Dollar Hits — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I saw Dollar Hits on a Netflix documentary and just knew I had to try it. Back in the day, in the 80s, my Aunty Nene and Ninang owned that place and it was called Rice Plus. So it was a must to go check it out. It was awesome to see Bahay Kubo was still there. Who doesn't love L.A.! I remember attending Precious Blood as a kid and going to what is now Dollar Hits. What a change! Why the low score? Let's talk about the good things first. Variety of meats, dessert options, drink options, something unique, kind of like a modern day backyard BBQ but at a restaurant! It was a great experience. All meats are very flavorful. Staff was friendly, nice, you didn't feel rushed and while everything is a dollar besides all that isn't on a stick, it adds up real quick! I feel like the little container of rice should be free, per person. Sadly, I would never go back but would totally recommend it to any and everyone to try it once in their life. The downside...parking is limited but with patience and the help of a lot attendant, you'll eventually get a space. Next, the meats on a stick are like sample size which is fine because again, its a dollar. The meats lacked a freshness. The major downfall was the lack of cleanliness. Flys all over. There's a big fan thats near the door but full of dirt. The floor is filthy. The guy who is accepting money is also getting food with the same hands. The tables outside are first come, first serve and nobody wipes them down, I alwayshave wipes, bring yours. It was just hard to enjoy food knowing flys were flying around in there. They need a total makeover in there and better operations in regards to organizing and cleanliness. Another good thing is outside when you're eating, it wasn't just Filipinos, it was all ethnicities, lots of pinoys and Pinays lol but mixed, heard lots of languages! Got to meet some fellow halfers, that was AWESOME! And everyone was LOVING THE FOOD!!! SMILES EVERYWHERE...SATISFACTION! It truly was a great experience! What a change from the late 80s! Like, I've never ate at a place where everyone was HAPPY! And although the food didn't remind me too much of the Philippines, at least where I've been..Leyte and Cebu, a bit of Manila, the feeling there, the happiness TOTALLY REMINDED ME OF PHILIPPINES! Baywalk...where was the karaoke!...

If you're craving cheap, but tasty Filipino food - especially the good stuff - you have to check out Dollar Hits. They're open fairly late, so you can pretty much guarantee there's usually a crowd during late night hours because the food is good and cheap. I've been hearing about this place from my good friend - apparently they used to operate out of a truck. Business seems to be doing very well, and now they have a storefront on Temple Street.

There's a small parking lot in the plaza where Dollar Hits is located, but because it's a hit or miss, I'd recommend finding street parking and walking over. The area isn't too shady, but I recommend coming with a friend just in case. All of the skewers are pretty much self-serve with the prices marked. Most are $1 each, but there are a few that are a little more pricey. I don't really know what's good except for a few items, so luckily my friend was able to pick out the items he knew were good and ask the workers for some intestines that we didn't see in the platters.

Pay at the front along with any additional orders (drinks, etc.) before taking the uncooked skewers outside where the grills are - and start grilling! It doesn't take more than several minutes, and depending on how many skewers other people are using, you can find an open space and share a grill.

I don't remember exactly what we ordered - pork intestines, chicken intestines, pork BBQ, liver, sausage, chicken heart, pig ear - pretty much anything that tastes good but probably isn't the best for the body. They have their sauces at the front of the store along with a container of their sweet melon juice. It was kind of hard trying to balance all the plates and sauces, but we managed.

So I've had skewers before at Filipino gatherings as well as from Grill City, but nothing can beat the taste of freshly grilled skewers off of the BBQ. Everything was so tasty, especially after dipping the skewers in the sauces. I really enjoyed the intestines and the BBQ, and luckily we still had our cup of Boba Guy's tea to balance out the oil. We both definitely felt the guilt from eating such delicious but probably not healthy food a few hours later, but no regrets!

Workers are super friendly and treat you like family. Highly recommend if you're craving cheap, but really tasty...

Dollar Hits is a delightful culinary gem for anyone longing for an authentic taste of Filipino street food. Located in Los Angeles, this unassuming spot captures the essence of the vibrant street food culture found in the Philippines, offering an immersive and nostalgic dining experience.

The standout feature of Dollar Hits is its DIY grilling concept. Patrons select their skewers from a tantalizing array of choices, including traditional Filipino favorites like pork barbecue, chicken intestines (isaw), pork blood (betamax), fish balls, and more. The excitement builds as you grill your selections over a charcoal pit, just as it’s done on the streets of the Philippines. This interactive aspect not only adds to the authenticity but also allows you to customize the doneness of your skewers to your liking.

The flavors are spot on, evoking memories of the bustling food stalls back home. The marinades are rich and savory, perfectly capturing the sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy notes characteristic of Filipino street food. The variety ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you’re adventurous or prefer sticking to more familiar tastes.

The atmosphere at Dollar Hits is vibrant and communal, much like the street markets. It’s a fantastic place to gather with friends or family, share stories, and enjoy a casual, hearty meal. The friendly staff adds to the welcoming vibe, often providing tips on grilling techniques and ensuring everyone has a great time.

However, there are a few downsides to keep in mind. Parking can be scarce, which might require a bit of patience and a willingness to walk a short distance. Additionally, the popularity of Dollar Hits means that tables for dining in can be hard to come by, especially during peak hours. Despite these minor inconveniences, the overall experience remains highly rewarding.

Overall, Dollar Hits is a must-visit for anyone craving a slice of Filipino street culture. It offers not just food, but an experience that transports you back to the bustling streets of the Philippines, filled with laughter, delicious aromas, and the sizzle of skewers on the grill. Whether you’re a Filipino expatriate or simply a food enthusiast, Dollar Hits promises a delightful and memorable...