Best Cheap Eats In Downtown LA Under $20 For Delicious Savings

For the bigger picture and full context, make sure you read our main guide on Affordable & Casual Eats LA For Delicious Budget-Friendly Meals.
Battling the perception that delicious food in Los Angeles always comes with a hefty price tag, Downtown LA (DTLA) quietly holds a treasure trove of incredible, budget-friendly culinary experiences. Finding the best cheap eats in Downtown LA under $20 isn't just about saving money; it's about uncovering the soul of the city through its vibrant street food, historic market stalls, and hidden gems where flavor trumps cost. This isn't just theory; it's a practical guide to unlocking genuine deliciousness without emptying your wallet.

At a Glance: Your DTLA Budget Bite Blueprint

Unlock Hidden Value: Discover how DTLA's diverse food scene offers exceptional quality for under $20.
Strategic Spending: Learn to combine smaller, ultra-cheap bites for a satisfying, full meal.
Zone In: Navigate specific DTLA neighborhoods and markets known for their budget-friendly options.
Pro Tips & Pitfalls: Get expert advice on maximizing your dollar and avoiding common budget traps.
Diverse Cuisines: Explore a range of flavors, from Mexican street food to Filipino comfort bowls and Aussie pies.

DTLA's Flavorful Underbelly: Why "Cheap" Often Means "Best"

Downtown LA has transformed dramatically, yet its culinary heritage of accessible, authentic eats remains strong. This isn't just about fast food; it's about discovering a taco truck mastering a single, perfect dish, a family-run stall upholding generations of tradition, or a market vendor serving global flavors with a local twist. The competition here is fierce, driving quality up and often keeping prices surprisingly low, making it a prime hunting ground for the best cheap eats in Downtown LA under $20. You'll find everything from hearty breakfasts to exotic dinners, all crafted with care and designed to fuel the bustling city.

Mastering Your Twenty-Dollar Bill: Strategic Dining in DTLA

Navigating DTLA's budget food scene means understanding how to combine different elements to create a satisfying meal within your $20 limit. Sometimes it's a single, substantial dish, but often, the real magic happens when you assemble a mini-feast from several low-cost options.

The Power of the Solo Bite: Exceptional Flavors Under $5

These spots are ideal for a quick snack, a light lunch, or building a multi-stop culinary adventure. Each offers incredible value and a distinct taste of DTLA.

Guisados: Forget everything you think you know about tacos. Guisados specializes in homestyle braised meat tacos, served on thick, handmade tortillas for just $2.75 each. Options like flank steak, chicken tinga, pork, or chorizo are incredibly flavorful. A couple of these, perhaps a vegetable or a seafood one (add $0.25), make for a wonderfully satisfying, deeply flavorful meal well within budget.
Cielito Lindo (Olvera Street): A true DTLA icon, this Olvera Street stall has been serving its famous taquitos since 1934. For $1.75, you get crispy taquitos generously slathered with their signature avocado sauce. Pair a few taquitos with a tamal or chile relleno (priced from $4.25 to $7) for a historical and filling meal that won't break the bank.
Mariscos Jalisco: Often hailed as one of LA's best taco trucks, their DTLA location offers one perfected item: the taco dorado de camaron. For $2.25, you get a perfectly fried shrimp taco, topped with tangy tomato salsa, cabbage, and sliced avocado. Grabbing two or three of these means a fantastic seafood feast for under $7.
Pirozhki La (Arts District): Look for their metal trailer in the Arts District to discover these savory Russian fried breads. Filled with hot ingredients like chicken, spinach, or potato, a small Pirozhki is $3, while a large is $5 – easily a filling lunch on its own.
Pizzanista!: Craving pizza? Pizzanista! offers slices ranging from $2.95 to $4.25, including unique options like Mac n’ Cheese. Tuesdays bring select slices down to $2, making it a steal. Even day-old slices from the fridge are just $1. Two slices and a drink are an easy way to hit the under-$10 mark.
La Reyna Taco Stand: Located outside La Reyna restaurant, this stand serves delicious tacos for $1.25 each, with a fantastic salsa bar for customization. They also offer Mulitas – a "taco sandwich" with meat and melted cheese between two tortillas – for $2. Two tacos and a mulita provide a substantial meal for just $4.50.
Sarita’s Pupuseria: Head here for authentic El Salvadorean pupusas, each packed with various fillings (cheese, beans, loroco, etc.) for $4 a piece. Top them with hot sauce and pickled cabbage for a truly satisfying and unique experience. Two or three pupusas make a full meal.
Sonoratown: This Northern Mexican spot serves mesquite-grilled tacos for $2, topped with cabbage, salsa, and avocado sauce. Don't miss their chivichangas (chimichangas) stuffed with shredded chicken and Anaheim peppers for $3.50. You can easily build a diverse and delicious meal here for under $10.
Tacos Tumbras a Tomas (Grand Central Market): At Grand Central Market, this stall is famous for piling meat high on its tacos for $3.50 each. Options include carnitas, asada, chicken, birria, lengua, and cabeza. Each order comes with two extra tortillas, effectively giving you about three tacos per order. A couple of these, perhaps with a side, will be incredibly filling and well under $10.

Solid Meals for Under a Ten-Spot: More Substantial Options

When you're looking for a more complete, sit-down (or quick counter) experience, these spots deliver full meals that often hover around the $10 mark, leaving room for a drink or a side, all while keeping you under $20.

RiceBar: This Filipino comfort food spot offers hearty bowls of ulam (dishes) like Pork Longganisa, Chicken Tinola, and sun-dried anchovies with fair-trade grains, ranging from $8 to $10. Add a sunny side egg for $1, and you've got a deeply satisfying, flavorful meal that feels much more expensive than it is.
Bronzed Aussie: For something different, Bronzed Aussie bakes fresh Australian pies daily. Lamb, ground beef, pepper steak, chicken, and even vegan options are available. Their 5-inch pies cost between $6.90 and $8.90, making for a hearty, unique lunch.
Guerrilla Tacos: While known for their "artistic" approach, Chef Avila's tacos are usually priced between $4-$5. The menu fluctuates, but past offerings like sweet potato or various seafood options are always a treat. Find their truck on Fridays at Blacktop Coffee or Sundays at Smorgasburg (check their social media for current DTLA locations). Two to three tacos make for a gourmet-feeling meal for under $15.
Pour Haus Wine Bar (Arts District): While a wine bar, Pour Haus offers an incredible happy hour daily from 4-7 p.m. with a $5 food and drink program. On Sundays, their brunch (noon-4 p.m.) features most items, like Croque Monsieur and French toast, for $10 and under. This is an unexpected gem for budget-conscious diners seeking a slightly upscale vibe.
Birdies: Craving fried chicken and donuts? Birdies has you covered. Their free-range options include a breakfast sando ($8), a leg and thigh combo ($7), and a spicy chicken sando ($10). Donuts are around $3. A combo and a donut will keep you comfortably under $20.
Sticky Rice (Grand Central Market): Inside Grand Central Market, Sticky Rice serves acclaimed Thai street food. Their Gai Yang BBQ chicken, Khao Soi chicken curry noodles, and Beef Panang are all priced at $10. A flavorful and filling option for lunch or dinner.
Wurstküche: This Arts District spot offers an exotic sausage menu, with options like rabbit, buffalo, and rattlesnake for $8.50. Classic sausages are $6.50, and gourmet options are $7.50. Pair a unique sausage with a side of Belgian fries, and you're still well within the $20 limit for a distinctive meal.
Eggslut (Grand Central Market): A perpetually popular breakfast spot, Eggslut's signature breakfast sandwich is $7, and their cheeseburger with American Wagyu and an over-medium egg is $9. Be prepared for a potential line, but the quality is worth the wait for a hearty, delicious start to your day.
Philippe the Original: A historic DTLA establishment, Philippe the Original is famous for its French dip sandwiches. Roast beef, roast pork, leg of lamb, turkey, pastrami, or ham are served on a fresh French roll, hand-dipped in gravy, all for under $10. Adding cheese is just a few cents. This is a classic LA experience that's incredibly satisfying and budget-friendly.
Aloha Cafe (Little Tokyo): While technically in Little Tokyo, it's a stone's throw from DTLA. Aloha Cafe has been serving hearty Hawaiian-inspired meals since 2004. A big breakfast with two eggs, Portuguese sausage, and corn beef hash is $12.50. Their loco moco, featuring a housemade ground beef patty, two eggs, and grilled onions on rice, is $12.95. Both are generous portions that provide exceptional value under $20.

Navigating DTLA's Zones for Budget Bites

DTLA is a sprawling urban center, and knowing where to focus your search can save you time and lead you to the most concentrated pockets of affordable deliciousness. For a broader perspective on how these local finds fit into the wider LA food scene, check out our guide to Affordable and casual LA dining.

Grand Central Market: A Culinary Kaleidoscope

This historic market is arguably the epicenter for the best cheap eats in Downtown LA under $20. It's a bustling hub where you can graze through multiple vendors, sampling different cuisines without leaving the building.

Tacos Tumbras a Tomas: As mentioned, huge portions for tacos, making them highly economical.
Sticky Rice: Authentic Thai street food for $10.
Eggslut: Iconic breakfast/brunch sandwiches under $10.
Sarita's Pupuseria: El Salvadorean comfort food at great prices.
Strategy: Head to GCM with an open mind. You can grab a taco, then a pupusa, then finish with a sweet pastry from another vendor, all while staying within your budget.

Olvera Street: Historic Flavors, Modern Prices

The birthplace of Los Angeles offers a unique cultural and culinary experience.

Cielito Lindo: Essential for its iconic taquitos and historic charm. It's a taste of old LA that's incredibly affordable.
Strategy: Combine a visit to the historic street with a cheap, authentic snack or meal.

The Arts District: Trendy Tastes, Accessible Prices

While known for its industrial-chic aesthetic and upscale dining, the Arts District also offers surprising pockets of affordability.

Pirozhki La: A unique, filling Russian street food experience.
Pour Haus Wine Bar: Excellent happy hour deals on food and drink.
Pizzanista!: A reliable spot for quality pizza slices at budget-friendly prices.
Guerrilla Tacos (Truck): Check their schedule; they frequently pop up here with their gourmet street tacos.
Strategy: Look beyond the sit-down restaurants. Food trucks and casual counter-service spots are your best bet here.

Street Food Finds and Hidden Stalls

Some of the best value comes from the places that don't have permanent storefronts or are unassuming local favorites.

Mariscos Jalisco: A legendary taco truck that's worth seeking out for its singular, perfect shrimp taco.
La Reyna Taco Stand: An excellent example of no-frills, high-flavor street tacos.
Sonoratown: While a brick-and-mortar, its focus on simple, high-quality Northern Mexican tacos makes it feel like an elevated street food experience.
Strategy: Don't be afraid to venture off the main drag. Use mapping apps to find these specific addresses, and trust the lines of locals – they know where the good, cheap food is.

The "Under $20" Playbook: Maximizing Value

Being a savvy budget diner in DTLA means more than just picking a cheap restaurant. It involves a few strategic moves that stretch your dollar further without sacrificing satisfaction.

Embrace Lunch Specials & Happy Hours: Many higher-end places have fantastic lunch deals or happy hour menus that bring their offerings well under the $20 mark. Pour Haus is a prime example, but keep an eye out for similar deals.
Go for the Combo: Some places offer explicit combos (e.g., Birdies' leg and thigh combo) that give you more bang for your buck than ordering items individually.
The "Taco Crawl" or "Snack Attack": Instead of one big meal, plan to hit 2-3 spots, grabbing one or two items from each. This allows you to sample more of DTLA's diverse culinary landscape while staying within budget. Two Guisados tacos, a Mariscos Jalisco shrimp taco, and a Sarita's pupusa would still be under $10 and incredibly satisfying.
Share If Possible: Some portions, like those at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas (with extra tortillas), can be quite generous. If dining with a friend, consider sharing a larger item or two different items to taste more for less.
Water is Your Friend: Drinks can quickly inflate your bill. Opt for water (most places offer it free) to save those precious dollars for more food. If you must have a soda, factor its cost into your $20 limit.
Read the Menu Carefully: Look for sides that offer great value or dishes that are known for their generous portions. Don't be shy about asking staff for recommendations that align with your budget.

Quick Answers: Your DTLA Cheap Eats FAQs

Is "cheap" food in DTLA actually good?

Absolutely. In DTLA, "cheap" often correlates with authenticity, tradition, and incredible flavor. Many of these establishments have been perfecting their craft for decades, relying on fresh ingredients and time-honored techniques rather than inflated prices or fancy decor. The sheer volume of diverse populations and the high competition mean quality is key even at low price points.

How do I find these places, especially food trucks/stalls?

For permanent stalls (like those in Grand Central Market or Olvera Street) or brick-and-mortar restaurants, a quick search on Google Maps will usually suffice. For food trucks (like Mariscos Jalisco or Guerrilla Tacos), checking their social media pages (Instagram, Twitter) or websites is often the best way to find their current locations and operating hours. Don't be afraid to walk around; serendipitous discoveries are part of the DTLA charm!

Are there vegetarian/vegan options under $20?

Yes, many!

Guisados: Offers a delicious squash and zucchini taco.
Sarita's Pupuseria: Features various vegetarian pupusas (cheese, beans, loroco, even vegan options like squash with potato, or beans with Soyrizo are common in similar pupuserias).
Pizzanista!: Has cheese and often vegetable slices.
Bronzed Aussie: Offers a "vegie brekkie" pie and often a vegan option.
Taco Stands: Most taco stands offer bean and cheese options, and you can load up on fresh salsa and avocado.
The diversity of DTLA ensures that plant-based options are readily available and equally delicious.

What about drinks? Do they count towards the $20?

Yes, always factor drinks into your total budget. A $3-$5 drink can quickly push you over the $20 limit, especially if you're already at $15 for food. Sticking to water is the easiest way to save, or look for places that offer value-priced aguas frescas or simple sodas. Happy hour programs, like at Pour Haus, can also include discounted drinks.

Your Next Delicious, Budget-Friendly Meal Awaits

Unearthing the best cheap eats in Downtown LA under $20 isn't just about saving money; it's about embracing a vibrant, authentic side of the city's culinary landscape. From the historic taquitos of Olvera Street to the gourmet street tacos and hearty Filipino bowls, DTLA offers a world of flavor that proves "affordable" can absolutely mean "exceptional." Grab your walking shoes, an open mind, and get ready to explore a deliciously budget-friendly side of Los Angeles.