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Best Los Angeles Cheap Eats


As the world economy slows down, we may want to tighten our belts, but we still need to fill our stomachs. Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in Los Angeles. As an added bonus, we've broken it up by regions to save you precious gas money.

Westside
Beverly Hills/Hollywood/Midtown

Santa Monica/Malibu
Downtown/Silver Lake
San Fernando Valley
San Gabriel Valley/Pasadena
South Bay

Inland Empire

Check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.



WESTSIDE

The Apple Pan Burgers
Quick Bite
10801 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
310-475-3585
Longtime home of burgers and apple pie. More...

Attari Sandwich Shop Persian
Quick Bite
1388 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310-441-5488
Palm-lined Persian oasis specializing in vegetarian soup, afternoon kebabs and the compelling kuku, a fluffy green quiche. More...

Gaby's Mediterranean Lebanese
Quick Bite
10445 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
310-559-1808
Comfort and service are sacrificed here for authentic Lebanese cuisine at bargain prices. More...

Midami Sushi Sushi
12/20
11905 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
310-479-4810
Sushi, sashimi, tempura and teriyaki at extremely reasonable prices in a modest location. More...

Orris Japanese
14/20
Dining Room at Orris, Los Angeles, CA 2006 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310-268-2212
Hideo Yamashiro’s cozy Westside eatery puts the spotlight on a multicultural mélange of small plates. More...

Rancho Park Gardens Diner
12/20
Dining Room at Rancho Park Gardens, Los Angeles, CA Rancho Park Golf Course
10460 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
310-839-7750
An old-school diner at the Rancho Park Golf Course. More...

BEVERLY HILLS/HOLLYWOOD/MIDTOWN

Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop Healthy
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop, Beverly Hills, CA 9671 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310-246-0756
An eco-friendly salad joint for healthy eaters in a hurry, offering a build-your-own-salad option. More...

Jitlada Thai
13/20
5233 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-667-9809
Authentic Thai café serving rarely-seen specialties since the 1980s. More...

Mulberry Street Pizzeria Pizza
Quick Bite
240 S. Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310-247-8100
New York-style pizza, topped with everything from pepperoni and cheese to chicken Parmesan. More...

Papaya King Hot Dogs
Quick Bite
1645 Wilcox Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323-871-8799
Iconic New York hot dog shop expands with a franchise in Hollywood. More...

Pink's Famous Chili Dogs Hot Dogs
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Pink 709 N. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
323-931-4223
Pink's has been slinging ripe, bursting-with-flavor beef hot dogs into fresh buns for longer than almost anyone can remember. More...

SANTA MONICA/MALIBU

Abbot's Pizza Company Pizza
Quick Bite
1407 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
310-396-7334
We’re crazy about the pizza, which is made with bagel-dough crusts. More...

bolivar cafe & gallery South American
Quick Bite
Dining Room at bolivar cafe & gallery, Santa Monica, CA 1741 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-581-2344
This Santa Monica café offers a variety of salads, sandwiches and arepas (South American corncakes). More...

Cha Cha Chicken Caribbean
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Cha Cha Chicken, Santa Monica, CA 1906 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-581-1684
Caribbean food in a casual al fresco setting near the beach. More...

The Counter Burgers
12/20
2901 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-399-8383
Taking the “have it your way” mantra to the extreme, The Counter creates a safe haven for even the pickiest eater, while managing to serve up great food fast. More...

Fritto Misto Italian
12/20
Dining Room at Fritto Misto, Santa Monica, CA 601 Colorado Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-458-2829
This friendly neighborhood trattoria serves simple, very reasonably priced Italian food in generous portions. More...

Gilbert's El Indio Mexican
11/20
2526 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-450-8057
Family-run Gilbert's packs in the faithful, for straight-ahead versions of Mexican favorites, home-style specialties, margaritas by the pitcher and terrific chips, salsa and pickled carrots. More...

Howdy's Taqueria Malibu Mexican
Quick Bite
Malibu Country Mart
3835 Cross Creek Rd., #3
Malibu, CA 90265
310-317-4757
Beach adjacent taqueria delivers a menu of Mexican-American favorites. More...

Lattitude Thai Restaurant Thai
12/20
2906 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-396-4726
This Santa Monica restaurant offers traditional Thai dishes. More...

Marmalade Café
Quick Bite
710 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-395-9196
These charming delis-cafés turn out baked good alongside salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. More...

Snug Harbor Diner
Quick Bite
2323 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-828-2991
Tiny neighborhood diner with a charming back patio, satisfying for breakfast or lunch. More...

DOWNTOWN/SILVER LAKE

Border Grill Stop Mexican
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Border Grill Stop, Los Angeles, CA 601 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213-244-6861
A quick-service kiosk from Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. More...

Four Cafe American
Quick Bite
2122 ½ Colorado Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
323-550-1988
A chef-artist couple combines health-conscious but compelling food and modern art in this hip, casual eatery. More...

Intelligentsia Coffeehouse
Quick Bite
Sunset Junction
3922 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
323-663-6173
Sunset Junction coffee bar specializing in single origin coffee, similarly sourced teas and personal attention. More...

La Casita Mexicana Mexican
13/20
Dining Room at La Casita Mexicana, Bell, CA 4030 E. Gage Ave.
Bell, CA 90201
323-773-1898
Located in a forgotten corner of South L.A., this colorful restaurant is producing some of the most ambitious Mexican food in the city. More...

Langer's Deli Deli
Quick Bite
704 S. Alvarado St.
Los Angeles, CA 90057
213-483-8050
Its neighborhood has seen better days, but Langer's continues to be one of L.A.'s top delis. More...

Mendocino Farms Sandwiches
Quick Bite
California Plaza
300 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213-620-1114
With duck confit on an artisan ciabatta roll, or Kurobuta pork belly bánh mì, you know this is not your ordinary sandwich shop. More...

Philippe The Original American
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Philippe The Original, Los Angeles, CA 1001 N. Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-628-3781
One of L.A.’s oldest and most beloved eateries, this is the place for French dip sandwiches, devoured at communal tables. More...

Wurstkuche Sausages
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Wurstkuche, Los Angeles, CA 800 E. Third St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-687-4444
Gourmet and exotic grilled sausages, complemented by Belgian fries and imported beers. More...

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

The Artisan Cheese Gallery Cheese
Quick Bite
Dining Room at The Artisan Cheese Gallery, Studio City, CA 12023 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
818-505-0207
This Valley cheese shop has a wide selection of cheese from around the world, plus delectable sandwiches. More...

Hugo's Tacos Mexican
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Hugo 4749 Coldwater Canyon Ave.
Studio City, CA 91604
818-762-7771
A taco shack that takes an all-natural approach to its food and drink. More...

Hummus Bar Middle Eastern
Quick Bite
Tarzana Village
18743 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana, CA 91356
818-344-6606
Casual strip-mall café that offers many varieties of hummus and other Israeli specialties. More...

Laurel Tavern Modern American
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Laurel Tavern, Studio City, CA 11938 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
818-506-0777
This rustic Studio City pub draws a lively local crowd with artisan beers, boutique wines and an upscale tavern menu. More...

Mo's American
13/20
4301 W. Riverside Dr.
Burbank, CA 91505
818-845-3009
The thick, juicy burgers are indeed standouts, and the variety is amazing. More...

Patys Diner
12/20
Dining Room at Patys, Toluca Lake, CA 10001 Riverside Dr.
Toluca Lake, CA 91602
818-761-0041
A longtime local favorite diner serving breakfast all day. More...

Santoro's Sandwiches
Quick Bite
1423 W. Burbank Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506
818-848-8888
Old-school deli going strong since the '50s---check out its messy pepper steak with cheese or meatball subs. More...

Sweetsalt Food Shop Sandwiches
Quick Bite
10218 1/2 Riverside Dr.
Toluca Lake, CA 91602
818-509-7790
Charming Toluca Lake eatery offering intriguing, well executed sandwiches and salads. More...

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY/PASADENA

Cham Korean Bistro Korean
13/20
851 Cordova St.
Pasadena, CA 91101
626-792-2474
Sleek looking Korean neighborhood eatery with a menu that lends modern touches to traditional favorites. More...

Chang's Garden Chinese
14/20
627 W. Duarte Rd.
Arcadia, CA 91007
626-445-0707
Modern Shanghai-style restaurant that elevates Arcadia strip mall dining through inspired cooking. More...

Creme de la Crepe French
12/20
36 W. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91105
626-844-0007
Casual, fun crêpe café with an unexpectedly extensive menu. More...

Din Tai Fung Dumpling House Chinese
13/20
1108 S. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
626-574-7068
Taiwan-based dumpling shop specializing in soup dumplings. More...

Dutch Oven Bakery Bakery
Quick Bite
2281 N. Lake Ave.
Altadena, CA 91001
626-794-3555
This neighborhood bakery offers a wide selection of fresh goods along with a unique specialty: honey muffins. More...

Elena's Greek Armenian Cuisine Greek
13/20
1000 S. Glendale Ave.
Glendale, CA 91205
818-241-5730
Sophisticated preparations of Greek and Armenian classics, served in a simple setting at affordable prices. More...

EuroPane Bakery
Quick Bite
950 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91106
626-577-1828
Opened by a former Campanile chef, this tiny bakery specializes in breads that go easy on fat, sugar and dairy. More...

Gerlach's Grill Eclectic
Quick Bite
1075 S. Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105
626-799-7575
Liquor store-adjacent spot offering an interesting blend of Mexican, Mediterranean and seafood dishes. More...

Heirloom Bakery & Cafe Bakery
Quick Bite
807 Meridian Ave., Ste. C
South Pasadena, CA 91030
626-441-0042
In the artsy Mission West district of South Pas, this colorful café features breakfasts, quiches, salads and pizza, plus freshly baked breads and scones. More...

JTYH Restaurant Chinese
14/20
Dining Room at JTYH Restaurant, Rosemead, CA 9425 Valley Blvd.
Rosemead, CA 91770
626-442-8999
This Rosemead destination for handmade knife-shaved Shanxi noodles is worth the drive. More...

Luscious Dumplings, Inc. Chinese
14/20
704 W. Las Tunas Dr.
San Gabriel, CA 91776
626-282-8695
Tiny family-run restaurant offering some of the best dumplings and noodle soups in the San Gabriel Valley. More...

The Peach Cafe American
13/20
141 E. Colorado Blvd.
Monrovia, CA 91016
626-599-9092
Southern-tinged café that produces unique breakfast items, pastries and coffee drinks. More...

Recess Café
12/20
1102 N Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91202
818-507-0592
An upscale café and gourmet marketplace offering sandwiches, pizza, and Mediterranean styled salads and pastas. More...

Sachi Sushi Japanese
12/20
Arcade Lane
696 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101
626-578-1877
Value is the trademark at this charming mom-and-pop Japanese eatery. More...

SOUTH BAY

Al-Noor Pakistani
13/20
15112 Inglewood Ave.
Lawndale, CA 90260
310-675-4700
Skillfully prepared, authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine at bargain prices. More...

INLAND EMPIRE

Eureka! Burger Burgers
12/20
345 W. Pearl Ave.
Redlands, CA 92374
909-335-5700
A slickly packaged reinvention of the old-fashioned burger joint, complete with some good wines. More...

Euro Cafe Portuguese
Quick Bite
Claremont Heights
546 E. Baseline Rd.
Claremont, CA 91711
909-621-4666
One of Southern California's rare Portuguese restaurants, this casual little place turns out authentic specialties like carne estufada and bacalao. More...

Little Fisherman Seafood Seafood
Quick Bite
Brookside Plaza
1580C Barton Rd.
Redlands, CA 92373
909-798-5998
No-frills favorite for deep-fried seafood like calamari, oysters, and fish 'n' chips, as well as lighter grilled options. More...



Check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.

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DINING ON A BUDGET

Best Cheap EatsSplurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area. Also, check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.