cheap dinner in Venice/Santa Monica tonight

[bad nono]

Hi There,

I'm taking someone from Chicago out tonight, right after a work meeting.
Any cheap/reasonable recommendation in the Venice/Santa Monica area?
I don't know my acquaintance tastes but I think something either Mexican or Asian may do the trick. I'd like to avoid SoCal/French fusion-y things if possible.
Thanks in advance for your help and input!

BN

[JWh]

Musha - a fantastic JAPANESE Izakaya. Not sushi per say, but amazing tapas food. Not to expensive and a wonderful atmosphere.

[chowmominLA]

Gilbert's on Pico and 22nd-ish ($10 will get you chips, a margarita and a huge burrito)
Fritto Misto on 6th and either Colorado or Broadway, I always forget (great pasta in the $10-$15 neighborhood) but will be packed on this Friday night
Musha on Wilshire b/w 4th and 5th (izakaya aka Japanese pub food... not cheap but reasonable, about $25-30 pp, and excellent food for the money)

[ipsedixit]

How about La Cabaña in Venice for Mexican?

http://www.lacabanavenice.com/Home.htm

[glutton]

I'd skip La Cabana. Seriously underwhelming food and drinks. It's a sentimental favorite among Venice locals, for some reason. I'm chowish, not sentimental, so I avoid this place like the plague. Even when I was single and saw all the attractive women streaming in there. That's how bad the food and drinks are.

[nosh]

Baby Blues BBQ is pretty near the Santa Monica/Venice border, on the east side of Lincoln just north of the Smart & Final. Funky Venice vibe with informal decor and some tat/pierced servers. North Carolina-style bbq with very good pulled pork, good ribs, brisket that is strung rather than sliced, and many people love the sides. You could eat hearty and get out for $20/per including tip.

[hrhboo]

They have a variety of combo plates which could easily feed 2 (or 3), and include a few kinds of meat and a couple of sides. It's a pretty good deal for lots of food.

I am hopelessly addicted to their mac n' cheese. Good stuff.

[JBC]

How about Oaxacan at El Texate?

Chip & Salsa - Free (?)
Guacamole - $6
Mole Entree - $12.5
Other Entree - $10 (between 8 & 14)

Total - $28.50 before beverages Tax & Tip - Too Much?

http://www.eltexate.com

[bad nono]

sounds good! am waiting for a diverse array of cuisine because she may want something specific.
BTW, thanks for your Michael's rec the last time. It was outstanding: great food, fabulous service, and quiet.

[Obessed]

For Italian food, I'd recommend Fritto Misto. BYOB (no corkage or very minimal)

[allisonteal]

Mao's Kitchen in Venice is a good spot!