Posted by In the past few years, Silver Lake has blossomed into a bonafide food lover’s haven. Some of L.A.’s and the world’s (Ludo Lefebvre) greatest chefs and restauranteurs have begun venturing into the hood that was once where Angelenos went for cheaper rent.
Some have opened high-end eateries with impressive wine lists. Others have kept it casual with low-key brunch spots. But the good news is there is still plenty of affordable delicious grub for the hungry and discerning Silver Lakers, in fact, more than ever.
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With that in mind, we compiled a list of where to grab a delicious bite for under $10 in the neighborhood.
List starts below, in no particular order (numbered for reference).
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1. My Vegan Gold
You don’t have to be vegan to appreciate the tasty and cheap menu at Vegan Gold. Order the savory Pineapple Curry, Vegan Pho or Kale Salad all of which are local favorites. If you like chicken nuggets, give the soy chicken nuggets a try, it’s just as addictive. Almost all items on their extensive meatless menu are under $10.
2. Silver Lake Ramen
Prices aside, Silver Lake Ramen serves some of the most crave worthy food in the neighborhood. This explains why, on any given night, you will find dozens of people waiting outside the unassuming spot. Why anyone would want to spend their time loitering on the edge of busy parking lot becomes obvious when you sip your first spoonful of Tonkatsu broth. In addition to the selection of $8.50 ramen options, Silver Lake Ramen offers tempting appetizers like gyoza dumplings, simmered chicken or pork chashu rice bowls, sushi rolls and steamed pork buns. Most of it costs less than $5 and tastes like it should cost a lot more than that. If waiting in line is not your thing, ordering for pick up is a safe bet.
3. Garage Pizza
Garage Pizza is open until 4:00am, making it the best possible last stop on a night out in the neighborhood. Slices of cheese are $3. Additional toppings cost .75 and we highly recommend trying the “Hawaii 5-0”: ham, pineapple, red onion and feta cheese.
4. Yeastie Boys Bagels
Check the Yeastie Boys website, and you’ll find their weekly location schedule. Check their Twitter or Instagram and you might find they have had a change of plans. Show up too late in the designated window of time and they may have sold out of bagels early. But if you’re lucky enough to track down the self-described “Bagel Lords” who park their truck outside of the city’s hippest coffee shops, you’re in for a treat. Also, that elusive quality only make them more appealing. On weekend mornings the truck graces Silver Lake. On Saturdays at Dinosaur Coffee on Sunset Boulevard and Sundays outside of Alfred coffee less than a mile down the street. The bagels are only $4 with schmear. The fancy breakfast sandwich bagels like the “Game Over” (soft scrambled egg, bacon, beer cheese and jalapeño spread on a cheddar bagel) are only $8.
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5. Tacos Delta
Tacos Delta might not be home to the most Instagramed quesadilla, tweeted taco or blogged about burrito. We can’t guarantee a celebrity sighting or promise that a tv chef will be making your enchilada. But Tacos Delta is something better than that. It’s a neighborhood favorite, a local’s go-to for a satisfying breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack or early dinner. It’s not even a restaurant, technically it’s a walk-up window with some tables in the back. But regardless of the other trendy spots that swirl around it decade after decade, the little red stand on Sunset Boulevard continues to dish up plates of delicious charred carne asada and al pastor tacos along with a whole menu of Mexican favorites. Another reason this taco stand is so popular: almost everything is under $10.
6. Berlin Currywurst
Located in the heart of Sunset Junction, Berlin Currywurst only does one thing: sausage. Luckily, they do it right by giving diners a variety of options. Words like pork, paprika, veal, chicken and beef make a seemingly simple decision, so mouthwatering and difficult. They even have tofu sausage for the vegetarians. The sausages are only $7, so feel free to splurge on a side of sauerkraut salad and the German craft beers they are now serving.
7. Night Market Song
The Los Angeles restaurant scene seems especially exciting when the places on the best restaurant lists also make the cheap eats lists. Night Market Song is one of these places. The authentic Thai food hotspot headed by chef Kris Yenbamroong boasts one of the most unique menus in town. Avoid the long wait by stopping by for lunch and enjoy their chiengrai-style fried chicken thigh sandwich with papaya slaw, ranch dressing, jalapeño and cilantro for only $9 or Pad See Ew rice noodles with chicken, chinese broccoli, egg, black soy sauce for $10.
8. Guerilla Tacos
If you’re smart enough to remember this on a Thursday, head to Silver Lake Wine for some seriously wonderful tacos. Chef Wes Avila changes his menu daily and his talent for using local meat and produce to create innovative tacos and burritos never disappoints. The tacos are slightly more expensive than those at your average taco stand ($5 instead of $3). But it’s worth every penny.
9. Trois Familia (for breakfast)
Anyone who has lived in Silver Lake long enough, knows that Trois Familia inhabits a space that was once a beloved BYOB Mexican comfort food spot called Alegria. Alegria was a neighbor institution for 22 years. Naturally, it was a tough act to follow. But if you’re Ludo Lefebvre, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo you seem to know how to do everything right because Trois Familia is fitting right in. For one, it’s on this list. Meaning, if you go for breakfast, you’re not going to break the bank. Most items like the churro French toast and the chilaquiles are under $10.
10. “Gus’s Lunch Box”
The burrito truck parked out side of Silver Lake Wine isn’t always there. But when it is, it is one of the best deals east of Vermont Ave. Conveniently located right outside of one of LA’s best wine shops, the truck serves up huge portions of hearty burritos, mulitas, quesadillas and tacos. The the food is a bargain and not fancy. But pairing it with the wine you just bought sure does make you feel classy.
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11. Sqirl
Technically Sqirl is not in Silver Lake. It is one block west of Hoover, which, as it turns out, is the borderline of the neighborhood. But it’s just not a cheap eats (or any eats) guide to Silver Lake without mentioning our beloved Sqirl. Jessica Koslow’s tiny breakfast and lunch spot that centers around her homemade jams and big cartoonish toast is the kind of food you think about eating when you wake up. Thankfully, it’s not expensive either. So roll out of bed and head to Sqirl for the most perfect homemade jam and nut butter toast for $5.50 or their famous sorrel pesto rice bowl for $7.75.
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12. Blossom Vietnamese
Blossom Vietnamese is one of the few more affordable options in Sunset Junction. If you’re not in the mood to splurge at Cafe Stella or Cliff’s Edge, head across the street to Blossom where the spring rolls are fresh and the bun noodles are topped with lemongrass steak. The price is right with most menu items coming in under $10.
13. Happy Hour at Malo
On weekdays from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Malo offers a happy hour menu worth celebrating. Beers are $3. Margaritas are $5. Munch on enchilada nachos and bean and cheese sliders for $3 or splurge on Mexican pizza and ceviche tostada for $5.
14. L&E Oyster Happy Hour
The happy hour menu at L and E Oyster’s upstairs bar is the best to way enjoy Silver Lake’s loveliest restaurant without completely emptying your wallet. From 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, enjoy $4 beers, oyster specials, discounted wine and a tasty snack menu.
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15. La Playita Siete Mares
The cheapest deal in Silver Lake is on Tuesdays at La Playita Sieta Mares where fish tacos are only $1.50. The fish is nicely seasoned and not overly battered, the taco is stuffed with a generous amount of cabbage and doused in a delicious salsa.
16. Mixto Comida Latina
If you work up an appetite shopping at Trader Joe’s across the street, head to Mixto where they use free range and grass fed meats in their popular tacos, burritos and tortas. Everything on their menu is under $8.
17. Hache LA
For a delicious burger, craft beers and fun outdoor seating, head to Hache LA. Choose from a variety of composed burgers like the “Roaring Forties” topped with blue cheese, caramelized onions, portobello mushroom and horseradish, all of which are under $7.
Honorable Mentions:
- Baguette Sandwiches at Dinosaur Coffee for $10
- Cheese Store of Silver Lake sandwiches
- Broome Street General Store
- Samosa House Silverlake
- Pho Cafe on Sunset Blvd (bun noodle bowl is $7)
- Café Tropical
- Modern Eats
- El Cochinito Restaurant
- Silver Lake Bahn Mi
Where is your favorite spot to eat in Silver Lake that won’t break the bank? Let us know in the comments below!
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