Yes, you really can eat out on the cheap in Los Angeles. While fine dining restaurants may have $70 entrees and $20 cocktails, the average mid-range restaurant still offers affordable meals. If you’re visiting Los Angeles on a budget, numerous cheap eats and money-saving food options are available, whether you’re financially constrained or simply want the best deal.
Free Food
Free food isn’t entirely free; it’s often included in the price of something else, like your hotel room. However, if you enjoy breakfast, starting the day with a complimentary buffet at a budget hotel can considerably enhance your stay. Some mid-range hotels, such as Marriott’s Residence Inns and Hilton’s Embassy Suites, offer a cooked breakfast alongside an afternoon happy hour featuring complimentary wine and substantial appetizers. Additionally, some of LA’s hostels provide inexpensive meals in a lively atmosphere.
Cheap Food
LA Fast Food Icons – Experience iconic fast food that originated in LA, essential for a true cultural experience. Notable mentions include In N Out Burgers, Pink’s Hot Dogs, and the unique offerings from Tito’s Tacos.
Street Food/Food Trucks – The gourmet food truck trend allows you to enjoy exceptional dishes at moderate prices. You can savor delightful items like two short rib sliders for $5 from the celebrated Kogi BBQ truck. Moreover, in Hollywood, hot dog carts thrive in tourist areas and at nightclub exits.
Taco Tuesdays – Enjoy the tradition of $1 tacos on Tuesdays at a variety of Mexican restaurants and mainstream bars, often accompanied by beer or margarita specials. Keep an eye on banners advertising these deals.
Breweries – LA’s vibrant brewery scene provides budget travelers with opportunities to sample locally crafted beers and ciders in stylish settings. Enjoy snacks from affordable food trucks stationed nearby, and in some cases, feel free to bring your own picnic or order takeout as long as you support the brewery with a drink purchase.
Happy Hour – Traditional happy hour, generally from 3-6 pm, varies in timing and can include late-night deals as well. Many establishments feature food specials that can supplement a budget meal. One favorite is McCormick’s and Schmick’s, known for its large portions in a sophisticated atmosphere. Another option is the Crab Pot in Long Beach, which offers $3 dinners alongside happy hour drinks. While there are curated lists of ‘top’ happy hours, numerous sports bars and restaurants also feature remarkable happy hour specials.
- Explore deals at Discover LA’s Top Happy Hours.
- Check out LA Weekly’s list of the “Top 10 All Day Happy Hours”.
- Experience the best “Top 5 Happy Hours at the Beach”.
Ethnic Eats – Expect to pay between $5.99 and $7.99 for an average stir fry with rice in Thai Town or an enchilada combo with beans and rice at various affordable Mexican restaurants.
Breakfast for Dinner or Late Night – Consider ordering breakfast items for dinner at American diner staples like International House of Pancakes and Denny’s. Denny’s offers $2-4 items, making it easy to feed a family of four for under $20, substituting gourmet options for budget-friendly meals.
Supermarket Supplies – If you’re traveling with a big group, consider picking up staples like peanut butter and jam, and bread at your new destination, which can help lower food costs. With access to a refrigerator, you can stock up on breakfast and picnic items. For great deals on produce and water, explore local discount stores, or any nearby supermarket will suffice.
Discounts on Fine Dining
Many programs offer discounts at LA restaurants, such as Groupon, which allows you to prepay for meals at a fraction of the cost, like $20 for $40 worth of food. Another option is Restaurant.com, which provides certificates for discounts off higher totals, and Blackboard Eats, a subscription service offering weekly dining discounts.
Apps for Finding Cheap Food in LA
The Yelp app is excellent for locating nearby dining options currently open, complete with price ranges and reviews. Many discount programs have dedicated apps, while the Forks app consolidates offers from multiple sources, allowing you to view and purchase deals quickly. While it connects to Yelp for reviews, hours are not displayed within the app itself.
