If you want to see the stars for under $40, you have to head out of LA. There is too much light pollution to see the stars there. Try Gladstones on PCH or several other places up towards Malibu.

Or did you mean celebrities? If so, go to Pinks late at night. You'll catch a celeb or two there, although they usually pull up the limo and have a friend go grab the chili dogs for them.