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It may not be free, but there is such a thing as an affordable meal on The Sunset Strip. We’ve scoured the boulevard to find 15 budget-friendly dishes under $15, proving that good taste doesn’t have to break the bank.
Best of Mediterranean
The satisfying half chicken plate at Best of Mediterranean is served with hummus, rice, tabouli and garlic sauce for $7.99. And save 10% on all dine-in, to-go and catering orders with code “SSBA09.” www.bestofmediterranean.com
BLT Steak
Savor a budget-friendly ‘5 at 5′ menu from 5 – 7 p.m. daily. Menu features five food items, a specialty cocktail, draught beer and red/white wine for $5. Selections include steak sliders with caramelized onion jam, miniature crab cakes with Meyer lemon aioli and Kobe hot dogs. www.bltsteak.com
Café Med
Fresh pastas provide the signature touch at Café Med. Relax with patio dining and homemade taglionlini in a fresh pesto sauce for $14.75. www.cafemedsunsetplaza.com
Joe’s Pizza
NY-style pizza classics are the piece de resistance at this family eatery. Pizzas come in one size here: large. So grab a date, or a couple friends, and dig into a fresh cheese pie. Although $18, split two or three ways, it is a steal of a deal. Going solo? Their chicken or eggplant parm hero at $8 will satisfy. www.joespizza.com
Jinky’s
Breakfast and lunch are covered at this local favorite. Enjoy house specialties Sante Fe scramble for breakfast, with turkey-chicken or vegetarian chorizo, diced green onions, tomatoes, cilantro and corn tortilla strips scrambled with eggs and topped with melted cheese, or the chicken artichoke sandwich for lunch, with chicken breast, artichoke sun dried tomato spread and boursin cheese. Both $10.95. www.jinkys.com
Isla Cantina
Isla Cantina’s abundant tequila selection is matched only by its menu offerings. The enchiladas are a delicious choice with Monterrey jack cheese, free range chicken or Santa Maria tri tip rolled in corn tortillas and topped with cotija cheese, sour cream and your choice of a red pasilla chile sauce or green tomatillo sauce. Served with rice and beans ($12/$14). www.islalounge.com
Mel’s Drive-In
Comfort classics reign at Mel’s Drive-In, which is serving an unlimited spaghetti dinner from 4 – 11 p.m. ($8.95) and a “Stimulus Meal Deal” throughout the day. When you order from a variety of breakfast options that are served with pancakes, you can get unlimited pancakes from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. Or, if you order a sandwich or entrée for lunch or dinner that includes soup, you will receive unlimited soup refills from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. www.melsdrive-in.com
Mirabelle
Delicious dishes are plentiful at Mirabelle, a classic on The Strip since 1971. Stop by for lunch and enjoy roasted whitefish with glazed baby vegetables, wild herb salad and port wine reduction ($15). Dinner options include crispy gnocchi with sweet English peas, asparagus tips, oven dried tomatoes, wild mushrooms and pea tendrils ($14). www.mirabelleonsunset.com
Pi On Sunset
The chicken schwarma wrap served with cucumber salad is a favorite among Yelpers, and for $6.99 it won’t hurt your wallet, either. www.pionsunset.com
Poquito Mas
Serving fresh and fast Baja style food, the studio plate is filling and affordable. Charbroiled chicken served with rice, beans, salad, fresh flour tortillas and unlimited trips to the salsa bar for $7.52. www.poquitomas.com
Rainbow Bar & Grill
Part legendary restaurant, part living museum, the Rainbow Bar & Grill provides a one-of-a-kind experience. Home-style classics fill the menu whether you are looking for a cheeseburger with fries or salad ($6.75), or the always popular pizza (small starts at $8.95, medium at $14, and large at $15). A full bar completes your dining experience. www.rainbowbarandgrill.com
Standard 24/7
Offering fresh, contemporary twists on ‘standard’ diner fare anytime of day, try the Baja-inspired Corona beer battered fish tacos ($14) or the flavorful Thai beef salad ($12). www.standardhotels.com/hollywood
Sushiya
A plethora of sushi, sashimi and rolls ranging from $3.95 for Tamago sushi to $18 for Toro sushi awaits you at this Sunset Plaza mainstay. Try house specialty The Bogi — fresh ground sirloin steak mixed with scallions, lemongrass, cilantro, almonds and peanuts and served with edamame and carrots ($13.95). www.sushiyaonsunset.com
Talesai
Lunch at critically-acclaimed Talesai on Sunset features a popular $12 lunch with selections including cashew chicken, curry-spiced shrimp, vegetable curry and five other entrees. All served with a vegetable spring roll and green salad. www.talesai.com
Tony’s Steakhouse
All dishes at Tony’s are under $25, but for these rules, stick with a satisfying classic: spaghetti with meatballs made with veal, proscuitto, pork and beef ($14).
Photo courtesy Bob Friday
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