Paramount’s dining scene has its share of fast-food joints and white-tablecloth splurges. What’s tougher to find? Places that deliver serious flavor without requiring a second mortgage—spots that feel like they belong in trendier neighborhoods, not tucked away in LA County. This updated list highlights 15 gems that nail that sweet spot, perfect for locals and visitors looking to eat well without breaking the bank.
Sky Burgers
$ | (562) 529-7467 | WEBSITE
Sky Burgers feels a little like someone’s cozy neighborhood spot, with the added benefit of extremely satisfying breakfast food. The classic American breakfast menu here has things like the Sunrise Breakfast Plate, breakfast burritos, and various combos (we especially like the western burger with cheese). Try it for a reliable morning meal when you want something delicious without breaking the bank, or stop by for a great solo breakfast at one of their clean tables.
Gus’s Deli BBQ And Grill
$ | (562) 630-2802 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of spots in Paramount where you can grab a quick bite, but there aren’t many places where you can enjoy great barbecue in a relaxed setting. So it’s good to know about Gus’s Deli BBQ And Grill. It’s a popular spot that’s been around for a long time, and it feels like a neighborhood hangout where everyone knows your name. The atmosphere is clean and welcoming, with friendly staff who make you feel right at home.
And if you get hungry, you can order some amazing sandwiches like the pulled pork or tri-tip, which are tender and flavorful. It’s a great place to watch sports, hang out with friends, or even bring the kids along.
Tacos Giyo #2
$ | (562) 531-8324 | WEBSITE
No matter where you live, you should have a go-to neighborhood spot where you can grab a quick breakfast burrito, satisfy a taco craving, or swing through the drive-thru for some delicious Mexican food. If you’re in Paramount, that spot should be Tacos Giyo #2. This place is relaxed and clean, but it’s nicer than a typical fast-food joint, and there’s a convenient drive-thru that you can use when parking gets tight.
Once you have a couple of their double-tortilla tacos with extra cheese, you’ll probably start thinking you’re somewhere near the heart of Mexico.
Paramount Stinkin Crawfish
$$ | (562) 991-0538 | WEBSITE
Paramount Stinkin Crawfish feels like a sports bar in a way that’s kind of like a double-edged sword. It’s lively and draws a big crowd of sports fans with TVs everywhere, but it can get a little too chilly inside, and you might feel like you’re watching the game in a walk-in refrigerator. That said, it’s a good place to keep in mind for casual seafood in Paramount.
They serve plenty of food like juicy seafood and $1 oysters, the space is decorated like a no-frills sports hangout, and you’ll probably see someone you know from the neighborhood here.
HOLDAAK Fried Chicken
$ | (310) 933-8228 | WEBSITE
Think of HOLDAAK Fried Chicken as an exceptional neighborhood spot that happens to have a few indoor tables, some outdoor seating, and chicken that’s far more satisfying than what you typically find at a casual fast-food joint. If you recently moved to Paramount and are still adjusting to life in the area, stop by for a Seoul Spicy Chicken Sandwich with fries and a drink, and pretend that you’re within walking distance of the best fried chicken in town.
Thai Curry Restaurant, Paramount City
$ | (424) 785-7542 | WEBSITE
Thai Curry Restaurant is the kind of place where you could bring a date you’re trying to impress, or just stop by on a weeknight for some curry at the bar. If you go the former route, the two of you can have several rounds of Thai tea, a few egg rolls, and a whole plate of crying tiger. It’s a casual spot with a modern ambiance, and you could probably eat here in your pajamas, although your date might not be as impressed by that.
If you live near Paramount or work in the area, this should be one of your go-to places in the neighborhood.
Tacos Al Vapor
$ | (562) 531-1099 | WEBSITE
If Tacos Al Vapor were in East LA, it would still draw a crowd most evenings, but it’d be the kind of reliable spot you’d propose after agreeing to a spontaneous meal with your coworker from the office. It’s in Paramount, though, so not only is it a solid go-to choice, it’s also one of the most popular casual eateries in the area.
There’s a compact counter area that’s perfect for quick solo lunches, as well a modest dining space that accommodates small families, and the Mexican menu has options for everyone.
Birrieria Guadalajara
$ | (562) 790-8492 | WEBSITE
Drive through Paramount on a weekend afternoon, and you’ll spot a place with a steady stream of families heading through the door beneath a simple sign. That place is Birrieria Guadalajara – and inside, there’s a comfortable space with traditional Mexican decor, warm lighting, and lots of family photos. More importantly, there’s also some very good birria. It’s worth a trip from the other side of town for the welcoming atmosphere and flavorful food.
La Michoacana Paleteria
$ | (562) 529-8121 | WEBSITE
La Michoacana Paleteria is a casual Mexican spot serving traditional treats in a space that looks like something between a paleteria in Michoacán and a Californian’s imitation of a paleteria in Michoacán. It’s also one of the best spots in Paramount for a sweet craving when you don’t feel like putting on anything fancier than flip-flops.
There’s plenty of counter space and outdoor seating, and La Michoacana is also a good move during the afternoon, when you can share chips preparados and reasonably priced esquites at the tables. The Paleta de Nuez, a milk nut ice cream, is a favorite among customers, and the biónicos and strawberries con crema hit the spot. While the experience is no-frills and there’s a small fee for card transactions, the service and taste are generally praised.
Be prepared for a straightforward, satisfying visit.
Mariscos El Guero
$ | (562) 630-6131 | WEBSITE
On your first date with this person, you went to a trendy taco spot, ate some guacamole, and talked about your favorite beach vacations and the importance of fresh ingredients. For your second (or any early-in-the-game) date, go to Mariscos El Guero. This Paramount seafood spot has a small dining room and a few tables, and the food is all vibrant, shareable, and more exciting than another taco plate.
Come when you have time to wait and savor the anticipation, or for a memorable dinner when you can share ceviches and any of the oceanic dishes that include fish tacos.
Lucky Wok
$ | (562) 529-8977 | WEBSITE
Driving through Paramount after 9pm, it’s easy to mistake one strip mall for another—most places have already rolled down their metal gates. One spot that breaks the pattern is Lucky Wok, which stays busy with families sharing enormous platters of orange chicken, sipping steaming sizzling rice soup, and enjoying complimentary snacks until 10pm on weeknights (and 11pm on weekends).
Jenny’s Donuts
$ | (562) 531-9900 | WEBSITE
This spot feels like a neighborhood baker’s secret project that somehow landed in Paramount, where the exceptional breakfast items don’t quite match the unassuming storefront. Jenny’s Donuts has a fixed location (although it’s tucked into a modest strip mall), but the outstanding breakfast burritos and croissants feel a little bit surprising in a space that looks like the cozy kitchen of a friend’s home.
You’ll find a consistent menu of delicious items, like cinnamon twists and breakfast sandwiches, and a friendly staff including Jenny and Julian who are always happy to make recommendations. If you live in Paramount or nearby and are tired of your usual breakfast rotation, this place is a wonderfully satisfying changeup.
Smoke and Fire Social Eatery
$ | (562) 363-3109 | WEBSITE
This barbecue haven has a spacious dining area, exposed brick accents, and enough room for all your friends (and a few new ones too). It’s kind of like a modern smokehouse, and the menu has everything from slow-cooked brisket and short rib to brisket tacos and Wyatt tenders with fries. In other words, everyone will love this place, and, seeing as it gets pretty lively, you can pretend you’re eating at the best BBQ joint in LA.
Panchi’s Restaurant
$ | (562) 529-2590 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of places to get authentic Mexican food in Paramount, but some of them serve $22 tacos to people who have never turned down a guacamole upgrade. While Panchi’s Restaurant has delicious Mexican dishes (like taco al pastor packed with flavorful meat, and shrimp-filled taco governador), it’s not pretentious at all. It’s a clean, upgraded space with mellow Mexican music playing that’s ideal for a casual family meal.
Whatever else you get, make sure to order the complimentary chips and salsa – it’s one of the best starters in town.
Bionicos Michoacan
$$ | (562) 788-7245 | WEBSITE
Bionicos Michoacan is a juice bar, but it isn’t sterile or bland. It’s just one bright space with a very long counter and some colorful Mexican decor, and even on weekday afternoons it tends to get pretty busy. This place is perfect for a post-lunch refreshment with a couple of coworkers – or for when you need a healthy pick-me-up, and you don’t have the energy to go somewhere complicated.
