The Top 5 Budget-friendly Restaurants in Los Angeles is home to some of the best budget-friendly restaurants in the country. From the mouth-watering chicken and waffles at Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles, to the delicious homestyle tacos at Tacos 1986, to the authentic Mexican flavors of Guisados, each of the top five restaurants on this list offers a unique and delicious dining experience. Here is why they are the best restaurants in Los Angeles for your budget.
1. Howlin’ Ray’s – This Nashville hot chicken joint in Chinatown, one of the top budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, is a must-visit for spice lovers. The chicken is juicy, crispy, and packs a serious punch of heat. The lines can be long, but the food is worth the wait.
2. Tacos 1986 – This taco stand, one of the most popular budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, in Downtown has gained a cult following for its flavorful and authentic tacos. The adobada taco, made with marinated pork, is a must-try.
3. Langer’s Deli – This legendary Jewish deli, among the top budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, in Westlake has been serving up pastrami sandwiches and other deli classics since 1947. The pastrami is hand-cut and slow-cooked to perfection.
4. Guisados – This Boyle Heights institution, another of the top budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, is known for its delicious and affordable tacos made with slow-braised meats and homemade tortillas. The sampler platter is a great way to try a variety of flavors.
5. Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles – This soul food staple, amid the top budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, has been serving up crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles since 1975. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, making it a great option for a filling and satisfying meal.
Top 5 Budget-friendly Restaurants in Los Angeles
Howlin’ Ray’s
Address: 727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles, CA 90012,
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 11am – 4pm; closed Monday and Tuesday
Phone Number: +1 213-935-8399
Howlin’ Ray’s, one of the top budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, is a budget-friendly Nashville hot chicken joint located in the Chinatown area of Los Angeles. The restaurant is small and no-frills, with picnic tables and a few bar stools for seating. The star of the menu is the hot chicken, which is fried to perfection and coated in a fiery blend of spices.
The signature dish at Howlin’ Ray’s is the Nashville hot chicken sandwich, which features a juicy chicken breast, slaw, and pickles on a buttery bun. The heat level can be adjusted to taste, but even the mild option packs a serious punch. Other menu items include chicken tenders, wings, and sides like mac and cheese and collard greens.
One unique aspect of Howlin’ Ray’s is the commitment to quality and authenticity. The chicken is brined for 24 hours and fried to order, and the spices are imported from Nashville to ensure an authentic flavor. The restaurant also has a strong social media presence and often features guest chefs and collaborations.
The service at Howlin’ Ray’s is fast and efficient. Customers place their orders at the counter and their food is delivered to their table. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich – The signature dish at Howlin’ Ray’s, this sandwich features a juicy chicken breast, slaw, and pickles on a buttery bun. The chicken is coated in a fiery blend of spices that can be adjusted to taste.
▣ Chicken Tenders – The chicken tenders at Howlin’ Ray’s are made with the same spicy seasoning as the hot chicken and are served with a side of slaw and pickles. They’re crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor.
▣ Wings – Howlin’ Ray’s offers chicken wings in a variety of heat levels, from mild to XXX hot. The wings are coated in the same spicy seasoning as the hot chicken and are served with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
▣ Mac and Cheese – The mac and cheese at Howlin’ Ray’s is creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s a great side dish to pair with the spicy chicken.
▣ Collard Greens – These slow-cooked collard greens are smoky and flavorful, with a savory broth and tender greens. They’re a great side dish to balance out the spicy chicken.
Customer Reviews:
“The Nashville hot chicken sandwich at Howlin’ Ray’s is out of this world! It’s crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. The slaw and pickles add a nice crunch, and the heat level is perfect. The mac and cheese was also amazing. The service was fast and friendly, and the prices were reasonable.”
“I ordered the chicken tenders and they were delicious! The chicken was juicy and tender, and the coating had just the right amount of spice. The collard greens were also great – they were cooked to perfection and had a nice smoky flavor. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the restaurant had a great vibe.”
“Howlin’ Ray’s lives up to the hype! The hot chicken was amazing – it was crispy, juicy, and had a serious kick of heat. The fries were also great – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The service was fast and friendly, and the restaurant had a fun and lively atmosphere.”
In summary, Howlin’ Ray’s is a budget-friendly Nashville hot chicken joint in Los Angeles that serves up some of the spiciest and most delicious chicken around. With fast and friendly service, a commitment to quality and authenticity, and a fun and lively atmosphere, Howlin’ Ray’s is a must-visit for anyone looking for a tasty and affordable meal. They rank amid the top 5 budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles for good reasons.
Tacos 1986
Address: 609 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11am – 10pm
Phone Number: +1 213-628-3710
Tacos 1986, one of the most popular budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, is a budget-friendly taco stand located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. The restaurant serves authentic and flavorful tacos made with high-quality ingredients. The stand is small and no-frills, with a few stools for seating.
The signature dish at Tacos 1986 is the adobada taco, which features marinated pork that’s cooked on a spit and shaved to order. The pork is flavorful and tender, with a perfect balance of smoky and spicy flavors. Other popular menu items include the quesadillas and the carne asada tacos.
One unique aspect of Tacos 1986 is the focus on quality and authenticity. The tortillas are made in-house and the meats are cooked to order, ensuring that each taco is fresh and flavorful. The stand also has a strong social media presence and has gained a following for its delicious and Instagram-worthy tacos.
The service at Tacos 1986 is fast and efficient. Customers place their orders at the stand and their food is prepared right in front of them. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Adobada Taco – The signature dish at Tacos 1986, this taco features marinated pork that’s cooked on a spit and shaved to order. The pork is flavorful and tender, with a perfect balance of smoky and spicy flavors.
▣ Carne Asada Taco – This taco features juicy and tender grilled steak, topped with fresh guacamole and pico de gallo. The meat has a great charred flavor and is seasoned perfectly.
▣ Quesadilla – The quesadilla at Tacos 1986 is made with melted cheese and a choice of meat or vegetables. The cheese is crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, and pairs perfectly with the flavorful fillings.
▣ Mushroom Taco – This vegetarian taco features sautéed mushrooms and grilled onions, topped with fresh cilantro and salsa. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a meatless meal that’s still packed with flavor.
▣ Al Pastor Tostada – This tostada features a crispy tortilla topped with refried beans, marinated pork, lettuce, and pico de gallo. The pork is tender and flavorful, and the toppings add a fresh and zesty flavor to the dish.
Customer Reviews:
“The adobada taco at Tacos 1986 is the best I’ve ever had! The marinated pork is cooked to perfection and has a delicious smoky and spicy flavor. The quesadillas were also great – they were cheesy and crispy on the outside. The service was fast and friendly, and the prices were very reasonable.”
“The carne asada taco at Tacos 1986 was amazing! The meat was juicy and tender, and had a great charred flavor. The guacamole and pico de gallo were fresh and flavorful. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the stand had a fun and lively atmosphere.”
“I tried the vegetarian taco at Tacos 1986 and it was surprisingly delicious! The grilled vegetables had a great smoky flavor and were seasoned perfectly. The salsa added a nice kick of heat. The service was fast and friendly, and the prices were very affordable.”
In summary, Tacos 1986 is a budget-friendly taco stand in Downtown Los Angeles that serves up some of the most authentic and flavorful tacos in the city. With a focus on quality and authenticity, fast and efficient service, and a fun and lively atmosphere, Tacos 1986 is a must-visit for anyone looking for a delicious and affordable meal. They stand out among the top budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles.
Langer’s Deli
Address: 704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057, United States
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8am – 4pm; closed Sunday
Phone Number: +1 213-483-8050
Langer’s Deli, among the top budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, is a budget-friendly Jewish deli located in the Westlake area of Los Angeles. The restaurant has been serving up classic deli dishes since 1947 and is known for its hand-cut pastrami sandwiches.
The interior of Langer’s Deli is classic and no-frills, with booths and tables for seating. The menu features a wide range of deli classics, including corned beef, brisket, and hot dogs. The signature dish at Langer’s Deli is the #19 pastrami sandwich, which features hand-cut pastrami on rye bread with Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing.
One unique aspect of Langer’s Deli is the commitment to quality and tradition. The pastrami is hand-cut and slow-cooked to perfection, and the bread is baked fresh daily. The restaurant also has a loyal following of regulars who come back time and time again for their favorite deli dishes.
The service at Langer’s Deli is friendly and efficient. Customers place their orders at the counter and their food is delivered to their table. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations.
Main Menu Items:
▣ #19 Pastrami Sandwich – The signature dish at Langer’s Deli, this sandwich features hand-cut pastrami on rye bread with Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing. The pastrami is juicy and flavorful, with just the right amount of fat.
▣ Corned Beef Sandwich – This sandwich features tender and salty corned beef on rye bread with mustard. The meat is juicy and flavorful, and pairs perfectly with the tangy mustard and chewy rye bread.
▣ Brisket – Langer’s Deli offers slow-cooked brisket with a rich and savory gravy. The meat is tender and flavorful, and pairs perfectly with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
▣ Hot Dog – Langer’s Deli offers classic hot dogs with a choice of toppings, including mustard, onions, and relish. The hot dogs are juicy and flavorful, with a great snap.
▣ Matzo Ball Soup – This classic Jewish soup features a rich and savory broth with tender chunks of chicken and fluffy matzo balls. It’s a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for a cold day.
Customer Reviews:
“The pastrami sandwich at Langer’s Deli is a true classic! The meat is tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of fat. The coleslaw and Russian dressing add a nice tangy flavor. The rye bread is also amazing – it’s soft and chewy, with a great crust. The service was fast and friendly, and the prices were very reasonable.”
“The corned beef at Langer’s Deli is some of the best I’ve ever had! It’s juicy and tender, with a great salty flavor. The pickles and mustard on the side were also great. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the restaurant had a great old-school vibe.”
“The hot dogs at Langer’s Deli are amazing! They’re juicy and packed with flavor, and the buns are soft and fresh. The potato salad was also delicious – it had a great tangy flavor. The service was fast and efficient, and the prices were very reasonable.”
In summary, Langer’s Deli is a budget-friendly Jewish deli in Los Angeles that serves up some of the most classic and delicious deli dishes around. With a commitment to quality and tradition, friendly and efficient service, and a loyal following of regulars, Langer’s Deli is a must-visit for anyone looking for a tasty and affordable meal. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles.
Guisados
Address: 1261 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10am – 8pm
Phone Number: +1 213-250-7600
Guisados, another of the top budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, is a budget-friendly Mexican restaurant with several locations throughout Los Angeles. The restaurant specializes in homestyle tacos and stews made with fresh ingredients and traditional Mexican flavors.
The interior of Guisados is colorful and vibrant, with a casual and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a variety of tacos, including the signature guisados tacos, which are made with slow-cooked stews and served on handmade tortillas. Other popular menu items include the queso and the horchata.
One unique aspect of Guisados is the focus on traditional Mexican flavors and techniques. The stews are slow-cooked for hours to develop rich and complex flavors, and the handmade tortillas are made with fresh masa. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free tortillas.
The service at Guisados is fast and efficient, with customers placing their orders at the counter and their food delivered to their table. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, and happy to make recommendations.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Tinga de Pollo Taco – This taco features shredded chicken in a spicy tomato and chipotle sauce, topped with avocado and fresh cilantro. The chicken is tender and juicy, with a great smoky and spicy flavor.
▣ Cochinita Pibil Taco – This taco features slow-cooked pork marinated in citrus and achiote, topped with pickled red onions and fresh cilantro. The pork is tender and flavorful, with a tangy and savory flavor.
▣ Quesadilla de Papa con Chorizo – This quesadilla features melted cheese, potatoes, and spicy chorizo, served on a handmade tortilla. The cheese is gooey and melted, and the potatoes and chorizo add a great depth of flavor.
▣ Caldo de Res – This traditional Mexican beef soup features tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and other vegetables in a savory broth. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cold day.
▣ Horchata – This classic Mexican drink features rice milk, cinnamon, and sugar, served over ice. It’s creamy and sweet, with a great balance of cinnamon and vanilla flavors.
Customer Reviews:
“The tacos at Guisados are amazing! The slow-cooked stews are packed with flavor and served on fresh, homemade tortillas. The queso was also delicious – it had a great smoky flavor. The service was fast and friendly, and the prices were very reasonable.”
“I tried the vegan tacos at Guisados and they were some of the best I’ve ever had! The grilled vegetables were perfectly seasoned and had a great smoky flavor. The horchata was also delicious – it was creamy and sweet, with a nice hint of cinnamon. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the restaurant had a great atmosphere.”
“The chiles toreados at Guisados are a must-try! They’re spicy and smoky, with a great charred flavor. The tacos were also amazing – the slow-cooked meat was tender and packed with flavor. The service was fast and efficient, and the prices were very reasonable.”
In summary, Guisados is a budget-friendly Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles that serves up delicious and authentic homestyle tacos and stews. With a focus on traditional flavors and techniques, a welcoming and colorful atmosphere, and fast and friendly service, Guisados is a great spot for anyone looking for a tasty and affordable meal. They have earned the rank of the top 5 budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles.
Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles
Address: Multiple locations in Los Angeles, with the original location at 1514 N Gower St, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States
Hours: Vary by location
Phone Number: Varies by location
Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles, amid the top budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, is a budget-friendly soul food restaurant with several locations throughout Los Angeles. The restaurant is known for its signature dish, which combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles, drizzled in syrup and butter.
The interior of Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles is casual and comfortable, with a classic diner feel. The menu features a variety of soul food dishes, including fried chicken, smothered pork chops, and macaroni and cheese. The signature dish is the chicken and waffles, which comes with a choice of chicken parts and waffle sizes.
One unique aspect of Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles is the combination of sweet and savory flavors in their signature dish. The crispy fried chicken pairs perfectly with the fluffy waffles, and the syrup and butter add a delicious sweetness to the dish. The restaurant also has a loyal following of fans who come back time and time again for their favorite soul food dishes.
The service at Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles is friendly and efficient. Customers place their orders at the counter and their food is delivered to their table. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Chicken and Waffles – This signature dish features crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, drizzled in syrup and butter. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is irresistible.
▣ Smothered Pork Chops – This soul food classic features tender pork chops smothered in a rich and savory gravy, served with sides such as mac and cheese, collard greens, or yams.
▣ Stuffed Chicken – This dish features a boneless chicken breast stuffed with a savory mixture of vegetables and spices, then fried to perfection. It’s juicy, flavorful, and satisfying.
▣ Mac and Cheese – This classic side dish features creamy, cheesy macaroni with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s the perfect comfort food to accompany any meal.
▣ Sweet Potato Pie – This classic Southern dessert features a flaky crust and a creamy, spiced filling made from sweet potatoes. It’s a delicious and satisfying end to any meal.
Customer Reviews:
“The chicken and waffles at Roscoe’s are amazing! The chicken is crispy and flavorful, and the waffles are fluffy and sweet. The syrup and butter add a delicious sweetness to the dish. The mac and cheese was also amazing – it was creamy and cheesy, with a great breadcrumb topping.”
“The smothered pork chops at Roscoe’s are a must-try! The pork is tender and juicy, and the gravy is rich and flavorful. The greens were also delicious – they had a great smoky flavor. The service was fast and friendly, and the restaurant had a great atmosphere.”
“The fried chicken at Roscoe’s is some of the best I’ve ever had! It’s crispy and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning. The sweet potato pie was also amazing – it had a great crust and a creamy filling. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the prices were very reasonable.”
In summary, Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles is a budget-friendly soul food restaurant in Los Angeles that serves up delicious and classic dishes, including their signature chicken and waffles. With a loyal following of fans, friendly and efficient service, and a comfortable diner atmosphere, Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles is a great spot for anyone looking for a tasty and affordable meal. They can definitely be counted among the top budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new spot to try, or a tourist looking to explore the city’s culinary scene, these budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles are sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your budget. With their affordable prices, friendly service, and outstanding food, they represent the best of what Los Angeles has to offer. This is why they are the best restaurants in Los Angeles for your budget.
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