Best Cheap Eats Restaurants in East Hollywood
9 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Leo's Tacos Truck - Hollywood
Al pastor tacos sliced fresh from the trompo.
Notable Picks
An iconic late-night taco truck known for its al pastor, carved fresh from the trompo. It's a beloved stop for taco enthusiasts in the Hollywood area, especially after a late show.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, California Burrito, Carne Asada Taco
What Makes it Special: Al pastor tacos sliced fresh from the trompo.
8.4
Ara’s Shawarma on Sunset focuses on fast, filling Middle Eastern plates built around juicy rotisserie shawarma and charcoal-grilled meats. It’s a workhorse counter spot that feeds everyone from nearby workers to late-night Hollywood crowds with big portions and long hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma plate with rice and salad, Beef shawarma wrap, Family mixed grill platter
What Makes it Special: High-output shawarma counter balancing speed, price, and charcoal-grilled flavor.
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.
8.2
Amphai Kanyawong's 12-seat steam table operation specializes in Chiang Rai-style dishes rarely found elsewhere in LA—smoky nam ngiaw, herb-loaded sai oua sausage, and a coconut-rich khao soi that draws serious comparison to Northern Thailand originals. The strip mall setting and communal seating attract solo diners and Thai food devotees willing to trade ambiance for cooking with genuine regional specificity.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Larb, Sai Oua (Thai Sausage)
What Makes it Special: Authentic Northern Thai street food from a family kitchen operating out of a Sunset Boulevard strip mall
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
Thai-style Hainan chicken specialist serving juicy poached and fried chicken over aromatic garlic rice with clear broth, homemade chili fish sauce, and ginger. The zaab crispy rice with fish powder and red onions offers a flavorful alternative in this takeout-friendly Thai Town newcomer.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hainan Chicken (Dark Meat), Zaab Crispy Rice, Crispy Pork Belly
What Makes it Special: Perfectly executed Thai-style Hainan chicken with exceptional garlic rice
#6
HomeState
8
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Instagram Worthy Wonders
This Texas-inspired breakfast spot brings queso-topped breakfast tacos and kolaches to Los Feliz with genuine Hill Country hospitality. The colorful tacos filled with scrambled eggs, brisket, and fresh pico photograph beautifully against the casual counter-service setting. Lines form early for the authentic breakfast tacos that taste like Austin transplanted to Hollywood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Tacos, Queso, Kolaches
What Makes it Special: Authentic Texas breakfast tacos rarely found on West Coast
Worthy Picks
7.8
Fast-casual spinoff from Kismet's acclaimed chefs featuring Petaluma Poultry rotisserie chicken with schmaltzy potatoes and thick pillowy pita. The counter-service model delivers Kismet's quality in a grab-and-go format, with standout garlic sauce and chili oil elevating juicy, well-seasoned birds that satisfy post-hike cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Half Rotisserie Chicken, Schmaltzy Potatoes, Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookie
What Makes it Special: Kismet quality rotisserie chicken in efficient counter-service format
#8
Bravo Pizza
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Family-owned pizzeria since 1993 blending Italian pizza traditions with Mediterranean influences, including Georgian Ajarski Khachapuri (boat-shaped cheese bread with eggs). Offers extensive menu beyond pizza with subs, salads, and budget-friendly combo deals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ajarski Khachapuri, Hawaiian Special Pizza, Philly Steak Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Unique Georgian-Italian fusion menu with specialty Ajarski Khachapuri boat bread
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Small counter-service operation where the kind owner often shares samples of dishes like eggplant-tofu. Wonton soup earns particular praise for generous portions and rich broth, while outdoor seating provides a casual spot for homestyle Chinese comfort food in East Hollywood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wonton Soup, Fried Rice, Eggplant Tofu
What Makes it Special: Owner's warm hospitality transforms simple takeout into personal experience