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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Uptown Central

Mexican lunch spots

You want a midday meal that delivers bold, traditional flavors without the wait of a full dinner service.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Fish City Grill image 1
Fish City Grill image 2
Fish City Grill image 3
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Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with an upscale, modern decor and a spacious, well-arranged layout including a patio with river views and outdoor misters and fans. Atmosphere is cozy yet lively, suitable for casual dining or date nights, with a mix of seating options and TVs for sports. The vibe is friendly and energetic, sometimes getting loud when busy.

Fish tacos come with red beans and rice as a side. The Chicken Fried Catfish stands out as a lunch option. Overall, lunch offerings deliver spectacular flavors.

Seafood shines with fish tacos that come in large portions and sides like red beans and rice. Shrimp tacos and oyster nachos feature fresh ingredients and bold flavors like Pico de Gallo and spicy mayo.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was top-notch and amazing."

"The Mexican food portions here are enormous!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with $5 margaritas.

2

Expect food preparation times of 20-30 minutes during busy evenings.

3

The restaurant is pet-friendly, allowing dogs on the patio.

02
Charro Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a calm, cozy atmosphere with dated aesthetics. It draws a steady crowd, especially for breakfast and lunch due to nearby military base. Known for homemade flour tortillas and authentic Tex-Mex flavors like barbacoa tacos and charro beans.

Chicken tacos serve as a perfect lunch option here. The menu offers consistently strongly adored lunch dishes that make it a frequent choice for midday meals.

Super nachos come loaded with steak, queso, onions, and bell peppers. Breakfast tacos and burritos stand out, especially the 3-of-a-kind breakfast tacos and the homemade flour tortillas. Street tacos like asada and barbacoa pair well with superb chips and salsa.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's food is always fresh and tasty."

"I thought their breakfast burrito was simply divine."

"I loved the breakfast tacos; they were a great value."

Good to know

1

They have consistent lunch specials available daily.

2

Expect a busy crowd during breakfast and lunch due to nearby military base.

3

Parking may be challenging as the lot is small and often full.

03
Panchito's Mexican Restaurant image 1

Down-home diner with clichรฉ Mexican decor and comfortable seating creates a family-oriented atmosphere with Tejano music playing. Staff engage children with balloons and coloring activities, enhancing the welcoming vibe. Strong, fresh margaritas complement the lively, casual setting.

Lunch features queso with real flavor that stands out from typical melted cheese. Family gatherings fit well with delicious food that satisfies various tastes.

Enchiladas come filled with chicken and covered in tasty sauce, especially the suizas and verdes varieties. Fajitas arrive meaty and tender, served with house-made corn tortillas. Salsas are excellent, and puffy tacos pair well with margaritas.

People are saying

"Our server Cynthia was so friendly and attentive with our food."

"This lunch spot's enchiladas were the best I ever had."

"Our server Cynthia was so attentive and friendly with the Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm daily with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

04
La Patrona Restaurant Patio Bar image 1

Outdoor patio offers spacious, covered seating with fans and air conditioning maintaining comfort. Live Mexican rock bands create a lively atmosphere with music and multiple TVs showing games. The vibe feels welcoming and energetic, blending beautiful decor with a festive, social energy.

Weekday lunch specials cost just $10. Food quality is okay, better at breakfast but decent for lunch. Suitable for friends or family gatherings.

Carne Asada comes tender and well seasoned. Enchiladas rancheros and queso flameado con rajas stand out for flavor. Tacos like Asada chorizo street tacos and fish tacos pair well with margaritas and cold beer on a spacious patio.

People are saying

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

"I loved the delicious street style tacos and margaritas."

"The food at this lunch spot is delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 PM with $5 margaritas and draft beer.

2

Live music starts at 7:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

Karaoke night occurs every Thursday with a two-drink minimum.

05
La Fogata Cantina - Alamo Heights image 1

Mexican restaurant offers a loud, compact interior with wood accents and tall rustic chairs creating a cozy, earthy vibe. Mariachi and norteรฑo music play, enhancing a lively atmosphere. Patio space feels private and beautiful, suitable for celebrations and happy hours.

Lunch specials offer consistent quality and satisfy with every visit. Food choices during lunch maintain a reliable standard without disappointment.

Salsas stand out as some of the best, with extras often provided. The enchiladas mixtas offer rich, flavorful bites, while the crispy churro dessert balances softness and sweetness well.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is super friendly and attentive."

"I thought the margaritas and habanero salsa were unbeatable."

"The Mexican food here is skillfully prepared and served hot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to avoid long wait times.

2

Happy hour offers $5 margaritas every day after 5 pm.

3

Lunch specials are available, providing good value for money.

06
La Fonda Alamo Heights image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a comfortable atmosphere and relaxing music that allows easy conversation even in large groups. Features a nice patio and a secluded back room for bigger parties. Known for excellent margaritas and a menu with standout dishes like fajitas, enchiladas, and tamales.

Lunch features attentive service from staff like Arthur and Chaz, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Specials like the Monday lunch offer variety, and dishes consistently satisfy across visits.

Authentic Mexican dishes like Guerro Guapo and puffy tacos stand out for their flavor and consistency. The margaritas are excellent, and the Rickโ€™s Queso is a popular choice among groups.

People are saying

"I enjoyed delicious authentic Mexican food; it was amazing."

"These beef fajitas are the best I've ever had, so soft and flavorful."

"I had a great lunch here; the food was tasty and it was easy to talk."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

The restaurant hosts graduations, weddings, and business parties.

3

Menu items are not marked as gluten-friendly, making it hard for gluten-free diners.

07
Taco Palenque Broadway image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a self-serve salsa bar and a covered outdoor patio with TVs and a kids' play area. Atmosphere feels family-friendly and authentic, with a chill vibe suitable for quick bites or casual hangouts. Interior updates include new tables, chairs, and flooring, enhancing comfort.

Miss Leticia creates a welcoming vibe that brings people back for lunch. Tables and floors stay clean during rush, but prices can be high, with tacos and sweet tea costing as much as a full meal.

Tacos al pastor and sirloin fajitas stand out for their authentic taste and quality. The free condiment bar adds variety, and the drive-thru offers quick service.

People are saying

"The tacos here are amazing, especially the pirata."

"The salsa bar was delicious and well stocked."

"I came back every day for lunch because of Miss Leticia's smile."

Good to know

1

You order at the counter, take a number, and they bring your food out.

2

The menu has limited options, including capirotada and traditional lent food on March 16th.

3

Expect small portions for the price; some dishes may feel overpriced.

08
Thousand Oaks Cafe II image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old skool diner vibes shape a busy yet calm atmosphere where conversations flow easily. Bilingual staff serve a crowd that leans older, creating a local favorite spot with a nostalgic feel. Fresh homemade tortillas and quick tacos stand out amid authentic Mexican dishes.

Lunch offers mixed Mexican combos with enchiladas, crispy tacos, chalupas, rice, beans, and tortillas. Options include Tx-Mex breakfast and lunch dishes with flavorful enchiladas and tacos.

Enchiladas stand out with beef and cheese options that taste great. Country sausage and egg tacos are large and flavorful. The carne asada a la mexicana and Menudo con pata offer authentic Mexican flavors. Homemade tortillas accompany many dishes.

People are saying

"I loved their puffy tacos and carne guisada tacos."

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the enchiladas, was great."

"I had lunch with delicious enchiladas and a crispy beef taco."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but it's best to arrive early during peak hours.

2

The restaurant has limited wheelchair accessibility, making navigation difficult.

3

Prices for breakfast items are generally reasonable, with many options under $10.

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Uptown Central, San Antonio

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