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Food

50 places to eat for $5 or less in Southern California

By Jenn Harris, Jason La and Michael Robinson

Dining out for $5 or less may seem like a fantasy, but Southern California has much to offer for those on a tight budget. For affordable Vietnamese fare, for example, venture to Garden Grove or Westminster. Or look to food trucks for unique, inexpensive eats. Even some pricier restaurants offer a selection of cheap eats during happy hours.

50 places to eat for $5 or less in Southern California

Food
Jenn Harris

Jenn Harris is a columnist and critic for the Food section of the Los Angeles Times. She was a finalist for the 2025 James Beard Award for criticism, and holds a bachelor’s degree in literary journalism from UC Irvine and a master’s in journalism from USC. Follow her @Jenn_Harris_.

Jason La

Jason La is a former staffer at the Los Angeles Times.

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