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Food

The Best Cheap Eats In Los Angeles

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Sometimes you want a fancy dinner, but sometimes you just want to plunk down a few bucks and get some good, cheap food. Here are some of the best cheap eats in the city. Suggest your favorite places in the comments!


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YUCA'SWhen it comes to cheap tacos, Yuca's has had a corner on the market for years. With two locations in Los Feliz, the legendary stand serves up some of the city's best tacos for just $3 each. If you feel like going a little more highbrow, grab a tasty chicken mole burrito for $6. Either way, you'll be full as you meander down trendy Hillhurst Avenue for under $10.

Yuca's is located at 2056 Hillhurst Avenue and 4666 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Feliz.

KINAREE THAI BISTRO

This WeHo eatery features a nifty lunch special: For just $6.95, you get salad, egg roll, with your choice of stir-fries, curries (the panang curry is yummy) or Thai BBQ as the entree. They also feature a happy hour every day. And you can order online! Beware massive construction on La Brea but they do have parking in back, right by the huge mural for LA Ink's High Voltage Tattoo, which is next door.

Kinaree Thai Bistro is located at 1253 N. La Brea in West Hollywood. (323) 969-8611

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THE GUMBO POT

It's not easy to find good gumbo west of Louisiana, but this long-time stand at The Farmer's Market provides just that. With heaping portions of jambalaya served up for $9.75 along with a massive piece of cornbread and a side of potato salad or regular salad, this will leave you full and satisfied for your busy shopping day at The Grove. And you'll probably have leftovers.

The Gumbo Pot is located at 6333 West Third Street in The Farmer's Market, (323) 933-0358.


Photo by Sakrac via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
CHA CHA CHICKEN

This Santa Monica staple, known as much for its food as for its location near some of the most desirable beach parking, offers diners Caribbean fare on the cheap. A half mulato cabano, for instance, is available for $6.50, and a quarter of their signature chicken is just $9. Just don't go on a busy holiday weekend -- you'll drive around for hours before you can eat.

Cha Cha Chicken is located at 1906 Ocean Ave. in Santa Monica, (310) 581-1684.

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GRECO'S PIZZA PARLOR

When you're stumbling out of the club on Hollywood Blvd. amongst the masses, sometimes you want to stuff a quick, humungous piece of pizza into your face before hailing a taxi. With slices as big as your head available for under $5 each, and toppings made to order, Greco's will carry you through the rest of the night. Grab a giant fountain soda too, if you feel you might fall asleep on the pavement before making it back to your abode.

Greco's Pizza Parlor is located at 6400 Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood, (323) 464-8212.

SPITZ

With three locations throughout the east side, Spitz is home to the famous Doner Kebab sandwich, made with garlic aioli and chicken or mixed meat from the spit (and served with a side of delicious lavash chips) for $8. The street cart fries, topped with garlic aoli, feta cheese, onions and pepperoncinis, are also definitely worth checking out.

Spitz has locations in Eagle Rock, Little Tokyo and Los Feliz.

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Photo by Robbie via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
ANY GIVEN BACON-WRAPPED HOT DOG STAND

You won't always know in advance when you're going to stumble upon a bacon-wrapped hot dog stand, but you'll know from the savory smell of pork on pork when you have. It will probably be about 1:00 a.m., and you will probably be drunk. Take advantage of this opportunity if you're hungry -- no restaurant nearby will be even half as good.

Bacon-wrapped hot dog stands are scattered throughout the city, usually late at night, to cater to L.A.'s drunken, hungry masses.

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