The Best Cheap Eats in Los Angeles

In addition to beautiful beaches and movie star sightings, Los Angeles is known for its world-class cuisine. The city’s food scene is a melting pot of mouth-watering recipes ready for the tasting. Visiting diners need not worry about dipping into their savings when eating out; there are plenty of cheap places to eat that are budget-friendly. Here are 10 of our personal picks for the best cheap eats in Los Angeles.

Joy

This casual Highland Park eatery serves up dishes inspired by Thai street food culture at reasonable prices. Many of their delectable menu items — including noodle bowls, scallion sandwiches, and shrimp wonton — are priced under $10, saving you some cash for a shopping spree. Be sure to try a cup of their milk tea with boba.

Buddy’s

Deep in the heart of LA’s downtown Historic Core lies a retro-inspired burger joint that offers a taste of nostalgia. Enjoy a menu that mixes old and new American-style combo meals at economy prices. Pick up a chili dog or impossible burger for a delicious dinner, or start your day on the right foot with their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich.

Dino’s Chicken & Burgers

If you’re a foodie on a quest to dine in some of LA’s landmark restaurants, a visit to Dino’s Chicken & Burgers on Pico is a must. For over 50 years, this traditional American eatery has served up dining deals on amazing chicken dinners. For around $10, you can sink your teeth into a half-plate of char-grilled meat and choice of two side dishes.

Leo’s Taco Truck

No visit to the city of angels is complete without a stop at a local food truck. You’ll find plenty to choose from during your tour of LA, but for our money, Leo’s Taco Truck is worth tracking down. For just a couple of bucks, enjoy delicious tortilla wraps packed with meat and a sliver of pineapple.

Sonoratown           

A more recent addition to LA’s food scene, this downtown Mexican restaurant offers some of the best cheap eats in Los Angeles. The vibrant decor and lively music welcome guests in, and the savory tacos, tostadas, and quesadillas leave a lasting impression.

Slurpin’ Ramen

Take a walk through Koreatown and a quick stop at Slurpin’ Ramen for some of the best value-priced noodles in LA. Make the most of a limited food budget with an order of their tonkatsu dish, a 16-ounce noodle broth packed with your choice of meat and assorted greens. Vegetarian options are also available.

Cofax Coffee Shop

Don’t let the name fool you; this Fairfax eatery is more than a simple coffee shop. While their lattes and pastries are undoubtedly delectable, it’s the breakfast burritos that put Cofax on our list. These freshly-made wraps are a must-eat in Los Angeles.

Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles

A favorite among locals and tourists alike, Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles brings together great tastes at an affordable price. With locations around the city, you won’t have trouble finding one when your stomach starts grumbling. Enjoy a dish of their namesake dish for under $10.

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse

This staple of San Francisco recently made its SoCal debut in Highland Park, to the delight of pastry buffs everywhere. Try their signature Cruffin, a croissant/muffin hybrid filled with cream for only $5.

Diddy Reise Cookies

Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with a visit to Diddy Reise Cookies. This Westwood bakery serves up cookies made from a family recipe that’s hard to ignore. Sample individual treats for only 50 cents, or pick up a dozen for under $5.

Ready to sample some of the best cheap eats in Los Angeles for yourself? Book your next trip with Expedia for exclusive hotel deals in Los Angeles. You’ll find plenty of fun things to see and do during a weekend stay in LA.

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