Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants
Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants - Street Food Steals
Street food is often one of the most affordable ways to experience a city's culinary scene. In a place as diverse as L.A., you can find tasty bites from all over the world being dished up curbside, from tacos and pupusas to kebabs and banh mi. Though prices vary by neighborhood, in general you can expect to pay $5-10 for a filling, delicious meal from a food truck or stand. And because overhead is low, street food purveyors can focus on sourcing quality ingredients while keeping costs down.
Skip the overpriced tourist traps and head to Grand Central Market downtown, where you can assemble a picnic for a fraction of sit-down prices. Load up on carnitas tacos from Villa Moreliana, mole chicken tamales from Olverita's, and a few papusas from Sarita's Pupuseria. Or check out Kogi BBQ's famed Korean-Mexican fusion tacos and burritos. Their short rib taco with caramelized kimchi will only set you back $2.50.
On the Westside, don't miss the Thursday night food trucks at Venice Beach. You can watch the sun set over the Pacific while noshing on everything from wood-fired pizzas to gluten-free pancakes. Mariscos Jaliscos serves up overflowing lobster tacos and ceviche tostadas, while Crepes Bonaparte offers sweet and savory French crepes at just $6 apiece.
In Echo Park, hit up the Sunday farmer's market for organic, locally-grown produce. Then grab a cheesesteak loaded with grilled onions and peppers for $8 at Steaksmith. Cool down with a refreshing agua fresca from Churros Don Abel.
What else is in this post?
- Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants - Street Food Steals
- Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants - Food Truck Finds
- Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants - Diner Delights
- Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants - Hidden Gem Eateries
- Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants - Neighborhood Nosh Spots
- Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants - Late Night Bites
- Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants - Happy Hour Havens
- Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants - Best Bang For Your Buck Brunch
Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants - Food Truck Finds
L.A.'s food truck scene is booming, with over 1,000 trucks roaming the streets on any given day. These mobile kitchens serve up everything from lobster rolls to banh mi, often at prices well below sit-down restaurants. While sites like Roaming Hunger can help track trucks, half the fun is just stumbling upon them.
"I love exploring different LA neighborhoods and letting the food trucks we find guide the experience," says Torsten Jacobi, founder of Mighty Travels. "You can discover cuisines you've never tried from chefs you'd otherwise never experience."
Kogi BBQ Kickstarted LA's food truck craze back in 2008. "Their short rib taco for $2.50 is an amazing deal," Torsten shares. "The Korean-Mexican fusion flavors are like nothing else." While chasing the truck can be an event, they now have various locations.
Rice Balls of Fire "I tried this truck on Abbott Kinney almost by accident. Their build-your-own rice balls allow you to pick proteins like chicken katsu or ginger miso salmon, then customize with toppings and sauces," Torsten says. Most plates ring up around $10—far less than sit-down spots on the trendy strip.
Yeastie Boys "This truck parks at Smorgasburg LA on Sundays, serving up delicious pizza for just $6-$8 a pop," Torsten reveals. He recommends the Danny Boy (pepperoni and jalapeño) and Funky Chicken (chicken and pineapple) pies.
Let's Be Frank "I'm not even a veggie lover, but these vegan hot dogs are insane," says Torsten. The menu features cleverly-named specialties like the So-Cal (avocado, sprouts) and Say Cheese (cashew cheese sauce). Grab a dog for around $6.
Belly Bombz "This truck makes the most insanely-stuffed bao buns and gyoza packs major flavor for about $5 each," Torsten shares. He suggests trying the Bulgogi Beef bao and Garlic Edamame gyoza.
The Grilled Cheese Truck "What's better than gourmet takes on the childhood classic for under $10? I'm a fan of the Cheesy Mac and Rib, which adds short rib, onions and cheddar sauce," says Torsten.
Romeo's Italian Sausage "I love grabbing their delicious sausage and pepper sandwich on a French roll for just $7 and taking it across the street to eat at Venice beach," Torsten shares.
Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants - Diner Delights
Nothing evokes classic Americana like a cozy diner where the coffee is bottomless and the portions endless. "Diners are the ultimate budget food, serving up hearty comfort classics like burgers, shakes, and blue-plate specials that won't break the bank," says Torsten Jacobi, founder of Mighty Travels. While LA has its share of retro gems, innovative chefs are also putting modern twists on diner fare.
"Pann's in Inglewood is quintessential. Open 24/7, their hash browns and chili cheese fries are some of my favorites in L.A.," Torsten shares. The 77-year-old spot even has a walk-up window for late-night bites. Expect deliciously greasy fare priced at fast food levels—for example, a 1/3-pound burger or patty melt runs just $5.99.
At Fred 62 in Los Feliz, thick-cut challah bread replaces regular buns on gourmet elevated burgers like the Versailles (brie cheese, arugula, fig jam) or the Cheech and Chong (mushrooms, gruyère, caramelized onions). The inventive mix-and-match combinations cost around $12—a steal compared to fancy gastropubs. According to Torsten, the zucchini fritter hash is also a must for weekend brunch.
"Eggslut elevates a simple breakfast sandwich into a masterpiece. The keys are high-quality ingredients like cage-free eggs, Niman Ranch sausage, and Hawaiian sweetbread," he says. The signature Eggslut—an oozing coddled egg, potato purée, and chives on brioche—rings up at $8. "For that, you'd easily pay $16 in a fancier restaurant."
At Barbara in Silver Lake, Chef Roi Shillo gives classic deli fare his own spin. “Housemade pastrami on rye gets an earthy twist with pickled green strawberries and a schmear of chicken liver mousse,” Torsten reveals. While prices hover around $15 per sandwich, quality ingredients like Niman Ranch beef make them a tasty bargain.
Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants - Hidden Gem Eateries
Tucked away in strip malls, hole-in-the-wall joints, and underground food halls across the sprawling metropolis, L.A.'s hidden gem eateries serve up mouthwatering cuisine for a fraction of what you'd pay at trendy hot spots. According to Torsten, "Finding these under-the-radar restaurants takes some digging, but uncovering an amazing meal at bargain prices is so rewarding."
While sceney restaurants rely on hype, ambiance and Instagrammability to fill seats, Torsten explains that hidden gems succeed on the quality of their food alone. "Since they don't spend big on PR or design, the owners can focus everything on sourcing excellent ingredients and preparing each dish with care," he says. This translates into huge flavor at low cost.
For instance, Burritos La Palma in El Monte crafts what Torsten calls "the perfect California burrito" using top-notch carnitas, fresh avocado and handmade tortillas. Yet their epic bundles of joy still cost under $10—unheard of in more gentrified areas. Colombian spot Praztky in Mid City flies under the radar, but their $3 empanadas baked fresh daily make the hole-in-the-wall a worthwhile find.
According to Torsten, San Gabriel Valley is a hotbed of hidden gems. Off the radar restaurants, cafes and food stalls fill the Chinese enclave with authentic fare you won't easily find elsewhere in the U.S. "Trying obscure dishes at these local mom and pop spots offers a one-of-a-kind LA experience for a special price," he says.
For Cantonese classics, Torsten suggests Four Seas Restaurant. Their extensive menu belies the tiny dining room, with standouts like wok-seared prawns and salt & pepper pork chops costing just $12-15 each. Over in Arcadia, he says Tasty Garden "makes delicately hand-pulled noodle dishes that beat out Americanized takeout any day."
Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants - Neighborhood Nosh Spots
Beyond the hot new openings constantly vying for the spotlight, LA's tastiest and most affordable bites often lurk in neighborhood joints far from the glitz of Hollywood or Melrose. While visitors flock to touristy areas, locals know where to find the good stuff—family-run spots dishing out specialties that reflect the rich diversity of the city's many enclaves.
"I don't just look for restaurants, I look for regions with authentic cuisines. Then I ask Uber drivers and hotel staff where they eat," says Torsten. This insider intel led him to Koreatown gems like Sun Nong Dan, where steaming stone bowl bibimbap costs $15 versus $25 downtown. In Little Tokyo, he queued up with locals at Daikokuya for next-level ramen made with roasted pork bones. Their legendary broth bowls go for around $14—half what some trendy nouveau ramen bars charge.
Jeff R., a repeat LA visitor, swears by Cemitas Poblanas Elvirita in Boyle Heights. "Their cemita sandwiches are crazy good—the chipotle salsa and avocado are so fresh," he shares. The Mexican specialty layered with breaded chicken or milanesa costs a reasonable $11. For Thai, Jeff hits Northern Cafe in East Hollywood. "It feels like you're eating in someone's living room, but the papaya salad and larb (spicy ground meat) are incredible," he says. Entrees average just $12.
Torsten recommends looking not just to immigrant hubs, but historically Black, Jewish, Japanese and Persian neighborhoods as well. "Each pocket of LA has its own culinary identity," he explains. In Leimert Park, he feasted on chicken and waffles at Delia's that "rivaled anything I had in Harlem or Atlanta for less than $20." Over in Little Ethiopia, vegetarian platter dinners at Rosalind's run $22—a major saving on downtown Ethiopian spots.
Seeking New York-style deli? Langer's in Westlake still makes their pastrami by hand after 75 years. "Their towering sandwiches layered with juicy, freshly-sliced meat blew me away," Torsten says. While not cheap at $22 apiece, they're stuffed with over a pound of meat. For Jewish comfort food, Canter's Deli serves up mile-high matzo ball soup, pillowy potato pancakes and other Ashkenazi fare in its 60-year-old Fairfax haunt.
Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants - Late Night Bites
Los Angeles is a city that never sleeps, with restaurants staying open late to satisfy those midnight cravings. As any night owl knows, nothing beats post-party snacks or pre-clubbing plates. But paying exorbitant prices for small bites so late cuts into precious beer money. Luckily, LA offers affordable all-night eats without sacrificing flavor.
According to resident Matthew S., late-night Mex is where it's at. "My go-to spot is Mariscos Jaliscos in East L.A. Their shrimp tacos are only $1.50 each and so fresh—the tortillas are handmade right there," he shares. Open until 3am, their menu also features ceviche, octopus cocktails and heaping platters of seafood for between $10-15.
For chili cheese fries and burgers, Matthew suggests Ammo in Hollywood. "It's a total dive, but their pastrami burger with crispy fries doused in that chili queso is my ideal post-party meal," he says. Despite its divey digs, this Hollywood mainstay uses quality ingredients like humanely-raised beef for around $10 per burger.
No discussion of late-night LA is complete without mentioning Tommy's, according to resident Jeff K. Founded in 1946, the mini-chain now boasts over 25 locations open until 3am or later. "I've long maintained that Tommy's is the most perfect drunk food ever created by man," Jeff passionately proclaims. Their signature sloppy chili cheeseburgers deliver an indulgent meaty, molten mess for about $6. Chili fries, tamales and breakfast burritos round out the grease-laden menu.
For late-night diner fare, Jeff recommends Norms. "They capture the atmosphere of a 1950s diner with counter seating, milkshakes and waitresses calling you 'hon'," he says. Open 24 hours across LA, their huge menu offers solid renditions of classics like patty melts, club sandwiches and chicken fried steak for $10-15.
Westsider Leanne W. seeks out late-night Chinese after hitting the clubs on the Sunset Strip. "Kung Pao Bistro in Hollywood is open until 4am. I love getting their DUMPLING MANIA deal—8 pan fried or steamed dumplings for just $6," she reveals. Other menu highlights include General Tso's chicken, broccoli beef and pork fried rice for around $10 each.
Leanne also haunts late-night Korean joints like Children's Cafe in Koreatown. "They're open 24 hours, so I'll go after a long night out for soondooboo soup and bibimbap," she says. The homestyle eatery ladles up steaming bowlfuls of soft tofu soup for only $8 and piled-high bibimbap for $10—just what the doctor ordered at 3am.
Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants - Happy Hour Havens
With the cost of a single craft cocktail easily hitting $15-20 at LA’s see-and-be-seen watering holes, liquid courage can seriously drain your wallet. Yet Torsten has uncovered amazing happy hours where you can score well-made libations for half off or more—if you know where to look.
“In a spread out city like L.A., I’ve realized you need to drink local to drink cheap,” says Torsten. Venturing to hotel bars and restaurant lounges in business districts and outskirts rather than packed downtown hubs yields better deals. He offers Melrose Avenue staple The Lancer as a prime example. “Their handcrafted cocktails would cost $24 after work, but from 5-7pm they’re a very reasonable $12 each,” he explains.
For half-priced wine and appetizers on Beverly Hills’ Restaurant Row, Torsten suggests Fig & Olive. Their extended happy hour from 5-7pm every night makes small luxuries like charcuterie, flatbreads and glasses of rosé much more accessible. “The atmosphere is elevated but relaxed, perfect for an upscale apero after a day in the LA sun,” Torsten describes.
“Some of the best values are at OG LA hotel bars that draw an industry crowd for decades,” Torsten shares. For old Hollywood glamour minus the $20 martini price tag, he swears by The Rooftop at The Standard Downtown. From 5:30-7pm, well drinks cost only $8 and local beers go for $5. According to Torsten, their 360-degree city views make it one of the most affordable ways to soak up the LA skyline over drinks.
Even hoity-toity Beverly Hills classic The Polo Lounge offers a generous happy hour from 3-7pm in their outdoor terrace. “I couldn’t believe I was sipping expertly made Negronis surrounded by palm trees for just $15 each,” Torsten says of the iconic spot. With appetizers like tuna tartare and sliders for $15-$20, he considers it one of LA’s happiest hours.
“For sushi happy hours, head west away from Downtown and the BH power lunch crowd,” Torsten advises. At cozy Kura Revolving Sushi Bar in Sawtelle, they offer rotating plates of nigri and rolls for just $2.50 between 5:30-7pm every day. Over in Venice, Sake House by Hikari slices sushi and share items in half from 5:30-6:30pm nightly.
Eat Up L.A. on a Budget: Affordable Standouts from the 101 Best Restaurants - Best Bang For Your Buck Brunch
Brunch has become an obsession in LA, with hotspots commanding hour-plus waits every weekend. Yet paying $25 for brioche French toast or a mimosa the size of a thimble need not break the bank. Tucked away on side streets and in unassuming cafes, L.A.’s best budget brunches offer wallet-friendly fare without skimping on flavor.
“I love stumbling upon these neighborhood spots where the regulars eat,” says Torsten Jacobi, founder of Mighty Travels. Resident Jeff S. agrees, sharing Java Spice in Culver City as one such find. “It looks like nothing from outside, but their Indonesian rijsttafel brunch on Sundays is insane,” he says. For just $18, diners get an eye-popping spread of satays, stir fries, curries, and more. Add bottomless coffee, juice and tea for $5 extra.
Jeff also raves about The Cat & Fiddle in Hollywood. “Their full English breakfast is top notch, with juicy banger sausages and perfect poached eggs,” he reveals. Available weekends from 9am-2pm, the iconic British pub offers an authentic fry-up for around $16. Add bangers and mash or fish and chips for a classic pub feed under $25.
For authentic Mexican flavors, Jeff heads to Carnitas El Momo in Boyle Heights. “Hands down LA’s best carnitas, plus all the fresh salsas, tortillas and sides you could want,” he shares. Their $20 all-you-can-eat brunch also includes coffee, juice and champagne.
East LA is a treasure trove of Latin brunch gems, Torsten agrees. “Salazar near Frogtown wows with Veracruz-style tamales filled with masa and stewed chicken, served with smoky salsa roja,” he says. Alongside enchiladas, chilaquiles and other regional dishes, it’s just $25 for two courses and coffee. He also suggests Mariscos Jalisco for shrimp ceviche and Micheladas that fuel the day for around $15 per person.
In Pasadena, Torsten singles out The Arbour for phenomenal brunch bargains. “Dishes like shakshuka rancheros with two eggs, house chorizo and tortillas for $13 are pretty unbeatable,” he says. Their menu hits global flavors from Morocco and Italy too, with shareable small plates clocking in from $8-15.
Torsten also counsels heading inland and east, away from the brunch fever of the Westside. “Ethnic enclaves like Chinatown and Koreatown are full of family-run eateries doing brunch their own way for way less,” he shares. Lunasia Dim Sum House makes his must-do list for affordable dumpling decadence. At $15 per person, you can feast like royalty on delicate steamed and fried bites.