14 Iconic California Restaurants Known For Great Food And Low Prices
California’s food scene isn’t all about fancy, wallet-draining restaurants. The Golden State hides some incredible culinary gems where you can feast like royalty without the royal price tag.
From legendary hot dog stands to taco joints that’ll make your taste buds dance, these spots prove that amazing food doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Ready to discover where locals actually eat when they’re craving something delicious and budget-friendly?
1. Philippe The Original, Los Angeles
This joint invented the French dip sandwich back in 1918, and they’re still serving it the same perfect way. You’ll find yourself standing in line with everyone from construction workers to celebrities, all waiting for that juicy beef on a roll dipped in savory au jus.
The sawdust-covered floors and vintage decor aren’t for show, they’re relics of a century-old institution that refuses to change. Their sandwiches hover around $8-10, and the spicy house mustard should be considered a national treasure.
2. Pink’s Hot Dogs, Los Angeles
Where else can you eat the exact same chili dog that made Bruce Willis weak in the knees? Standing in line at Pink’s isn’t just waiting for food, it’s a cultural pilgrimage that Angelenos have been making since 1939.
The walls covered in celebrity photos tell stories of late-night munchies after Hollywood parties. Their classic chili dog costs less than $5, but splurge on a specialty dog named after a celebrity for around $7-9 if you’re feeling fancy.
3. Original Tommy’s Hamburgers, Los Angeles
However you feel about chili, Tommy’s will forever change your perspective on what belongs on a burger. The original shack at Beverly and Rampart has been slinging these messy masterpieces since 1946, and the recipe hasn’t changed.
Did I mention the chili flows like lava over everything? Burgers, fries, hot dogs, nothing escapes the deluge. For under $5, you’ll get a burger that requires both hands, several napkins, and possibly a shower afterward.
4. Tito’s Tacos, Culver City
Are these the most authentic Mexican tacos in LA? Absolutely not. Will you still find yourself craving them at 2 AM like they’re made of addictive substances? You better believe it.
The crispy shell, shredded beef, and that mysterious cheese that isn’t quite cheddar create a flavor combination that defies explanation. Lines wrap around the building daily, but move surprisingly fast. Their tacos hover around $3.50 each, and two will fill most normal humans.
5. The Hat, Alhambra
Though pastrami this good should require a second mortgage, The Hat somehow keeps its prices in the single digits. Their pastrami dip sandwich contains more meat than should legally fit between two slices of bread.
When they bring out the world-famous chili cheese fries, you’ll swear they’ve made a mistake. No way this mountain of food is meant for just one table. The original Alhambra location opened in 1951 and still maintains its no-frills, focus-on-the-food atmosphere.
6. Taqueria El Farolito, San Francisco
When Mission District locals need to soak up questionable life choices at 1 AM, they stumble toward the glowing beacon of El Farolito. The super burrito here isn’t just food, it’s practically shelter, weighing in at what feels like several pounds.
Their carne asada is marinated in what I can only assume are unicorn tears and dreams. For about $10, you’ll get a foil-wrapped behemoth that doubles as tomorrow’s breakfast. Cash only, because some traditions never die.
7. In-N-Out Burger,Various Locations Statewide
Did you really think I’d make a cheap eats list without including California’s most famous fast food cult? The not-so-secret menu elevates this place from fast food joint to religious experience.
Animal Style isn’t just a preparation method, it’s a lifestyle choice that says, “Yes, I want grilled onions and extra spread on everything in my life.” Their prices haven’t changed much since the 1990s, with a Double-Double still under $5.
Those fresh-cut fries might be controversial, but they’re made from actual potatoes cut minutes before hitting your tray.
8. The Original Farmers Market, Los Angeles
When decision paralysis hits because everyone wants something different, The Original Farmers Market saves the day. Since 1934, this food paradise has been serving up affordable bites from dozens of vendors under one historic roof.
From Singaporean laksa to Brazilian BBQ to classic American pie, you’ll find it all here for mostly under $15 per meal. The communal tables create this magical atmosphere where tourists and locals actually talk to each other.
Pro tip, hit up Moishe’s for the best falafel in LA.
9. The Crab Cooker, Newport Beach
How does a seafood restaurant in ritzy Newport Beach end up on a cheap eats list? By serving no-frills, fresh-off-the-boat fish on paper plates since 1951, that’s how.
Their Manhattan clam chowder (the red kind, you heathens) makes New Yorkers weep with jealousy. Most entrées hover around $15-20, which is practically stealing considering the location and quality.
The bright red building looks like it belongs in a New England fishing village that got lost and washed up in Orange County.
10. Los Tacos No. 1, Los Angeles
Are these the best tacos in LA? Fighting words, I know. But the line of locals willing to wait 30 minutes for lunch suggests I’m not alone in this potentially controversial opinion.
Their adobada (marinated pork) spins hypnotically on a vertical spit, caramelizing to perfection before being sliced directly onto handmade corn tortillas. Each taco runs about $3.75, and the complimentary salsa bar lets you customize your heat level from “pleasant tingle” to “questioning your life choices.”
11. Yosemite Falls Cafe, Fresno
When Central Valley farmers need fuel for a hard day’s work, they head to this Fresno institution, where portion sizes are measured in pounds rather than ounces. Their breakfast skillets could feed a small village, yet somehow cost less than $15.
The walls are covered with Yosemite memorabilia that hasn’t been dusted since the Reagan administration. That’s not a criticism, it’s part of the charm.
Order the chicken fried steak with country gravy if you’re planning to skip your next three meals.
12. La Super-Rica Taqueria, Santa Barbara
When Julia Child declares a humble teal-colored taco shack her favorite restaurant, you listen. This Santa Barbara treasure still has lines around the block, and not just because of its famous fan.
The handmade tortillas puff up on the griddle like little corn balloons, ready to cradle marinated meats and melted cheese. Most items cost $3-5, and the rajas con queso (roasted chile strips with cheese) will make you consider moving to Santa Barbara permanently.
13. Tams Burgers, Southern California
Nobody ever plans to eat at Tams, you just find yourself there at odd hours when other options have closed. Then you wonder why you don’t come more often.
Their pastrami burger, topped with pickles and mustard, somehow tastes better at 1 AM than any fine dining experience. Most combo meals hover around $8-10 and come with fries that maintain their crispiness even after the drive home.
The neon signs and no-nonsense service remind you that some things in LA haven’t changed despite the city’s relentless gentrification.
14. Ramona’s Mexican Food, Gardena
When abuelitas give a Mexican restaurant their stamp of approval, you know it’s the real deal. Ramona’s has been serving homestyle Mexican comfort food since 1947 out of a building that looks like someone’s actual home.
Their chile relleno burrito combines two perfect foods into one life-changing experience for under $10. The red sauce has a depth that suggests someone’s grandmother has been stirring it for decades.
Cash only, because tradition matters more than your credit card points.
