{"id":510002,"date":"2026-01-12T04:08:17","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T04:08:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/510002\/"},"modified":"2026-01-12T04:08:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T04:08:17","slug":"best-cheap-places-to-eat-in-los-angeles-for-kids-families-under-15","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/510002\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Cheap Places to Eat in Los Angeles for Kids & Families (Under $15!)"},"content":{"rendered":"

When we have kids in tow, we typically opt for Villa’s Tacos<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>(three-time Taco Madness winner and a distinguished name on the Michelin Bib\u00a0Gourmand list). They also have a second location on Figueroa Street<\/strong>. Grab a dessert at Donut Man <\/strong>or Fat & Flour,\u00a0<\/strong>and you’ll win parent of the year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Prince Street Pizza<\/a> –\u00a0 Venice, West Hollywood, Pasadena, DTLA, Malibu, & Studio City\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u00a0as well. We love the Pasadena location, which is right in the action on Colorado Blvd. (and\u00a0close to an Alfred Coffee).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Malibu Seafood<\/a> – Malibu\u00a0<\/p>\n

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).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Hi-Ho Cheeseburger<\/a> – Santa Monica, Studio City, Pasadena, Mid-Wilshire & Marina del Rey\u00a0<\/p>\n

I first tried Hi-Ho Cheeseburger on an adventure dining run during COVID, when everything was shut down,\u00a0and we could only get\u00a0meals 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).\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Nonna's<\/p>\n

Better get your\u00a0own box at Nonna’s cause they’re too good to share. Photo by Amanda Schutt<\/p>\n

Nonna’s Empanadas<\/a> – Beverly Hills, Mid-City, DTLA, and Glendale<\/p>\n

Nonna’s Empanadas are amazing, but make sure to get there on the early side because\u00a0when 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 <\/strong>(and the Beverly Center). Looking for some great empanadas in the valley? Johnny Pacific<\/a> in Winnetka is another favorite of ours.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pine & Crane<\/a> – DTLA & Silverlake<\/p>\n

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\u2019ve combined a trip to Pine & Crane with a show at The Hollywood Bowl.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Porto's<\/p>\n

The tres leches cake with berries is one of many delectable treats at Porto’s Bakery. Photo courtesy of the bakery<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Porto\u2019s Bakery<\/a> – Northridge, Buena Park, Burbank, Downey, Glendale, & West Covina\u00a0<\/p>\n

Are you even an Angelino if you don\u2019t love Porto\u2019s? 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,\u00a0but 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\u2019s is probably the cheapest, most delicious meal in the Southland.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Tito\u2019s Tacos<\/a> – Culver City\u00a0<\/p>\n

Tito\u2019s Tacos isn\u2019t fancy; you basically have to eat in the parking lot, but it sure is good. If you\u2019re looking for a meaty deliciousness at a low price, Tito\u2019s Tacos is perfect. This is one of our frequent stops on the way home from LAX. This one isn\u2019t healthy;\u00a0there are mountains of cheese, and there\u2019s lard in nearly everything,\u00a0so save it for cheat day.<\/p>\n

Insider tip<\/strong>: The line can get long at Tito\u2019s, so\u00a0try to arrive right at 11am when they open or opt for an off-time, like 2-4pm.\u00a0<\/p>\n

IndieMex<\/a> – Hollywood<\/p>\n

Indian food mixed with Mexican food? Here\u2019s a unique fusion where entrees are under $15 and will taste unlike anything you\u2019ve 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sunny Blue<\/a> – Santa Monica & Culver City<\/p>\n

I took my daughters to a hair salon in Santa Monica (Super Awesome Cuts\u2014check 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\u2019s first made-to-order Omusubi restaurant, and these delectable little rice balls are packed with flavor. My girls loved the veggie osmusubi\u00a0so 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.<\/p>\n

Insider tip<\/strong>: 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pink\u2019s Hot Dogs<\/a> – Hollywood & Universal City\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pink\u2019s 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\u2019s plenty of LA lore-themed dishes for adults to try. In addition to the OG location on La Brea, there is a Pink\u2019s Hot Dogs at Universal City and one hidden in an El Segundo movie theater (Cinema West Beach Cities Movie Theater).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bruxie<\/a> – North Hollywood, El Segundo, Westwood, USC Village, Brea, Long Beach, Santa Monica<\/p>\n

I was going to put Roscoe\u2019s Chicken and Waffles on this list,\u00a0but unfortunately, entrees there have crept up to around $18-$20.\u00a0Bruxie is the casual dining counterpart to Roscoe\u2019s, 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\u2019s if you want dessert!).\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Win-Dow<\/a> – Long Beach, Hollywood, Mid-City, Venice, & Silverlake<\/p>\n

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\u2019ve 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\u2019s Market, where there are more tables.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Which Cheap Eats Are Hidden Gems (And Worth the Drive?)<\/p>\n

\"Trails<\/p>\n

Kids can’t get enough of the snakedogs at the Trails Cafe. Photo by Amanda Schutt<\/p>\n

Trails Cafe<\/a> – Griffith Park<\/p>\n

This al fresco cafe is positively magical. Set amongst the pine trees of upper Griffith Park, this whimsical cafe is known for \u201csnake dogs,\u201d 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!).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Topanga Social<\/a> – Canoga Park<\/p>\n

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\u2019s, Jay Bird\u2019s, Slabs, Burrata House, and more. I threw my husband a 40th birthday bash here\u2014it\u2019s spacious with plenty of room (and ice cream from Wanderlust) for kids. Plus, it\u2019s right across the way from Topanga Village, with its wonderful outdoor climbing structure for wiggly littles.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Best Fish Tacos in Ensenada<\/a> – Los Feliz<\/p>\n

This spot is the epitome of a hole in the wall. The first time we went here, I was very skeptical based on the \u201cshack\u201d 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\u2019t impressive- but if you\u2019re looking for some good grub, a trip to this little spot should be on your list.\u00a0<\/p>\n

GoGoBop Korean Rice Bar<\/a> – Westwood & Koreatown<\/p>\n

I was amazed\u00a0by 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\u00a0foosball. It\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Slurp & Sip<\/a> – Koreatown and Valencia<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The iconic ice cream sandwiches at Diddy Riese are a must when in Westwood. Photo courtesy of Diddy Riese<\/p>\n

Diddy Riese<\/a> – Westwood\u00a0<\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t a full meal, but UCLA\u2019s beloved dessert spot is worth a mention as it\u2019s one of the best treats in the city for only $5. These ice cream cookie sandwiches are the bomb;\u00a0they come in a variety of flavors, and they\u2019ll be the perfect exclamation point on a cheap eat meal in the Westwood area.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Kogi BBQ Truck<\/a> – Various Locations<\/p>\n

This truck is LA\u2019s white stag\u2014you have to track it online to find out where it\u2019s going to be, but if it\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n

Are There Any Cheap Kid-Friendly Eats Near Major Attractions?<\/p>\n

If you are headed to Universal Studios and want a bite before you arrive, there is the LA classic, In-N-Out<\/strong>, just a few minutes away off the 101 Freeway. There is also Pink’s Hot Dogs <\/strong>at CityWalk. If you\u2019re headed to Hollywood Boulevard to see the sights, there is a great Shake Shack <\/strong>right off the Walk of Fame. It\u2019s one of our frequent stops before a show at the Pantages or the El Capitan.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Headed to Disneyland and hoping to grab a bite before you get there (or after you leave)? We absolutely love the Anaheim Packing District<\/strong>, a food hall with a wide variety of affordable and unique options. There is also a Bruxie <\/strong>not too far away if you want a big breakfast before a day at the park.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What Should Families Order to Stay Under $15?\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u2019t 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 \u201chandheld\u201d foods, for more affordable options.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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!).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Which Popular Restaurants Aren\u2019t Worth It (& Why)?<\/p>\n

Howlin\u2019 Rays<\/a> –\u00a0 Pasadena & Chinatown<\/p>\n

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I\u2019d skip Howlin\u2019 Rays with the kids. While it\u2019s 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\u2019t bring the littles along when you go. They won\u2019t appreciate it, and you won\u2019t appreciate it when you have to drive through Chick-fil-A on the way home if\u00a0the kids won\u2019t eat the hot chicken.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Roscoe\u2019s Chicken & Waffles<\/a> – Hollywood, South LA, La Brea, Anaheim, Long Beach, Pasadena<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t come at me: I know Roscoe\u2019s is an LA classic, and I\u2019ll admit, it\u2019s so fun. However, it is not a cheap eat. Roscoe\u2019s 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\u2019s, you should absolutely go\u2014it\u2019s a local\u00a0institution. Just expect a high total on your check, and a slightly upset stomach afterwards, as the food is very heavy.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Insider Tips for Eating Out Cheap With Kids\u00a0<\/p>\n

My first tip is an easy one that you are probably already doing\u2014bring refillable water bottles. Water is always free, and if you bring a water bottle, you won\u2019t be worried about an open cup spilling all over the dining table.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re 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\u2019 cheese, food halls are the way to go. Topanga Social<\/a>, Grand Central Market<\/a>, Blossom Food Market<\/a>\u00a0in San Gabriel, and The Original Farmer\u2019s Market are some of our favorites.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cheap Eats in Los Angeles FAQ<\/p>\n

Q: What are the best cheap restaurants in Los Angeles for families?<\/strong>

\nA: If you\u2019re looking for tacos, The Best Tacos in Ensenadas (which is in Los Feliz\u2026 I\u00a0know, 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Q: Where can kids eat free or cheap in LA?<\/strong>

\nA: 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Q: What kind of food can families get for under $15 in LA?<\/strong>

\nA: 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Q: Are there good\u00a0cheap restaurants near Disneyland?<\/strong>

\nA: 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\u00a0is one of our favorites.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Q: How can families save money eating out in Los Angeles?<\/strong>

\nA: 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\u2019s proliferation of taco stands provides plenty of affordable food for locals. There are also a lot of cheap eats near SoCal\u2019s famous universities:\u00a0think\u00a0USC, UCLA, CSUN, and more, to find some of the college kids\u2019 favorite local spots to grab grub on a budget.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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