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Lunch spots in South End

A lunch spot that respects your time without making you feel like you are eating in a cafeteria.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Thyme Well Spent Cafe image 1
Thyme Well Spent Cafe image 2
Thyme Well Spent Cafe image 3
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Small, quaint space with decor evoking a Roman cafe sets a cozy, warm atmosphere that feels like a grandmother's kitchen. The vibe is inviting and immaculate, encouraging relaxation and lingering over coffee. A woman-owned, trendy gem known for its friendly energy and comforting, flavorful dishes.

Food offers amazing flavor in every bite with consistently excellent quality and no issues like hair found. Service complements the delicious dishes well, creating a satisfying dining experience.

Offers a healthy lunch option that supports local business. Location suits a quick lunch, making it a frequent choice for midday meals.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I found the gumbo to be amazing and full of flavor."

"The chicken and waffle salad here is amazing."

Good to know

1

Great parking is available nearby for easy access.

2

Arrive early around 3 pm to avoid missing popular items like deviled eggs.

3

The menu caters to various dietary needs, ensuring options for everyone.

02
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.

Southern inspired food stands out with truly delicious and amazing flavors. The dishes consistently impress with rich taste and quality.

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.

People are saying

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

"The food here is fresh and tastes great."

"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.

03
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.

Food stays consistently delicious and fresh with good portions. Staff remembers orders and adjusts food to preferences.

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

People are saying

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

"The food here is so flavorful and delicious."

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

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.

04
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.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious with a simple menu offering quality dishes at reasonable prices. Every meal delivers a satisfying and flavorful experience.

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.

People are saying

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

"The roast pork food here has the best crispy skin."

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

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.

05
Cambodian and Chinese Fast Food image 1

Asian fast food spot offers a bustling, cultured atmosphere with loud islander families adding energy. The space feels comfortable and clean, showing care for the community through generous portions and occasional free dishes. Views of Bangor Watt add a unique touch during waits.

Food features authentic Cambodian and Chinese dishes with tons of fresh ingredients. Portions come generous and priced well for the quality served.

Lunch offers great selections that satisfy hunger well. Meals are hearty enough to provide leftovers for the next day.

People are saying

"I got tons of delicious food for a great price."

"I really liked the teriyaki chicken and jalapeño chicken."

"The lunch selections here are great, especially the chow mein."

Good to know

1

Prices for dishes range from $7.99 to $13.99.

2

The restaurant offers large portion sizes for a good price.

3

The establishment maintains a clean environment, including bathrooms.

06
Little Jerry's image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Seinfeld-themed diner with compact seating and walls covered in memorabilia and episode references creates a cozy, quirky atmosphere. Tables are crowded, fostering a communal vibe reminiscent of classic neighborhood spots. Seinfeld plays continuously, adding to the unique, fun energy.

Food offers fresh ingredients and bold flavors not common in the area. Breakfast dishes stand out as delicious and well-prepared with consistent quality.

Lunch offers a solid choice with reliable dishes and a consistent experience. The spot works well for both breakfast and lunch meals.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and made with love."

"This diner is decorated with tons of Seinfeld memorabilia."

"This Lunch Spot is a fun Seinfeld-themed place with show decorations."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a wait during peak brunch hours, especially on Sundays.

3

Parking is available but can be tricky during busy hours.

07
Harbor City Tacoma Restaurant image 1

Chalupa shell-shaped building houses a hole-in-the-wall gem with a lively atmosphere and authentic Chinese food. Bright pink walls and worn interiors contrast with high-tech ordering via QR codes at each table. Large portions attract groups despite the unpolished setting.

Authentic Chinese food offers fresh, flavorful dishes with satisfying dim sum. The food stands out for its great taste and consistently delicious quality.

Lunch features dim sum with consistently excellent food. The spot serves Yum Cha options for midday meals.

People are saying

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

"The dim sum here, especially the shrimp dumplings, is so good."

"The Lunch Spot portions are huge; I couldn't finish it all."

Good to know

1

The restaurant uses a QR code system for ordering from the table.

2

Parking can be difficult due to a small lot; street parking is available.

3

Prices are reasonable, with dim sum options available all day.

08
Red Dragon Teriyaki Restaurant image 1

Bright decorations and loud TV create a lively atmosphere. Large portions come at reasonable prices with fast service. The place draws people who appreciate authentic teriyaki flavors and casual dining.

Food comes fast and offers generous portions at a reasonable price. The teriyaki dishes stand out for their flavor and quality.

Lunch specials cost $5.99 and include chicken teriyaki, orange chicken, or Kung Pao chicken. Each meal comes with rice and fresh salad, offering a solid portion at a low price.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal and flavorful."

"You get a nice portion of rice and salad with the teriyaki lunch special."

"You can get a lunch special for $5.99, which is unbeatable."

Good to know

1

The price of the lunch special is unbeatable.

2

Portions are large and priced reasonably.

3

Expect only a 5-10 minute wait during peak hours.

09
El Rinconsito | Tacoma image 1
Mexican restaurant

Simple setup with counter ordering and quick table service creates an informal, cozy vibe. Background Mexican music plays, sometimes loudly, adding energy to the space. A fresh salsa bar with Pico de Gallo and sliced radishes stands out as a distinctive feature.

Food here is fresh and authentic Mexican with consistently good taste. It suits both dining in and quick takeout, offering reasonably priced options that work well for a lunch break or late night meal.

Offers an upscale fast food style that suits quick lunch breaks. Serves well for pick up lunch and casual stops after events.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has the best carne asada tacos."

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

"This lunch spot has amazing deals and great tasting food."

Good to know

1

El Rinconsito is open late, making it a good option for late-night eats.

2

Expect to pay around $20 for a meal with extras like chips and guacamole.

3

The kid's meal costs $10 and may not be filling for some.

10
Jubilee Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Old school burger joint with a vintage diner vibe and retro atmosphere that feels upbeat and family friendly. Seating is basic and clean, resembling a classic diner setup without upholstery or drapes. The place has an in-and-out style energy with a casual, nostalgic feel.

Food features quality ingredients and classic shakes with a strong reputation for being well-established and consistently good. The menu offers solid, satisfying meals with friendly service.

Fast service speeds up lunch breaks. The cook personally checks in after the rush. The Jubilee Burger stands out as a solid afternoon meal choice.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were great and made fresh."

"The food here is amazing, especially the burgers and fries."

"I found the burgers here really good for a lunch spot."

Good to know

1

The establishment has serious cleanliness issues, with dirty tables and kitchen.

2

Tipping is only possible with cash, which is not commonly carried.

3

The combo meal costs $12, which some may find expensive for the portion.

11
Applebee's Grill + Bar image 1

Restaurant combines sports bar vibe with family-friendly energy, featuring multiple TVs showing games and chill music. Atmosphere tends to be loud and busy, especially late at night, with a mix of families and sports fans. Decor includes balloons adding a casual, festive touch.

Food features amazing flavors and quick service. Pasta stands out as tasty and well-prepared.

Offers a light lunch that suits casual meals. Serves well for family occasions like a child's birthday.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"Our server was so patient and kind with our wild kids."

"Manager Joe made the Lunch Spot experience even better."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features half-price appetizers and drink specials after 9pm.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere during late-night hours, especially after midnight.

3

The restaurant offers a $14.99 all-you-can-eat special that attracts crowds.

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South End, Tacoma

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