$5 Can Go a Long Way in Culver City

I decided to take $5 dollars and see whether I could do anything with it. Thanks to Culver City's hidden deals, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.

See the steals below and plan a day full of fun without the high price tag.

1) JR's BBQ

A restaurant that is basically in hiding , JR's BBQ is the place for all things ribs. With huge portions and plenty of bulk to the sides, one order could easily feed two people.

Some suggested plate shares would be the beef barbecue, pork rib and rib tip. Each comes with one side order of barbecue beans, potato dalad or coleslaw.

The most expensive of the sandwich combos would run $4.38 per person. 

Have a sweet tooth craving too? Try the Sock-it-to-Me-Cake for $3.75. It is a big slice of exactly what it says it is: sweet, rich cake.

JR's BBQ, 3055 La Cienega Blvd. 310-837-6838.

2) Trader Joe's

For anyone who has ever wanted to do something nice for a friend or loved one but simply didn't know where to start (or how much to spend), an extra $5 at the grocery store is just the ticket.

With decorated greeting cards and a selection of bright and beautiful flowers, a small and thoughtful gift is a cinch here. I went for the Rosy Outlook flowers for $3.95 and a card with a colorful collage of birds on the front for $.99.

A thoughtful gift that doesn't break the bank? Now that's sweet.

Trader Joe's, 9290 Culver Blvd. (310) 202-1108.

3) LaRocco's Pizzeria

The aroma led me into this local hub, and the prices kept me there. From the LaRocco Special slathered with pepperoni and fresh garlic to the Bronx Special with meatballs, even the traditional pizza section of the menu made it hard for me to choose just one slice. I decided to go with plan B: phone a friend.

The two of us split the Daily Special: $6.95 for two slices of pizza and a soft drink. While buying it alone breaks the $5 bank, splitting it in two cost me just under $3.50 for my share. I didn't leave hungry or broke--a win-win.

LaRocco's Pizzeria, 3819 Main St. (310) 838-9600.

4) BottleRock

In the spirit of splitting lunch, the experience doesn't always have to be so heavy. Feel like noshing and nibbling on some light fare during a leisurely afternoon or lunch break?

The BottleRock $10 special can be a perfect snack for two. With just enough food to split portions, the 1/2 sandwich and 1/2 salad is topped off with a nice big beer. Cheers.

BottleRock, 3847 Main St.  (310) 836-9463.

5) Church Hill Antiques

Jumping--or should I say rolling--off of the food wagon, I decided to do a little "antiquing."

Cringe not at the sound of the word "antique," which is usually synonymous with "overpriced." Although nothing is cheap, the wall-to-wall jewelry, art and other trinkets ensure that $5 can go a long way.

The store also accepts a deposit toward a future purchase so, theoretically, $5 a week could soon add up to that treasure chest or vintage desk. The possibilities are endless.

Church Hill Antiques, 3809 Bagley Ave. (310) 559-6609.