21 Best Cheap Eats in NYC Right Now!

Let’s talk about cheap eats in NYC. Because contrary to popular belief, you do not need to spend $100.00 per person to get an epic meal in NYC.

TBH, I have lived here for over 30 years and RARELY spend that kind of money when going out to eat.

Sorry, but I spend a lot of money on rent and can’t afford to spend a small fortune whenever I want to eat good food.

So, what do I do? I hit up some of the cheapest restaurants in NYC. These restaurants serve some of the best food in the city and RARELY cost more than $15.00 per person.

However, to make my money go even further, I like to use the Seated app. It helps me quickly and easily earn back money every time I go out to eat.

The other app I use is Too Good To Go. It helps me save big on food that restaurants would otherwise throw out.

The only downside is that you can’t really choose what you get. But, that’s fine by me since the food is good and I can’t get four pastries from Maman for just $6.00.

So, if you want to eat well and save big on food in NYC, then give this epic local guide a read and start planning your trip today.

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1. Veselka

Velselka is literally like the best restaurant ever. I LOVE coming here to get my Ukranian-style pierogis since they are light, crispy, and cooked to perfection.

However, don’t take my word for it. After all, this place has been around since 1954 and always has a line around the block that snakes through the East Village.

Thankfully, though, they now have an outpost in Grand Central (in the basement). Therefore, it is easier than ever to get things like borscht ($6.00 for a cup) and pierogis ($9.00 for four).

Personally, I always get the pierogis. I like them fried and topped with sour cream. But, everything is good so go crazy without going broke.

2. Joe’s Steam Rice Roll

Whenever I want a beautiful steamed rice roll that tastes like it came straight out of Southern China, I go to Joe’s Steam Rice Roll.

I like that the rice rolls are super flavorful and that you can hit up locations on the Upper West Side and in Chinatown.

Additionally, I love the price. You can get a pork, veggie, shrimp, or beef Cantonese rice roll for just $10.00.

They are light and chewy and are served with soy sauce and chili oil for added flavor. Sure, it’s not the most filling dish on this list. But, it’s great if you’re looking for something light.

3. Gray’s Papaya

If you’re looking for cheap eats that scream “NYC” then you can’t go wrong with a classic hot dog.

However, steer clear of those random hot dog vendors on the street and go to Gray’s Papaya instead.

They serve the best hot dogs in the city and have been around since 1974. Plus, you can get two hot dogs and a medium tropical drink (think papaya, coconut, pina colada, and banana) for $6.45.

At least, that was true the last time I was here. I haven’t been in a minute, so I’m not sure if the price has gone up.

If you like, you can also add sauerkraut, mustard, and stewed onions to your hot dog and eat it like a real local.

4. Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery

Born out of Yonah Schimmel’s 1910 pushcart, these soft, homemade knishes are baked in a basement brick oven and then schlepped upstairs via an old-fashioned dumbwaiter.

However, just in case you’re not exactly sure what a knish is, it’s this thick, delicious, round dough that is baked with savory ingredients (think potato and cheese) until it is golden brown on the outside.

This EPIC bakery keeps things old school by creating a thin dough shell, that is filled with potato and served with savory red cabbage and a spicy brown mustard – all for just $4.50 the last time I was here.

They also have a sweeter version filled with cheese and topped with blueberry or chocolate sauce for a whole $5.00. Yup, I basically inhaled it and then ordered another.

If you want, you can make it into more of a meal, by adding a pickle and a side of coleslaw to your knish.

5. Maman

I love Maman for a couple of reasons. First of all, they serve AMAZING baked goods like their almond chocolate croissant, pistachio chocolate croissant, chocolate chip cookies, etc.

No really, Oprah actually loved their cookies so much that she added them to her list of “favorite things” back in the day.

However, if you are looking for something a bit more substantial, then grab a table inside their rustic, French-style dining room and order homemade quiche, Belgian waffles, or an avocado terrine.

We’ve had them all and they are all great, especially if you are looking for something a bit healthier. Personally, though, I think my fave is the avocado terrine.

It is just light, delicious, and served with salt and red pepper flakes on the side. Plus, none of these items will cost you more than $15.00.

6. White Bear

Manhattan isn’t the only place with a Chinatown. So, visit Flushing’s Chinatown and see what White Bear is all about.

After all, this place is SUPER iconic and is known for its legendary dumplings.

Now, the only thing I order when I come here is the #6. It’s a plate of twelve, heavenly pork and veggie wontons that are generously topped with chili oil.

All you need to decide is if you want your dumplings boiled or fried since they are epic and cost a reasonable $10.00 per order.

Sure, this place is nothing fancy. But, with food this good you won’t care about the styrofoam plate and will immediately order another portion.

7. Joe’s Pizza

Alright, I have had a TON of pizza in my day and Joe’s serves one of the best slices of New York-style pizza in NYC.

It’s nothing fancy but for around $4.00/$5.00 (cash only) you can get a classic slice (aka cheese slice) and better understand why everyone loves New York pizza.

This isn’t my fave pizza place in the world, but the sauce is flavorful, the dough is thin/crispy, and you’ll enjoy a lot of fresh mozzarella on top.

Just be sure to avoid using a fork. Instead, stand at a table inside, fold your pizza right down the middle, and use your hands to eat it as a river of grease runs onto your plate.

Local Tip: Expect a line since this place is not a hidden gem in NYC.

For other delicious pizzas in NYC, try Momma’s Too vodka slice, Scarr’s, Lucia Pizza of Soho, Vito’s Slices and Ices, and L’Industrie (get the Burrata Slice).

8. Halal Guys

The first time I went to the Halal Guys, I visited their store, not their food truck. Sure, they still have their famous food truck in Midtown (at 53rd and 6th Avenue) and it has been around for 30+ years.

However, I wanted to visit their store on the Upper West Side since it was warm inside and they had plenty of seating.

I got their falafel platter with their famous white sauce and it really lived up to the hype (thank God). The falafel was hot and crispy while the sauce was flavorful and added some nice moisture to the dish.

I also couldn’t stop eating the rice, lettuce, and tomatoes in the platter. Overall, I can highly recommend this spot since the portions are generous and small platters start at just $11.00 each.

9. The Arepa Lady

Look, women hawking arepas on Roosevelt Avenue are a dime a dozen. But sandwiched between all the taco trucks and kabob carts is, Maria Cano, the one and only Arepa Lady.

Her freshly made, piping hot, buttery corn cakes are served with a crunchy top and a cheesy center, creating the very stuff that food fantasies are made of.

Plus, arepas cost like $3.00 each. Just be sure to have cash handy since cards are not accepted.

Overall, this Queens restaurant is THE spot to go for a quick, cheap, and delicious meal on the go.

And if you love a bit of meat, try her chorizo drizzled in garlic sauce and shish kabobs with grilled potatoes. Both are next-level amazing.

10. Lexington Candy Shop

Is this the cheapest place to eat in NYC? No, not a chance since pancakes, French toast, and omelets at this old-school diner start at $15.00 each.

However, you’re here for the charming old world vibes since this place has been around since 1929.

I have been here MANY times and always love grabbing a seat on a bar stool at the vintage soda fountain when I am on the Upper East Side.

I like to order the Egg Cream (Heaven), the Banana Nut French Toast, and the American Cheese omelet.

Everything here is over-the-top amazing because the ambiance is enchanting and the food is even better. So, definitely give this place a try, especially if you love an old-school diner.

11. Bahn Mi Saigon

I never met a Bahn Mi Sammie that I didn’t like. But, the ones at Bahn Mi Saigon are extra special and always leave me coming back for more.

The best part? This killer Vietnamese sandwich shop bakes its own baguettes on-site and sells beautiful sammies for a mere $9.50 each.

The bread is so light and crispy and is filled with pickled carrots, chiles, daikon, cucumbers, cilantro, and mayo. While there are many unique proteins to choose from, I usually get the pork and pate.

It is just so rich and flavorful and perfectly compliments the beautiful veggies that they give you.

The last time I was here I got the veggie Bahn Mi. I definitely liked the flavors of all the fresh veggies but the two sides of the sandwich felt very different.

I kind of wished they were mixed so I could easily get the perfect bite when I dug in.

12. Mamoun

Located in Greenwich Village, Mamoun is the OG when it comes to falafel shops in NYC.

They first started in 1972 and have become a city icon of sorts, serving everything from kebabs to falafels to hummus.

sadly, they only accept cash. But, don’t worry because there is an ATM outside. Secondly, there isn’t much seating.

So, I usually grab my falafel sandwich (with falafel, hummus, lettuce, tomato, onions, and tahini) to go so that I can eat it in nearby Washington Square Park.

Overall, the sandwiches are freshly made, super delicious, and cost just $6.50. Just don’t forget to order their amazing hot sauce on the side. It is one of the best in the city.

13. B&H Dairy

B&H Dairy has been serving East Village residents hearty breakfast platters since 1938.

For the best (and cheapest) breakfast options imaginable, stop by any time before 11:00 am.

This is when you can get two eggs (any style), home fries, challah bread, orange juice, and tea/coffee for just $7.00.

Per usual, this place is nothing fancy. However, it is a great option if you like diner food or want a nice bacon, egg, and cheese.

14. Pommes Frites

You no longer have to go all the way to Belgium to get decent Belgian frites.

Instead, hit up this iconic Belgian fry shop and get ready to inhale a cone filled with beautiful fried potatoes.

They are crispy on the outside, soft/pillowy on the inside, come freshly prepared, and are always topped with a generous amount of salt.

While there are a lot of delicious dipping sauces to choose from, we always go with the mango chutney. It’s well-seasoned and slightly sweet. So, it pairs perfectly with the salty fries.

You’ll also love that their cones of gorgeous fries start at a mere $8.50 (plus $5.50 if you want a trio of sauces). They also serve some pretty nice poutine if you’re looking for a heatier meal.

15. Pastasole

You’ve probably seen Pastasole advertised all over social media as one of the best cheap eats in NYC. Well, that’s probably because it’s true.

See, the last time we were here this place was PACKED (they have seating on an outdoor patio too). Thankfully, we found seats and ordered handmade pasta with arrabbiata sauce and fetuccini alfredo.

Both were insanely amazing, so much so that we got another order of pasta when we were done.

I prefered the arrabita with burrata, but my partner adored the fetuccini alfredo. He loved that the pasta was tossed in a cheese wheel and that the sauce was super rich/creamy.

Overall, the pasta is well made and the sauces are incredible, especially given the fact that an order of pasta will cost you just $10.00 + any additional toppings you might like.

16. Los Tacos No. 1

New York City is known the world over as a melting pot of culinary diversity. However, what New York is not known for is its amazing Mexican food.

Sure, we do a lot of cuisines well, but generally speaking, Mexican food is not one of them.

However, the exception to that rule is the ever-packed, Los Tacos No. 1. These West Coast natives whip up tacos that are inspired by the food truck movement that has taken over California.

They start with hand-pressed corn tortillas that are then dressed with Adobada pork and sweet pineapple for just $3.50 a taco.

They also have an amazing charred carne asada taco with creamy guacamole for just $3.75.

However, if you want to dare to be different then try the nopal plates. They feature cactus, beans, and cheese for just $6.00.

17. Daily Provisions Breakfast Sammies

I first came to Daily Provisions because my friend was raving about their Crullers. So, I stopped on the Upper West Side to see what all the fuss was about.

Well, I tried their cinnamon Cruller and it is easily one of the best donuts I have ever had. It is light, fluffy, not greasy, and packed with flavor.

TBH, I liked it so much that I forgot to take a photo. Anyway, I was still hungry after my donut, so I ordered some avocado toast. It cost just $13.00 and was super epic with an egg on top.

The bread was perfectly made and the avocado was filling yet refreshing. I enjoyed it so much that I have been back many times.

Currently, I love coming here for their egg and cheese sammie since it is tasty and costs just $6.50.

18. Peanut Noodles at Shu Jiao Fu Zhou

Noodles? Good. Peanut butter? Good. The combination of the two? Even better, especially when they cost just $4.00 each.

All kidding aside, these noodles are great since they are hand-pulled and served with this creamy peanut sauce.

The last time I was here I got a decent-sized bowl of noodles for $3.50. They were served VERY quickly and we quickly found a place to eat.

All in all, I liked how the noodles were cooked and I enjoyed the flavor. I just wish the noodles had more peanut flavor since I really had a hard time getting the peanut flavor from the broth.

Oh, and if you’re super hungry, get their pork and chive dumplings too. They are really tasty and it will cost you just $3.00 for six dumplings.

They aren’t as good as white bear but they are still good.

19. Roll-N-Roaster

Since 1970, this Sheepshead Bay fast-food paradise has been fulfilling the fantasies of cheese lovers all across the city, as the neon sign in the window indicates.

Mustard yellows and browns adorn the interior of this restaurant, which is punctuated with a series of booths, banners, and balloons.

And while a lot of things may have changed in the past four decades this menu has remained the same, along with the prices since nothing on the menu is over $7.95.

So, go crazy and devour a roast-beef sandwich that is dripping with gravy for just $5.95. You can also pair this sandwich with some cottage fries that are drenched in melted cheese for $3.45).

Just don’t forget to throw in some fried nuggets filled with creamed corn for an extra $3.95).

20. Ess-a-bagel

Bagels are a New York institution and not getting one here is basically a crime against New York.

olute Bagels, etc.

21. Cheeky Sandwiches (Temporarily Closed)

Din Yates Din is the owner and chef behind Cheeky Sandwiches.

He started the company while working as a professional model and now cooks a wide variety of Big Easy delicacies (think po boys) that you’ll love.

Tucked away on the edge of Chinatown, this well-known sandwich shop serves amazing shrimp/oyster po’boys, braised short ribs, and fried chicken with gravy.

Personally, though, when I stop by I get the braised short rib sandwich. It is packed with flavor and costs just $10.00.

Map of the Best Cheap Eats in NYC

Conclusion

That wraps up this epic guide to the best cheap eats in NYC. I hope you found my guide useful and now know where to eat if you want to save money in NYC.

If you have a limited amount of time in NYC, I highly recommend places like Gray’s Papaya, Ess-a-Bagel, and Joe’s Pizza.

These places serve iconic New York City foods that you need to try while you’re in the area.