Five for $5: The Top Five Things to do under $5 in Los Angeles
Posted by Josie Campbell in Free Livin'
You, my friend, are broke.
It’s not your fault; that assistant salary isn’t exactly launching you into the ranks of the Fortune 500 earners. You are broke, and you are bored, and you are convinced it is impossible to go out tonight and still have enough bank to make tomorrow’s rent.
This is where you are wrong.
If you have five dollars, you have a whole city at your command—when it comes to cheap hangouts, LA is king. It’s time to cruise the town properly, starting with:
ONE: The UCB Theatre
The Upright Citizen’s Brigade is L.A.’s hottest (and cheapest) place for comedy. Since establishing itself in LA five years ago UCB has exploded, offering amazing (and star-studded) improv and sketch comedy shows for $5. Check out their website for a complete schedule and to make reservations. A word to the wise: the theatre fills up quickly, so make sure to reserve tickets ahead of time—you aren’t the only one who wants to see Ed Helms perform a musical improv puppet show for five bucks.
Where: 5919 Franklin Ave, Hollywood, CA 90028
When: Every day—check the website for upcoming shows.
More info: http://losangeles.ucbtheatre.com/
How much: From $1 to $5—late weeknight and Sunday Asssscat shows are free.
Our tip: Make reservations and get to the theatre at least 20 minutes early—UCB sells out and the seating is first-come first-serve.
TWO: Barragan’s Echo Park
If you have $2.50 then you have an awesome night ahead of you at the Echo Park Barragan’s.
That’s right. Barragan’s.
Normally a family restaurant, on Wednesday the establishment turns into a nightclub, with DJs spinning on both floors and the bar serving incrediblyalcoholic margaritas for $2.50 a glass. Whether you are dancing downstairs or mingling upstairs, you are sure to have a surprisingly good time.
Where: 1538 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles Ca 90026
When: Every Wednesday, 7 PM – 2 AM
More info: http://www.barragansrestaurants.com/news/1/Margarita-Wednesdays.html
How much: $2.50 for Margaritas
Our Tip: Go with friends who are up for an adventure—this is definitely not your standard bar / club / restaurant night.
THREE: Scoops
Ever wonder what Lavender Coconut ice cream tastes like? How about Nutmeg & Amaretto? You’re in luck, because L.A. is home to Scoops, the delightfully eccentric ice cream shop. With their specialty flavors, Scoops attracts a wide variety of customers—and boasts the distinction of having vegan ice cream which is actually (gasp!) just as good as the regular. Go treat yourself to a generous helping—and then go back for seconds for under $5.
Where: 712 North Heliotrope Drive, Los Angeles CA 90029
When: Monday – Saturday, 12 PM – 10 PM.
More info: No website—call them at (323) 906-2649
How much: Prices range from $2.00 to just 25 cents over $5.
Our tip: The Vegan Chocolate is delicious—and no one looks at you weird if you pair it with a scoop of non-vegan chocolate.
FOUR: The Echo Curio
If alternative music is your thing, then you HAVE to visit The Echo Curio.
And I don’t mean “I listen to KROQ and Coldplay” alternative. I mean music so weird it will numb your brain—Noise, spoken-word poetry recited over speaker feedback loops, Balkan belly dancing, etc.
Once there, check out the local artwork for sale, or take a picture in front of the beach mural on the wall, or read a book from their lending shelves—the inside alone is worth the trip. And if you don’t feel like spending money, hang outside and listen for free; with giant windows and open doors you’ll be able to see and hear just as well. Plus you’ll get to do some serious Hipster watching—just don’t be shocked if you suddenly find yourself sporting skinny-jeans and glasses with the lenses popped out.
Where: 1519 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90026
When: See the website for upcoming shows and events.
More info: http://www.echocurio.com/
How much: Varies depending on the event, but rarely over $5.
Our tip: Half the fun is mingling with the crowd outside…though if you hate contemporary counter-culture, this is NOT the place for you.
FIVE: Jet Rag $1 Sunday Sale
So you spent a night hanging out with Hipsters at the Curio and realized its time to retire your bellbottoms (the 60’s, 70’s, and 90’s are over). Wait until the weekend and stroll down to Jet Rag to peruse their Sunday morning sale. With tables and tables of vintage clothes, you are sure to find something amazing at this thrift-store sale—and all for $1.
Where: 825 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
When: Every Sunday, 9AM to 5PM
More info: http://www.yelp.com/biz/jet-rag-los-angeles
How much: $1 (items inside the store are not discounted).
Our tip: Get there early and bring CASH—cards not accepted.
If you have a space or local event you want to promote that is under five bucks, let us know at: josiec86@gmail.com

Where is DIDDY RIESE? Best ice cream sandwiches in California, and they're only $2 each!
best part about barragans and echo curio is that they are across the street from each other..
also check out SYNCHRONICITY SPACE.. it is just down the street from SCOOPS!!!
The Curio rules. And notwithstanding the comments above about "hipsters," the folks there are super welcoming, and friendly. No snotty attitudes, no elitism — no kidding! It's a one-of-a-kind place that runs on love, dedication and a shoestring, and the guys that make it happen are genuinely dedicated to supporting all sorts of crazed inventiveness for the sake of art, fun, and making new friends. Check it out, I'm not exaggerating.
agree with Mr. Berg- Diddy Riese all the way!
Check out Sharkeez in Manhattan Beach – $4 breakfast special every saturday and sunday morning until 11:30! Big-ass pancake/french toast breakfast PLUS complimentary all-you-can-drink mimosas for an hour. Only place you'll find breakfast and a buzz for less than five dollars.
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