Los Angeles' Best Budget Date Spot 2008

Sex, tacos and rock and roll bring an edgy, celeb-heavy cantina vibe to the new power center of Century City.

Reviews:

• “Happy Hour = Crappy Service”
• “simply great”
• “Tacissimo”
• “My new favorite place for drinks”
• “Patio is the perfect place for an outdoor party and the food is delicious too!”

Tips: Take advantage of the daily happy hour from 3pm to 7pm, with select drinks priced at two-for-one.

Pink Taco

Devoted Eagle Rock diners swear by the pizza at this neighborhood institution.

Reviews:

• “If you live in Eagle Rock,”
• “Great food, always a long waite!”
• “greasy pizza”
• “extreemly rude and defencive staff, wont go back and be treated so bad, get a clue people!”
• “I seriously cannot believe people thing this is the best”

Tips: A selection of wine is available, but the best value is reserved for those who bring their own: The corkage fee is just $2.50.

Casa Bianca Pizza Pie

See what a tycoon’s billions can buy at this exquisitely modern temple of fine art.

Reviews:

• “Stunning Views, Exciting Exhibits, Amazing Architecture”
• “Stunning architecture, intriguing exhibits, and its free!?”
• “Architecturally stunning!”
• “Fabulous Architecture, Beautiful View, Interesting Art”
• “Wonderful Attraction For Dates, Friends or With Family”

Tips: Parking reservations are no longer required on weekends and weekday evenings. All other times, be sure to call ahead for a spot: (310) 440-7300, then push 4. Be sure to bring $8 cash for parking.

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Heartland decor and traditional American fast food—it’s all about the burgers and the apple pie.

Reviews:

• “Best service and best burgers!”
• “Apple Pan’s Hickory Burgers are the best! "
• " THE MOOD IS SUPERB"
• “Good but not great”
• “Been going here since before I can remember!”

Tips: Don’t let crowds scare you away. Ordering, devouring and paying for your burger takes less than 10 minutes, so lines move fast.

Apple Pan

Hip and casual dining spot for fresh, affordable Pan-Asian fare.

Reviews:

• “Great neighborhood place, allergy aware”
• “Bad Food at its Worst”
• “Uneven, but plenty of great menu choices in a snazzy location.”
• “Best Pan Asian”
• “Everything was just mediocre”

Tips: Along with a small, but well-priced wine list, there’s a variety of hot and cold sake offerings. For a healthy alternative, try a non-alcoholic Virtual Buddha herbal tonic.

Buddha’s Belly or email Buddha’s Belly

Since 1931, this Spanglish institution has been the source of all things cheesy.

Reviews:

• “Fun & delicious experience”
• “My favorite Mexican resturant for years.”
• “IVE HAD BETTER!!!!!”
• “Ok…”
• “Sublime veggie quesadillas, nice service”

Tips: Lines are long on weekends and they don’t take reservations. Belly up to the bar and wait it out.

El Coyote

Low-priced meals, huge portions and Chianti toasts—now that’s amore.

Reviews:

• “Be careful of the garlic rolls, they are addicting.”
• “It’s all about the Knots”
• “the entertainment and the food is worth the wait!”
• “C & O Trattoria: The most fun restaurant in L.A.!!”
• “More than just the garlic rolls…”

Tips: Reservations are only taken for parties of eight or more. But you can fill up on free garlic rolls while you wait outside.

C & O Trattoria

Hollywood bowling alley transforms an American pastime into a hip, high-tech lounging experience.

Reviews:

• “JUST FUN!”
• “BEWARE OF FRAUD AT CASHIER AND BAR”
• “Tourist trap with style”
• “Horrible for Bowling— Worst Service Imaginable”
• “If You’ve Never Been To Lucky Strike, You Just Don’t Know!!!!”

Tips: Park inside the complex for $2 for up to four hours with validation, or at either of the flat-rate $3 Prestige lots on the east side of Highland.

Lucky Strike Lanes

Soak up cool breezes and stare out at the Pacific while indulging on top-notch seafood.

Reviews:

• “Very beatiful seafood, absolutely fresh!”
• “Wish I had read the reviews before trying this restaurant”
• “Disappointing”
• “Not enough quality to justify the high prices”
• “Been eating here for 15 years!”

Tips: Wines are listed by what dishes to order them with, but if you still need a hand, the friendly sommelier is there to help.

Ocean Ave Seafood or email Ocean Ave Seafood

Fresh, authentic Mexican food boosts the Farmers Market to new gastronomic heights.

Reviews:

• “amazing huevos rancheros”
• “honestly the best”
• “Not the best by a long shot”
• “The absolute BEST authentic Mexican food ever!”
• “The BEST Mexican food in Los Angeles, maybe in the entire USA!!!”

Tips: Loteria doesn’t serve alcohol, but 326 Beer and Wine next door does. Grab a cold one and bring it back to the table.

Loteria Grill