Affordable Los Angeles Restaurants
Day Note:
Westside
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Joe's Pizza
Contact:
- 310 395 9222
- visit website
Location:
- 111 Broadway
- Ocean Avenue
- Santa Monica,CA90401
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Map
Description:
In 1975, Joe's started out in NYC, where it's as revered as In-N-Out (though ordering "Animal Style" will get you attacked by pigeons). Here as there, their specialty's thin crust by the pie or slice, cooked in a 500°, Bakers Pride oven, and guaranteed to taste 100% the same as the stuff that Rudy Giuliani lived on when wives #1 and 3 kicked him out. Standard toppings include pepperoni, onions, garlic, and meatballs, plus more elevated offerings like the classic Caprese (fresh mozz, basil, tomatoes) and the triple-layered "Grandma" -- parmesan-on-marinara-on-mozzarella, an ode to senile women who forget they've already cheesed as soon as they sauce. Asked whether he's abetting his authenticity with imported tap water, Joe himself demurs with "You just gotta taste the pizza" -- a debate-fueling statement perhaps signifying the onset of an LA vagueness renaissance.
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Monte Alban
Contact:
- 1 310 444 7736
Location:
- 11927 Santa Monica Boulevard
- Los Angeles,CA90025
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Map
Description:
This family-run cafe serves up excellent fare from the Oaxaca region of Mexico. Although the decor is sparse, attention is lavished on the menu. Notice the five different kinds of mole sauce, ranging in spiciness, color and taste. Try the overstuffed enchiladas, the green chili peppers stuffed with chicken, raisins and groundnuts or the fried plantains for dessert. Everything is authentic and wonderful.
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Tacomiendo
Contact:
- (310) 915-0426
- visit website
Location:
- 4502 Inglewood Boulevard
- Los Angeles,CA90066
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Map
Description:
The best thing about Tacomienda is that there is no gimmick. This place just serves affordable and good home-cooked Mexican food. Just the salsa bar, with its big pot of beans ready for self-service, was enough to make me like this place. The quality of the food is consistently high. There is definitely an awareness of health eating here too: for example, they offer a wide variety of fancy blended fruit drinks.
Day Note:
West Hollywood and Mid-Wilshire
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Merkato Ethiopian African Market
Contact:
- 1 323 935 1775
- visit website
Location:
- 1036 1/2 South Fairfax Avenue
- Los Angeles,CA90019
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Map
Description:
Shop in the market or dine in the restaurant where food is served in the traditional Ethiopian style. Tables are given local color with Ethiopian masks, paintings and parasols of all colors. You scoop food to your mouth with injera, a spongy Ethiopian pancake provided free of charge. The most inexpensive restaurant in this Ethiopian section of town, you can choose from Kifto (beef, with spiced butter and chiles) or Vegetarian Eggplant with lentil and herbs, among other dishes.
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Andre's Restaurant
Contact:
- (323) 935-1246
- visit website
Location:
- 6332 West 3rd Street
- Los Angeles,CA90036
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Map
Description:
Andre's restaurant has been keeping it real since 1963. This cafeteria-style Italian place delivers a solid value with their large servings and good food. Spaghetti with a variety of sauces is always available; in addition to the normal menu they have specials for every day of the week. This place is a little hard to find: it is located right between Sears and Whole Foods. If you are looking for an affordable and hearty meal near the Farmers Market or the Grove, this is the place for you.
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Skooby's
Contact:
- 1 323 468 3647
- visit website
Location:
- 6654 Hollywood Boulevard
- Los Angeles,CA90028
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Map
Description:
Skooby's is a traditional 1950's hot dog stand where customers sit at the counter on red leather and chrome stools and drink ice cold Coca-Cola from glass bottles. There are several types of top quality seven inch hot dogs including a quesadilla dog served in a flour tortilla. Turkey and soy dogs are also available. The special toppings include Gulden's spicy mustard, peppers and homemade chili made with Guinness Beer. Try the popular hand cut fries, served with aioli, a special homemade garlic and mayo dipping sauce. For a treat order a frozen lemonade with blended strawberries and whipped cream.
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Pink's
Contact:
- 1 323 931 4223
- visit website
Location:
- 709 North La Brea Avenue
- Los Angeles,CA90036
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Map
Description:
When you turn the corner from Melrose Avenue at LaBrea, you cannot miss the line that has been extending from Pink's since it opened in 1939. Chili dogs, chili fries, chili burgers, turkey dogs, burrito dogs—every imaginable (and sometimes unimaginable) permutation of the wiener can be found here. No matter the time of day or night, you will find yourself standing in line with tourists, corporate climbers and celebrities. Cash only.
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Astro Burger
Contact:
- 1 323 469 1924
- visit website
Location:
- 5601 Melrose Avenue
- Los Angeles,CA90038
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Description:
Astro Burger serves food for the health conscious Hollywood studio vegetarians and the local burger lovers. Select from a wide variety of vegetarian, American, Mexican and Greek dishes. Start the day with freshly squeezed juices, homemade muffins and an omelet. For lunch try the homemade vegetarian chili on a veggie dog or Gardenburger. Soups and salads are popular menu items. Other favorites include the Gyro sandwich made with strips of meat, tomatoes, onions, parsley and special sauce, and dolmathes (rice-filled grape leaves). Enjoy baklava or delicious Greek cookies for dessert. Drive-thru, indoor and outdoor seating are available.
Day Note:
East Hollywood, Los Feliz, and Silverlake
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Paru's
Contact:
- (323) 661-7600
- visit website
Location:
- 5140 W Sunset Blvd
- Los Angeles,CA90027-5708
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Map
Description:
In Short
Since opening in 1979, this hidden find is where off-duty industry folk, scruffy 20-somethings and veggie-centric foodies have been converging to partake in casual southern Indian fare. Beyond the iron-clad security door lies a plant-shrouded patio replete with outdoor tables and an intimate booth-lined interior surrounded by colofrul knickknacks. Most dishes build on lentils, rice and vegetables with staples like masala dosa, uppuma and sambar. Lunch specials such as the mini thali provide an array of tastes, including samplings of raita, a dill-flavored cold yogurt salad. -
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Ruen Pair Restaurant
Contact:
- (323) 466-0153
Location:
- 5257 Hollywood Boulevard
- Los Angeles,CA90027
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Map
Description:
This affordable and authentic Thai restaurant is a long time favorite for many people. It's located in a little strip mall on Hollywood Blvd in Thai Town (the mini-mall lot is valet only, although the parking fee is very reasonable). Recommended dishes here include the green papaya salad, the morning glory, Tom Yum Goong, Nam Tok beef, and Chinese broccoli with crispy pork. The "rice soup a la carte" dishes are also supposed to be good. Jonathan Gold recommends the Thai-Chinese dishes here (maybe he is also refering to the khao tom style food?) Please note that this restaurant accepts cash only. Open until 3:30 am.
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Sanamluang Cafe
Contact:
- (323) 660-8006
Location:
- 5176 Hollywood Blvd
- Los Angeles,California90027
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Description:
The wonders of cheap and authentic Thai food in the Thai Town mini-malls on Hollywood Blvd include this great Thai restaurant, which is especially well-known for noodles. The famous dish here is the General's Noodle Soup, which always draws rave reviews. The other noodle soups here all generally get good feedback too, as do many other staples like the Pad See Ew. Cash only. Open until 4 am.
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Spicy BBQ
Contact:
- (323) 663-4175
Location:
- 5101 Santa Monica Boulevard
- Los Angeles,CA90029
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Description:
I have only ordered from the Northern Thai Cuisine section of Spicy BBQ's menu because it is so good that I am always coming back for more. The pork salad, spicy jackfruit and the chili pastes (with or without pork) are all delicious. The mini-mall setting is low-key. Sometimes I order to go and come by to pick up the food (as they do not deliver) to miss the crush on the 4 or 5 tables in their small dining room. If you have a taste for Northern Thai food this place is a must. (Please note they accept cash only.)
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Falafel Arax
Contact:
- (323) 663-9687
Location:
- 5101 Santa Monica Boulevard
- Los Angeles,CA90029
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Description:
This small restaurant offers excellent Middle Eastern food. The falafels are extra crispy and delicious and everything on their menu is top-knotch. This place clearly has a lot repeat customers from surrounding Little Armenia. It is great spot to pick up some food on the way home after a long day. (They accept cash only).
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Guatemalteca Bakery Restaurant
Contact:
- (323) 663-8307
Location:
- 4770 Santa Monica Boulevard
- Los Angeles,CA90029
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Map
Description:
This place is one of my stand-bys for a quick and affordable meal. Most of my experience is with the food, the bakery does look really good as well.
This is mostly a Spanish language spot. Mostly they serve "panes" and "comidas". . . the "panes" are great little sandwiches. A serving of two make a pretty satisfying meal; I recommend the one with pollo and the one with chile (kinda like a chile relleno sandwich). The "comidas" are a larger meal served from the steam tables, usually some kind of meat stew. There are a wide range of appetizers available here too.
I must mention the platanos breakfast. . . . it is very simple and satisfying. You get some fried plantains, one of the white rolls that are a speciality here, and some crema and some black beans. It is a delicious way to start the day.
This place has a real home-cooking feel to it. Based on eating here I have concluded that Guatemalan food is very satisfying and not so spicy. -
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Pure Luck Restaurant
Contact:
- 323-660-5993
- visit website
Location:
- 707 N. Heliotrope Drive
- Los Angeles,CA90029
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Map
Description:
Welcome to Hel-Mel. Thanks to the nearby Bike Kitchen and Orange 20 bike store, this corner may well be ground zero for the Los Angeles bicycle movement. And everyone eats at Pure Luck, the local vegan restaurant and watering hole. This restaurant takes the comfort food approach to vegan cuisine; their sweet potato fries for example are a real favorite. I also recommend the Tofu Pesto sandwich and Todd's BBQ sandwich. Pure Luck uses either tofu or jack fruit as a meat substitute; I usually go for the tofu because it is a little heartier. A wide variety of local micro-brews are served; drinking a delicious beer is part of the Pure Luck experience!
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Zankou Chicken
Contact:
- (323) 665-7842
- visit website
Location:
- 5065 W Sunset Blvd
- Los Angeles,CA90027
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Map
Description:
The Scene
The original Zankou Chicken isn't much to look at: a narrow slice in an unremarkable Hollywood strip mall. But the glowing critical accolades Zankou has garnered--blown up, framed and proudly displayed--foreshadow fabulous fare that will quickly make you forget the orange Formica and faux wood-paneled ambience.
The Food
Spit-roasted chicken attracts most of the attention and deservedly so. Tender, moist and permeated with flavor, it's rotisserie roasted to crisp perfection. But the rest of the menu easily meets or beats the bird. Soujouk is an Armenian beef sausage that takes the term spicy to new heights--not simply hot, it's a marvelous melange of fiery flavors combined with subtler nuances. The tarna sandwich (chunks of spit-roasted chicken slices) is much milder, though no less complex. Then there are the sides--tabbouleh, hummus, zippy stuffed grape leaves and a divinely addictive mutabbal (baba ghanouj). -
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Yuca's Tacos
Contact:
- 1 323 662 1214
- visit website
Location:
- 2056 Hillhurst Avenue
- Los Angeles,CA90027
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Map
Description:
This taco stand in Los Feliz is proof that some of the best places to eat require some effort to find. The building is tiny and the tables are all outdoors, but the tacos, burritos and combination plates will leave you feeling as if you just left a more famous establishment. Just about everything is inexpensive and the portions are more than adequate. Considering its popularity among locals and tourists, it's amazing it hasn't yet moved into a bigger building. No credit cards accepted.
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Fatburger
Contact:
- (323) 663-3100
- visit website
Location:
- 1611 North Vermont Avenue
- Los Angeles,CA90027
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Map
Description:
The Scene
This is a fast-food joint all the way: Order at the counter and employees, sans headphones, bark the order to the fry cooks. Retro jukeboxes usually hold court in the middle of the restaurants, but are rarely used, since jazz and R&B are always piped in through speakers.
The Food
Sure, there's the grilled chicken sandwich and the chili dog, but other than that, it's all burgers. Wrapped in paper, served on plastic trays and dripping with toppings--mustard, mayo, relish, tomatoes, lettuce and onion--these burgers are definitely fat. Add cheese, bacon and a fried egg and you've got a hefty, cholesterol-laden treat. Or go the healthy route and order the turkey burger with everything; it's almost as good as the red-meat variety, and just as messy. Skip the ordinary fries and order a side of the fresh onion rings--the grease factor is low, and the crispy, golden batter is delicious. -
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Sompun
Contact:
- 1 323 669 9906
Location:
- 4156 Santa Monica Boulevard
- Los Angeles,CA90029
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Map
Description:
This family-run restaurant serves up delicious Thai dishes from a charming little house. The Mee Krob is highly recommended, as are several of the rice combination platters. According to L.A. Weekly food critic Jonathan Gold, the Sompun restaurants may be the only two places in Los Angeles where the northern-Thai specialty Kai Soi can be found. This dish has a chile- and lemon-grass-flavored coconut milk broth, warming thin egg noodles and caramelized garlic. Deep-fried egg noodles to sprinkle over the top come on the side. Tea and soft drinks are served since alcohol is not available. In pleasant weather, you can eat out on the patio. The Studio City location is: 12051-3 Ventura Place, Studio City 91604 +1 818 762 7861
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Garage Pizza
Contact:
- (323)668-1190
- visit website
Location:
- 4339 1/2 W Sunset Blvd
- Los Angeles,CA90029
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Map
Description:
Just because you don't want morrels and lemon-grass cuttlefish on your pizza shouldn't mean you're stuck with a pizza so boring, you'll only eat 7/8ths of it. Creatively mashing up the traditional, Garage Pizza. GP's a tiny, rock influenced joint (music docs like Decline of Western Civilization play on the flatscreen) in a Silverlake strip mall, run by two LA pizza vets (Cappricio, Hard Times, etc) who wanted to showcase the custom pies they'd perfected during pizzeria slow periods (i.e., marijuana shortages). Their blinged-out, diamond-plate gas oven produces NY-style thin-crusters overrun with novel combos like: the Game (pepperoni/bell pepper/onion/mushroom/bacon), the Annihilator (meatball/pepperoni/ground beef/red onion/bell pepper/mushroom/feta), and the Hot 'N Sweet Pepperoni with pineapple and jalapeno (sub in pablanos for the "Pab Dole"). Secret, off-menu pies include the Burger (ground beef, onion, tomatoes, pickle) and a dessert-ish banana, cinnamon, honey, and mozzarella concoction -- for when you wake up pregnant and craving a Pizza Inn "Pizzert". For dipping sauce, GP offers "Jay's Elbow Grease," a sweet, tangy, yellowish mystery that contains "less than 5 ingredients" -- so delicious, it'll push even a cuttlefish pie into the 8-out-of-8 range.
Day Note:
Koreatown Vicinity
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Dino's Chicken and Burgers
Contact:
- (213) 380-3554
Location:
- 2575 West Pico Boulevard
- Los Angeles,CA90006
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Map
Description:
The specialty here is the chicken. For a modest price, you receive half a flame-grilled chicken served with fries. Coleslaw and tortillas are also included. It is a very tasty and satisfying meal, prepared with a tangy vinegary sauce. A meal like this makes you wonder: why cook? Other people clearly think the same thing because Dino's is constantly serving many many of portions of this dish, "El Pollo Maniaco." They also serve burgers and Mexican food here.
(Please note this restaurant accepts cash only). -
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El Cholo
Contact:
- 323 734 2773
- visit website
Location:
- 1121 South Western Avenue
- South of Olympic Blvd
- Los Angeles,CA90005
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Map
Description:
L.A.'s oldest Mexican restaurant (Gary Cooper and Bing Crosby were regulars, and Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty still are), El Cholo has been serving up authentic Mexican cuisine in this pink adobe hacienda since 1925, even though the once-outlying mid-Wilshire neighborhood around it has since turned into Koreatown. El Cholo's muy strong margaritas, invitingly messy nachos -- the first served in the U.S. -- and classic combination dinners don't break new culinary ground, but the kitchen has perfected these standards over 80 years. Other specialties include seasonally available green-corn tamales and creative sizzling vegetarian fajitas that go way beyond just eliminating the meat. The atmosphere is festive, as people from all parts of town dine happily in the many rambling rooms that compose the restaurant. Westsiders head to El Cholo's Santa Monica branch at 1025 Wilshire Blvd. (at 11th St.; tel. 310/899-1106). Note: Be prepared for a long wait on weekends.
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Tommy's Original Hamburger
Contact:
- (213) 389-9060
- visit website
Location:
- 2575 Beverly Blvd
- Los Angeles,CA90057-1020
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Map
Description:
The Scene
The original Original Tommy's is a far cry from the sanitized, white-tile chain it spawned. The kitchen is a shack, the dining room is a parking lot, and Angelenos couldn't be happier. At any hour of the day or night, expect to find folks from all walks of life wiping their satisfied mugs with paper towels from dispensers located every two feet along the outdoor stand-up counter.
The Food
When Mom cooks, the extra ingredient is love. When Tommy's cooks, the secret's in the chili. Give in to your inner glutton and enjoy a meaty burger smothered in the orange, gloppy stuff. The medium-thick beef patty oozing chili con carne, cheddar cheese and mustard redeems itself with diced raw onion, dill pickles and a thick-cut slice of beefsteak tomato. Perfectly plumped all-beef dogs, hefty tamales and chunky golden fries are absolutely delicious when coated with the industrial-strength chili. -
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Guelaguetza
Contact:
- (213) 427-0608
- visit website
Location:
- 3014 West Olympic Boulevard
- Los Angeles,CA90006
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Map
Description:
Guelaguetza is popular for the delectable mole sauce served here. The menu has a wide selection to choose from, including traditional Oaxacan delicacies, and it wouldn't hurt to try something new each time, considering that everything is really good! The Chocolate de Oaxaca Guelaguetza is a must-try dessert specialty. There is a lot of parking space, however avoid going during rush hours since this place seems to be a little understaffed.
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BCD Tofu House
Contact:
- (213) 382-6677
- visit website
Location:
- 3575 Wilshire Blvd
- Los Angeles,CA90010
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Map
Description:
Quick service, sit-down Korean eatery attracts office workers, late-night diners with traditional menu items like hot tofu dishes, bibimbap, bulgogi.
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Pollo A La Brasa (on Western Ave)
Contact:
- (213) 382-4090
Location:
- 764 South Western Avenue
- Los Angeles,CA90005
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Map
Description:
Los Angeles may be full of rotisserie chicken joints but Pollo a La Brasa rules them all. You know you are getting close to this place becase the smell from the wood-fired grill spreads for blocks. And quite a grill it is, they can cook over 50 chickens at the same time on the rotating apparatus! While waiting for my order to be prepared, another customer filled me in some of the technique: they pre-cook the chickens partially to achieve the perfectly balanced smoky taste (smoky but not too smoky). The chicken orders come with a spicy Peruvian aji green sauce. Peru is supposed to be the South American capital of rotisserie chicken and Pollo a La Brasa is evidence of this. They have a small dining area here; many people order their food to go.
Day Note:
Downtown
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Philippe The Original
Contact:
- +1 213 628 3781
- visit website
Location:
- 1001 North Alameda Street
- At Ord St
- Los Angeles,CA90012
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Map
Description:
Good old-fashioned value is what this legendary landmark cafeteria is all about. Popular with both South Central project residents and Beverly Hills elite, Philippe's unspectacular dining room with sawdust floors is one of the few places in L.A. where everyone can get along. Philippe's claims to have invented the French dip sandwich at this location in 1908; it remains the most popular menu item. Patrons push trays along the counter and watch while their choice of beef, pork, ham, turkey, or lamb is sliced and layered onto crusty French bread that's been dipped in meat juices. A hearty breakfast, served daily from 6 to 10:30am, is worthwhile if only for Philippe's uncommonly good cinnamon-dipped French toast. Beer and wine are available. For added entertainment, request a booth in the Train Room, which houses the nifty Model Train Museum. Tip: A regular coffee at Philippe The Original is the same price it was when the diner opened in 1924: 9¢.
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Sam Woo Bar-B-Q
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- 803 N Broadway
- Los Angeles,CA90012
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Map
Description:
In Short
Despite eye-catching roast ducks and pigs hanging in the window, the interior of this popular downtown destination is uninspired. Crowds come for good value, big servings and renowned Chinese-style barbecue. Cantonese is the backbone cuisine, with dishes like duck scented with star anise. The Three Combination barbecue--duck, pork and chicken--is a carnivore's dream. Seafood includes live fish, crabs and lobsters swimming in tanks. Congee, rice soup with additions like pork, duck or preserved egg, cures hangovers. -
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Cielito Lindo
Contact:
- (213) 687-4391
- visit website
Location:
- 23 Olvera Street
- Los Angeles,CA90012
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Map
Description:
Aurora Guerrero came up with the recipe for Cielito Lindo's famous taquitos with green avocado sauce when this venerable stand opened in the 1930's. The dish she created features a dab of guacamole inside a meat taquito and a green sauce that is like salsa verde plus avocado. It is definitely an affordable and tasty treat! This food stand is a great meal stop if you are in the Olvera Street area and want some authentic Los Angeles street food.
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Chin Ma Ya of Tokyo
Contact:
- +1 213 625 3400
- visit website
Location:
- 123 Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Street
- Weller Court, 2nd Floor
- Los Angeles,CA90012
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Map
Description:
Japanese and spicy Chinese food—what could be better? Chin Ma Ya of Tokyo has a unique Japanese interpretation of world famous Sichuan Chinese dishes like Mabo Tofu and Tan Tan Men. If you can't tolerate spicy food, order their mild versions. Not in the mood for fusion dishes? They have popular choices like Ramen and Karaage fried chicken. Don't miss happy hour—beer or plum wine cost only pocket change! If you want something strong to drink, order their Shochu on the rocks or mixed with Calpico water or Oolong tea. - Robert Nomura
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Grand Central Market
Contact:
- 213-624-2378
- visit website
Location:
- 317 S Broadway
- Los Angeles,California90013
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Map
Description:
Opened in 1917, this is market has rolled with times and remains an attractive and fun destination. The space is enclosed but has an open air feel to it, complete with sawdust on the floor. Inside are many prepared food vendors (Mexican, Middle-Eastern, Hawaiian, Japanese. . . .) as well as stalls selling groceries. There is also coffee and frozen yogurt available. . . and everything is priced affordablely. With a $10 purchase here you can get validation for 1 hour parking at the DOT lot located at 308 South Hill Street. The Grand Central Market is located downtown right between the (now re-opened) Angels Flight funicular and the Bradbury Building. Overall this is a great spot to get lunch while you are exploring downtown.
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Wurstkuche
Contact:
- 213 687 4444
- visit website
Location:
- 800 E. 3rd St
- Los Angeles,CA90013
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Map
Description:
Modestly sized and modernly designed with slick red and blonde wood walls and cooler-than-IKEA Swedish chairs, this Downtown sausage spot's serving links classic (hot or sweet Italian, bratwurst), gourmet (pesto chicken & turkey), and gamey (rattlesnake & rabbit w/jalapeno). To round things out, there's Belgian fries w/white truffle oil, 20+ dipping sauces (bleu cheese walnut & bacon, citrus ginger mayo, etc) and 33 beers, from PBR to Aventinus Eisbock -- at 13% ABV, it'll be the venom that accompanies your rattlesnake.
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Clifton's Brookdale Cafeteria
Contact:
- 1 213 627 1673
- visit website
Location:
- 648 South Broadway Seventh Street
- Los Angeles,CA90014
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Map
Description:
This is one of the last remaining old L.A. eateries in downtown. In years gone by, Angeleno families would make a trip here for dinner as a special Sunday outing. If you are looking for a square meal while making the rounds of downtown points of interest, it will not disappoint you. Located right in the heart of Broadway, the clientele is mostly Latino. During the week it is primarily shoppers and workers from the nearby stores, but there are more families on weekends. The decor is cornball tropical island complete with faux streams and brooks. If you were taken here as a child, there were memorable choices, such as the Jell-O with whipped cream topping or the pineapple upside down cake. Heavier fare includes the standard mashed potatoes and gravy, roast beef, fish, or chicken. Of course this is just a sampling of the many dishes offered, past and present, at this venerable dining spot.
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The Original Pantry
Contact:
- (213) 972-9279
- visit website
Location:
- 877 S Figueroa St
- At 9th St
- Los Angeles,CA90017
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Map
Description:
This bastion of blue-collar cooking has been serving huge portions of comfort food 'round-the-clock since 1924. The cash-only Pantry is popular with politicos, who come here for weekday lunches, and with conferencegoers en route to the nearby L.A. Convention Center. The well-worn restaurant is also a welcoming beacon to clubbers after-hours, when Downtown becomes a virtual ghost town. A bowl of celery stalks, carrot sticks, and whole radishes greets you at your Formica table, and creamy coleslaw and sourdough bread come free with every meal. The menu? It's a chalkboard hanging on the wall. Famous for quantity rather than quality, the Pantry serves huge T-bone steaks, densely packed hamburger loaf, macaroni and cheese, and other American favorites to an already overfed crowd. A typical breakfast -- served all day -- consists of a huge stack of hotcakes, a big slab of sweet cured ham, home fries, and coffee.
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Nickel Diner
Contact:
- (213) 623-8301
- visit website
Location:
- 524 South Main Street
- Los Angeles,CA90013
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Map
Description:
This well-received restaurant/diner has provided downtown with a reasonably-priced food destination. This is the kind of gentrification that I can deal with: an unpretentious, independently owned and operated business. The food is solid all-American fair, comfort food in a diner mode. You really can not go wrong with their mac and cheese; the breakfasts and sandwiches I've eaten here have all been good. They also have a good selection of deserts.
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Mercado La Paloma
Contact:
- (213) 748-1963
- visit website
Location:
- 3655 S Grand Ave # 240
- Los Angeles,CA90007
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Map
Description:
This market palce and food court is located in a somewhat industrial neighborhood just east of USC and the California Science Center. The food choices here include Richardo Zarate's Mo-Chica -- (213) 747-2141, Chichen Itza -- (213) 741-1075, Burger Plaza Grill, Oaxacalifornia (213) 747-8622, Taqueria Vista Hermosa (213) 741-1251, and Thai food at Circle A Food Express (213) 748-8006.
Approaching from the west, this place can be found by the lovely mural on one face of the building. Overall this market makes a great offbeat destination with some really killer food (both Mo-Chica and Chichen Itza have gotten a lot of attention for their modern regional cuisine). The market section is during the day, some of the restaurants stay open until 9 or 10pm.
Day Note:
San Fernando Valley
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Daichan
Contact:
- (818) 980-8450
Location:
- 11288 Ventura Boulevard
- Studio City,CA91604
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Map
Description:
This place calls its cuisine "Japanses Soul Food" and I take this to mean homestyle Japanese cooking. Whatever you call it, the food here is delicious, healthy and affordable. The meals do have a comfort feel to them, but without being overly heavy or rich. In particular I have had a number of their soups and fish entrees and been very satisfied. Although this place does offer a lot of things you will be familiar with (sushi, udon, and soba for example), the menu here is definitely distinct from the typical Japanese-American joint. There are clearly a lot of regulars at this unique restaurant.
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Uncle Darrow's Cajun restaurant
Contact:
- 1 310 306 4862
- visit website
Location:
- 2560 South Lincoln Boulevard
- (at Washington Boulevard)
- Los Angeles,CA90292
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Map
Description:
This is as genuine as Cajun gets and has been voted Best Cajun/Creole Food in L.A. by Los Angeles magazine. They don't serve beef or pork but seafood abounds and chicken and turkey make appearances as well. Bite into a Po' Boy and order some great gumbo. This place is so authentic you can almost see the lightening bugs and hear the swamp boats.
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Porto's Bakery
Contact:
- 1 818 956 5996
- visit website
Location:
- 315 North Brand Boulevard
- Glendale,CA91203
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Map
Description:
Grab a number and get in line - you will be glad that you did. Close to the popular Glendale Galleria, this extremely busy Cuban-style deli may seem a bit chaotic at first, but that is because people know a good thing when they have tasted it. This eatery serves up some of the most unique and tasty sandwiches and baked goods around. Its unusual Potato Sandwich, made with beef, sounds strange but tastes fabulous. Well worth it, most people say. Credit cards are not accepted.
Day Note:
East Los Angeles, Pasadena, San Gabriel and Eastward
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Pie 'N Burger
Contact:
- 1 626 795 1123
- visit website
Location:
- 913 East California Boulevard
- Pasadena,CA91106
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Map
Description:
When you visit here, it will be tempting to claim you're not that hungry so you can just fill up on a delicious piece of pie or two! Many folks drop in late at night on a date and simply order coffee and pie that ranges from coconut to chocolate and blueberry to strawberry. If you want something more substantial, however, the rest of the menu is quite inviting, too. Many regular diners have developed an addiction to the beef burgers since they are usually grease free. If you're interested in a bit healthier meal, try one of the turkey or veggie burgers on the menu. Credit cards are not accepted.
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Casa Bianca Pizza Pie
Contact:
- (323) 256-9617
- visit website
Location:
- 1650 Colorado Boulevard
- Los Angeles,CA90041-1436
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Map
Description:
Since opening over 50 years ago, Casa Bianca has been a local favorite. The walls are covered with memorabilia, from autographed head-shots of no-name celebrities to Italian artifacts. Casa Bianca draws in families, couples, professionals, hipsters and anyone else within a 10-mile radius. The pizzeria is cozy, upbeat and casual. The pizza is the best item on the menu. They offer traditional toppings, like pepperoni and adventurous ones, like eggplant. Some nights you may even wait over an hour, but it's worth it. After the meal you'll understand why night after night the line is out the door.
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Spitz
Contact:
- (323) 257-5600
- visit website
Location:
- 2506 Colorado Blvd
- Los Angeles,CA90041
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Map
Description:
Spitz brings you a sandwich sensation unlike any other. Made from either minced lamb and beef, chicken, or homemade falafel, the meats are slow-roasted to perfection in custom vertical broilers, which allow their juices to percolate and self-infuse for a product of unmatched taste and texture. Only when you order is the meat shaved into paper-thin strips and stuffed into Panini-grilled focaccia bread or wraped in Panini-grilled lavash bread. Salad and plate options are also available. Don't leave without trying the amazing gelato, so good it was named "Best in the Universe" by Time Magazine.
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The Oinkster
Contact:
- 1 323 255 6465
- visit website
Location:
- 2005 Colorado Boulevard
- Los Angeles,CA90041
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Description:
Hunger bells pealing? Chuck those fine-dining reservations and head over to The Oinkster for a quality meal and some quality time with the family. Chef Andre Guerrero puts his culinary expertise to good use as he vigorously tosses up house-cured pastrami and slow-roasted pork sandwiches, fresh rotisserie chicken, international salads and crunchy Belgian fries. Watch your kids go ga-ga over juicy, ground-beef burgers, carrot cup cakes and brownies by the dozen. Heaps of sides come in the form of tangy sauces, spicy dips and cheese galore.
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The York
Contact:
- (323) 255-9675
- visit website
Location:
- 5018 York Blvd
- Los Angeles,CA90042-1714
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Map
Description:
In Short
Unrecognizable from its stint at the Wild Hare, the space's conversion represents a complete overhaul. Gone is the too-bright lighting scheme, and the unfortunate drop ceiling has been razed to reveal expansive, gorgeous wood-beams--it even looks like a true London public house. The welcoming attitude and relaxed vibe attracts Eastside hipsters of varying ages, and occasional foodies who wander in from outside the neighborhood. The manageable menu sticks to classics like burgers, fish and chips and peach cobbler. -
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El Atacor #11
Contact:
- (323) 441-8477
Location:
- 2622 North Figueroa Street
- Los Angeles,CA90065
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Map
Description:
The potato tacos here are kinda famous. And rightly so as they are delicious. They arrive crispy and fried with a filling of mashed potatos, served over lettuce and tomatoes, and garnished with cheese and guacamole. They are a very satisfying and affordable treat to eat! This taqueria has its act together: this place is clean and they stay open really late (4am). Great spot for a cheap dinner or a late night snack.
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El Tepeyac
Contact:
- (323) 267-8668
- visit website
Location:
- 812 N Evergreen Ave
- Los Angeles,CA90033
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Map
Description:
In Short
Outside this so-authentic-it's-kitschy landmark, vendors ply cookies and trinkets to those waiting in line for the best burrito in L.A. Inside, a shrine to the Virgin Mary overlooks a dozen Formica tabletops crowded with families devouring the meaty behemoths. El Tepeyac burritos are so big and unwieldy they can only be eaten with a knife and fork. The Hollenbeck burrito--a monstrosity of rice, beans, guacamole, chili and stewed pork jam-packed in a flour tortilla and topped with ranchero sauce--has earned its signature status. Unrepentant carnivores should go for the all-meat Oscar burrito. The shoebox-sized Manuel Special, a wet burrito with rice, beans, guacamole, chili and pork, could feed an entire family. Tacos, enchiladas and taquitos round out the menu, but burritos are this foodie find's raison d'etre. -
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Tacos Baja
Contact:
- +1 323 887 1980
Location:
- 5385 Whittier Boulevard
- Los Angeles,CA90022
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Map
Description:
For a taste of the best Fish Tacos in town you have to visit Tacos Baja. The fish is crispy-fried and more importantly fresh with a delicious sauce which comes across as you take the first bite. These tacos have been branded the best in Los Angeles, and rightfully so. They are cheap, but surprisingly the food does not give that away. Despite the fact that it is crowded most of the time, the service is efficient. If you like Mexican food then this place definitely deserves a visit.
