Cheap Food in the Bu’
Written by Pepperdine Senior: Kurt Goldie, a Spanish and International Studies Management Major. Click to see Kurt’s Linkedin.
Paradise Cove, Dukes, The Sunset Restaurant, Nobu, Geoffrey’s, Malibu Cafe, Malibu Seafood, and others are a significant part of the full Malibu experience. You get some sustenance after a long day at the beach! While they are quite delicious and iconic, the prices are far too expensive for a typical college budget. What if I told you that you could still ball on a budget? Compiled below are a few tips and tricks on how to get the full Malibu experience without paying top dollar.
Duke’s taco Tuesday has 3 - 4$ tacos along with special deals on drinks every Tuesday from 4-6 pm. There is free parallel parking on PCH.
This might be the only reasonably priced Malibu staple restaurant. They are known for their breakfast burritos and hot sauce. I would recommend calling ahead to place your order as they are consistently very busy.
Basically on the beach, the Sunset Restaurant is the best place to watch the sunset while eating. While their prices are generally expensive, they offer great deals on appetizers and drinks during their happy hour. Some are as cheap as 5$!
Located very close to Pepperdine and the Calamigos Beach Club, Malibu Seafood is an icon. They have the best casual seafood in town, though they are still expensive. The pro-tip here is to show your Pepperdine ID as they have a discount. It’s always a good idea to ask at the local restaurants as some of them do, but don’t advertise it.
While it’s groceries are a bit pricey, it’s hotbar and smoothie bar are not. The hotbar has quite a variety of different foods to mix and match. They also have delicious smoothies that are quite a bit cheaper than Sunlife, scrumptious sandwiches, and the cheapest & closest Pizza to Pepperdine. Download the Wholefoods app that is connected to your Amazon account to get special deals!
I would argue that Vintage Grocers is the biggest hidden gem in Malibu. Not only is it a grocery store, but it has a large selection of pre-made hot meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each meal I’ve had there has tasted so good and not cost too much! They also have a sandwich bar, cafe, and smoothie bar. I fully recommend all of it.
It’s right on the property! It’s a great place to get some food and drinks while hanging out with friends. There is giant chess, a fireplace, a photo booth, and more. Brian gives $200 gift cards away if you pay rent in full before the semester begins!
This is the best Indian restaurant around! My freshman year, I asked a couple of my friends from India to take me to the most authentic restaurant around. They brought me here. It’s a little pricey, but absolutely delicious.
This is the best Thai restaurant around! It’s right on the PCH by Topanga Canyon. It’s not cheap, but the portions are massive so you could take half home for another meal or split with a friend. Make sure to grab some of their little candies when paying!
Bon Bon or Volcano
You haven't had the full Pepperdine experience if you haven't been on a late night Boba run! Bon Bon and Volcano are the closest and best places to Pepperdine.Pro-tip is to get the slushie milk tea with boba! Taro, house, or thai tea are my go-to flavors if you need a recommendation.
This is one of the best breweries around! They’re not too expensive and located real close in Thousand Oaks. They have fantastic food as well as beer! There is lots of outdoor seating, which is ideal during the pandemic. Don’t forget your ID!
~Please note that some of these deals may be adjusted due to Covid~