Inexpensive eateries are easy to find in the diverse city like Los Angeles. Would the food be as pleasing as the cost? Angelinos are spoiled with the vast selection of various cuisines. Over the period of time, some international cuisines are gracefully merged with Californian. Many ethnic and traditional American restaurants still remain its authenticity. With this helpful guide below, you will discover the best choices in addition to their supreme value.
LANGER’S DELI, 704 South Alvarado Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057 213-483-8050 Hours: (Mon-Sat) 8am-4pm. Closed on Sundays. To discover top quality delicatessen, take a trip to Langer’s, which is on busy Alvarado Street in Los Angeles. Can’t beat their prices nor the elaborate array of sandwiches such as the incredibly tasty pastrami (lean or for health-conscious folks, extra lean). If the time is constrained, call in advance and the order will be brought right to your car (how convenient!); just roll down the window, pay, and be on your way. Inside, they make great omelets with a choice of thirteen desirable ingredients. You must try Langer’s famous beef stew, or full of flavor braised lamb shank. The deluxe sandwich platter would be the best option for any special occasion.
BABALU 1002 Montana Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403 310-395-2500 Hours: (Sun-Thur) 9am-9.30pm, (Fr & Sat) 11am-10.30pm. No need take a vacation to the Caribbean to discover exotic inventive dishes. Just stop at the hip Babalu in Santa Monica and indulge in the unique array of Polynesian Island gastronomy. Even in the wintertime, the Caribbean “pungent hot wind” blows at you, tantalizing your palate. The distinctive menu offer specialties like sesame crusted on wheat bread, napa cabbage, diakon sprouts and ginger wasabi, served with tempura vegetables. The best choices for vegetarians include large variety of appetizing wraps. Imbibe their refreshing ginger brew or have a good long drink of chilled strawberry lemonade. Despite sometimes-slow service, this eatery maintains its excellent reputation as well as reasonable prices.
DR. HOGLY WOGLY’S TYLER TEXAS B-B-Q 8136 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91411 818-782-2480 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 11.30am-10pm. This small country style restaurant quickly established its popularity amongst numerous locals. Even the folks from the West side travel to the Valley to savor Dr’s succulent meat and poultry delights, accompanied with Texas-style B-B-Q sauce. An addition to the dine-in service, they do great take out business and catering. The convenient choice of two or three way combinations gives an opportunity for tasting a couple of dishes at once. Devour their mouth-watering beef brisket, followed by the fiercely large and tasty chicken. Very friendly service, and big portions for about $15 per person; what more can you wish for? Perhaps just a little more of the Barby! Be prepare to wait on the weekends; it’s worth every second of your time.
JOHN O’GROATS 10516 Pico Blvd., West Los Angeles, CA 90064 310-204-0692 Hours: (Mon-Fr) 7am-3pm, (Sat &Sun) 7am-3pm, (Wed-Sat) 6pm-9pm – diners only. How about lip smacking home-cooking meal at John O’Groats? The hospitality of this charming neighborhood restaurant is greatly recognized by its faithful clients who don’t mind long waits, especially on the weekends for breakfast or lunch. Try their fluffy buttermilk biscuits. Begin your breakfast with a cup of coffee or freshly made juice, and then order their well-known buttermilk pancakes or a specialty choice O’Groats lemon pancakes, drenched with imported English lemon curd and topped with powdered sugar. From the scrambled eggs that can be made with many different ingredients to the creative salads, followed by the endless varieties of sandwiches – relish it all and come back for more!
PAPA CRISTO 2771 W. Pico Blvd (Normandie Ave.), Los Angeles, CA 90006 323-737-2970 Hours: (Tues-Sat) 9am-7pm, (Sun) 9am-4pm. Closed on Mondays. Since 1948 Papa Cristo’s tavern has been offering authentic Greek, Ethiopian, and Middle Eastern delicacy. A colorful shop inside the restaurant reveals a nice selection of wine, made from full of flavor grapes and other traditional goodies such as well-known fragrant olive oil. You will succumb to each item on their extensive menu, including scrumptious souvlakia (marinated lamb loin), served with hand made pita bread, tzatziki sauce, Greek potatoes, and salad. To set fire works in your mouth; try their spicy beef kebab. The cheerful owner Chrys S. Chrys promises the satisfaction of everyone’s deepest hunger!
YASHIMA 11301 Olympic Blvd., Suite 210, West Los Angeles, CA 90064 310-473-5297 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 11.30am-10pm. Amongst many popular restaurants on the West side, Yashima is delineated by its contemporary Japanese style and superb cuisine. Upon entering, you are greeted with the display of daily specials, framed by an exotic arrangement of flowers in the background. To whet your appetite, start with a light cucumber and seaweed salad or a pumpkin salad (potato salad with mashed pumpkin). The traditional udon, thick white flour noodle and soba, thin buckwheat noodle are served as a cold dish. A special lunch menu offers incredibly flavorsome grilled tofu steak, seated on a bed of lettuce, garnished with shredded Bonito fish flakes, and dipped in creamy sesame seed sauce with mushrooms. Yashima is a real treat for your taste buds!
VERSAILLES 10319 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034 310-558-3168 Hours: (Sun-Thur) 11am-10pm, (Fr & Sat) 11am-11pm. Strive for something different and the chance to experience genuine Cuban cuisine is yours. The simplicity of the interior doesn’t stop countless regulars of going to Versailles over and over again. Despite the restaurant’s remarkable success that dictates fast pace, the welcoming waiters take their time to proudly describe any desirable dish. The well-known scrumptious roasted garlic chicken, swimming in lemon juice and generously garnished with sliced onion is consistently appetizing. Most specialties are served with white/brown rice, beans, and fried plantains (bananas). If you choose to enjoy some of their luscious seafood dishes, allow 45 minutes for preparation. Supreme value for the greatest!
VERSAILLES (multiple locations) 1405 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034 310-289-0392 17410 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91316 818-906-0756 1000 N Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 310-937-6829 Universal City walk, Universal City, CA 91608 818-505-0093
Having explored many eateries in the West Side, one Saturday afternoon my friend and I drove to West Hollywood. It was long past breakfast time, still pancakes or waffles were persistently commanding my taste buds. Fortunately, breakfast is available all day and there was no line around 3pm, but Griddle Café was swarming. Not being able to conquer the noise inside, a waiter sat us outside; there, in quiet, we began to study the extensive menu. My friend ordered French toast, perfectly cooked, crisp, yet moist. I asked for pancakes with mixed-in banana, walnuts, and caramel sauce. When my plate arrived, I knew what I was going to have for breakfast the next morning. I could not possibly consume the lightly powdered, fluffy mega size pancakes in one sitting. An aromatic French-press coffee accompanied our feast. I am ready to indulge in their sandwiches and entrees, probably to share. Where else can you find thirty flavors of low fat vegetarian or meat chili available from mild to very hot? If you are a fan of a rock-n-roll and like to mingle, eat inside. It is smokin’ at the Griddle Café!
Estimated cost per person $12-$20 Holiday schedule call for info.
PACO’S TACOS 4141 Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066 310-391-9616 Hours: (Sun-Thur) 10.30am-10.30pm, (Fr & Sat) 10.30am-11.30pm. Even if you are not a fan of Mexican food, visit this authentic eatery at least once to become a connoisseur. Upon arrival, notice the Latin woman in traditional dress making pungent corn and flour tortillas from scratch. On every holiday, the personnel go above and beyond to decorate the restaurant, creating a specific festive ambiance for the celebration. Notorious, fresh fruit margaritas just might be the best in town. Try not to fill up on munchies that are brought to the table once seated: vinegar marinated carrots and onions in addition to freshly made heavenly tortilla chips with spicy sauce. Have a taste of their popular enchilada with a choice of beef, chicken or cheese (served with beans and brown rice). Paco’s welcoming warmth attracts mucho families crowded there on the weekends. Mejor value around!
PACO’S TACOS (multiple locations) 6212 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester, CA 90045 310-645-8692
BURGER CONTINENTAL 535 S. Lake Street, Pasadena, CA 91101 626-792-6634 Hours: (Sun-Thur) 6am-10.30pm, (Fr & Sat) 6am-11pm. For juice-dripping (not grease) high-quality burgers, pizzas, and other delights, drive to Pasadena and get acquainted with the constellation of different cuisines. This international emporium for meat lovers offers numerous choices of Middle-Eastern delicacies to please anyone’s taste. Love their substantial superb favorites like chopped sirloin steak, seafood kebab spectacular or moist chicken breast specialties, flavored with different exotic herbs and spices. If weather permits, choose a table on the terrace. Allow the taste buds to take pleasure in the meal, let your eyes relax on beautiful belly dancers with live music filling the ears. Enjoy the superior affordable experience.