DineGuides

Cheap Eats in South Los Angeles

10 restaurants in South Los Angeles. Part of our Los Angeles Cheap Eats guide.

Tacos Oscarin
#1Cheap Eats

Tacos Oscarin

Mexican·$
📍 6041018002

This taqueria has been a decade-long fixture for its perfectly seasoned Cabeza and Pastor tacos. The vibrant onion, jalapeño, and habanero salsa mix adds a welcome kick. Expect a fast-moving line for these delicious, generously portioned tacos.

🍽️95Food
💰90Value
👋85Service
60Vibe
💬

Everything is amazing here from the tortilla all the way to the sauce and all.

💬

They're delicious, and the staff are very friendly and don't make you wait too long.

💬

You get what you pay for me being a big guy I wish for a more proper size but the food is good

Ideal for
Quick weeknight dinnerLate night cravings
Monarca Pasta & Grill
#2Cheap Eats

Monarca Pasta & Grill

Mixed/Fusion·$$

This casual, family-run spot serves up generous portions of Italian-American comfort food at wallet-friendly prices. Regulars rave about the flavorful pastas and pizzas, making it a go-to for a satisfying, no-frills meal.

🍽️90Food
💰93Value
👋85Service
70Vibe
Ideal for
Budget-conscious diners seeking good valueTakeout orders avoiding crowdsFusion cuisine adventurers
Carnitas el Choche
#3Cheap Eats

Carnitas el Choche

Mexican·$

Carnitas El Choche is a no-frills taqueria where the star is the slow-cooked pork. Expect tender, flavorful carnitas and crispy chicharrón, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.

🍽️92Food
💰90Value
👋85Service
70Vibe
💬

Although it's a small place, the carnitas and buche are delicious, the service is very good, and the owners are very friendly.

💬

My family and I go here often the carnitas are so good and the chicharrón it’s good as well.

💬

The most of the time they run out of food early so is better if you call just to make sure the is a plate left for you.

Ideal for
Families with kidsQuick lunchesTakeout
M Juicy Burger
#4Cheap Eats

M Juicy Burger

Burgers·$$

This neighborhood spot serves up seriously tasty burgers with perfectly toasted buns and delicious sauces. Early signs suggest it's a great place for families, offering a clean environment and friendly service.

🍽️92Food
💰90Value
👋88Service
75Vibe
💬

Great customer service, best spot to pick up some cheese stick chicken nuggets tacos and a nice dinner in the local neighborhood.

💬

The burgers are amazing and flavorful, Definitely a classic in my family!

💬

This place use to be one of my favorites until new ownership took over. Food taste, quality and customer service are not the same at all.

Ideal for
Families with kidsQuick lunchTakeout
Fuegos LA
#5Cheap Eats
4 photos

Fuegos LA

Argentinian·$

Fuegos LA is a vibrant neighborhood spot that excels at authentic Argentinian empanadas, offering a wide range of classic, vegan, and gluten-free options. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, making it a perfect destination for casual gatherings, date nights, and family outings.

🍽️98Food
💰85Value
👋95Service
🛡️65Safety
💬

Why is a dog loose in kitchen

💬

Vibrant and the staff is welcoming

💬

You don't have to wait forever

Ideal for
Argentine food enthusiasts and empanada loversDate nights and special celebrationsCommunity-minded diners seeking authentic vibes
Tacos El Pau
#6Cheap Eats
5 photos

Tacos El Pau

Mexican·$$

This casual taqueria is a go-to for authentic Mexican flavors, especially their al pastor tacos served on handmade tortillas. It's a family-friendly spot that also excels at catering for events, making it a versatile choice for both quick meals and larger gatherings.

🍽️92Food
💰88Value
👋94Service
65Wait
💬

This place is great the food and service is outstanding. Super clean and Don Pau is the best.

💬

More than friendly staff. I ate a super burrito and my friend a Mulito. 😋 Delicious.

💬

The place has plenty of parking, it's very clean, and the price is amazing!

Ideal for
Families with kidsGroup diningEvent catering
Trinistyle Cuisine
#7Cheap Eats
5 photos

Trinistyle Cuisine

Caribbean·$$

This family-run spot in a strip mall brings the authentic flavors of Trinidad to Los Angeles. It's a place where you can find everything from doubles to cow heel soup, with many dishes being regarded as tasting just like home.

🍽️92Food
💰85Value
👋65Service
🧹70Hygiene
💬

Limited parking and tight parking spaces for bigger vehicles

💬

An hr later we started to wonder where our food

💬

This place will make you miss home even more

Ideal for
Diaspora seeking authentic Caribbean comfort foodAdventurous eaters exploring Trinidadian cuisineTakeout/casual dining with cultural authenticity
Cafe 23 – Indian Street Food
#8Cheap Eats

Cafe 23 – Indian Street Food

Indian·$$
📍 936 W 23rd St

This casual Indian street food spot near USC offers a vibrant fusion of flavors, with standout Vada Pav and a popular Chicken Tikka Masala burrito. New management has brought a renewed sense of authenticity and homestyle cooking, making it a welcoming destination for both quick bites and flavorful meals.

🍽️92Food
💰85Value
👋78Service
70Wait
Ideal for
USC students seeking affordable, authentic Indian foodIndian-Mexican fusion enthusiastsDiners valuing fresh, made-to-order meals
Rosso Oros Pizzeria
#9Cheap Eats

Rosso Oros Pizzeria

Pizza·$

This USC-adjacent pizzeria serves up massive, flavorful pizza slices at a fantastic price, making it a go-to for game days. While the pizza itself is a solid choice, the wings have been noted as a weak point.

🍽️85Food
💰88Value
👋65Service
🛡️65Safety
💬

Some of the best pizza I've had in years

💬

Best deal for the slice

Ideal for
Students on a budgetQuick pizza slice grabGameday crowds near USC
Caveman Kitchen
#10Cheap Eats
6 photos

Caveman Kitchen

Mixed/Fusion·$

This Peruvian-American spot feels like a neighborhood hangout, complete with a full bar and TVs for catching the game. It's a casual place where you can grab a quick solo lunch or bring the whole family.

🍽️75Food
💰85Value
👋60Service
📍60Location
💬

My sister ordered the veggie burger and she like it, but The fries looked so unappetizing and sad.

💬

Extremely disappointed. For the second time, my order was incorrect, and when I brought it to the cashier's attention, she laughed instead of correcting the issue.

💬

Parking is a bit of a hassle but the food makes up for it.

Ideal for
Watching the gameCasual lunchFamily meals
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