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Affordable eats in Santa Monica

Eating well should not require a massive bill. A satisfying meal that respects a budget is the priority.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Spacious Mexican restaurant with stunning design and beautiful decor creates a cozy yet lively atmosphere. Music plays softly while a large screen TV shows NBA games behind the bar. The place welcomes families and groups, featuring large tables for celebrations.

Food comes out fresh and flavorful, packed with authentic Mexican taste. Service is attentive, making the dining experience smooth and enjoyable.

Prices stay unbelievably affordable while the restaurant maintains a luxurious feel. Parking nearby is also affordable and convenient.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and outstanding."

"I found the food to be delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers margarita and taco specials.

2

Santa Monica charges a 10.75% city tax on all bills.

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The menu features a variety of innovative burritos and tacos.

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Space combines Japanese decor with floral ceilings and a cherry blossom tree at the entrance, creating a cozy, charming atmosphere. Lighting enhances the setting, making it feel warm and romantic, especially on the outdoor terrace. The bar area offers an authentic izakaya vibe with a laid-back, friendly crowd.

Food here is fresh, delicious, and filling. Open until midnight, it suits late-night cravings well.

Ramen comes at a really affordable price and tastes better than some pricier spots. Drinks offer a vast selection and stay unbelievably affordable.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was excellent and a 10 out of 10."

"I found the sushi and ramen to be affordable and delicious."

Good to know

1

The bar is open until midnight for late-night drinks.

2

There is a public parking lot nearby with 90 minutes of free parking.

3

The restaurant is open until 12 midnight, making it ideal for late-night snacks.

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Large, bright, and clean grocery store with a spacious layout and ample parking. Atmosphere stays relaxed and pleasant even when busy, featuring local references that add a unique touch. Offers a wide variety of fresh produce and specialty product lines with affordable prices.

Wide variety of international cuisines and fresh ingredients fill the shelves. Snacks, prepared meals, and frozen foods come well packaged and taste delicious, all at affordable prices.

Unique products often come at affordable prices here. Fresh food and good ingredients are available without high cost, including affordable eggs.

People are saying

"The food here is great, and the crew is super friendly."

"I found their unique products to be incredibly affordable for the quality."

Good to know

1

Parking is free and easy to access, but can fill up quickly during peak hours.

2

Expect limited availability of fruits and vegetables after 7 pm.

3

The store layout can be confusing, especially with a large liquor section.

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Small Mexican restaurant with spartan interiors and paper plate service offers a super casual and family-friendly vibe. Background music features Mexican tunes while TVs show local sports and events. The atmosphere feels welcoming but leans toward quick dining rather than lingering.

Authentic Mexican food stands out with exceptional flavor and hot, fast service. Spanish phrases on the walls add to the genuine atmosphere.

Prices stay consistently very affordable across visits. The cost offers clear value without stretching budgets.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and authentic."

"I found the prices to be very affordable."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a 1 plus 1 deal on tacos.

2

Specials are available Monday through Friday with $2 off select items.

3

Street parking is available, but can be hard to find.

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Tiny diner from the 1950s offers an authentic old-fashioned atmosphere with classic decor and neon sign. Calm vibe features quiet chatter and classic tunes with employees singing along. Outdoor seating includes a gazebo-covered patio and bar seats for solo diners.

Food offers delicious flavors at a great price with outdoor seating enhancing the experience.

Food stays inexpensive and comes out fast. Breakfasts are hearty and prices stay very affordable.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and fresh."

"I found the food to be delicious and super affordable."

Good to know

1

They now accept card and Google Pay for payments.

2

On Sunday at 10:30 am, the wait for two was not bad.

3

The pricing is very reasonable with good serving sizes.

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Small sushi bar with U-shaped counter seating creates a casual, lively atmosphere where diners sit side by side facing chefs. The space feels intimate but tight, with limited room and fixed stools. Energy stays upbeat with dim lighting and background music enhancing the informal vibe.

Food features fresh ingredients with a simple, clean presentation focusing on seaweed, fish, and rice. The rolls avoid extra sauces or fancy additions, delivering straightforward, tasteful flavors.

Offers affordable prices on high-quality sushi with a set menu that balances cost and taste. Service is quick and easy, making it a budget-friendly choice for fresh rolls.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh, you can really taste the quality."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges a flat 16% fee and does not accept tips.

2

Expect a wait time of around 30 minutes during peak hours.

3

The seating area is small, which can be uncomfortable during busy hours.

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Mexican street taco spot with a no-frills atmosphere and loud bachata music creates a lively vibe. Seating consists mostly of counter-height stools along plain walls, keeping the space casual and simple. A self-serve salsa bar adds variety and interaction to the experience.

Food features amazing flavor and fresh ingredients with authentic Mexican cuisine. Dishes come out delicious and exquisite consistently.

Tacos come out speedy and inexpensive with solid flavor. Meals rank as some of the most affordable near the water without resorting to fast food chains.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"I found it affordable and satisfying for the area."

Good to know

1

The pork taco is priced at $3.75 each.

2

There are no pick-up orders available.

3

The restaurant is located next to the Santa Monica Pier.

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Huge, spacious building with large common areas including a patio, kitchen, and lounge. Atmosphere is generally quiet and safe, with silent hours at night and a clean, cozy feel. Guests find plenty of relaxation spots and enjoy amenities like a pool table, fireplace, and well-equipped kitchen.

Hearty breakfast comes included with the stay. A friendly kitchen staff adds a welcoming touch. The dining area feels delightful and casual.

Rooms and services come at an inexpensive price while maintaining clean and safe conditions. Breakfast is included without extra cost, making it easy to stay on budget.

People are saying

"The free breakfast food options were good, with bagels and cheese."

"It's surprisingly affordable and the rooms are really clean."

Good to know

1

The hostel organizes daily activities like movie nights with free pizza and donuts.

2

Free yoga classes and comedy shows are available for all guests.

3

The location is ideal, just minutes from the Santa Monica Pier.

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Miniature golf course features unique themed holes spread over several floors with a great bar and live magician entertainment. Atmosphere is loud and crowded, with karaoke music playing openly and tight spaces causing frequent bumping. The vibe suits energetic nights out rather than quiet, relaxed play.

Corn bites and corn ribs stand out as spectacular dishes. Pizza and a pesto dish also feature, with staff like Elvis and Marissa providing attentive service to ensure food and drinks arrive smoothly.

Mini golf courses and drinks come at a relatively affordable price. The overall cost fits well for a casual date night.

People are saying

"The food here was awesome and delicious."

"The mini golf courses are unique and well thought out."

Good to know

1

Events can cost over $1000 for limited time slots, so plan accordingly.

2

No kids are allowed after 8pm, so check age restrictions before visiting.

3

The venue lacks air conditioning, making it very hot during summer visits.

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Santa Monica, California

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