3 Buck Bites: Cheap Eats for Food Lovers
Updated: June 04, 2009
Think eating on a budget means you have to join the fast-food nation or surrender your "My friends call me a foodie" identity? Think again! Our brilliant new online lookbook 3 Buck Bites is teeming with quality cheap thrills from adventurous ethnic eats to regional standards. (Because Angelenos gots to have their In N' Out.) And no neighborhood will be left behind-so whether you're in Santa Monica or the San Gabriel Valley, you too shall dine on a dime. Here are a few highlights to get your tastebuds revved up.
Top 3 Buck Bites
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Best Fish Taco In Ensenada
Read Reviews1650 N Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)
FISH TACO: "I've never been to Ensenada, but I'm willing to wager a case of Pacifico that these scrumptious bad boys live up to the name of the establishment. The goods (so meaty they're practically like fried chicken chunks) are a gorgeous, golden orange, and everything--from tortillas to the trademark skinny lettuce strands--is super-fresh. Doctor up your fishy bits with mild, medium and spicy sauces, all displayed with cheeky sayings, or the original 'hot guac.' Then, drizzle on a little white crema for the final touch--the standard cherry on top of this Mex. Bonus: The whimsical staff could not be friendlier, even when you're only shelling out a buck fifty." --Cadien Clark, Citysearch Los Angeles
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Cielito Lindo
Read Reviews23 Olvera St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (map)
BEEF TAQUITOS, AVOCADO SAUCE: "Taquitos are often overlooked for tacos and burritos, but--when done right--they're just as, if not tastier, than either of the above. Widely considered the best in Los Angeles, Cielito Lindo fries up my personal favorites. Because there's something about the avocado sauce that really rounds out the flavors. It's cheap too, so if you have nothing better to do on a Saturday afternoon, go on over and pick yourself up some. I called Madonna to see if she wanted to come with, but she politely declined, saying that she'd rather spend a lazy weekend afternoon picking up more African kids. Sheesh, see if I ever ask her again." --Esteban, Rhyme and Raisin
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Guelaguetza
Read Reviews3337 1/2 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005 (map)
HORCHATA: "The horchata (sweet rice drink with chopped nuts and cactus fruit purée) here is the most authentic version I've had--a far cry from the ones found at smaller taco joints where all you taste is cinnamon and sugar. Even better, it's non-alcoholic, which helps since I'm still trying to put together the pieces of my night. Because waking up naked on the kitchen floor with only my left sock on has really got me scratching my head. The voicemails from a supposed 'detective' aren't really helping either." --Esteban, Rhyme and Raisin
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Mitsuwa Marketplace
Read Reviews3760 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066 (map)
TEMPURA FRIED EGG: "If the Japanese have cornered the market on 'cuteness,' then these crunchy tempura fried eggs are no exception. Lop them to your steaming bowl of silky soba noodles, or enjoy them with a squirt of Sriracha as a protein-packed snack. Be sure to bring your hard currency, because they only take cash!" --Minnie Luong, Minnie Eat World
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Quality Seafood
Read Reviews130 S International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (map)
KUMAMOTO OYSTER: "Fresh kumamoto oysters, shucked right in front of your eyes at $1.90 a pop! All you need is a squeeze of lemon before slurping those babies down your throat. Oh yeah. Grab a plate of a variety of fresh oysters for under $2 a piece at Quality Seafood and take a walk on the boardwalk. This is true California-style eatin'!" --Fiona, Gourmet Pig
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