When we have kids in tow, we typically opt for Villa’s Tacos (three-time Taco Madness winner and a distinguished name on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list). They also have a second location on Figueroa Street. Grab a dessert at Donut Man or Fat & Flour, and you’ll win parent of the year.
Prince Street Pizza – Venice, West Hollywood, Pasadena, DTLA, Malibu, & Studio City
My husband fancies himself a pizza connoisseur, and Prince Street Pizza is at the top of his list. The tiny “Pizzettas” are perfect for kids, and the salads are delicious as well. We love the Pasadena location, which is right in the action on Colorado Blvd. (and close to an Alfred Coffee).
Malibu Seafood – Malibu
Want seafood with an ocean view without a ritzy price tag? Malibu Seafood keeps good food casual, and it is our number one pick for a beach day. If you want to stay under $15, opt for a sandwich or tacos (some of the seafood plates creep up into the $20 range).
Hi-Ho Cheeseburger – Santa Monica, Studio City, Pasadena, Mid-Wilshire & Marina del Rey
I first tried Hi-Ho Cheeseburger on an adventure dining run during COVID, when everything was shut down, and we could only get meals to-go. Since then, it has become a family favorite. Kids’ cheeseburgers are less than $8. These smashburgers are absolutely to die for. The last time we were there, Joe Jonas was enjoying his double cheeseburger at the table next to us. We love all the locations, but the Studio City spot in The Shops at Sportsman’s Lodge is my favorite (and tends to be a celebrity magnet).
Better get your own box at Nonna’s cause they’re too good to share. Photo by Amanda Schutt
Nonna’s Empanadas – Beverly Hills, Mid-City, DTLA, and Glendale
Nonna’s Empanadas are amazing, but make sure to get there on the early side because when they sell out, they are out for the day. These Cuban pockets of goodness are only about $6 each, though you will definitely want at least two. The Samosa Beef is my favorite, but the kids always beg for the Mac N’ Cheese. We frequent the Mid-City location in the Farmer’s Market at The Grove, but just recently checked out the Beverly Hills location, which has a nice little seating area and is right next to a Proper Pizza (and the Beverly Center). Looking for some great empanadas in the valley? Johnny Pacific in Winnetka is another favorite of ours.
Pine & Crane – DTLA & Silverlake
This LA staple is the best Taiwanese cuisine in the city, and the Silverlake location has a spacious patio that is perfect for kids. They can run and play after they finish their dumplings, beef rolls, or potstickers. The Dan Dan Noodles are the signature dish, and all of the items I mentioned cost less than $15. In the past, we’ve combined a trip to Pine & Crane with a show at The Hollywood Bowl.
The tres leches cake with berries is one of many delectable treats at Porto’s Bakery. Photo courtesy of the bakery
Porto’s Bakery – Northridge, Buena Park, Burbank, Downey, Glendale, & West Covina
Are you even an Angelino if you don’t love Porto’s? The potato balls and guava and cheese strudel are worth the trip, and are a mandatory addition to practically every social function in the LA area. The Rustic Chopped Chicken Salad is my personal favorite, but my kids are content with a couple of savory pastries. Last time they rang me up at the cash register, I could hardly believe how low the total was. Porto’s is probably the cheapest, most delicious meal in the Southland.
Tito’s Tacos – Culver City
Tito’s Tacos isn’t fancy; you basically have to eat in the parking lot, but it sure is good. If you’re looking for a meaty deliciousness at a low price, Tito’s Tacos is perfect. This is one of our frequent stops on the way home from LAX. This one isn’t healthy; there are mountains of cheese, and there’s lard in nearly everything, so save it for cheat day.
Insider tip: The line can get long at Tito’s, so try to arrive right at 11am when they open or opt for an off-time, like 2-4pm.
IndieMex – Hollywood
Indian food mixed with Mexican food? Here’s a unique fusion where entrees are under $15 and will taste unlike anything you’ve ever had before. If you love bold flavors and trying something different, this restaurant is for you. They have great naan bread, amazing lunch bowls, and are located just off Cahuenga, right in the heart of the action.
Sunny Blue – Santa Monica & Culver City
I took my daughters to a hair salon in Santa Monica (Super Awesome Cuts—check it out) and we were starving afterwards. I wandered into Sunny Blue and had one of the best lunches of my life. Seriously, I still tell people about it years later. Sunny Blue is LA’s first made-to-order Omusubi restaurant, and these delectable little rice balls are packed with flavor. My girls loved the veggie osmusubi so much that we had to order a few more. At less than $5 per omusibi, this spot is perfect for a quick bite on a budget.
Insider tip: The Santa Monica location does not have a lot of seating, so we ended up eating outside on the curb. Plan to pick up to take away if you are with a larger party.
Pink’s Hot Dogs – Hollywood & Universal City
Pink’s is a Hollywood classic that was once voted the Best Hot Dog in the U.S. At less than $10 per dog, it is an affordable eat that will give you a taste of vintage LA. Kids will love a classic dog, but there’s plenty of LA lore-themed dishes for adults to try. In addition to the OG location on La Brea, there is a Pink’s Hot Dogs at Universal City and one hidden in an El Segundo movie theater (Cinema West Beach Cities Movie Theater).
Bruxie – North Hollywood, El Segundo, Westwood, USC Village, Brea, Long Beach, Santa Monica
I was going to put Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles on this list, but unfortunately, entrees there have crept up to around $18-$20. Bruxie is the casual dining counterpart to Roscoe’s, and the food is just as good. My kids love the chicken tenders, and my husband and I love the waffle and chicken sandwiches. Our favorite location is the Santa Monica one, which is located right on the 3rd Street Promenade in the middle of the action (and steps away from a McConnell’s if you want dessert!).
The Win-Dow – Long Beach, Hollywood, Mid-City, Venice, & Silverlake
A delicious cheeseburger for only $4.50? Say less. The Win-Dow is so fun, and so good. I always opt for the grain bowl, which is healthy and delectable, but the kids clamor for their cheeseburgers, and the fries are always a win. We’ve checked out The Grove location, where seating is limited, so it may be easier to get your food to-go and take it to The Original Farmer’s Market, where there are more tables.
Which Cheap Eats Are Hidden Gems (And Worth the Drive?)
Kids can’t get enough of the snakedogs at the Trails Cafe. Photo by Amanda Schutt
Trails Cafe – Griffith Park
This al fresco cafe is positively magical. Set amongst the pine trees of upper Griffith Park, this whimsical cafe is known for “snake dogs,” a hot dog wrapped in puff pastry and sold for the meager price of $7. There is an amazing playground right across the street, and while there is parking right at the cafe, you can also leave your car further down the road and wander the stunning Ferndell Trail to arrive at your destination (I highly recommend this option!).
Topanga Social – Canoga Park
Topanga Social is arguably better than Grand Central Market, and hardly as crowded. It is a hub for classic LA spots, and has food stalls representing Amboy, Bombay House, DTown Pizza, Fat Sal’s, Jay Bird’s, Slabs, Burrata House, and more. I threw my husband a 40th birthday bash here—it’s spacious with plenty of room (and ice cream from Wanderlust) for kids. Plus, it’s right across the way from Topanga Village, with its wonderful outdoor climbing structure for wiggly littles.
The Best Fish Tacos in Ensenada – Los Feliz
This spot is the epitome of a hole in the wall. The first time we went here, I was very skeptical based on the “shack” like exterior. However, the beer-battered fish tacos (and the potato tacos for littles) are absolutely delicious and at around $3.50 each, one of the cheapest lunches in LA. The seating is in a covered patio area, and the scenery isn’t impressive- but if you’re looking for some good grub, a trip to this little spot should be on your list.
GoGoBop Korean Rice Bar – Westwood & Koreatown
I was amazed by the quality of the rice bowls at this amazing little spot in Westwood Village, but even more impressed by the outdoor plaza where it is located. This spot is steps away from UCLA, and is on a boulevard that is closed to cars and lined with fun, outdoor games like giant Connect Four, cornhole, and foosball. It’s the perfect place to take the whole family. Order your food to-go and eat it outside, where the kids can play while you indulge.
Slurp & Sip – Koreatown and Valencia
This DIY ramen bar is affordable and oh, so fun for parents and kids alike. The prices are fantastic, and guests get to customize their own ramen, then use a savvy machine to cook it all up. They’ll talk about this experience for months, and it won’t even damage your wallet.
The iconic ice cream sandwiches at Diddy Riese are a must when in Westwood. Photo courtesy of Diddy Riese
Diddy Riese – Westwood
This isn’t a full meal, but UCLA’s beloved dessert spot is worth a mention as it’s one of the best treats in the city for only $5. These ice cream cookie sandwiches are the bomb; they come in a variety of flavors, and they’ll be the perfect exclamation point on a cheap eat meal in the Westwood area.
Kogi BBQ Truck – Various Locations
This truck is LA’s white stag—you have to track it online to find out where it’s going to be, but if it’s nearby, this is your cheap eat for the day. The Kogi truck travels around serving $4 tacos (and $8 Kogi Dogs) that will blow your mind. They post locations for their fleet of four trucks on their website daily. Serving hours are from 6pm-9pm in some locations, and 10pm-11pm at others, which is too late for the kids but a fun outing for parents!
Are There Any Cheap Kid-Friendly Eats Near Major Attractions?
If you are headed to Universal Studios and want a bite before you arrive, there is the LA classic, In-N-Out, just a few minutes away off the 101 Freeway. There is also Pink’s Hot Dogs at CityWalk. If you’re headed to Hollywood Boulevard to see the sights, there is a great Shake Shack right off the Walk of Fame. It’s one of our frequent stops before a show at the Pantages or the El Capitan.
Headed to Disneyland and hoping to grab a bite before you get there (or after you leave)? We absolutely love the Anaheim Packing District, a food hall with a wide variety of affordable and unique options. There is also a Bruxie not too far away if you want a big breakfast before a day at the park.
What Should Families Order to Stay Under $15?
If you want to keep your dining experience affordable, my first advice is to skip the beverages. Bring juice boxes from home for the kids, or settle for water. Adding a whole host of beverages to the tab can bring the total up quite a bit. Share sides, and if you have toddlers who can’t finish a whole burger, taco, entree, etc., order one for them to share. If everyone is still hungry, you can always go back for more. Stick to sandwiches and tacos, or other “handheld” foods, for more affordable options.
Most of these restaurants are cheaper at lunchtime, so we often opt for lunch as our cheap eat meal. Make sure to look for lunch combos and kids-eat-free deals at these restaurants (and others!).
Which Popular Restaurants Aren’t Worth It (& Why)?
Howlin’ Rays – Pasadena & Chinatown
This may be an unpopular opinion, but I’d skip Howlin’ Rays with the kids. While it’s a famous cheap eat in LA, the line is always very long, and the chicken is spicy. Save it for a date spot, but don’t bring the littles along when you go. They won’t appreciate it, and you won’t appreciate it when you have to drive through Chick-fil-A on the way home if the kids won’t eat the hot chicken.
Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles – Hollywood, South LA, La Brea, Anaheim, Long Beach, Pasadena
Don’t come at me: I know Roscoe’s is an LA classic, and I’ll admit, it’s so fun. However, it is not a cheap eat. Roscoe’s prices have ticked up over the years, and an entree is now at around $20 – $25. Also, the OG Hollywood location is often very crowded, so if you go, plan to wait outside for some time for your table to be ready. If you have out-of-town relatives hoping to dine at a Roscoe’s, you should absolutely go—it’s a local institution. Just expect a high total on your check, and a slightly upset stomach afterwards, as the food is very heavy.
Insider Tips for Eating Out Cheap With Kids
My first tip is an easy one that you are probably already doing—bring refillable water bottles. Water is always free, and if you bring a water bottle, you won’t be worried about an open cup spilling all over the dining table.
If you’re looking for variety at a low price point, food halls are a great option. We love them. If one kid wants pizza, the other wants a burger, and kid #3 wants mac n’ cheese, food halls are the way to go. Topanga Social, Grand Central Market, Blossom Food Market in San Gabriel, and The Original Farmer’s Market are some of our favorites.
Go to these locations early to beat a dinner rush and enjoy a casual meal. When the weather is nice, outdoor patios can be a safe way to enjoy a meal with kids without worrying about disturbing the other patrons. Follow your favorite cheap eats on social media to learn about flash deals or seasonal specials.
Cheap Eats in Los Angeles FAQ
Q: What are the best cheap restaurants in Los Angeles for families?
A: If you’re looking for tacos, The Best Tacos in Ensenadas (which is in Los Feliz… I know, confusing) is one of the best tacos in the city. For pizza, we love Proper Pizza, Prime Pizza, or Prince St. Pizza. If you are in the mood for a burger, Hi-Ho is a personal favorite that stays under the $15 limit.
Q: Where can kids eat free or cheap in LA?
A: Many chain restaurants, such as Luna Grill, IHOP, The Kebab Shop, and more, offer kids eat free deals. Kids can eat at many local taco shops (Tacos 1986 is a good one), pizza spots (we love Prime Pizza), and burger spots (the Win-Dow is delicious) without topping $15 per person.
Q: What kind of food can families get for under $15 in LA?
A: Pizza by the slice, sandwiches like the ones at Larchmont Wine & Cheese, noodle bowls such as the ramen at Slurp & Sip, or the breakfast tacos at Tacos 1986 are all great options for cheap eats.
Q: Are there good cheap restaurants near Disneyland?
A: Yes! Check out the Anaheim Packing District for a wide variety of cheap eats in every cuisine style at lower prices than a Disneyland churro. This one-stop spot is one of our favorites.
Q: How can families save money eating out in Los Angeles?
A: Lunch entrees are typically cheaper than dinner, and it never hurts to share (especially with littles who tend to only eat half their plate). Food trucks are a fun way to sample cheap eats without paying too much, and LA’s proliferation of taco stands provides plenty of affordable food for locals. There are also a lot of cheap eats near SoCal’s famous universities: think USC, UCLA, CSUN, and more, to find some of the college kids’ favorite local spots to grab grub on a budget.