The Top Five Lunch Spots in Tallahassee

Upon first impression, Tallahassee, Florida appears to be a community comprised of corporate America’s strip malls and chain restaurants. But hidden behind neon lights and rather boring-looking buildings, culinary treats and Southern hospitality await at these top lunch spots near Tallahassee’s downtown. Whether dining on your lunch break or enjoying a leisurely meal, these top spots won’t disappoint.

In the middle of Tallahassee’s downtown action is Paradigm Lounge (850-224-9980). This popular lunch spot is easily identified by the big, blue six-pointed star outside the brick building. Stepping inside is like walking into a warehouse: concrete floor, tall ceiling and brick walls. Chrome-like tables give Paradigm an edgy, modern feel.

The lunch menu is light, yet satisfying for the Tallahassee young professional crowd. Paradigm serves creative salad combinations, including the Tuna Salad with granny smith apples, grape tomatoes and dried cranberries, along with other tasty veggies, topped on mixed greens. Sandwiches and wraps range from traditional Club Sandwich to a Grilled Portobello Sandwich.

Lunch at this top Tallahassee spot runs between $10 and $15. Paradigm is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Major credit cards are accepted. The restaurant is located at 115 W. College Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida 32301. Parking is limited but try nearby Duval Street for a spot.

Located in the south side of town, Dog Et Al (850-222-4099) is one of Tallahassee’s top lunch spots for good reason. Beef hot dogs, otherwise known as “Down to Earth Dogs,” range in size from the Little Dog to the Big Foot Dog, and price varies between $2 and $4.50. Tallahassee diners with exotic lunch cravings will appreciate the “Uppity Dogs,” like turkey dogs, Polish sausage and bratwurst, ranging between $3 and $5.25. Top the dog off with complimentary and generous extras such as chili, coleslaw, bold and spicy mustard, mayonnaise, fresh onions, grilled onions and green peppers or tangy sauerkraut to the Tallahassee hot dog.

Order a meal combo for lunch, which includes a choice of homemade potato chips or French fries, apple pie and beverage. Dine in at one of the few tables draped in a red and white checked, vinyl tablecloth or pass the lunch hour by at a counter window seat, watching the Tallahassee world go. Coca Cola products are served and mementos of the soda giant dot the diner. Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Dog Et Al accepts cash. Find this top lunch spot at 1456 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301.

A short distance from Tallahassee’s downtown is another top lunch spot: Las Brasas (850-668-2522). Opening about a year ago with seating capacity for 28 diners, Tallahassee showed its support for this Peruvian restaurant. Las Brasas soon expanded to feed 55 lunch-goers.

Originally serving a Peruvian-only menu, Cuban specials began popping up weekly. Which makes sense, since co-owner Erick Urra was born in Cuba. Today, the lunch (and dinner) menu reflects a combination of Peruvian and Cuban entr�©es.

Tallahassee favorites at this top lunch spot include fried yucca and sweet plantains, either as an appetizer or side order. A traditional Cuban Sandwich hits the spot at lunchtime, or try one of the house specialties, such as the Arroz Chaufa con Pollo (fried rice with chicken) or Ceviche Mixto (fresh seasonal seafood, cured in lime juice). Creamy flan completes lunch.

The interior is simple with hints of Peru here and there, but the true atmosphere is in the lunch cuisine. Lunch costs between $7 and $14. Service at this top Tallahassee lunch spot is self-table: place your order at the counter, pay and the meal will be delivered.

Las Brasas is located at 2714 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Florida 32301, but it’s a bit difficult to find. The restaurant is tucked away in Tallahassee’s Corners at Cross Creek Plaza. Or as they want everyone to know, across from Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q. Once finding the plaza, there will be no problem finding this top lunch spot, however, parking is limited. Meals are served Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and major credit cards are accepted.

Across the street from Las Brasas is another international lunch spot, Samrat (850-942-1993). This Indian restaurant is one of Tallahassee’s top lunch spots for its bountiful buffet. For about $11, diners can sample fine Indian cuisine including chicken, lamb and vegetarian dishes, accompanied by rice, vegetables, salad and fresh, soft naan (bread prepared in a clay oven) and for dessert, kheer (an Indian sweet dish made from milk, rice and nuts seasoned with cardamom).

Samrat is known for its tandoori dishes: lamb or chicken marinated in yogurt and mild spices then roasted in a traditional clay oven. This is usually on the buffet, but if not, it can be ordered for lunch from the restaurant’s extensive menu. Like the lunch buffet, the menu includes a variety of chicken and lamb dishes. The menu offers extensive vegetarian dishes, which makes Samrat one of Tallahassee’s top lunch spots.

Although Samrat’s building looks small, its modestly decorated interior is spacious. Unlike downtown Tallahassee restaurants, parking is plentiful. Lunch can be enjoyed Mondays through Saturdays when the restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and dinner only on Sundays, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Find this top lunch spot at 2529 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301. Major credit cards are accepted and delivery is available.

Visit the Middle East without leaving Tallahassee at the top lunch spot called Sahara (850-656-1800). This Greek and Lebanese restaurant’s first location was in the Tallahassee Mall. About five years ago, the owners decided to open a stand-alone restaurant at 1241 E. Lafayette Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301. Since then, the community embraced the move, making Sahara a top Tallahassee lunch spot.

At lunch, sit at a cushioned booth or at one of the tables in the modestly decorated restaurant. Greek salad, gyros, falafels and rice-stuffed grape leaves are favorites, along with chicken, lamb and vegetarian dishes. The humus, which can be ordered as an appetizer or a side dish, is fresh and smooth. Pistachio baklava is a sweet way to end lunch and seals the deal that Sahara is a top Tallahassee lunch spot.

Major credit cards are accepted and Sahara is open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 8 p.m. Parking is a bit tight at this Tallahassee lunch spot so avoid the traditional noon-time lunch rush.

Whether seeking standard American fare or international flavor, Tallahassee offers a selection of restaurants. Dine at these restaurants to taste why they are the top Tallahassee lunch spots.