Eating out on vacation can take a big chunk out of your travel budget. When you add eating out three times a day with a hotel and fun things to do, vacations can become prohibitively expensive for many families. Instead of giving up your vacation, consider finding less expensive places to eat. When in Los Angeles, consider these Los Angeles restaurants to help you stick to your budget.
Look for bakeries and cafes like Porto’s
If you’re looking for an inexpensive breakfast or lunch, consider Porto’s Bakery and Café. Breakfasts start around $4 for port specialties like a guacamole and cheese omelette sandwich, a ham and cheese omelette sandwich, or a chorizo and egg omelette sandwich. Porto’s also has a number of beverages such as coffee, tea, smoothies and juices to satisfy your breakfast cravings.
If lunch is what you’re looking for, consider what is famous in Porto: the Cubano sandwich. Other options include a feta cheese sandwich, a ham and cheese croissant, a grilled chicken sandwich, and various soups and salads. Mains start around $4 and go up to just $7, which leaves enough for the non-alcoholic Port mojito. Porto’s has three locations, in Burbank, Glendale and Downey.
Enjoy beachfront restaurants on a budget like Thai Garden
Waterfront restaurants can be expensive, but it’s possible to find some that are close to the water and offer great prices at the same time. Thai Garden in Marina Del Rey is just one of them. Thai Garden offers traditional Thai food like Pad Woon Sen, Panang Curry, pineapple fried rice, chow mein and more. If you’re there for breakfast, Thai Garden offers a breakfast menu featuring American classics like pancakes, hash browns, sausage, omelettes and breakfast sandwiches. Beverages include teas, smoothies, espresso drinks, sodas, and more. Prices start around $5 a ticket and seating is outside at nearby picnic tables, allowing you to enjoy the nearby boardwalk. Restaurants in this area are casual and fun, allowing you to explore the area without spending a hit on your wallet.
Find local favorites like Pink’s
There are some LA restaurants enjoyed by everyone from celebrities to tourists. Pink’s Hot Dogs is one of these Los Angeles restaurants. Pink’s is located near the corner of Melrose and La Brea, where it has been for 62 years. Pink’s has a reputation among celebrities, so visitors can catch a glimpse of famous people like Jay Leno, Bill Cosby, Henry Winkler and more. Pink’s won’t break your budget though, prices range from around $4 for a hot dog to around $7 for a hamburger. Pink’s is known for its homemade chili and Betty Pink’s recipe is an industry secret.
Los Angeles restaurants don’t have to break your budget, and eating cheap doesn’t have to mean you’re stuck at fast-food restaurants found across the country. Look out for local favorites and follow a good rule of thumb while traveling: If you find restaurants that are surrounded by a crowd, chances are you’re in for a treat.