Los Angeles is full of two things: incredible food and high rent. But believe it or not, some of the city’s most iconic bites don’t require dipping into your savings or selling a kidney. Whether you're broke, budget-conscious, or just enjoy bragging about “underrated spots” to your friends, we’ve rounded up 10 absolute bangers under $10 you can find across LA.

Let’s eat like royalty on a peasant’s dime.

 

1. Mariscos Jalisco – Deep-Fried Shrimp Taco

  • Location: Boyle Heights

  • Dish: Deep-Fried Shrimp Taco

  • Price: $4.00

  • Why It’s a Steal: It’s a perfectly crispy, golden taco stuffed with plump shrimp and topped with creamy avocado salsa. It’s the taco you didn’t know your life was missing.

  • What People Say: “The GOAT of LA taco trucks. Period.” “I dream about this taco.”

  • Pro Tip: Grab two and pair with a lime Jarritos. Eat it hood-up in the parking lot for the full experience.

  • Where to Find It: Mariscos Jalisco on Google Maps

2. Howlin’ Ray’s – Sando Jr.

  • Location: Chinatown

  • Dish: Sando Jr. (Mini Hot Chicken Sandwich)

  • Price: $7.99

  • Why It’s a Steal: Spicy, juicy, crispy chicken with pickles and slaw all smashed between fluffy buns. Small in size, but big on “HELLO, YES THIS IS DELICIOUS.”

  • What People Say: “This sandwich slaps harder than a hot yoga instructor.”

  • Pro Tip: Go during non-peak hours or prepare for a line that wraps around the block like a hot chicken pilgrimage.

  • Where to Find It: Howlin’ Ray’s on Google Maps

3. Guisados – Chorizo Taco

  • Location: Echo Park, Boyle Heights, and more

  • Dish: Chorizo Taco on Handmade Tortilla

  • Price: $3.50

  • Why It’s a Steal: Smoky, spicy chorizo on thick, fresh-made tortillas. You’re not just eating a taco, you’re embracing a higher power.

  • What People Say: “The kind of taco that makes you rethink all other tacos.”

  • Pro Tip: Mix and match with other taco options — their sampler plate is low-key genius.

  • Where to Find It: Guisados Echo Park on Google Maps

4. Tacos 1986 – Adobada Taco

  • Location: Downtown LA, Westwood, and more

  • Dish: Adobada Taco with Pineapple

  • Price: $3.75

  • Why It’s a Steal: Juicy marinated pork carved off the spit and finished with pineapple. It’s a literal party in your mouth.

  • What People Say: “The best pastor taco north of the border.”

  • Pro Tip: Don’t skip the salsa roja — it punches hard, but fair.

  • Where to Find It: Tacos 1986 DTLA on Google Maps

5. The Bun Truck – Duck Fat Fries

  • Location: West LA / rotating food truck

  • Dish: Duck Fat Fries

  • Price: $5.00

  • Why It’s a Steal: Fries fried in duck fat taste 400% better than regular fries. Science.

  • What People Say: “Crispy. Garlicky. Addictive.” “Best fries in LA, fight me.”

  • Pro Tip: Follow them on Instagram to track the truck’s current location.

  • Where to Find It: The Bun Truck on Google Maps

6. Leo’s Tacos – Al Pastor Taco

  • Location: Mid-City

  • Dish: Al Pastor Taco

  • Price: $2.50

  • Why It’s a Steal: Juicy spit-roasted pork, a swipe of salsa, and a kiss of pineapple. Cheap. Fast. Perfect.

  • What People Say: “Leo’s at 1am is a religious experience.”

  • Pro Tip: Cash only. Bring a friend and split a dozen.

  • Where to Find It: Leo’s Tacos Truck on Google Maps

7. El Chato Taco Truck – Carne Asada Taco

  • Location: Pico-Robertson

  • Dish: Carne Asada Taco

  • Price: $2.75

  • Why It’s a Steal: Grilled beef, a sizzling flat-top, and smoky salsa combine for pure magic.

  • What People Say: “Best late-night taco truck hands down.”

  • Pro Tip: Their salsa bar is tiny but mighty — go for the verde.

  • Where to Find It: El Chato Taco Truck on Google Maps

8. Langer’s Deli – Half #19 Pastrami Sandwich

  • Location: Westlake

  • Dish: Half Pastrami Sandwich (#19)

  • Price: $9.95

  • Why It’s a Steal: Smoky pastrami stacked high, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and coleslaw on rye. It’s legendary.

  • What People Say: “Half sandwich, full satisfaction.”

  • Pro Tip: Grab it to-go and eat across the street at MacArthur Park for a scenic sandwich moment.

  • Where to Find It: Langer’s Deli on Google Maps

9. Banh Mi My Tho – Cold Cut Banh Mi

  • Location: Alhambra

  • Dish: Combo Cold Cut Banh Mi

  • Price: $5.00

  • Why It’s a Steal: Perfect baguette, layers of Vietnamese meats, pickled veg, and a smack of mayo magic.

  • What People Say: “The best five bucks you’ll ever spend.”

  • Pro Tip: Bring cash. Order two. One never makes it home.

  • Where to Find It: Banh Mi My Tho on Google Maps

10. Mama Lu’s Dumpling House – Pork Dumplings (10 pcs)

  • Location: Monterey Park

  • Dish: Steamed Pork Dumplings (10pcs)

  • Price: $7.99

  • Why It’s a Steal: Juicy, brothy soup dumplings that warm your soul and scald your tongue (in a loving way).

  • What People Say: “Like getting a hug from a dumpling.”

  • Pro Tip: Come with a crew and order family style — they won’t judge you, they’ll respect you.

  • Where to Find It: Mama Lu’s on Google Maps

Final Bite

LA might be expensive, but your meals don’t have to be. With under $10 and a sense of culinary adventure, you can eat like a legend — no black card required. From legendary trucks to hole-in-the-wall heroes, these spots prove flavor doesn't come with a high price tag.

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