Los Angeles, CA + Add a trip

Grand Central Market in downtown. A large open bazaar with fresh fruits as well as 10+ ethnic food stands. Everything is less than $10

Fisherman's Outlet in Downtown LA. You can get a HUMONGOUS plate of fried shrimp under $10... and they are huge fresh and delicious! There are all sorts of fish dishes... very very inexpensive. Fridays are crowded... but the line moves really fast. You'll be eating outside... so make sure the weather is nice.

It's funny, I just wrote about the Farmer's Market, at 3rd and Fairfax, and I'd suggest it for an inexpensive meal as well. The Market is a series of food stands, some of them sell produce but most of them are counter-service... pretty much anything you can imagine, from doughnuts to ice cream, greek to sushi, breakfast to buffet, it's all here. And all made at the Farmer's Market.

best Eric

http://LosAngelesHolidayRental.com

yes, definitely Farmer's Matket on Fairfax and 3rd. Also try Chinatown.

Yuca's in Los Feliz: absolutely the best tacos and burritos on the East Side. Cheap and delicious. Get the pibil.

Cheap eats are all over LA -- but one of my favorites is Mitsuwa market at Centinela and Venice Blvd. It's a Japanese market that has about a half a dozen little food stalls/eateries in an open cafeteria style space next to the grocery. Food here is always fast, inexpensive and good!

After Grand Central Market (which is the best) Thai Patio in Thai Town (Hollywood boulevard, 4-5 blocks east of Western Ave.)

Yes, Grand Central Market is inexpensive and portions are generally very large (one pound, $2 taco anyone?) but more than a few cases of stomach unease have been reported after eating here (I work down the street), especially at the less busy places. Lots of the cheap produce is often on the verge of spoilage, too.

That said, most of the Mexican places here are superior to the adjacent Ye Olde Burrito House, next to La Cita on Hill, which is a must-avoid-at-all-costs joint.

SoCal's very own In'N'Out Burgers. Definetely recommended. Maybe the variety is the thing. One day sushi, the next day at a vietnamese restaurant, the Teriyaki Express, etc. I don't see why you need tips for a 'lunch on a budget'. That's what LA offers everywhere. I think it's harder to find the real exquisite places.

If you like mexican food the Tacquerias are to die for - one near any spot in LA.

Farmer's Market on Fairfax is worth trying out.....

Blossom on Main and Winston Downtown. Vietnamese Food that fills you up for 6 bucks!

Kay n Dave's They have a few locations in places where it usually is hard to find a reasonably priced restaurant. Their spinach and mushroom quesadillas are delicious. locations: Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and Santa Monica

The Market is a series of food stands, some of them sell produce but most of them are counter-service... pretty much anything you can imagine, from doughnuts to ice cream, greek to sushi, breakfast to buffet, it's all here. And all made at the Farmer's Market.

Here's a map of L.A. Magazine's 101 Cheap Eats: http://cl.ly/1aZo

It's funny