Best Cheap Eats American Restaurants in Los Angeles
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Lucky Boy
Enormous portions at throwback prices since 1952
Notable Picks
#1
Lucky Boy
8.8
This legendary drive-in has been serving massive burgers and famous breakfast burritos since the 1950s with portions that defy logic. Open until 10:45 PM daily, Lucky Boy delivers old-school charm with hand-formed patties, generous toppings, and prices that haven't caught up to inflation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon Cheeseburger, Pastrami Burger, Chili Cheese Fries
What Makes it Special: Enormous portions at throwback prices since 1952
#2
The Melt
8.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
At FIGat7th, The Melt turns out fast-casual burgers, grilled cheese, and fries that dominate downtown lunch lines across delivery apps. It’s a high-volume staple for nearby offices thanks to consistent execution, quick ticket times, and price points that stay weekday-friendly.
Must-Try Dishes:
MeltBurger, Classic grilled cheese, Patty Melt
What Makes it Special: High-volume burger and grilled cheese counter that over-delivers for the price.
8.5
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Boulevard Burgers is a classic roadside diner on Florence that leans hard into old-school Americana with neon, booths, and a giant menu of burgers, breakfasts, and plates. With hundreds of online reviews and years of steady traffic, it’s the go-to all-day burger stop for Bell and Bell Gardens residents.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eagle Special burger, Chili cheese fries, Breakfast burrito
What Makes it Special: Retro diner feel with a huge burger-and-breakfast menu and long hours.
8.5
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Authentic Argentine steakhouse specializing in grass-fed beef, house-made empanadas, and chimichurri-forward preparations. The casual counter-service format belies serious grilling technique and quality sourcing, with generous portions that satisfy meat lovers. Bright, modern space contrasts with traditional Argentine parrilla approach.
Must-Try Dishes:
Skirt Steak, Beef Empanadas, Choripan
What Makes it Special: Authentic Argentine grill techniques with grass-fed beef at counter-service value pricing
8.3
Calif Chicken Cafe’s Beverly Grove outpost is a fast-casual staple for rotisserie chicken, giant salads, and wraps built for everyday ordering. Locals lean on it for efficient pickup, big portions, and reliably fresh greens rather than lingering, full-service meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chinese Chicken Salad, California Chicken Salad, Melrose Wrap
What Makes it Special: Rotisserie-driven salads and wraps that define Beverly Grove takeout culture.
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Chris's Hamburgers is a long-running counter-service stand on Atlantic that’s been flipping burgers and serving breakfast plates since the 1960s. Regulars come for dependable griddled patties, chili cheese fries, and diner-style breakfasts that feel frozen in time in the best way.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double cheeseburger with grilled onions, Chili cheese fries, Ham, egg, and hash browns breakfast plate
What Makes it Special: Decades-old burger stand known for hefty portions and old-school plates.
Chef Santos Uy’s smashburger micro-chain brought its crisp-edged patties and properly salty fries into Grand Central Market in 2023. The menu is stripped-down—burgers, crispy shoestring fries, sweet potato fries—but execution and value make this one of downtown’s most compelling quick-stop fry plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Single Smash Burger with Fries
What Makes it Special: Smashburger specialist where crisp fries are as dialed as the patties.
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Born from a lauded pop-up and anchored on York since 2020, Goldburger serves double smash burgers with lacy edges, soft buns, and carefully tuned sauces. Lines can stretch late into the evening as locals and burger tourists chase one of LA’s most talked-about patties.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goldburger, LA Special, California Classic
What Makes it Special: A best-in-city contender where dialed-in smash patties, long-running pop-up cred, and constant lines make even a late-night burger feel like an event.
8.3
Family-owned breakfast and lunch diner serving Studio City since 1972, known for homestyle American classics with generous portions. The spiral breakfast potatoes and fluffy buttermilk pancakes have earned a devoted local following, while the warm service makes every guest feel at home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spiral Breakfast Potatoes, Buttermilk Pancakes, Cheeseburger
What Makes it Special: Over 50 years serving neighborhood families with genuine warmth
#10
Irv's Burgers
8.3
Irv’s Burgers is a historic West Hollywood burger stand reborn, serving griddled patties, fries, and shakes with classic roadside energy. The focus is on simple, well-executed burgers and cheerful service rather than frills, making it a go-to for quick, nostalgic American fast-casual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic cheeseburger, Double burger with grilled onions, Fries with special sauce
What Makes it Special: A revived classic burger stand that keeps the focus on griddled patties, fries, and old-school charm.
8.3
Three Borders Brunch & Grill is a family-run spot where chef Yanira Vanegas blends Latin American flavors with American brunch staples on a low-key stretch of Olympic. Diners come for pupusas, chilaquiles, and pancakes that feel homemade but dialed up, served by a warm team that remembers regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pupusa Brunch Plate, Chilaquiles with Eggs, Dulce de Leche Pancakes
What Makes it Special: Latin-influenced American brunch from a tight-knit family kitchen.
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
The 1908 original that put French dip on the map—beef hand-carved to order, rolls dunked in natural jus at the counter, sawdust still on the floor. The communal-table, cafeteria-line format rewards decisive ordering and a willingness to elbow in during peak hours. Go for the double-dipped beef and expect the experience to feel like a working lunch counter that happens to be a monument.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef French Dip Double-Dipped, Lamb French Dip, Pickled Eggs
What Makes it Special: Credited as the birthplace of the French dip sandwich since 1908, with meat hand-carved and rolls dipped in natural roasting juices
#13
Smash Me Baby
8.2
A 100% plant-based smash burger joint that offers creative and flavorful vegan burgers and sides in a casual fast-casual setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smashed Truffle Burger, Plant-Nuggets, Loaded Fries
What Makes it Special: A full 100% vegan burger concept on Sunset Blvd that nails flavor.
#14
Millie's Cafe
8.1
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Family Friendly Favorites
This Silver Lake breakfast institution since 1926 serves towering stacks of pancakes and classic American breakfast in a vintage diner setting that feels authentically old LA. The neon signage and retro interior provide nostalgic Instagram appeal while prices remain remarkably affordable. Weekend lines stretch down the block as locals and visitors queue for fluffy pancakes and perfectly crispy hash browns.
Must-Try Dishes:
Silver Dollar Pancakes, Millie's Hash, Blueberry Pancakes
What Makes it Special: Nearly century-old diner serving authentic LA breakfast history
#15
Bread Lounge
8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Sweet Treats Escapes
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A technique-driven Arts District bakery where Israeli-born baker Ran Zimon applies laminated-dough craft to items like caramelized kouign amann and sesame-crusted Jerusalem bagels alongside European sourdough standards. Sixteen years of early-morning runs have made it the default carb stop for the neighborhood, with bakery-counter pricing that keeps regulars coming back weekly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kouign Amann, Quiche, Olive Bread
What Makes it Special: Israeli-born baker Ran Zimon has been folding European technique into Arts District mornings since 2010, turning out caramelized kouign amann and sesame-crusted Jerusalem bagels alongside classic sourdough loaves.
#16
Carney's Express
8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
A Ventura Blvd fixture since 1975, serving chili-loaded hot dogs and burgers out of a converted 1920s Pacific Railroad train car that gives the whole operation its identity. The menu stays narrow on purpose—griddled patties, snappy dogs, and chili on everything—which is how a place holds a 70% five-star rate across 1,400+ reviews for five decades. Best suited for a no-fuss family stop or a late-night craving where the train car backdrop and the speed of counter service are the whole point.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chili Dog, Chili Burger, Chili Cheese Fries
What Makes it Special: Burgers and hot dogs served out of a converted 1920s Pacific Railroad train car on Ventura Blvd since 1975
8
Since 1952, this retro diner with working jukeboxes serves what many consider LA's best hot pastrami sandwich. The pastrami arrives perfectly seasoned and piled high on steamed buns, accompanied by crispy fries, coleslaw, and crunchy pickles in a nostalgic 1950s atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot Pastrami French Dip, Pastrami Sandwich, Chili Cheese Fries
What Makes it Special: Seventy-plus years perfecting hot pastrami in original 1950s diner setting
#18
NORMS Restaurant
8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
The La Cienega NORMS is a classic Southern California coffee-shop diner where massive breakfasts, patty melts, and late-night plates come fast and cheap. It’s more about bottomless coffee, booths, and reliability than culinary finesse, which is exactly why it still draws a steady crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sirloin Steak & Eggs, Classic Bigger Better Breakfast, Lumberjack Breakfast
What Makes it Special: Old-school diner fare, big portions, and hours that suit night owls.
#19
Penny's Burgers
8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family-owned since 1969, Penny’s Burgers is a corner standby for charbroiled burgers, breakfast burritos, and old-school plates that cross between diner and fast food. It’s the kind of place where portions are generous, prices stay modest, and the menu quietly covers both American and Mexican comfort staples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charbroiled cheeseburger with fries, Breakfast burrito with eggs, bacon, and hash browns, Carne asada fries or plate with rice and beans
What Makes it Special: A 1960s-era neighborhood counter slinging burgers, burritos, and plates all day.
8
A West Adams brunch counter that builds around organic ingredients and a breakfast burrito with enough pull to earn an 89% five-star rate across nearly 300 reviews. The cafe leans into latte art and smoothie craft alongside griddle staples like waffles and french toast, hitting a price point that keeps the neighborhood coming back without thinking twice. Expect a no-frills counter-service setup where the food does the talking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Waffle, French Toast
What Makes it Special: West Adams brunch cafe built on organic ingredients, standout breakfast burritos, and carefully crafted latte art
#21
Rubio's Cafe
8
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family Friendly Favorites
A family-run Salvadoran-Mexican-American counter cafe that rotates daily specials alongside a core lineup of homestyle plates and fresh-squeezed juices. The value proposition is the draw—budget-friendly portions of comfort food like the breakfast burrito and meatloaf plate that keep early-morning regulars coming back to a low-key patio spot on Robertson.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice, Pastries
What Makes it Special: Family-run Salvadoran-Mexican-American cafe with daily rotating specials, fresh-squeezed juices, and a patio on Robertson
#22
Sideburns
8
Smash burger specialist adjacent to The Stache Bar serves 100% grass-fed patties alongside extensive vegan options including Beyond burgers, Chicago-style dogs, and dairy-free sides. Chef Thomas masters the art of cooking multiple burgers simultaneously while maintaining quality across both meat and plant-based options.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Smash Stache Burger, Vegan Smash Stache Burger, Chicago Dog (Vegan Available)
What Makes it Special: Equal commitment to quality for both meat and vegan burgers rare in burger joints
Worthy Picks
7.9
A classic roadside-style burger joint in Cypress Park that keeps things simple and reliably satisfying. Expect griddled patties, breakfast burritos, and no-frills combos that hit the American comfort lane hard. Ideal for quick takeout when you want a solid neighborhood burger without the hype.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger combo, Breakfast burrito, Chili fries
What Makes it Special: Old-school burgers and breakfast done fast and consistently.
#24
Pete's Blue Chip
7.9
A longtime local staple, Pete's Blue Chip is known for old-school burgers, generous fries, and friendly counter service since the early 1970s. Its value-driven menu and all-day hours keep regulars returning for fresh, crispy potatoes in nostalgic diner digs.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Fries, Breakfast Burrito, Double Cheeseburger
What Makes it Special: Family-run for 50+ years, classic fries done right.
#25
Potholder Cafe
7.9
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
No-frills neighborhood diner serving massive portions of American and Mexican breakfast classics in a homey, vintage atmosphere. Famous for the 18-inch "Mac Daddy Frankie" pancake challenge and hearty scrambles that draw weekend crowds willing to wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
18-Inch Pancake, Chilaquiles, Turbo Scramble
What Makes it Special: Giant pancake challenge and generous portions at budget-friendly prices
#26
Primo Burgers
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Primo Burgers is a neighborhood burger shop tucked into a Garfield Avenue center, known for drive-thru convenience and big, no-frills burgers. It leans more toward quick, satisfying combo meals than destination dining, but locals rely on it for weeknight dinners and late burger cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon cheeseburger combo, Pastrami burger, Breakfast burrito
What Makes it Special: Drive-thru burger spot focused on hearty combos and classic fast-food comforts.
#27
464 Burgers
7.8
A no-frills late-night burger counter that’s become a Little Tokyo regular for messy, satisfying American comfort. Burgers skew indulgent, and the kitchen’s best work is in char, melt, and sauce balance. Ideal for quick hits rather than lingering meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic smash burger, Loaded fries, Milkshake
What Makes it Special: Late-night burgers that nail char-and-melt comfort.
#28
Bobby's Place
7.8
Local gem serving fresh burgers and all-day breakfast with ingredients sourced from local farmers daily. Known for their French Burger on sourdough and generous portions that keep college students and families coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Burger on Sourdough, Breakfast Tacos, Beer-Battered Onion Rings
What Makes it Special: Daily fresh-ground beef at budget prices
#29
Cherry Pick Cafe
7.8
A compact counter-service cafe on South Hill Street that keeps the menu tight—sandwiches, bagels, and flaky croissants turned out fresh from early morning for the DTLA office and hotel crowd. Prices stay low for the neighborhood, and the small footprint means a quiet, no-fuss stop rather than a linger-and-laptop setup. It delivers on speed and simplicity without cutting corners on the baked goods.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sandwich, Bagel, Cheese Croissant
What Makes it Special: Fast, affordable cafe steps from Downtown LA hotels turning out fresh sandwiches and baked goods from early morning
#30
Flapjax
7.8
Woman-owned modern diner bringing Turkish-inspired twists to American breakfast classics, using organic produce and scratch-made preparations. The eco-conscious restaurant features bottomless mimosas, creative pancake variations, and the authentic Turkish menemen, all served in a bright space built sustainably around an existing tree.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chocolate Pancakes with House Whipped Cream, Turkish Menemen, Chicken and Waffles
What Makes it Special: Turkish-American fusion breakfast with organic ingredients
7.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Brunch Bliss Spots
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
A Salvadoran-American breakfast house in West Adams where the pancakes have a loyal following and the pupusas share equal menu real estate with hash browns and omelets—family recipes from a crew that's been cooking in this neighborhood for over a decade. The plates are big and the prices are low, which keeps the 13-table room packed on weekends, though staffing doesn't always keep pace with the crowd. Best on a weekday morning when the kitchen can keep up and you can actually get a table without a wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pancakes, Pupusas, El Clásico
What Makes it Special: Salvadoran-American breakfast house where pupusas and pancakes share equal billing on a menu built from family recipes
#32
Killer Cafe
7.8
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Killer Cafe sits next to Killer Shrimp and focuses on classic American breakfast and lunch plates with marina views. Locals use it as a casual spot for Benedicts, scrambles, and burgers before heading to the beach or boats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Killer Shrimp Benedict, Loco Moco, Buttermilk Pancakes
What Makes it Special: Casual marina-side breakfast cafe with hearty American plates and views.
#33
LA Burger Bar
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A no-frills burger counter focused on kosher smash-style burgers and loaded fries. It’s a dependable quick-hit stop on Pico for a hot, juicy burger without the wait or the price creep.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smash burger, Pastrami burger, Seasoned fries
What Makes it Special: Kosher smash burgers done fast and hot.
7.8
Operating since 1996, this French-American bakery cafe combines Parisian pastry traditions with California-fresh ingredients, offering everything from croissants to herb-crusted salmon. A hidden gem perfect for casual family lunches with exceptional value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Herb Crusted Salmon, Vegetarian Lasagne, Fresh Croissants
What Makes it Special: Authentic French pastries at neighborhood prices
#35
Marmalade Cafe
7.8
Since 1990, this original Marmalade location has served fresh California-inspired comfort food to Montana Avenue locals. Known for generous portions, varied menu options, and reasonable prices, it remains a dependable neighborhood staple for breakfast through dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chopped Italian Salad, Tri-Tip Tacos, Kansas City Pork Chops
What Makes it Special: Original location of beloved LA cafe chain since 1990
#36
Tavern on Main
7.8
This neighborhood sports bar combines California comfort food with over 20 TV screens, maintaining a locals-first vibe with affordable happy hours and late-night service. The recent management team emphasizes attentive service and safety, offering pool, shuffleboard, and solid bar fare like burgers and tacos at prices rare for Main Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern Burger, Chicken Tacos, Veggie Tacos
What Makes it Special: Budget-friendly neighborhood bar with exceptional value and caring staff
#37
Thanks Pizza
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
This Korean-influenced pizzeria on California Marketplace's third floor serves thick-crusted pies with creative toppings like garlic chicken with jalapeño and bulgogi. The bright blue space offers $10 specials weekdays and family-friendly counter service with American-style pizza portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Chicken Pizza, Bulgogi Pizza, Buffalo Wings with Ranch
What Makes it Special: Korean-American fusion pizzas at budget-friendly prices
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Counter-service spot serving classic smashburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and grain bowls. Casual outdoor seating makes it ideal for quick family meals with straightforward American comfort food at accessible prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Smashburger, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Grain Bowl
What Makes it Special: Affordable smashburgers and $8 grain bowls for neighborhood convenience
#39
Ben's Fast Food
7.7
Ben's Fast Food brings fresh, gluten-free and wholesome fare to New American fast food, offering slow-roasted protein bowls, homemade sauces and a modern approach to counter service. Praised for speedy convenience, health-conscious options and clean ingredient sourcing, it's a go-to for those seeking quick, nourishing meals in Koreatown. Locals love the late-night hours and reliably satisfying build-your-own bowls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lemongrass Chicken Bowl, Beef Brisket Bowl, Homemade Sauces
What Makes it Special: All menu items are gluten, dairy, and soy free.
#40
Centinela Cafe
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
A dual-identity diner that runs American comfort and Mexican staples side by side — chilaquiles next to pastrami sandwiches — at prices that make it a weekday default for Del Rey regulars. The format is pure no-frills counter-and-booth, which keeps overhead low and portions honest. It works best when you treat it as the neighborhood's kitchen rather than a destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fries, Steak, Chilaquiles
What Makes it Special: Old-school diner serving both American comfort food and Mexican staples at budget-friendly prices on Centinela Ave.
7.7
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Brunch Bliss Spots
Family Friendly Favorites
A 1955 San Fernando Valley diner running an unusually wide menu lane—American breakfast plates, Mexican burritos, and Asian comfort dishes all under the same roof, calibrated for regulars who want variety without leaving the neighborhood. The draw is reliable, no-frills execution across that eclectic spread at prices that still read as a diner, not a restaurant playing diner. It works best as a weekday morning or weekend brunch default where the table knows what they want and the kitchen delivers it fast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pie, Breakfast Burrito, Chicken Fried Steak
What Makes it Special: A San Fernando Valley diner operating since 1955, serving an eclectic mix of American breakfast staples alongside Mexican and Asian comfort dishes.
#42
Wilson Burgers
7.7
Wilson Burgers is a small, family-run burger stand on PCH turning out hefty patties, breakfast burritos, and teriyaki plates at everyday prices. South Torrance regulars treat it as a no-fuss stop for drive-through comfort food and quick counter-service meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami Cheeseburger, Breakfast Burrito, Teriyaki Chicken Plate
What Makes it Special: Old-school burger stand with breakfast burritos and drive-through convenience.
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Brunch Bliss Spots
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
This Brazilian coffee bar brings Latin American soul to Hollywood with Intelligentsia espresso, açaí bowls, and authentic street snacks like pão de queijo. The casual spot serves handmade empanadas, brigadeiros, and fresh pizzas alongside organic teas and espresso milkshakes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pão de Queijo, Açaí Bowl, Coxinha
What Makes it Special: LA's Brazilian coffee culture meets quality Intelligentsia beans with authentic street food
#44
Burger She Wrote
7.6
Burger She Wrote is a compact counter-service smashburger shop on Beverly turning out thin, griddled patties, Oklahoma-style onion burgers, and crisp fries. Lines can be long and seating is tight, but burger-focused diners treat it as a quick pilgrimage spot rather than a lingering meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Single Smashburger with Cheese, Oklahoma Onion Burger, Hand-Cut Fries
What Makes it Special: Focused smashburger counter with big flavor and little fluff.
7.6
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Attached to the Dunes Inn Sunset, Dreams Cafe & Bar is an old-school American diner and lounge serving breakfast, burgers, and simple plates from early morning to late evening. It’s not flashy, but friendly service, solid portions, and quiet booths make it a reliable stop for workers and travelers avoiding the main Hollywood crush.
Must-Try Dishes:
All-day breakfast plate, Classic cheeseburger with fries, Patty melt on grilled rye
What Makes it Special: Motel-side diner pouring coffee and turning out simple comfort plates far from the tourist chaos.
#46
Fred 62
7.6
This retro Los Feliz diner opened in 1997 and runs nearly 24/7 with an encyclopedic menu spanning breakfast, burgers, pizza, and comfort classics. The hipster-casual spot attracts post-movie crowds, neighborhood insomniacs, and anyone craving late-night patty melts and peanut butter malts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Juicy Lucy Burger, Peanut Butter Malt, Mac Daddy & Cheese Balls
What Makes it Special: 25+ years serving creative diner fare nearly around the clock
#47
George's Burgers
7.6
Since 1995, this no-frills burger joint has maintained the same quality and value that earned its local following, operating from a Lincoln Boulevard location just off the I-10. The straightforward menu focuses on classic burgers delivered without pretension, attracting both Santa Monica residents and travelers seeking reliable American comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheeseburger, Double Burger, French Fries
What Makes it Special: Nearly 30 years of consistent burger quality at unbeatable value
#48
Jim's Burgers
7.6
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Jim’s Burgers on Atlantic is a long-standing drive-in style counter known for a sprawling menu that ranges from burgers and breakfast to pollo asado plates. It’s not the most polished stop in the area, but steady crowds and loyal regulars point to solid value and hearty portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pollo asado half chicken plate, Cheeseburger with fries, Breakfast burrito
What Makes it Special: Old-school burger stand with an unusually broad menu and standout value plates.
7.6
Casual sidewalk cafe serving health-conscious California-style diner dishes with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu covers breakfast and lunch standards including egg white omelets with fresh vegetables, ahi soft tacos with housemade remoulade, and rosemary turkey burgers. The unpretentious atmosphere and generous portions make it a neighborhood staple for quick business meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mustard Seed Omelet, Ahi Soft Tacos, Rosemary Turkey Burger
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood fixture offering healthy options at accessible prices
#50
Rounds Burgers
7.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
A no-frills American burger joint serving creative specialty burgers with fun names and bold flavor combinations. This casual spot offers affordable comfort food including their signature Western Devil with buffalo sauce and bacon, making it a budget-friendly option for families seeking classic American fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Western Devil, Triple Cheese Burger, The Executive
What Makes it Special: Creative burger combinations at budget-friendly prices