The best budget restaurants in Hollywood sit right next to the overpriced tourist traps, serving better food at half the price. The same Hollywood Boulevard that charges $8 for a bottle of water will also serve you some of the best tacos in Los Angeles for $3. The trick is knowing which storefronts to trust and which corners to turn.
Most visitors get trapped in the tourist corridor between Highland and Vine, where mediocre restaurants charge premium prices. But step two blocks in any direction and you’ll find the places that feed the people who actually work in Hollywood—production assistants grabbing lunch between shoots, tour guides refueling between the best Hollywood Bus Tours, and locals who’ve lived here long enough to know where the good food hides.
So, where should you eat in Hollywood? After years of running our Celebrity Homes Tour and Taste of LA Tour through these neighborhoods, we’ve eaten at every spot worth trying and plenty that weren’t.
Not every spot listed below is an Instagram-worthy destination or celebrity chef temple. But each and every eatery we selected is affordable, and delicious. Because here’s something essential about Los Angeles: great food doesn’t need to cost a fortune or require a reservation. You just need to know where to look.
The Best Restaurants for Grab-n-Go Options
For when you’re on a tight schedule but want more than a bag of chips from the gift shop, here are some of our favorite Hollywood eateries that are perfect for grabbing something on-the-go between your Hollywood sightseeing stops.
Fat Sal’s
Fat Sal’s piles everything onto sandwiches that barely hold together. We’re talking fries, cheesesteak, mozzarella sticks, and chicken fingers all crammed between two pieces of bread. The “Fat Jerry” includes pastrami, corned beef, turkey, Swiss, provolone, coleslaw, and Russian dressing. You’ll need napkins and probably a fork. Messy, ridiculous, and exactly what you want after exploring all Hollywood offers; aka, worth a visit to experience the iconic LA dining scene.
Leo’s Tacos Truck
Leo’s Tacos Truck is a mobile dining experience that parks at Santa Monica and Western every night until 3 AM, serving al pastor carved straight off the vertical spit. The pineapple caramelizes on top while the pork crisps at the edges. Two tacos with onions, cilantro, and salsa verde run about $6. Cash only, order at the country, and there’s always a line of locals who know what they’re doing.
Hollywood Burger
Hollywood Burger is a classic budget-friendly eatery that sits right on Highland Avenue, close enough to the Walk of Fame that you can grab a burger and be back to star-hunting in 15 minutes. Their double cheeseburger comes with thick-cut fries that actually taste like potatoes. Nothing revolutionary, just a solid burger joint that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel or charge $18 for basic food.
Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts
For affordable dining that brings LA donut culture to Hollywood with flavors like horchata glaze and spicy chocolate, don’t miss Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts. The coffee is strong enough to power you through another round of tourist attractions. Danny Trejo opened this spot to serve the kind of donuts he grew up eating—dense, sweet, and unapologetically indulgent.
From Thai to Tacos: Sit-Down Spots Under $25
Looking for a proper plate of food that doesn’t feel like a compromise? Here are some of our favorite, diverse spots to enjoy food for affordable prices.
Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles
Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles has been serving the same menu since 1975. The half chicken with two waffles arrives on a plate you can barely lift. The chicken is fried crispy, the waffles are thick and buttery, and the combination makes perfect sense once you try it. Expect a wait during weekend brunch, but weekday lunches move quickly.
Palms Thai Restaurant
A hole in the wall that looks like a strip mall joint from the outside, the kitchen at Palms Thai Restaurant turns out seriously great Thai food at prices that haven’t changed much since the 1990s. The pad thai comes with actual tamarind flavor instead of sweet ketchup. Expect large portions, fast service, and occasionally an Elvis impersonator who wanders between tables.
Astro Burger
Astro Burger serves the best burgers and chili cheese fries in LA. The menu runs four pages long because they’ve been adding dishes for 40 years without taking anything off. Open until 3 AM on weekends, with red vinyl booths and neon signs that transport you straight to 1982.
Jitlada
This iconic Hollywood location draws lines of food writers and Thai food obsessives for good reason. The southern Thai curries at Jitlada pack serious heat, and the whole fried fish feeds two people easily. Stick to the lunch specials if you want to keep your bill reasonable, but don’t skip the som tam—shredded papaya salad that wakes up your taste buds.
El Compadre
Friendly and attentive, El Compadre has been mixing strong margaritas in the same dark booth since 1975. The combination plates come with rice, beans, and enough food for dinner and tomorrow’s lunch. The lighting is dim, the atmosphere is pure old Hollywood, and the bartenders pour with a heavy hand.
California Chicken Café
Come for amazing food and service — and one of the best deals for delicious food in Hollywood. California Chicken Café perfected the rotisserie chicken and wrap formula that everyone else tries to copy. The BBQ chicken wrap includes actual barbecue sauce and fresh vegetables, not the sad lettuce and flavorless chicken you find elsewhere. Fast, clean, and consistent.
Late Night and Date Night Bites
Whether you’re after a solid late-night bite or a budget-friendly spot that works for a casual date, these Hollywood picks cover both. No fine dining required—just good food and the right vibe.
Canter’s Deli
You won’t need to make a reservation at Canter’s Deli — a deli that never closes. The pastrami sandwich towers six inches high, and the pickles come free with every order. The booth seating makes it perfect for people-watching, and the late-night crowd includes everyone from club-goers to industry people grabbing food after long shoots.
Tacos Tu Madre
For a variety of Mexican that elevates street tacos without losing the fundamentals, you can’t miss Tacos Tu Madre. The Korean BBQ taco combines bulgogi with kimchi and cilantro. The carnitas come with crispy edges and fresh tortillas pressed to order. Open until 2 AM most nights, with a bar that serves Mexican beer and surprisingly good cocktails.
Joe’s Pizza
Is there anything better than pizza late at night, especially when it’s pretty affordable? Joe’s Pizza serves New York-style slices that fold properly and don’t droop. The cheese pulls in long strings, the sauce has actual flavor, and you can grab a slice and be eating within two minutes. Multiple locations, most open past midnight, and consistently good whether you visit at noon or 2 AM.
Ruen Pair
A favorite spot in East Hollywood, Ruen Pair serves up authentic Thai flavors in a cozy, no-frills setting perfect for a laid-back date night. From spicy papaya salad to rich curries, the generous portions and late-night hours make it an ideal spot to share delicious food and good conversation without stretching your budget.
Sidewalk Grill
With its charming outdoor patio and fresh Mediterranean fare, Sidewalk Grill offers a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for a casual date. Enjoy flavorful kebabs, vibrant salads, and warm hospitality—all at prices that let you focus on the company, not the check. A hidden gem of a restaurant and bar for those seeking tasty LA food and a relaxed but cool atmosphere.
Jones Hollywood
A longtime favorite in West Hollywood, Jones Hollywood serves hearty Italian-American comfort food in a vintage, rock ‘n’ roll–inspired setting. Known for its lively bar scene and laid-back vibe, it’s a solid choice for a casual date night or night out with friends. While some dishes can be hit or miss, the atmosphere and cocktails keep locals coming back for more.
Local Favorites in West Hollywood and Beyond
Here are a few of our favorite low-key gems and dining destinations with big flavors tucked just off the main drag.
Spicy BBQ
Spicy BBQ serves northern Thai food with zero compromise on heat or flavor. The som tam makes your eyes water, the larb has proper herb balance, and the whole fried fish arrives crispy and fragrant. Cash only, fluorescent lighting, and some of the best Thai food in the city hiding in a strip mall.
Heng Heng Chicken Rice
Heng Heng Chicken Rice specializes in one thing: Hainanese chicken rice done properly. The poached chicken is silky, the rice is cooked in chicken stock, and the three sauces (ginger scallion, dark soy, chili) let you customize each bite. Simple, comforting, and affordable.
Biriyani Kabob House
Biriyani Kabob House packs more flavor into a $12 plate than most restaurants manage at twice the price. The chicken biryani comes with perfectly spiced rice and tender meat. The seekh kabobs arrive still sizzling. Cash only, minimal decor, maximum flavor without the trendy dining.
Luv2Eat Thai Bistro
Luv2Eat Thai Bistro is a Hollywood staple for authentic Thai food with bold flavors and generous portions. Located in a casual strip mall setting, this spot shines with dishes like jade noodles, pork skewers, and rich curries—all at wallet-friendly prices.
Grub
Grub operates out of a converted bungalow that feels like eating at someone’s house. All-day breakfast includes thick-cut bacon and eggs cooked to order. The sandwiches come on bread they bake daily. Small space, friendly service, and food that tastes homemade because it is.
Juice Crafters
Juice Crafters makes smoothies and acai bowls without the Erewhon price tag. The green smoothie actually tastes good instead of like punishment. The acai bowls come loaded with fresh fruit and granola. Perfect reset meal after a heavy lunch or when you need something light. Order at the counter and then keep exploring the best Hollywood attractions.
Tips for Eating on a Budget in Hollywood
You don’t have to stick to small plates to eat cheap in Hollywood. Stretching your food budget in Hollywood comes down to knowing where and when to look.
- Step just a few blocks off Hollywood Boulevard—especially around Sunset or Franklin—and you’ll find better food at lower prices with fewer crowds. Tourist areas always mark up prices, but the quality drops off fast once you’re paying for location instead of food.
- Weekday lunches hit the sweet spot. Many restaurants offer specials between 11 and 3 that drop the dinner menu price without cutting portion size. You’ll also avoid weekend crowds and get faster service.
- Smaller spots and food trucks keep unusual hours. Always check online before heading out, especially if you’re planning to eat outside standard lunch or dinner windows. Nothing worse than walking 20 minutes to find a closed restaurant.
- Carry cash. Tacos, food trucks, and family-run spots often skip credit card machines entirely. You’ll also find better prices at cash-only places since they don’t pay processing fees.
- Portions at several of these restaurants are made to share. Two people can easily split one entrée and a side at places like Fat Sal’s, Roscoe’s, or Heng Heng Chicken Rice and still walk away full. Order smart and you’ll eat well for under $15 per person.
When you’re touring with Hollywood Bus Tours, ask your guide where they like to eat in the neighborhood. They’ve tried everything, and they’ll point you to the best-value spots that keep locals coming back.
From Thai Food to Mexican Food: The Real Hollywood Food Scene
The best part about knowing where to eat in Hollywood is that great food often sits right next to the places you’re already visiting. Leo’s Tacos Truck parks blocks from the houses we show you on our Celebrity Homes Tour. Roscoe’s sits a few minutes from the studios we pass on our Taste of LA route. Jitlada hides near the vintage shops on Sunset that locals actually browse.
This is how Los Angeles really works—layers of authentic experiences tucked between the tourist attractions, waiting for people who know to look beyond the obvious choices.
You don’t need a celebrity budget to eat like you live here. These restaurants prove that Hollywood’s best food comes from the places that serve the people who call this city home, not the ones designed to extract money from visitors who’ll never return.
Ready to experience the best of LA? Book your Hollywood Bus Tour and we’ll make sure you leave with more than just photos. We’ll point you toward the restaurants our guides actually eat at, the corners worth turning, and the neighborhoods where Hollywood’s real food culture lives.
