Balling on a Budget: Best $5 Cheap Eats in and Around USC

by Kathryn Aurelio ‘25

The beginning of semester means explaining your major a bajillion times, regretting scheduling morning and night lectures, and, of course, finding time to sneak in a quick bites of your protein bar between deadlines and events. If you find yourself skipping meals, living off of vending machine trail mix, or rationing your overpriced L.A. takeout, here’s a guide to the best cheap eats in and around USC.

Quesibirria Norte ($4.50) - City Tacos

This hidden menu item from City Tacos in the Village is my absolute favorite find of my junior year. The juicy pulled pork melted with two cheesy tortillas sprinkled with onions and cilantro is absolutely heavenly. I recommend ordering in-person as their lines aren’t too hefty and the restaurant has a vibrant ambience. If you plan ahead, they have online ordering for pickups 30+ minutes out!

To-Go Sandwiches, Wraps, & Salads ($4-6) - Trader Joe’s

If you ever find yourself braving the lines wrapped around Trader Joe’s snack-filled aisles, pick up the perfect lunch on the right-hand side when entering TJ’s. Here you can find an assortment of sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Personally, I love their turkey apple cheddar sandwich (on the sweeter side), chicken wrap with pesto vinaigrette (zesty and light), and their “Crunchy Slaw” chicken salad with peanut dressing (a sweet and roasted feel).

Cravings Box ($5) - Taco Bell

Across the street from the west side of campus, you can find the beloved Taco Bell with an expansive value menu. The standout for me is their Cravings Box which includes beef Chalupa Supreme, burrito, a crunchy/soft taco, and a fountain drink (Baja Blast or bust…).

Entree or Side A La Carte Order ($4.90-5.20) - Panda Express

At the heart of campus (aka TCC aka The Tutor Center) you can find AC and a hub of USC eats where good ‘ol reliable Panda Express offers great food for good value. They offer plates and bowls, but a more budget friendly option to get you through your three-hour lecture is trying an entrée or side by itself. Personally, I love their honey sesame chicken, orange chicken, chow mein, and mixed veggies! Between classes, you can find me scooping my mini red box of honey sesame chicken with bits of my fortune cookie.

Bacon Egg & Cheese English Muffin ($5.50) - Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at SCA

Hidden in the School of Cinematic Arts (SCA), you can find a breakfast solution with Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s multiple hearty options. My favorite–that’s cost effective and tasty–is their crispy bacon, warm egg, and melted cheese bundled in a toasted English muffin. If you have a little more room in your budget, spring for an iced cookie butter latte or chai!

Honorary Mention: NextPlate

Founded by a USC alum, NextPlate takes surplus food from food retailers to people facing food insecurity. Some may be leftovers from the night before, but most of the time, the food is fresh! Just be aware that certain foods sell out and the pickup window and participating food vendors vary day by day.

Here are some great orders I’ve tried through them:

Large Pepperoni Pizza ($5.99) - Piara Pizza
Half Dozen Donuts (~$6.99) - Dulce
Fruit Smoothie ($3.99) - Movita Juice Bar
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