A Guide to Quick Lunches in Miami

So you only have 30 minutes tops for lunch? No problem: Skip the fast food chains and opt for these swift lunch options that will get in and out the door quickly.

CJ’s Crab Shack

CJ’s Crab Shack can get a little messy for lunch, but if you want something fast and something delicious on South Beach, you can always count on this Ocean Drive staple. Load up on wet wipes and nosh on tasty delights like drunken shrimp, crab dip, fried popcorn shrimp, snow crab, and fried grouper sandwiches.

Each bite of these specialties is loaded with flavor, and there’s really no wrong choice here — there’s something for everyone. And if your day calls for a stiff drink, you can sneak one in thanks to their full bar.

Doggi’s Arepa Bar

Good luck finding a larger menu in MiMo: Doggi’s Arepa Bar has way more to offer than just the namesake specialty.

Besides arepas packed with proteins like shredded beef, chicken and churrasco, the eatery features everything from snacks such as mini empanadas and yuca fries to steaks, salads and cachapas (think Venezuelan pancakes).

And all the items are priced reasonably, making this perfect for a quick and affordable lunch; you can leave stuffed for under $20.

Doggi’s Arepa Bar has locations in MiMo and across South Florida. For more information, visit their official website.

Hometown BBQ

You’re going to leave Hometown BBQ smelling like meat, but it’s totally worth it. The Allapattah restaurant serves up an array of tasty dishes like beef rib, brisket tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, smoked wings and so much more.

To help balance the heaviness of the mains, consider bites like the watermelon salad, broccoli and elote. Don’t care about calories? End on a high note with the banana cream pudding. Parking can take a while during prime time, but the kitchen will make up the time with food that comes out fast.

Hometown BBQ is located at 1200 NW 22nd Street, #100, Miami, FL 33142. For more information, visit their official website.

The Lobster Shack

Lincoln Road isn’t really known for its great food, but there’s one spot everyone needs to keep an eye on: The Lobster Shack. It’s not a tourist trap like everything else on the strip — it serves up legitimately great food at affordable prices. Plus, it’s fast — you can pop in, get a lobster roll (or tacos) and leave satisfied in less than 30 minutes.

If you don’t want to have to reach for napkins, consider the lobster salad or the seared tuna salad; they’re both equally impressive (in size and taste). FYI: The Lobster Shack also has a South of Fifth location, if you find yourself down that way.

Mr. Mandolin

At Mr. Mandolin in MiMo, Greek and Turkish influences combine for some quality cuisine. The fast-casual diner offers delicious gyros and kebabs that are ideal for a quick mid-day meal.

Beef, lamb, chicken, veggies and swordfish make up the available proteins, all of which you should try; repeat visits are a given. Other specialties here include Greek salad, spanakopita, grilled chicken wings and pistachio baklava. Feeling generous? Pick up the signature feast for you and your coworkers – it feeds four and includes all the best stuff.

Mr. Mandolin is located at 7301 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33138. For more information, visit their official website.

Riviera Focacceria

For a quick mid-day meal, Riviera Focacceria’s amazing pastas are hard to beat. Items like the classic lasagna, ravioli ragu Genovese and linguine di mare are all best sellers that should fit even the tightest of schedules.

You can even just stock up on appetizers like the bresaola and burrata if you’re really on a time crunch. Walk-ins are always welcome, so pop in whenever you can for the neighborhood’s best Italian food.

The Taco Stand

When it comes to “fast food,” tacos are at the top of our list. And while taco shops are a dime a dozen in Miami, few are as memorable as The Taco Stand in Wynwood. Hailing from San Diego, the brand is known for its delectable proteins like carne asada, spicy shrimp, mushroom, and cactus; carnivores and herbivores alike love this place.

No matter what you order for your entrée, start with mar y tierra fries. The mountain of fries is topped with flame-grilled Angus steak and grilled shrimp — perfect for large groups.

The Taco Stand is located at 313 NW 25th Street, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.