Your Guide to Bargain Eating in California!

Visiting California can be expensive. Between gas prices and the cost of living in general, it can be difficult to stay on a budget. However, when it comes to eating like a champ there’s no need to break your wallet! We’ve hooked you up below with our top ten picks for value eats in the Golden State.

10. Mariscos Jalisco, Los Angeles

Never underestimate the power of a food truck. Especially this one. The owner, Raul Ortega, has been operating for over a decade and for good reason. Get a load of his amazing seafood tacos for around $2 a pop!

9. Kin Khao, San Francisco

Authentic Thai food at its finest. Go for lunch and keep it on the cheap. Kin Khao is located right in Union Square; if you’ve some sightseeing planned, you’re in the heart of the city! Oh, did we mention there’s also a full bar? Livin’ the dream!

8. Salt & Cleaver, San Diego

The guys at Salt & Cleaver are renowned for their insanely delicious sausages. However, here’s our three-word recommendation: mac and cheese. $7 buys you a ticket to cheese heaven; you’ll be dreaming about it for days!

7. The Squeeze Inn, Sacramento

While restaurateurs everywhere in the world claim they have the best cheeseburgers in the world, The Squeeze Inn chain is hard to beat. Scattered across Sacramento, locals and out-of-towners alike go crazy for these distinctive-looking delights that really put the ‘cheese’ in cheeseburger.

6. A&J Restaurant, Irvine

Craving some legit Chinese food on a $10 budget? Look no further – A&J to the rescue! Try their hearty spicy beef soup or mouth-watering wonton noodle soup.

5. Pizzeria Mozza, Los Angeles

You can score an incredible delicious pizza and a dessert and a glass of wine for $20. Nope, you’re not dreaming. If you get hooked on Mozza’s menu, they also have convenient locations outside of L.A. – ensuring your pizza needs are well-met in locales like Newport Beach (and Singapore!).

4. Kabuto Sushi, San Francisco

Surrounded by the Pacific, San Franciscans are spoiled for choice when it comes to great sushi. Kabuto is a prime example of great quality and modest price. They boast over 90 sushi choices on their menu and their presentation is remarkable!

3. Lolita’s, San Diego

There’s no shortage of Mexican food in San Diego, that’s for sure. However, if you’re looking for quality, affordable and legit Mexican food in an actual restaurant, then Lolita’s is where you need to head. For just $7.50 you can share an order of their insane carne asada fries.

2. Ruffhaus Hot Dog Co., Sacramento

On the outskirts of Sacramento, you might just find the best hot dog you’ll ever eat in your life. They keep winning the vote as the best in the area and for good reason. From traditional dogs to exotic delights featuring smoky bacon and blackberry jam, there’s something to suit every taste – you can’t go wrong.

1. In-N-Out Burger, statewide

Ahh yes, the old standby. No one can deny the mouth-watering simplicity that is In-N-Out. Their burgers are cheap, freaking delicious and they have a secret menu to satisfy whatever craving you might be having. When traveling the Golden State, it’s a no-brainer.