Cheap Eats in Los Angeles

If you're just looking to grab a quick meal or don't want to spend a lot of cash, Los Angeles is full of cafes, diners, pizza parlors, local fast food joints and ethnic markets. Here are our recommendations for cheap eats in L.A.

Cafes, Diners and Eateries

Fred 62
1850 N Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 - (323) 667-0062
24-hour diner in the center of hip Silverlake. Great breakfasts, unique presentation, retro atmosphere. More info.

French Crepe Company
6333 W Third St, Los Angeles, CA 90036 - (323) 934-3113
Always-packed Farmer's Market cafe, offering sweet and savory crepes plus tasty sandwiches and french press coffee. More info.

Griddle Cafe
7916 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046 - (323) 874-0377
Famous for their mouth-watering pancakes, this always crowded breakfast and lunch spot serves up big portions of tasty egg dishes, chili, sandwiches and smoothies. Arrive before 9 am to avoid a wait. More info.

Gumbo Pot
6333 W Third St, Los Angeles, CA 90036 - (323) 933-0358
Located inside the Farmer's Market, this reasonably priced eatery offers the most authentic cajun food outside New Orleans, including gumbo, po-boys, beignets and chicory coffee. More info.

Jinky's
Multiple Locations
Hearty fresh breakfast and lunch fare in a neighborhood cafe setting. Arrive early to avoid a wait. 2 locations. More info.

Lickity Split
6708 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 - (323) 466-5425
This frozen custard factory/shoppe in the midst of Hollywood offers a nice reprieve from the often frantic tourist traps outside. Beyond their specialty cones and fresh-made pastries, the cafe also offers a wide variety of lunch fare including sandwiches, wraps, hotdogs, mac & cheese (with jalapeños if you want them!) and quiche. More info.

Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles
Multiple Locations
The unique combination of fried chicken and waffles draws diners of all types to Roscoe's. Beyond their signature dish, the traditional southern specialties served are bound to please anyone who enjoys soul food. More info.

Swinger's
Multiple Locations
New takes on classic diner food, plus a slection of healthy shakes and vegetarian options. Hip waitresses, great for late nite, "B" celebrities often spotted. 2 locations. More info.

Tamara's Tamales
13352 W Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066 - (310) 305-7714
Gourmet take on a Mexican staple. A la carte menu of hearty, dessert and vegetarian tamales. Seating limited. More info.

Toi on Sunset
7505 1/2 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046 - (323) 874-8062
Fast, tasty Thai food in a hip rock-n-roll setting. Loud music, movies on tv and punk rocker clientele. More info.

Who's on Third
8369 W Third St., Los Angeles, CA 90048 - (323) 651-2928
Fresh, basic breakfast and lunch fare, located among Third Street's quirky-cool strip of antique, vintage clothing and retro furniture stores. More info.

Fast Food Joints

Astro Burger
Multiple Locations
With a menu to please meat lovers and vegetarians alike, Astro Burger serves up some of the tastiest and varied "fast" food in Los Angeles. Add a unique topping like pineapple to your burger, be adventurous by ordering the ostrich burger or go meat-free with a vegetarian riblet sandwich. More info.

Pink's Hot Dogs
709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038 - (323) 931-4223
With hundreds of hot dog combinations to choose from and a chili-cheese dog that's famous worldwide, even the biggest celebrities are willing to wait in the perennially long lines at Pink's. More info.

Skooby's
6654 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 - (323) 468-3647
With great regular and veggie hotdogs, a wide variety of toppings, fresh-made lemonade and some of the best french fries in town, this place gives Pink's a run for their money. The punk rock employees and blaring punk and reggae music can be both fun or obnoxious depending on your mood, but residents will love the frequent buyer card, which earns you a free combo meal or fun Skooby's tee! More info.

Benito's
Multiple Locations
Open 24 hours, this cheap taco stand is famous for its rolled tacos (taquitos) and fast service. Wash down your meal with an horchata (Mexican specialty drink) while you're there. More info.

Tito's Tacos
11222 Washington Pl, Culver City, CA 90230 - (310) 391-5780
Cheap, tasty Mexican food that has become a Westside institution. You'll find lines at almost any hour, but the food is definitely worth the wait. More info.

Ethnic Markets and Food "To Go"

Mitsuwa
3760 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066 - (310) 398-2113
Large Japanese market full of speciality items and gifts, plus a food court offering a variety of noodles, sushi and pastries to eat there or take out. More info.

Bay Cities Italian Deli
1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 - (310) 395-8279
Though most of Bay Cities is devoted to top-notch Italian specialty grocery items, the deli area serves up some of the best sandwiches in town. With its prime Santa Monica location, you can grab a few heros, gourmet chips, delectable cheeses, a bottle of wine or rare soda, and head down to the beach for a tasty afternoon picnic on the sand. Be prepared for a wait at the deli on weekends. More info.

Famima!!
8525 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 - (310) 659-2684
Japanese efficiency meets the American convenience store in this first-in-America location in the heart of West Hollywood. From freshly-made sandwiches to Japanese specialty snacks to organic and all-natural household products, there's almost never a time when Famima!! can't meet your needs. Also check out their new location on Hollywood Blvd near Highland. More info.

Pizza Parlors

Abbot's Pizza
1407 Abbot Kinney, Venice, CA 90291 - (310) 396-7334
Bagel-like crust and unique topping combinations make this place worth visiting, but be prepared for the lines. More info.

North End Pizzeria
8600 W 3RD St., Los Angeles, CA 90048 - (310) 550-8956
Authentic Boston-style pizza, delicious parmesan sandwiches, and friendly staff. Take-out and delivery available. More info.