Budget Travel Guide
3 Days of Cheap Eats in Los Angeles
World-class food doesn't have to break the bank. From legendary dollar dumplings to $7 veggie burgers — every meal under $15 (with one delicious exception).
Day 1
Eastside Taco Crawl
HomeState
Texas-style breakfast tacos in the heart of Los Feliz. Flour tortillas, scrambled eggs, and perfectly melted cheese — the best morning fuel in LA.
Must Order
- The Houston
- Migas taco
- Cold brew
Pro Tip: Breakfast tacos are under $6 each — grab two and you're set until lunch.
Guisados
Slow-braised stews in fresh handmade tortillas. The sampler plate lets you try six different flavors for around $14 — the best deal in LA.
Must Order
- Sampler plate
- Cochinita pibil
- Horchata
Pro Tip: The sampler is the move — six small tacos for the price of a fast-food combo.
Mariscos Jalisco
The legendary shrimp taco truck. Three crispy tacos dorados for under $10 — arguably the best taco in all of Los Angeles.
Must Order
- Shrimp tacos dorados
- Poseidon tostada
Pro Tip: Cash only. Squeeze lime generously and add the avocado salsa.
Day 2
Koreatown & Thai Town
Courage Bagels
Hand-rolled, wood-fired bagels that rival the best in the country. A bagel and cream cheese runs about $7.
Must Order
- Everything bagel with scallion cream cheese
- Sesame bagel
Pro Tip: Check Instagram for daily availability — they sell out fast.
Jitlada
Southern Thai food at moderate prices — most dishes under $18. The flavors are explosive and the portions generous. A budget-friendly way to eat world-class Thai.
Must Order
- Crying tiger beef
- Morning glory
- Pad see ew
Pro Tip: Share 2-3 dishes family style to maximize variety and keep costs down.
Sun Nong Dan
The galbi jjim (braised short rib stew) here is legendary — a bubbling cauldron of tender beef, glass noodles, and rich broth. A feast for two under $50.
Must Order
- Galbi jjim (braised short ribs)
- Kimchi fried rice
- Banchan
Pro Tip: Split the large galbi jjim — it's massive. The rice at the bottom gets crispy and caramelized.
Day 3
Venice, Trucks & Hot Chicken
The Sycamore Kitchen
Outstanding pastries and breakfast sandwiches at fair prices. The egg sandwich on a house-made biscuit is the perfect start to your last day.
Must Order
- Breakfast sandwich on biscuit
- Blueberry muffin
- Iced coffee
Pro Tip: Grab a cookie for the road — the salted chocolate chip is legendary.
Leo's Tacos
The king of LA street tacos. Al pastor carved off the trompo, $1.75 per taco. Five tacos and a drink for under $12 — unbeatable.
Must Order
- Al pastor tacos (get 5)
- Mulita
- Horchata
Pro Tip: Go after 6 PM when the al pastor trompo is spinning. Add pineapple to every taco.
Howlin' Ray's
End your budget LA trip with the city's most famous hot chicken. A 3-piece combo with two sides runs about $16 — a fiery, crunchy, unforgettable farewell meal.
Must Order
- 3-piece combo at 'Medium'
- Mac and cheese
- Slaw
Pro Tip: Medium is already spicy — don't be a hero on your first visit. The line is part of the experience.
Ready for the Full Experience?
Explore our 5-day itinerary covering everything from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy dining.