10 Cheapest Restaurants in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has many cheap restaurants in Los Angeles because of its sprawling size, its vast collection of distinct neighborhoods founded by immigrant communities, and a very strong culture of casual food, from taco trucks to burger stands. The city's immense geographical area supports thousands of small, family-owned eateries that serve their local communities without the high overhead of restaurants in concentrated tourist zones. The deep roots of various immigrant groups have also resulted in a rich offering of authentic and affordable food across the city. 

Restaurants that offer cheap meals in Los Angeles often include taco trucks, neighborhood burger stands, and a vast number of ethnic eateries. A complete and filling meal at these establishments can frequently be found for under $20 per person. The different types of restaurants that offer cheap meals in Los Angeles are listed below.

• Taco Trucks and Taquerias: These are a cornerstone of LA's affordable food, serving authentic and inexpensive tacos, burritos, and other Mexican staples.
• Burger Stands: Classic California burger stands, from historic spots to modern chains like In-N-Out, offer simple, high-quality burgers and fries at low prices.
• Ethnic Eateries: This includes a huge range of spots, from Salvadoran pupuserias and Thai restaurants in Hollywood to Korean spots in Koreatown and Chinese breakfast cafes like Huge Tree Pastry in the San Gabriel Valley.
• Historic Diners and Delis: Long-standing establishments like Philippe the Original serve their signature, inexpensive sandwiches in a no-frills, cafeteria-style setting.
• Food Market Stalls: Stalls within larger markets, such as Eggslut in Grand Central Market or Pampas Grill at The Original Farmers Market, offer high-quality, focused menus at affordable prices.
• Hawaiian Plate Lunch Spots: Places like Aloha Cafe offer hearty and inexpensive plate lunches, a staple of Hawaiian comfort food.

The ambiance in Los Angeles's affordable restaurants is frequently casual, fast-paced, and reflects the city's laid-back culture. In a historic spot like Philippe the Original, the atmosphere is bustling and communal, with long shared tables and a sawdust-covered floor. At a food market stall like Eggslut, the vibe is energetic and modern, part of the larger, lively hum of Grand Central Market.

Neighborhood spots like Sunday Gravy or Aloha Cafe have a simple, welcoming and personal feel, with minimal decor that puts the focus on the food. The overall experience is unpretentious and geared towards enjoying a delicious, satisfying meal without formality.

Yes, cheap restaurants in Los Angeles serve really good food and many of the city's most famous and celebrated dishes come from these affordable establishments. The low price is a function of a casual format, not a compromise on quality. For example, Philippe the Original is a historic landmark famous for its role in inventing the French Dip sandwich. In-N-Out Burger is a West Coast institution beloved for the consistent quality and freshness of its simple burgers. Eggslut became a national sensation by taking the humble breakfast sandwich and perfecting it with high-quality ingredients and expert technique, proving that great food in LA is often found at a counter, not just in a fine-dining room.

Yes, many cheap restaurants in Los Angeles use fresh ingredients, and it is often a key reason for their popularity. The high volume of customers at these spots means a rapid turnover of inventory, which helps ensure freshness. In-N-Out Burger's entire reputation is built on its use of fresh, never-frozen beef patties and potatoes that are cut for fries in-store. Eggslut's fame is tied to its use of high-quality, cage-free eggs. Pampas Grill, located at The Original Farmers Market, operates alongside produce stalls and butchers, serving fresh salads and meats. California's status as a major agricultural producer also means fresh produce is widely and inexpensively available to many of these restaurants.

The average cheapest meal in Los Angeles can range from $10 to $20. This price range is for a complete, satisfying individual meal. At the lower end, for under $12, a person can get a classic burger, fries, and a drink from In-N-Out Burger, a couple of authentic street tacos, or a traditional Taiwanese breakfast from Huge Tree Pastry. For closer to the $20 mark, one can enjoy a famous French Dip sandwich with a side from Philippe the Original, a signature breakfast sandwich from Eggslut, or a hearty Hawaiian plate lunch from Aloha Cafe.

In Los Angeles's cheapest restaurants, one can expect flavorful meals like a classic French Dip sandwich, a gourmet breakfast sandwich, or authentic Hawaiian plate lunches. The meals are focused on delivering high-quality, often famous, food at a great value. The types of meals available are listed below.

• Handheld Comfort Foods: This is a huge category in LA, including classic burgers from In-N-Out, the historic French Dip from Philippe the Original, pastrami burgers from Super Burger, and hot dogs from Earle's on Crenshaw.
• Global Street Food: LA is famous for its street food, especially authentic Mexican tacos, but also extends to items like Taiwanese sticky rice rolls (fan tuan) from Huge Tree Pastry.
• Hearty Breakfast Staples: Gourmet breakfast sandwiches from Eggslut, classic Hawaiian breakfasts from Aloha Cafe, and traditional Taiwanese breakfast items are all popular and affordable.
• Rice and Bread-Based Dishes: This includes Hawaiian plate lunches from Aloha Cafe, which come with rice and macaroni salad, and various sandwiches on fresh bread from numerous delis and cafes.
• Italian-American Classics: Affordable and satisfying pasta dishes, like the Spaghetti and Meatballs from Sunday Gravy, are a staple comfort food option.
• Brazilian Barbecue Plates: At Pampas Grill, customers can build their own plates with various grilled meats and a wide selection of hot and cold sides, paying by the pound for an affordable Brazilian meal.
• Vegetarian and Vegan Meals: Many spots offer substantial plant-based meals, such as the full vegan menu at Earle's on Crenshaw or vegetarian options at many cafes.

The average wait time in Los Angeles's cheapest restaurants can range from just a few minutes to over an hour. The wait time is a direct result of the restaurant's popularity and fame. For a very popular spot like Eggslut in Grand Central Market or a cult-favorite burger stand, it is common to wait in line for 30 minutes to an hour or more, especially during peak meal times. At other well-known but high-volume places like In-N-Out Burger or Philippe the Original, the lines may look long, but they are very efficient and the wait is often just 10-15 minutes. The wait is often considered part of the experience at these beloved establishments.

Yes and no, as the ability to cater to dietary restrictions varies significantly among Los Angeles's affordable restaurants. Many modern fast-casual spots or cafes are very accommodating. For example, a place serving fresh bowls or salads will have many naturally vegetarian or gluten-free components. Earle's on Crenshaw is a standout example, as it offers a complete and extensive parallel vegan menu for nearly all its items. However, many historic establishments with a very focused and unchanging menu, like Philippe the Original (which centers on meat sandwiches on bread), have extremely limited options for those with dietary needs like vegetarianism or gluten intolerance.

Yes, Los Angeles has an abundance of cheap restaurants with excellent vegan options, including many fully vegan establishments. Los Angeles has vegan restaurants like Earle's on Crenshaw (with a full vegan menu), Monty's Good Burger (an all-vegan burger joint), and Cena Vegan (famous for vegan Mexican street food). Earle's on Crenshaw is a historic spot that uniquely offers vegan versions of its classic hot dogs and burgers. Monty's Good Burger serves plant-based burgers, fries, and shakes that rival traditional fast-food favorites. Cena Vegan is a highly popular food stand and caterer known for its plant-based "meats" like al pastor and carne asada used in tacos and burritos.

Yes, many cheap restaurants in Los Angeles are very family-friendly including In-N-Out Burger, Philippe the Original, and Pampas Grill at The Original Farmers Market. In-N-Out Burger is a classic choice for families due to its simple, crowd-pleasing menu of burgers, fries, and shakes in a clean, bright environment. Philippe the Original, with its casual, cafeteria-style seating and simple French Dip sandwiches, is another historic spot that is welcoming to all ages. Pampas Grill at The Original Farmers Market is excellent for families because the pay-by-the-pound format allows everyone, including picky eaters, to choose exactly what and how much they want from a wide variety of options.

Yes, a great number of the cheapest restaurants in Los Angeles offer delivery. The majority of these establishments have partnered with major third-party delivery services like Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash, and Grubhub, which are ubiquitous in the city. For example, popular and affordable spots like Earle's on Crenshaw, Sunday Gravy, and many of the city's thousands of taquerias and burger stands are available on these apps. While some very old-school or cash-only spots might not participate, the vast majority of LA's affordable eateries are accessible for delivery.

Yes, affordable restaurants in Los Angeles offer a vast number of unique food options from all over the world. The city's strength is in its authentic neighborhood eateries that specialize in specific international foods. Huge Tree Pastry offers a rare taste of traditional Taiwanese breakfast, with items like fan tuan (sticky rice rolls) and you tiao (fried dough sticks). Aloha Cafe provides an authentic Hawaiian plate lunch experience, a specific comfort food from the islands. The city is also famous for unique fusion items born from its multicultural environment, which can often be found at affordable food trucks and small restaurants.