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Guide to Tacoma

Takeout lunch spots

Sometimes the best midday meal is one that can be grabbed quickly and taken back to a quiet desk.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Chili Thai Downtown Tacoma image 1
Chili Thai Downtown Tacoma image 2
Chili Thai Downtown Tacoma image 3
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Cozy interior with smooth jazz music and real flowers on tables creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Seating feels close but the space remains clean and classy, offering a relaxed dining experience. Small touches like origami floral arrangements add unique charm.

Lunch offers delicious food at super reasonable prices. Options are for sit-in only, making it a great little spot downtown.

Ordering takeout here works well for quick dinners with a clearly written menu that suits dietary needs like celiac disease. The panang curry and other dishes come out delicious and consistent every time.

People are saying

"I found the Pad Thai here to be super."

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

"The takeout here is fantastic and always flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a lunch menu that is $4-5 less than the regular menu.

2

Parking can be challenging during busy nights but is easier on Mondays.

3

They offer happy hour food and drink specials.

02
Tacoma Shawarma image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant combines cozy atmosphere with pool tables in the back for a relaxed vibe. Space feels clean and comfortable, welcoming families and casual diners alike. Service blends quick counter style with a sit-down feel, creating a unique dining experience.

Lunch offers lamb chops, beef Shawarma, and a lamb plate. The setting stays peaceful, making it easy to enjoy a quiet meal.

Takeout orders include Lamb Shawarma and typically take about 25 minutes to be ready.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's shawarma is the best I ever had."

"The shawarma takeout has incredibly juicy meat."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers food truck-style service with fine dining prices.

2

The price of $19 for the Lamb Shawarma is reasonable for the portion size.

3

They serve a HALAL menu despite being non-Muslims.

03
Lechon Loco image 1
Filipino restaurant

Small dining space combines with Filipino-Latin fusion cuisine to create a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Walls painted in yellow and green with street food videos add a casual, street eatery vibe. Friendly and welcoming energy makes it feel like eating at home.

Takeout includes lechon belly, pandit, and bibinka. Orders come ready for dinner with clear packaging.

People are saying

"The Lechon Belly food is perfectly crunchy and well seasoned."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and tasty."

"The takeout food here is delicious and hits the spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

2

Expect wait times of over 20 minutes for food until a new chef is hired.

3

Parking is available in front and free street parking is also an option.

04
56th Teriyaki image 1
Asian restaurant

Small, hole-in-the-wall Asian restaurant with an outdated look and takeout-only service. Atmosphere feels welcoming and happy, with fast service despite limited space. Known for exceptionally good teriyaki and generous portions at reasonable prices.

Large lunch portions come with great lunch specials. Seating is easy between lunch and dinner, making it a good spot for a late lunch break.

The spot operates as takeout only, so all orders are for pickup. It offers a straightforward option for quick, casual meals without dine-in service.

People are saying

"The food here is exceptionally good, especially the teriyaki chicken teriyaki."

"The chicken teriyaki here is tender and well-grilled."

"I thought the teriyaki was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is takeout only, so dining in is not an option.

2

Prices are competitive, making it budget-friendly for most diners.

3

Expect quick service with minimal wait times for takeout orders.

05
Mama's Teriyaki image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers generous portions with flavorful teriyaki and varied menu including yakisoba and Mongolian beef. Atmosphere is casual with quick pickup service and clean facilities. Regulars appreciate the consistent quality and consider it among the best teriyaki options in the area.

Spicy chicken lunch specials offer a hearty meal that satisfies hunger. Lunch portions are generous and filling every time.

Orders like spicy chicken and pork teriyaki come with a side salad. Large takeout orders are ready within 20 minutes.

People are saying

"The teriyaki here is so good, it's worth the trip."

"This Lunch Spot has delicious, fresh food with large portions."

"The takeout portions were great and the food was delicious."

Good to know

1

The food is usually ready to be picked up within 10-20 minutes.

2

Expect a wait time of about 10 minutes during busy hours.

3

Prices are reasonable, with large portions for the cost.

06
Buddy's Chicken & Waffles image 1

Large restaurant with hip hop cafe vibe and Soul R&B music playing loudly creates an energetic atmosphere. Walls display artwork and paintings, while giant Connect Four game entertains children. Chicken and waffles stand out as the best, paired with notable lemon drop martinis.

Chicken and waffles serve as a filling lunch option with portions large enough for two meals. This spot works well for a quick, satisfying lunch during a free hour.

Food stays hot and crispy when picked up just right. Orders come out fresh and plated with care, with takeout as the only option for walk-ins.

People are saying

"I had the best waffles I’ve ever had here."

"The chicken and waffles takeout was so fresh and perfectly plated."

"The chicken and waffles at this Lunch Spot are so good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 8 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

They do not take cash; only card payments are accepted.

3

Parking is available on-site, making it convenient for visitors.

07
BT Thai Restaurant image 1
Thai restaurant

Small strip mall spot with quiet, clean atmosphere and charming interior featuring yard art roosters. The place has chill vibes and limited seating, attracting many takeout orders. Known for large portions and flavorful Thai dishes with notable spice levels.

Large portions make lunch filling with leftovers for dinner. Meals stay tasty the next day and offer a quiet spot without children.

Takeout is fast and easy with food that stays super tasty. The spot has a clean and quaint vibe with just a few tables inside.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be authentic and excellent."

"You have to try the red curry, it's delicious."

"The noodles and curry at this Lunch Spot are flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Takeout service is fast and easy, perfect for a quick meal.

2

Portion sizes are large, often enough for leftovers.

3

Spice levels range from 1 to 10; higher levels are recommended for curry.

08
Thọ Tường BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small space with recent remodel and clean interior feels like a Vietnamese neighborhood home. Atmosphere is loud and crowded, filled with families and friends enjoying meals. Bar seating extends space but dining area remains tight and bustling.

Lunch features double protein combos with options like roasted pork, BBQ pork, and crispy duck. Plates come with vegetables and broken rice, plus a meat combo soup that complements the meal.

Combination noodle soup holds up well for takeout. The takeout line often stretches out the door, and pickup orders can run about 15 to 30 minutes late due to popularity.

People are saying

"The roasted pork and duck here are amazing, with perfectly crispy skin."

"The roast pork at this Lunch Spot has the perfect amount of fat and crispy skin."

"The takeout roasted duck and pork here is seriously good."

Good to know

1

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

2

The space for dine-in is quite limited, so arrive early.

3

Expect long wait times during busy hours, especially on weekends.

09
Happy Teriyaki #7 image 1
Asian restaurant

Sushi bar offers excellent sushi and teriyaki salmon stands out for quality and value. Interior feels clean and cozy despite being cramped, with a mix of traditional Asian and eclectic decor. Atmosphere stays quiet and relaxing, suitable for dining in or takeout.

Lunch specials offer good prices and come with speedy service until 2:30. The Happy Bowl serves as a solid, filling option for midday meals.

Spicy chicken takeout arrives fresh and hot with great portions. Packaging is well done to keep everything intact.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was fresh and delicious."

"The lunch specials here are a great value and huge."

"The takeout food here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The side of sauce, rice, and steamed cabbage costs only 13 dollars.

2

They offer good prices on lunch specials.

3

Expect large portion sizes for the price.

10
Thai Pepper image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, cozy space with traditional decor and authentic Thai atmosphere. Energy ranges from quiet and suitable for dates to busy and lively during peak times. Staff create a welcoming vibe that complements the affordable, well-regarded food.

Lunch specials offer excellent value with dishes like the Bangkok Fried Chicken Lunch Special standing out. This spot serves consistently good deals that make it a reliable choice for midday meals.

Orders come with soup and water while waiting. Pickup is usually on time but can have a 20-minute delay. Employees stay attentive during takeout.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The vegetarian options here are plentiful and incredibly flavorful."

"I thought the takeout curries were five-star quality."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a bit of a struggle, so arrive early.

2

The prices at Thai Pepper are very affordable.

3

The portions are huge and often provide leftovers for two meals.

11
Bento Teriyaki & Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Family-run Japanese restaurant offers cozy, homey atmosphere with a hole-in-the-wall vibe. Large portions provide generous value, especially for teriyaki dishes considered the best in the area. Interior and exterior are modest, reflecting a no-nonsense small business feel.

Large portions of teriyaki lunch specials make takeout convenient and filling. Options tempt frequent visits for a satisfying midday meal.

Ordering happens easily over the phone with pickup available. Prices hover around $30 for a typical order. The focus stays on food quality since the atmosphere does not affect takeout.

People are saying

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

"The takeout teriyaki and katsu combo was flavorful and generous."

"I've never had better teriyaki; it's the best Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

They accommodate vegan dietary needs upon request.

2

The portions are large, often enough for two meals.

3

Bento Teriyaki & Sushi is a family-run establishment.

12
Sake Sushi + Grill image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, family-owned Japanese restaurant offers a quiet, inviting atmosphere with blues music playing softly. Decor is recently renovated and features clean, simple design with a few tables. Focus stays on sushi and teriyaki, with fresh, well-prepared dishes and reasonable portions.

Lunch specials feature a bento teriyaki option that is good and reasonably priced. The overall lunch experience offers great value with satisfying meals.

Food stays fresh and hot for takeout. Options work well for both eating in and grabbing to go.

People are saying

"The food here is always hot and delicious."

"The lunch special here was good."

"The takeout portions here are huge and plentiful."

Good to know

1

Portion sizes are large, often enough to feed two people.

2

Prices are reasonable, with chicken fried rice costing $15.

3

The restaurant is family-owned and operated, providing a friendly atmosphere.

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