a relaxed, inviting vibe.

Lunch specials offer shrimp and fish options that are excellent and delicious. A special for two costs $20, providing good value.

Seafood dishes like oysters, calamari, and a fish plate create a memorable meal. The seafood soup adds a phenomenal touch, making it a solid choice for a date spot.

People are saying

"The Seafood here is outstanding, with attentive servers."

"It's really kid friendly with a great outdoor playground."

"The lunch special here is a real bargain."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs from 3-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Expect a wait time of about 45 minutes during peak hours.

3

The restaurant offers military discounts for service members.

11
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill image 1

Buffet restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a clean, organized dining room that feels busy and lively during peak times. Tables sit close together, creating a cozy but sometimes crowded space. Country music plays softly, adding to the casual vibe.

Fresh food stays well stocked during the lunch rush with plenty of options ready even at breakfast. Lunch prices stay reasonable while offering tasty dishes like menudo.

Hot and delicious food comes with attentive service, making it easy to enjoy a meal out. The selection and quality of meats stand out for a satisfying main meal experience.

People are saying

"The buffet's variety lets you try a little bit of everything."

"You'll love the wide selection of good food at these date spots."

"This lunch spot has great, fresh food."

Good to know

1

The price is $20 per person, excluding drinks.

2

Expect limited food options one hour before closing.

3

Veterans Appreciation Night offers special events for veterans.

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Northwest Side, San Antonio

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