Cheap Hollywood

If you're forgoing a car rental and taking Metro around L.A., you're eligible for some nice discounts around town. Specifically, you can get $15 tickets for Toy Story 3-D at the El Capitan Theater then walk across the street to Hollywood & Highland for some discounted entrees, all by showing your Metro ticket or pass. It could pay for the day's bus rides.

Cheap Silver Lake

It's hard to stay hip in L.A., but not if you're in the near-downtown neighborhood of Silver Lake. Once a rundown area, it's become the hot place to find new restaurants and it's centrally located so you're not too far from Hollywood, the Westside or parts beyond. Checking on a couple of hotels, we found for the weekend of August 13-15, two could stay at the Comfort Inn on Sunset (free wireless, microwave and fridge) for $114/night. Or, go with the Silver Lake Hotel & Suites and its Hollywood views for $120/night. Plan on spending an evening at the El Cid, a classic Silver Lake Spanish restaurant built by D.W. Griffith which features flamenco dancing.

Cheap Horses

If you come to L.A. and you're tired of the glitter and glamour, head over to the Griffith Park Horse Rentals. For $25 per hour you can take a ride through the sage of Griffith Park and feel like you're away from all of those chasing paparazzi. And on Friday or Saturday, you can take one of their famous Dinner Rides. They take you through a winding trail that ends up at Viva Cantina on the Burbank side of the park, and which features some unique country and bluegrass music. ($65 plus dinner).

Cheap Seafood

The always tasty McCormick & Schmick's upscale seafood chain is in the midst of a promotion:
They have 10 lunch menu items for $10 or less. It applies to the restaurants in downtown L.A., Pasadena, El Segundo, Santa Ana, Burbank, Anaheim and Irvine.

Fine Dining at The Grove

There are some great restaurant deals at The Grove shopping center in the Fairfax area on Monday and Tuesday nights:

The Farm of Beverly Hills--Get a two-course prix fixe dinner with a glass of wine. $19.95 per person.

Morel's French Steakhouse & Bistro--Steak and Lobster tail just $19.95.

The Whisper Restaurant and Lounge--Pick three appetizers or small plates just $19.95.

On Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. there are also musical guests at The Grove's concert area.

Pay What You Can

An increasing popular promotion these days, many theaters and restaurants are trying PWYC out on evenings that are typically light on customers. There's no set price for the ticket or menu, you just pay what you think it's worth, although there's sometimes a recommended donation.

The Rehearsal--A performance by the critically acclaimed A Noise Within theater company is offering PWYC on Thursday, April 16. Suggested donation is at least $10 for tickets that normally go for $40. 234 South Brand Boulevard, Glendale. 818-240-0910.

Someday--A striking drama about couples who want children at the Cornerstone Theater. PWYC is available for the preview performances May 29-June 1. Tickets normally go for $20. 2220 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles.

The Wine Bistro--Tomorrow night, April 15 (after you've paid taxes, of course) this restaurant is having a PWYC evening. Reservations recommended. Dishes on the prix fixe menu include "Stimulus Salad"--lots of greens and the "Tax Reform Deal"--Flat iron steak and a complicated sauce. 11915 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. 818-766-6233.

Dinner & A Movie

Spend $30 or more for dinner or lunch at one of eight Hollywood & Highland restaurants and you'll get two free tickets for the Mann's Chinese or any other Mann's theater, good through February 15. Check it out here. On Saturday, January 31, H&H will host a free outdoor showing of Dirty Dancing and give away tickets to the musical based on the movie, which arrives in Hollywood in May.