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In the middle of a recession, going out to eat is much more of a luxury than a lifestyle. But that doesn't mean you can't eat like a king on a pauper's budget. Some of L.A.'s tastiest food finds are hiding in that lowliest of suburban American innovations: The strip mall. So never mind the architectural eyesore--our guide's got the goods on the best strip mall eats around Los Angeles.
On this page:Eastside & Downtown, Westside & Hollywood.
Eastside & Downtown
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Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Read Reviews601 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021 (map)
This Mexican eatery might be in a somewhat sketchy area outside the main downtown circuit (read: L.A. Live), but even the moderately adventurous would be wise to give it a try. Free evening parking in front keeps it easy, while the chic interior belies its surroundings. The menu is a mix of both familiar and exotic options like chicken enchiladas and tostadas with sashimi-grade ahi as well as a cocktail list that includes favorites like jamaica margaritas. Even better, during happy hour ( Mon-Sat 4-7pm) you can get $5 margaritas, $3 beers and $6 appetizers.
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Mario's Peruvian & Seafood
Read Reviews5786 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038 (map)
Set inside a tiny Hollywood mini-mall, this Peruvian find won't win any design awards with its stripped-down interior, but autographed photos from Latin celebs attest to the joint's popularity. Seafood dishes highlight the interplay between hot and sour flavors while the prices--many in the single digits--focus on the interplay between budget and friendly.
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Palms Thai
Read Reviews5900 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (map)
You are now entering the Thai-light Zone: This much-lauded Thai Town favorite is not only where you can find affordable curries, noodles and wild things like boar, beef tripe and frog (nothing is over $16), but it's also the home of Thai Elvis--complete with platform shoes, flashy Vegas suits and a whole lotta singing.
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Carousel Cafe
Read Reviews5112 Hollywood Blvd, Hye Plaza Ste 107, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)
Tucked at the back of an unsightly strip mall in Little Armenia, this foodie find is the younger, more petite (and not so cute) sister of Carousel in Glendale. Most lunch entrees hover around $10 while dinner is a few bucks more. Even the ridiculously spendy Kardashians can't resist the authentic Mediterranean home-cooking here. (Yes, we admit, we've seen the episode.)
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Agra Cafe
Read Reviews4325 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029 (map)
In the true spirit of a strip mall find, it's no scene, all food at this low-key Indian alcove in Silver Lake. Daily lunch specials (combos including faves like saag paneer and tandoori chicken) are $7.95 while dinner combinations are around $5 more. And with a nail shop and laundromat as neighbors, you can make it a one-stop shop.
Westside & Hollywood
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Soi 56
Read Reviews1556 N. Cahuenga, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (map)
This strip mall gem right off the Cahuenga Corridor is a chic reprieve for those seeking a real taste of Bangkok street food--and then some. From upscale and comfort food twists on regular skewered meats like salmon and filet mignon to spicy Thai salads, curries and noodles, just about everything is around $10. There are also a handful of exclusively local brews on tap (you can do a flight of three for $10), cocktails and a live Thai band on weekends.
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SugarFish
Read Reviews11640 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049 (map)
If there's one food where the word "cheap" isn't necessarily a selling point, it would be sushi. (We are talking about raw fish, after all.) So while this airy spot inside a Brentwood strip mall does have affordable options for the uncooked stuff, keep in mind--it's coming from one of L.A.'s favorite sushi chefs. Like his original Studio City spot (and his other strip mall fave in Marina Del Rey), Nozawa's omakase menu allows guests to choose between different pre-set options. Go during lunch for the $13 "Trust Me Light" or $22 "Trust Me," which includes edamame, tuna sashimi, six pieces of various nigiri and a crab hand roll. There are also a la carte options for those who still have trust issues.
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Taste at the Palisades
Read Reviews538 Palisades Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (map)
As much as everyone loves Taste on Melrose, grabbing a table at that tiny WeHo bungalow can be a real challenge. Thankfully, the NorCal-style bistro's second location is in a much calmer (and kinda cute) Palisades strip mall. Not only is it a lot bigger, but this chic find also has its own deals, like a weekday two-course prix-fixe menu ($22) with delicious favorites like chicken paillard with potato puree.
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Alejo Presto Trattoria
Read Reviews4002 Lincoln Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (map)
What started as a strip-mall spaghetti stop has since become a local institution. Serving home-style Italian food that won't break the bank, this tiny no-frills joint serves up pizza, pasta, salads and classics like chicken marsala that don't go over $15. And lest you think that nothing is free (least of all on the Westside), bring your own bottle of vino and enjoy a corkage-free meal.
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Nook
Read Reviews11628 Santa Monica Blvd Ste 9, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)
True to its name, this delicious little bistro is one of the city's best kept mini-mall secrets. Open for lunch and dinner, most menu items stay in the $15 range. Try the gourmet "Nook Burger," made with Sterling Silver beef, gruyere cheese, red wine-onion jam and baby arugula piled on grilled rustic bread. Served with fries or baby greens and a homemade pickle, it's a filling meal that'll go easy on your wallet.
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Guelaguetza
Read Reviews11127 Palms Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034 (map)
Famous for its flavorful mole sauces made from a blend of nuts, spices, chiles, ground seeds and Oaxacan chocolate, this unassuming Mexican spot draws culinary pilgrims from all over the city. Best of all, most menu items don't cross the $12 border.
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