DineSpin

Best Cheap Eats in Los Angeles

Find the best cheap eats restaurants in Los Angeles, CA. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

LA's cheap eats scene is where portions justify the price and consistency matters more than Instagram appeal. Most of these spots have been feeding the same neighborhood for decades—not because they're hidden, but because they're genuinely good at what they do. Parking's easier than you'd think, waits are real, and cash still rules at the best places.

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Best Cheap Eats in Los Angeles

1.

Krishna Lunch SoCal Food Truck

95/100

This vegan food truck operates as a mission to combat food insecurity, offering large, delicious, and healthy meals for a $5 suggested donation, driven by the remarkably kind owner, Govinda.

Pro tip: Govinda, the owner of this food truck, is a true hero. He runs this truck as a personal mission to do his part in battling food insecurity.

🍽️Food95

The food is consistently described as delicious, healthy, and well-prepared, with a rotating daily menu offering variety.

Govinda is just incredible! His food is excellent, and the portion sizes are generous.

👋Service95

The owner, Govinda, and volunteers are well-regarded for their kindness, welcoming demeanor, and graciousness.

Great service and great food! Seriously a favorite tucked.

Vibe90

The atmosphere is welcoming and inspiring, driven by the owner's mission to combat food insecurity.

It’s always so welcoming and fun to learn about Krishna Lunch’s inspirations for starting up!

💰Value100

The food truck offers outstanding value, with large, nourishing meals available for a $5 suggested donation.

Possibly the most bang for your buck in this neighborhood.

📍 Los Angeles, CA 90024, United States
4.9$Los AngelesVegan/Vegetarian
Ideal for
Budget-conscious dinersVegans and vegetariansThose seeking healthy meals
2.

Tacos Zamas

95/100

This Los Angeles taco stand is celebrated for its remarkably flavorful and generously portioned tacos, particularly the al pastor and carne asada, offered at remarkably low prices.

Pro tip: Tacos were amazing — especially for the price! Ordered four for just $10, and they came loaded with all the salsa and toppings you could want.

🍽️Food98

The tacos, particularly the al pastor and carne asada, are well-regarded for their amazing flavor and quality. Many diners highlight the unique taste and generous portions.

Tacos were amazing — especially for the price! Ordered four for.

👋Service92

Staff are frequently described as friendly, nice, and welcoming, contributing to a positive dining experience.

Also the workers are very nice to everyone.

Vibe75

The atmosphere is that of a casual, late-night taco stand, with music often noted as being on point.

Great little stand that's open late.

💰Value96

The pricing is consistently highlighted as very reasonable, with multiple mentions of generous portions for the cost.

Tacos were amazing — especially for the price! Ordered four for.

📍 957 Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
4.9$Los AngelesMexican
Ideal for
Late-night cravingsBudget-conscious dinersTaco enthusiasts
3.

Tres Dos Tres

95/100

Tres Dos Tres is a fast-casual Mexican spot celebrated for its remarkably fresh ingredients, vibrant house-made salsas, and generous portions at affordable prices. The kind and efficient staff, coupled with a clean environment, make it a highly recommended destination for a flavorful meal.

Pro tip: The food was so fresh and they didn’t cheat on the taste either.

🍽️Food95

The Mexican fare emphasizes fresh ingredients, with salsas and meats well-regarded for their vibrant flavors and lack of aftertaste. Portions are generous.

The food was so fresh and they didn’t cheat on the taste either.

👋Service95

Staff are frequently described as kind, friendly, jolly, and attentive, often offering recommendations and ensuring generous portions.

Great service from the workers as well. Thank you!

Vibe80

The atmosphere is generally positive, described as a nice neighborhood spot with a clean, welcoming environment.

Nice neighborhood.

💰Value95

Pricing is considered affordable and fair, with generous portions contributing to a strong sense of value.

Very affordable prices.

📍 11301 W Olympic Blvd Ste 117, Los Angeles, CA 90064, United States
4.9$$Los AngelesMexican
Ideal for
Quick and fresh lunchesAffordable Mexican cravingsDiners seeking flavorful salsas
4.

La Flamita Mixe Taco Stand

95/100

A diner who lived in Nogales for a year called this "the best taco I have ever had"—that's not nostalgia, that's a credential. Al pastor and carne asada tacos at $2–3 each, huge burritos that justify the 20-30 minute waits, and consistency that holds up across visits. The trade-off is cash or Zelle only, no cards, and the format is stand-with-chairs, not a restaurant.

Pro tip: Hit it off-peak (lunch before noon, or after 8pm) to avoid the queue entirely. Bring cash—Zelle is your only backup.

🍽️Food98

The al pastor, carnitas, and suadero tacos are well-regarded for their juicy, well-seasoned meat and authentic flavors, with generous portions and a wide selection of fresh toppings and salsas.

The taco is just amazing while the queue is long and may wait for 20-30.

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly and fast, with staff being accommodating and generous with portions.

They let you get all the salsas you want! Service is also good and fast!

Vibe75

The atmosphere is that of a casual, bustling taco stand, with a lively vibe that is appreciated by many.

The food and the vibes have always made it worth it.

💰Value95

The tacos are considered remarkably affordable, with generous meat portions and low prices, making it a standout value.

Amazing price, amazing tacos, nice horchata. Great spot

📍 1155 1/2 S Bundy Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, United States
4.9$Los AngelesMexican
Ideal for
Quick and authentic MexicanBudget-conscious dinersLate-night cravings
5.

German's Catering

95/100

A decades-old food truck celebrated for its generous portions of flavorful Mexican fare and remarkably warm, consistent service from a dedicated owner and staff.

Pro tip: The owner is so happy all the time and best customer service ever!

🍽️Food95

Generous portions of flavorful tacos, burritos, and tortas, with Al Pastor and Asada being frequently mentioned highlights.

Bomb tacos and burritos

👋Service98

Well-regarded for remarkably friendly and kind service, with staff often remembered by name and a welcoming demeanor.

The owner is so happy all the time and best customer service ever!

Vibe80

A long-standing, community-focused food truck with a friendly, familiar atmosphere.

He has watched me grow from a teen to a man in the neighborhood.

💰Value95

Diners consistently highlight generous portions and low prices, making it an excellent value proposition.

Great tacos and quesadillas for cheap! And they're very generous with the meats!

📍 1010 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90037, United States
4.9$Los AngelesMexican
Ideal for
Quick and affordable lunchCasual outdoor diningLong-time locals
6.

Tacos La China

95/100

Owner Alex doesn't just make tacos; regulars describe an "explosion of flavor" in carnitas that taste like they've been braised properly, which is rarer than it should be. The value is genuinely wild ($2–3 tacos, impeccable portions), and the consistency across years suggests this isn't a lucky streak. The catch is the operation is unpermitted, hours are variable and not posted clearly, and parking on Clyde Ave requires patience.

Pro tip: Call ahead to confirm hours—the stand's location isn't obvious, and you don't want to show up to a closed gate. Arrive with a parking plan or go early.

🍽️Food98

The tacos and burritos are well-regarded for their excellent flavor, quality meat, and fresh ingredients, with carnitas and al pastor frequently highlighted.

This place operates in the way your best friend would: make you incredible food, make sure you’re fed and happy.

👋Service95

Staff are repeatedly described as friendly, welcoming, kind, and helpful, contributing to a positive customer experience.

The guy working wasn’t bad to look at either 😮‍💨

Vibe70

The atmosphere is that of a casual, low-key street food stand, with a focus on the food and friendly interactions.

It's street food, but the neighborhood feels safe and it is worth the drive to get good eats there!

💰Value95

Prices are consistently described as unbeatable, great, fair, and reasonable, especially given the generous portion sizes.

Unbeatable prices!

📍 Washington Blvd &, Clyde Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90016, United States
5$Clyde AveMexican
Ideal for
Quick and delicious mealsTaco aficionadosBudget-conscious diners
7.

Tacos Zempoal Mixe Taco Stand

95/100

A beloved Los Angeles street stand celebrated for its remarkably flavorful al pastor tacos, made with fresh, house-made tortillas and offered at an unbeatable price, especially on Wednesday specials.

Pro tip: This place is amazing. You’re not going to get fresh tortillas and pastor on a spit anywhere for 2.50 a taco or 1 dollar each anywhere else.

🍽️Food98

The al pastor tacos are consistently lauded for their flavor, smokiness, and generous portion of pineapple, with fresh tortillas made to order.

This place is amazing. You’re not going to get fresh tortillas and pastor on a spit anywhere for 2.50

👋Service92

Staff are frequently described as friendly, helpful, and providing amazing hospitality, even assisting with language barriers.

The hospitality and service was amazing as well.

Vibe80

The vibe is that of a popular, bustling street food stand with a loyal clientele and a welcoming atmosphere.

It is a lovely stand with nice employees and delicious tacos.

💰Value95

Excellent value is highlighted, particularly the $1 al pastor tacos on Wednesdays and the generous portions.

You’re not going to get fresh tortillas and pastor on a spit anywhere for 2.50 a taco or 1 dollar each anywhere else.

📍 2541 S Barrington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064, United States
4.8$Los AngelesMexican
Ideal for
Quick and affordable lunchAuthentic street tacosLate-night cravings
8.

Tacos Barrios

92/100

This family-run taco stand is celebrated for its remarkably delicious quesabirria tacos and other Mexican staples, offered at remarkably affordable prices with consistently friendly service.

Pro tip: I couldn't imagine mexican food being any better than this.

🍽️Food95

The quesabirria tacos are consistently lauded as the best in LA, with flavorful consommé and perfectly cooked meat. Other tacos, burritos, and tortas also receive high recognition for their deliciousness and fresh ingredients.

I couldn't imagine mexican food being any better than this.

👋Service90

Diners frequently describe the staff as remarkably nice, friendly, and sweet, contributing to a welcoming experience.

The 5 stars is beyond well deserved. The service was so attentive and sweet

Vibe80

The atmosphere is described as cute and nice, with some outdoor seating available, contributing to a pleasant, casual dining experience.

Awesome find and nice atmosphere to eat outside there if you wanted

💰Value95

Prices are consistently highlighted as incredibly reasonable and affordable, especially for the quality and portion sizes offered.

And the price point is incredible- so reasonably priced for amazing quality of food.

📍 12210 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, United States
5$Los AngelesMexican
Ideal for
Casual weeknight dinnersTaco enthusiastsBudget-conscious diners
9.

Penas Mexican Restaurant

92/100

This Oaxacan taqueria offers authentic, delicious, and generously portioned dishes, particularly noted for its handmade tortillas and affordable prices.

Pro tip: Amazing Oaxacan food I recommend the Tlayuda but anything really is authentic and delicious.

🍽️Food95

Authentic Oaxacan cuisine, particularly noted for its handmade tortillas and generous, delicious burritos and tacos.

Amazing Oaxacan food I recommend the Tlayuda but anything really is authentic and delicious.

👋Service90

Service is consistently described as friendly and humble, with staff noted for their kindness.

Great food at a great price! A bigger plus is they are really nice humble people!

Vibe75

The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, focused on authentic food.

The best handmade tortillas

💰Value95

Well-regarded for the affordable prices, excellent quality, and generous portions.

Prices are very affordable for the quality and portions, only street parking and not many spaces but worth it to struggle with parking.

📍 6811 Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001, United States
4.8$Los AngelesMexican
Ideal for
Authentic Mexican food loversBudget-conscious dinersCasual meals
10.

Curry In Hurry LA

92/100

The owner—locals call her 'Auntie'—will taste-test your curry before it leaves the counter. That level of care shows in the tikka masala and fresh naan; the generous 2–3 item combos at $13–20 feel like value glitches. Limited seating means it's built for takeout, and parking around Downtown LA can tighten during peak times, but the food moves fast enough that waits don't drag.

Pro tip: Ask Auntie to adjust spice if you want heat—the default is mild, and she'll recalibrate. Limited seating means lunch rush takeout; dinner's better if you want to linger.

🍽️Food95

The cuisine is well-regarded for its authentic Delhi flavors, with many dishes highlighted for their rich spices and fresh ingredients. The chicken tikka masala and garlic naan are frequently cited as standouts.

Such amazing food. The sauce was tasty, perfectly spicy - not too.

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as friendly, warm, and welcoming, with staff often offering samples and making diners feel at home. The family that runs the restaurant is particularly noted for their kindness.

The staff was very friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better.

Vibe70

The atmosphere is generally described as humble, cozy, and peaceful, with a family-run feel. It is not a place for those seeking a formal dining experience.

In short: great food at a reasonable price, in humble surroundings.

💰Value95

Diners consistently highlight the generous portion sizes and affordable prices, making it an excellent value for authentic Indian cuisine.

Great food and awesome customer service. Parking in front to the building but no restrooms for public.

📍 4934 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019, United States
4.8$$Los AngelesIndian
Ideal for
Authentic Indian food loversDiners seeking valueCasual weeknight meals

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