Casual dinner near Universal City?

[spkspk]

Sorry, I'm sure this topic has been brought up before, but I can never seem to use the search function advantageously on Chowhound.

I found a couple recs, one for Zach's Italian Cafe and for Caioti, but both are Italian joints, and I would love a couple other non-Italian recs. I'm looking for a place that's casual, not too expensive (less than $20 an entree), and no more than a couple miles from the Universal City Hilton.

Thanks in advance!

[maxzook]

I'm probably the one who rec'd Caioti. About five doors north of Caioti is the Aroma Coffee and Tea Co., which has a large menu of sandwiches and salads and a nice outdoor setting (although the way the weather has been trending it might be a bit cool after dark). There are several restaurants in the area with "Aroma" in the title, so make sure you go to the one linked below.

In Toluca Lake, Mo's is known for burgers, sandwiches and salads. City Wok and the Kung Pao China Bistro offer reliable Americanized Chinese, and the Fox & Hound Pub has good sports bar fare, it's fun although it can be (very) loud when there's a big game.

I have not tried the Bollywood Cafe across from the Fox and Hounds, if you're into Indian food I strongly recommend Salomi on Lankershim although it's a little out of your 2-mile radius. You're within geographical range of "Sushi Alley" with some of the best sushi in L.A., but most of it would probably be over your budget.

There's the Wolfgang Puck Cafe up the hill from you at the Universal City Walk ... It's a semi-Italian menu but it's convenient and in your price range.

-----
Salomi Indian & Bangladesh Restaurant
5225 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Fox and Hounds
11100 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Mo's Restaurant
4301 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505

Aroma Coffee and Tea
4360 Tujunga Ave, Studio City, CA 91604

City Wok
10949 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Kung Pao Bistro
11402 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Wolfgang Puck Cafe
1000 Universal Ste 152, Studios Bl North Hollywood, CA

[lotta_cox]

I am not a fan of Zach's, but also in that neighborhood is a small restaurant called Minibar that I really enjoyed when I went in for dinner sometime back. Firefly is also close, although it may be a little more expensive.

[la tache burger]

pretty sure minibar is gone, sadly, cause it was pretty cool

[maxzook]

Yes, Minibar is no more. And there's several reasons I didn't recommend Zach's, one of which is that the OP didn't want Italian. And Firefly is also out of range budget-wise and geographically (or I would've mentioned the new Jinky's across the street.)

[jackattack]

California Canteen

[maxzook]

Definitely!

[maxzook]

hic

-----
California Canteen
3311 Cahuenga Blvd W, Los Angeles, CA 90068

[spkspk]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

maxzook, between California Canteen and Mo's Restaurant, which would you choose?

[maxzook]

It's very hard for me to say objectively because I haven't been to California Canteen for a number of years whereas I've been to Mo's fairly regularly of late.

Mo's has great hamburgers and a good weekend brunch, but otherwise I think the non-burger part of the menu is somewhat lacking.

California Canteen has a well-rounded menu at extremely reasonable prices (Baked salmon for $13.25!) And it's been around a while and seems to be thriving in in the Cahuenga Pass where there's always been a lot of restaurant turnover.

So I guess I'd give the Canteen an edge, but maybe someone who's been there more recently can report if it's living up to its past rep.