Los Angeles' Best Cheap Eats 2008

Gourmet twist on classic American fast food at a remodeled 1950s Dairy Queen in Eagle Rock.

Reviews:

• “Quality has gone down :(”
• “not worth the hype”
• “you’ve got to be kidding”
• “Much Improved—now a favorite!”
• “Too Over Hyped”

Tips: There’s a selection of boutique and high-end wines by the glass, Belgian Trappist beers and artisanal sodas.

The Oinkster or email The Oinkster

Transcendent tacos and burritos from a hole-in-the-wall food stand.

Reviews:

• “Amazing tasting mexican food.”
• “Simple and Great”
• “Machaca Burrito”
• “the cochinita pibil burrito is heaven”
• “Overrated and under seasoned”

Tips: Vegetarians should avoid Yuca’s. They use animal fats (read: lard) to prepare their beans.

Yuca’s

Heartland decor and traditional American fast food—it’s all about the burgers and the apple pie.

Reviews:

• “Best service and best burgers!”
• “Apple Pan’s Hickory Burgers are the best! "
• " THE MOOD IS SUPERB"
• “Good but not great”
• “Been going here since before I can remember!”

Tips: Don’t let crowds scare you away. Ordering, devouring and paying for your burger takes less than 10 minutes, so lines move fast.

Apple Pan

Westside’s most beloved taco institution has a tasty, basic approach to fast food.

Reviews:

• “Most Overrated Restaurant in LA”
• “Worst Mexican food if you want to call it that”
• “Decent”
• “Why so popular?”
• “No Place Like Titos”

Tips: Major credit cards are accepted for online orders only—the restaurant itself only accepts cash.

Tito’s Tacos or email Tito’s Tacos

The signature chili-cheese dog is worth the wait at this famed L.A. hot dog stand.

Reviews:

• “I want be 1 1/2 Hours back!”
• “Hot Dog NOT Cooked with NO FLAVOr”
• “Very tasy food”
• “Nasty”
• “worth a visit when in LA”

Tips: There is a small free lot behind Pink’s, but it can sometimes be difficult and time-consuming to get in and out.

Pink’s Hot Dogs or email Pink’s Hot Dogs

Since 1931, this Spanglish institution has been the source of all things cheesy.

Reviews:

• “Fun & delicious experience”
• “My favorite Mexican resturant for years.”
• “IVE HAD BETTER!!!!!”
• “Ok…”
• “Sublime veggie quesadillas, nice service”

Tips: Lines are long on weekends and they don’t take reservations. Belly up to the bar and wait it out.

El Coyote

The country’s first drive-thru chain with made-from-scratch burgers and a devout following.

Reviews:

• “Service isn’t ‘in-n-out,’ but food is worth the wait "
• “HOLLYWOOD IN-N-OUT•••NCOMPETENT "
• “you have to try it at least once”
• “Great fries, but hamburgers are so-so”
• “The BEST fries in the country!!”

Tips: Secret menu items include burgers protein style (wrapped in lettuce with no bun) and animal style (a patty cooked in mustard and topped with sauteed onions, extra sauce and pickles). Fries can be ordered well-done or animal style.

In-N-Out Burger

Downtown French dip favorite has been serving the legendary sandwich since 1908.

Reviews:

• “Great food but a little bit bad service!!”
• “The “Tradition” has long gone by. Dont bother to stop."
• “lives up tp the hype!!!”
• “I love this place”
• “Cheap Cheap Classic”

Tips: The sinus-clearing hot mustard gives Philippe’s French-dipped sandwiches their powerful, distinctive flavor. If you want to add a culinary punch to any meal, you can buy this combustible condiment by the jar at the restaurant.

Philippe the Original

With a European cafe vibe, L.A.’s stylish home of the doner kebab packs in Eagle Rock locals.

Reviews:

• “Delicious!!!!!”
• “eh. hack!”
• “Very Delicious and Authentic!”
• “jury is out”
• “Great food! Great people! "

Tips: Odds are not great at snagging one of the three spots in front—look for curb parking on Colorado or College View.

Spitz or email Spitz

Armenian roasted chicken that’s finger-licking good.

Reviews:

• “Westside’s first zankou!”
• “delicious garlic butter”
• “Favorite chicken”
• “a great place”
• “bird. Soujouk is an Armenian beef”

Zankou Chicken

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