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Dining On A Dime in LA: Best Bets

hot dog
(credit: K2 PhotoStudio/shutterstock)

(credit: K2 PhotoStudio/shutterstock)
Times may be tough, but that doesn't mean you have to punish your taste buds or brown bag it every day. LA is filled with tons of cheap, good food. Here are our picks for dining on the cheap in LA:

skoobys
Skooby's Hot Dog (credit: skoobys.com)

Skooby's

6654 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 468-3647
More Info

Pink's, Shmink's! Skip the line of tourists clamoring to get a Harry Potter Hogwarts bratwurst and head to this hole in the wall on Hollywood Boulevard for better and cheaper hot dogs. Plus, the garlic fries and aioli sauce are to die for.

kingtaco
Various tacos from King Taco (credit: kingtaco.com)

King Taco

Various Locations
More Info

Bow down before the reigning monarch of carne asada tacos and sopes. You can walk away with a bag of mouth-watering Mexican fare for under 10 bones, easily. If you like it hot, ask for the green salsa (multiple locations).

sevan
(credit: sevanchicken.net)

Sevan Chicken Rotisserie

6255 Foothill Blvd.
Tujunga, CA 91042
(818) 247 7607

601 W Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91202
(818) 244-1424

10317 Mason Ave.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 709 7098
More Info

With three locations, this Mediterranean spot lives up to the claim on its menu of offering "The Best Tasting Chicken." Opt for the ¼ lunch special and you get a ¼ chicken, two sides, sauce, and pita for $5.96.

flyingpig
Spicy Pork (credit: flyingpigtruck.com)

Flying Pig Truck

On the Move
(714) 234-5107
More Info

Food trucks are all the rage in So Cal right now, and Flying Pig stands out amongst the pack. They serve up Asian and Pacific Rim eats with French technique and it's all dirt cheap. Check them out online for a schedule of locations.

Giamela's Submarine Sandwiches

216 West Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank, CA
(818) 845-6611

3178 Los Feliz Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 661-9444

8728 Foothill Boulevard
Sunland, CA
(818) 352-2285

If you can fit one of their subs in your mouth with ease, you should be dating more. The "small" costs $4.50 and will fill you up for the rest of the day. Every sandwich is topped with a mixture of onion, pickle, and tomato goodness.

Grand Central Market

317 South Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 624-2378
More Info

The vendors at this downtown indoor swap meet of food represent all corners of the culinary world, including Mexico, China, Japan, Hawaii, and Italy, to name just a few—and they do so at incredibly low prices.

lucys
(credit: Kendo U. via yelp.com)

Lucy's Drive-In

1373 South La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 938-4337

1300 West Washington Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
(213) 747-8919

1723 West Imperial Highway
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 777-3387

If you find yourself in need of greasy chicken tacos at 3 in the morning, Lucy is here for you. Open 24 hours, you can get an entrée with rice, beans, and a salad for around $6.

portos
Chicken Fajita Sandwich (credit: portos.com)

Porto's Bakery

315 North Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 956-5996

3614 W Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 846-9100
More Info

Chances are, there's going to be a long line at this popular Cuban eatery, but it'll be well worth it. Try the potato ball, meat pie appetizers or a Cuban sandwich with a side of plantains. The whole menu is easy on your wallet.

kingandi
King and I Pai Thai (credit: Austin D. via yelp.com)

King and I Sesame Cafe

272 S La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 652-9845

After taking your picture with the John Wayne statue in front of the Hustler magazine offices, stroll down La Cienega to the King and I Siamese Café in Beverly Hills to feast on their killer Thai egg rolls, chicken satay, and chicken curry.

magnoliabakery
(credit: magnoliabakery.com)

Magnolia Bakery

8389 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 951-0636
More Info

This New York staple is credited for starting the cupcake craze. Newly opened in Los Angeles, this bakery is more than just cupcakes. Cheesecake, fresh banana pudding... get your sweet on almost any hour of the day. You can get a regular cup of coffee and muffin for only $4.

Michelle McCarthy is a freelance writer in Los Angeles
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