Howdy...Where y'all eatin at downtown? (Los Angeles, Orange: appointed, how much, home) - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

sweethome1 · 02-26-2010, 07:27 PM

There's a million threads on your forum and after reading about all sorts of things downtown....all I really want to know about is where to eat. My wife and I are here temporarily (probably only for another month and some days) and are having a hard time finding GOOD places to eat downtown. We are loving the area, love being able to walk everywhere, love the dirt/grit/edge of downtown, but are absolutely hating not being able to find a good, inexpensive place to eat. A bike messenger told us the other day about The Pantry but we have yet to visit. We gave Phillipes a try (don't want to offend the city of LA, but it was a joke). Nickel Diner...Nope. Found some good food on Olvera Street though...those Mexicans sure know how to do it!

We are tired of feeling ripped off after eating a meal out...being from the South we do most of our cooking at home. An occasional meal out is nice though, so we would love to hear some local suggestions. We are looking for cheap/good---any type of food. I know that is a difficult combination here, but I'm sure somebody, somewhere is doing it.

We have been throwing around the idea of moving here and opening a "southern style" bar/grill downtown because we think we could be rich....

Anyway, downtown is a blast no matter how much criticism it gets and I thank yall for any and all responses....

guineapiggie101 · 02-26-2010, 07:30 PM

Go over to Chinatown, which is next to Downtown. There is good, inexpensive eats over there, if you are into Asian food.

sweethome1 · 02-26-2010, 07:32 PM

Yep, we like Chinatown too....any specific places though?

LosAngelesBeauty · 02-26-2010, 07:39 PM

I would check out Blossom at Main/Winston (near 4th/Main), which is a very inexpensive Vietnamese restaurant with Pho, etc. Also, check out Colori Kitchen at 8th/Olive which is really good. If you're down to eat lunch downtown, you GOTTA check out Uncle John's Chinese/American casual diner. The grilled sole fish with fried rice is SO YUMMY! And only like $6? That's right next to Colori Kitchen at 8th/Olive, but only open for breakfast/lunch.

Charles · 02-26-2010, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweethome1

We are tired of feeling ripped off after eating a meal out...being from the South we do most of our cooking at home.

If you can ventura away from downtown and into some of the outlying neighborhoods, suggest you take advantage of the numerous ethnic restaurants in Southern California - Persian, Armenian, Ethiopian, Lebanese, Vietnamese, Salvadoran, ... restaurants you probably won't see anywhere in Alabama, even Birmingham (definitely not in Huntsville).

Lebanese Kitchen - Google Maps

Jino's Pars Restaurant (get here before 4PM weekdays for lunch special, much cheaper)

WELCOME TO Armenian Palace Restaurant (you must eat Lahmajoon, you must)

Sarita's Pupuseria - Downtown - Los Angeles, CA

LosAngelesBeauty · 02-26-2010, 07:47 PM

I agree with Charles. If you take the Purple Line to Koreatown, take it to Wilshire/Western (end of the line) and walk up Western one block to 6th Street and get all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ at Guirim for $16.99! I love it there! Great service!

nmnita · 02-27-2010, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweethome1

There's a million threads on your forum and after reading about all sorts of things downtown....all I really want to know about is where to eat. My wife and I are here temporarily (probably only for another month and some days) and are having a hard time finding GOOD places to eat downtown. We are loving the area, love being able to walk everywhere, love the dirt/grit/edge of downtown, but are absolutely hating not being able to find a good, inexpensive place to eat. A bike messenger told us the other day about The Pantry but we have yet to visit. We gave Phillipes a try (don't want to offend the city of LA, but it was a joke). Nickel Diner...Nope. Found some good food on Olvera Street though...those Mexicans sure know how to do it!

We are tired of feeling ripped off after eating a meal out...being from the South we do most of our cooking at home. An occasional meal out is nice though, so we would love to hear some local suggestions. We are looking for cheap/good---any type of food. I know that is a difficult combination here, but I'm sure somebody, somewhere is doing it.

We have been throwing around the idea of moving here and opening a "southern style" bar/grill downtown because we think we could be rich....

Anyway, downtown is a blast no matter how much criticism it gets and I thank yall for any and all responses....

Well to eat at the places that are plain, put good food and have earned their reputations over the years, yes, the Pantry comes to mind plus Cliftons cafeteria...I am a little afraid to mention anything to you if you thought Phillipes is a joke as the food channel twice has chosen it as the best french dip sandwhiches in the country for the money..I don't know if you are not accustom to eating French dips or just have a different view then some. Let's face it, food is very subjective. What I might think is great someone else will think should be leveled..

Good luck, as for a bar and grill, sounds like a good idea if you can get and afford a liquor license in Calif..

Nita

sweethome1 · 02-27-2010, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmnita

I am a little afraid to mention anything to you if you thought Phillipes is a joke as the food channel twice has chosen it as the best french dip sandwhiches in the country for the money..
Nita

Sorry...maybe that was a little harsh and I didn't mean for it to be. We just make a mean French Dip sandwich at home in a crock pot out of roast. Just disappointed as it had been made out to be some kind incredible meal.....sorry. Thanks to others who have offered suggestions...

Thumbs up to Oomasa in Little Tokyo where we went last night and thought it was awesome.

drshang · 02-27-2010, 12:29 PM

Colori Kitchen - great Italian...bring a bottle of wine for free. No corkage charge.

Sushi Gen - mid priced sushi...awesome awesome for the price.

Sushi Go 55 - slightly cheaper than gen, slightly lower quality...better service.

Daikokuya - some say the best ramen in the US...$8.50.

Chinatown - not familiar with any specific places since we usually go to San Gabriel/Alahmbra, but plenty of cheap options.

Food trucks are all over downtown too, again, I will consult other recommendations.

BlackShoe · 02-27-2010, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmnita

Well to eat at the places that are plain, put good food and have earned their reputations over the years, yes, the Pantry comes to mind

Another vote for The Pantry. Was a regular customer for 20 years before moving to Orange County, and recommend it highly. They have a good website with a pdf menu that lists prices and daily specials.