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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to South End

Lunch spots

Made for those who refuse to let a busy schedule force them into eating a mediocre midday meal.

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 Roman cafe decor offers a cozy vibe like a grandmother's kitchen. Known for healthy lunch options that support local business, it suits quick midday meals. Friendly energy and comforting dishes make it a woman-owned trendy gem.

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 buzzes with Soul R&B music and hip hop cafe vibe. Chicken and waffles offer a filling, quick lunch with big portions. Walls show vibrant artwork while kids enjoy a giant Connect Four game. Lemon drop martinis add a notable touch.

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 chicken tenders are huge, crispy, and perfectly seasoned."

"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
Thọ Tường BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small space with a recent remodel feels like a Vietnamese home. Lunch offers double protein combos like roasted pork and crispy duck with vegetables and broken rice. Loud, crowded atmosphere filled with families and friends makes it a bustling spot.

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 roasted pork noodle soup broth was rich and flavorful."

"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.

04
Mama's Teriyaki image 1
Japanese restaurant

Enjoy generous portions of spicy chicken lunch specials and flavorful teriyaki in a casual spot with quick pickup. Clean facilities and consistent quality make it a top choice for lunch and Japanese food lovers.

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."

"I thought the gyoza here were great."

"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.

05
Cambodian and Chinese Fast Food image 1

Asian fast food spot buzzes with loud islander families and offers hearty meals perfect for lunch with leftovers. Clean, comfortable space shows care through generous portions and free dishes. Views of Bangor Watt add charm during waits.

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 offers a cozy atmosphere with walls full of memorabilia. Compact seating creates a communal vibe perfect for casual meals. Lunch features reliable dishes and the show plays continuously, adding fun energy to the experience.

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

Bright pink walls set a lively scene for authentic Chinese food with large portions perfect for groups. Dim sum shines as a lunch highlight, paired with modern QR code ordering for quick service. The hole-in-the-wall gem vibe keeps it casual and fun.

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 vibe. Lunch specials at $5.99 offer chicken teriyaki with rice and fresh salad. Fast service and large portions make it a great casual spot for authentic flavors.

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 a cozy vibe. Fresh salsa bar with Pico de Gallo adds a unique touch. Perfect for quick lunch breaks and casual stops after events.

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 loved the handmade tortillas and salsas."

"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 fast service perfect for lunch breaks. The Jubilee Burger shines as a solid afternoon meal. Casual, upbeat atmosphere feels family friendly with clean, classic seating.

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 ice cream cones are amazing and piled high."

"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

Combines sports bar vibe with family-friendly energy and festive balloons. Serves light lunch perfect for casual meals and child's birthday celebrations. Atmosphere is loud and busy, mixing families and sports fans.

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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