inexpensive meals in Los Angeles

L.A. Nitelife with James Bartholet’s Tips on where to go for an inexpensive meal in Los Angeles Here’s some suggested cool places to try out for an inexpensive, but not totally unappealing meal. Remember, you don’t have to always spend a fortune to have a delicious meal! Most, if not all of these places are restaurants where you can feed a couple, right out the door, for just under $20.00! Just email me, if you have suggestions to add to this list. You can email me at; lanitelifejames@aol.com Bon Appetite, and remember to carry those antacids with you! •Chili My Soul 4928 Balboa Blvd. Encino, CA 91316 818-386-996 Not one, but 28 kinds of the Valley's best chili are served in this primarily take-out spot. Chef- owner Randy Hoffman codes them from one to ten, with ten being reserved for " The Demon," which is the hottest. Hoffman makes all his chili in a 30-hour process and buyers can get a free taste of the ten or so prepared daily before ordering. I liked the Irish Whiskey, made with ground beef, potatoes, baby pinto beans and a heady splash of Bushmill's. Also check out the classic Texas Pride, tomato-heavy spicy garden vegetarian, and Santa Cruz Red made with lean chunked sirloin and no tomatoes. You can have your chili on messy but delicious homemade flour tortilla nachos or on a soft bun with a kosher knockwurst from Chicago. Inexpensive to moderate prices, two can eat for under $20.00. • Diddy Riese 926 Broxton Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90024 310-208-0444 Westwood Their 25-cent cookies and one-dollar ice cream sandwiches have gotten generations of UCLA students through finals. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00AM-Midnight, Sat-Sun 12:00AM-1:00AM • Tito's Tacos 11222 Washington Pl. Culver City, CA 90230 323-391-5780 Culver City A real popular spot for industry and regular folks. It's worth braving traffic, paying crazy gas prices and standing in line to sink your teeth into a spicy beef taco. Daily 9am-11:30pm • The Original Pantry Café 877 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90017 213-972-9279 Downtown One of the best original restaurants in town, heck, they STILL have some of the original waiter staff working here. The Original Pantry Cafe is an LA Nitelife and James Bartholet 4 star pick as one of LA'S truly best, and The Original Pantry Cafe is also a historical monument, it is the oldest and longest running restaurants in town, and isusually open 24 hours a week. I've dropped in the many a nite with some lovely ladies, and friends after niteclubbing downtown, and always got treated real well. You'll also get treated well. A greasy spoon for those who like good bacon, pan-fried potatoes, steaks, huge steaks, and thick sliced bread. OPEN 24HRS *WEBSITE* • Versailles 17410 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA 91316 818-906-0756 Also check out their Los Angeles restaurant on Le Cienega Boulevard, just south of Pico Boulevard, and in Culver City. Delicious Cuban food, at ridiculously reasonable prices. Heavenly roasted garlic chicken, yummy fried plantains and other Cuban delights. Mon - Sun 11am to 10pm; Fri - Sat 11am to 11pm • C & O Trattoria 31 Washington Blvd. Marina del Rey, CA 90292 310-823-9491Marina Del Rey Delicious Italian food, like an order of spagetti,big enough for two, for just $10.00. Try the garlic rolls, buno gusto! Great beach location and awesome portions at small prices. *WEBSITE* • Roscoe's House of Chicken 'n' Waffles 5006 W. Pico Blvd. Mid-City, CA 90019 323-934-4405Mid-City Also check out their location on Gower, just north of Sunset. It’s a real huge favorite for celebrities, and media industry who work in the surrounding studios and offices. When I was at Sunset Gower studios, I usually came in atleast once a week. Practically every famous R & B, Hip Hop, and Rap artists have visited Roscoe’s. Hungry diners never waffle when they order the crispy fried chicken. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8am - 11pm Friday & Saturday 8am - 12 midnight *WEBSITE* •Soup Plantation 8491 W. Third St. Beverly Connection Mall Los Angeles, CA 90048 323-655-0381 There’s several other locations in the Los Angeles County area, but this one is my favorite, I've even seen the infamous “Ron Popeil,” the inventor of all those gadgets, and the father of infomercials dining in here several times. Load your plate at this all-you-can-eat soup and salad smorgasbord, you can have a full meal here for the whole family, including ‘ol Aunt Sue, and not have to mortgage the house. • Old Spaghetti Factory 3191 Mission Inn Blvd. Riverside, CA 92507 909-784-4417 Also check out their location on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, just east of Gower. Again, this Hollywood location is a favorite of mostly tourists, but also media and industry alike. A whole lot of good Italian eatin’ at carbo-friendly prices.

• Pink's Famous Chili Dogs 709 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90038 (323) 931-4223 Melrose Avenue District Pink's has been slinging it’s beef hot dogs into fresh buns for the thousands of hungry folks who stroll up to its takeout windows for about 60 years now. You’ll probably spie your favorite megastars eating here, they still drop by in their limousines whenever a craving hits them. Because of its affectionate place in the hearts and palates of the famous and wannabes famous, this little hotdog stand is a real gold mine. I think your first bite into one of their greasy, messy, but mouth wateringly delicious franks, especially when covered with the famous homemade chili, will make you feel like a well-fed star, as well. Just dress your wiener as you please, and you’re guaranteed to relish every bite. • Ye Olde King's Head 116 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401 310-451-1402 A neighborhood watering hole just around the corner from the Third Street Promenade, Ye Old King's Head offers the ambiance of an English pub with a sexy beach-crowd clientele. Mixing dark ales and sandy sneakers is no easy task, but this Santa Monica hangout manages just fine, whether coming from shopping, work or simply a day on the water. The food is English fare -- steak, ribs, lamb -- but vegetarian dishes are also available. On Sundays the King's Head offers a "British Roast" that features beef and lamb. The pub offers a friendly atmosphere and original charm beyond that of just any another bar. Featuring various nights of karaoke and televised sports events, mostly soccer matches. The bar is a gathering spot for locals in search of a place to meet other than some Starbuck clone coffee shop. • Mulberry Street Pizzeria 240 S. Beverly Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90212 310-247-8100 Also check out their locations on Canon drive in Beverly Hills, and in the San Fernando Valley. Just around the corner from the William Morris Agency, you'll find Cathy Morrirarty's pizzeria, the cheapest place to "do lunch" in Beverly Hills. Try the New York-style pizza, topped with everything from pepperoni and cheese to chicken Parmesan. The best bet, and my favorites are Eggplant, and Spinach and Goat Cheese. Ever wonder what makes these slices awesome? The secret to these succulent pies is the sauce, and I dare you to stop at just one slice. Can't get away from home or work? Not a problem because if you want to order a delivery, Mulberry Pizza, includes a salad with the free delivery. This is a favorite spot for celebrities to hang out at, especially the Canon Drive location, many afternoon was spent here chillin' and discussing the world at general with many of my celebrity friends and acquaintances. It's a real L.A. experience here, and great delicious food.

So what to know what waiters or waitresses talk about after a long shift? Here at L.A. Nitelife we always recommend: Tip big and Tip often!!!!

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