20 Cheap Places to Eat in New York City
(Manhattan and Brooklyn, to be specific!)
When you think of New York City, “cheap” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind. As far as cities go, New York tends to land on the pricier end of the spectrum, so cheap eats likely don’t seem easy to come by. But let me tell you, there are tons of cheap places to eat in New York City if you only know where to look! (And I am more than happy to lead you down the path of affordable options, because your girl knows how it feels to be on budget.) More NYC money-saving insider tips here.
Check out my brand new guide the 30 most Instagrammable desserts in NYC!
There are plenty of fancy, high-end restaurants to choose from, but we’re not here to be posh today – we’re here to be practical. So if you’re looking for some great, budget-friendly, delicious places to eat for $10 and under in New York City, here is the inside scoop straight from some real New Yorkers!
Visiting the city and need some great ideas about what to do besides eat? Check out this in-depth guide on how to spend 5 days in New York! And if you’re looking for some photo ops, here are some of the most Instagrammable places in NYC.
On to the food!
Ess-a-Bagel
When you think of famous New York specialties, bagels are probably one of the first foods that come to mind! (And for good reason.) NYC has perfected the art of the bagel, and let me tell you, there is no shortage of bagel shop options in this city! However, not all bagels are created equal. Ess-a-Bagel is, by far, my personal standout bagel shop in Manhattan, and they take their craft very seriously.
Their bagels combine the perfect balance of fluffy dough, a generous heaping of cream cheese, and all the classic flavors. You can’t go wrong with an Ess-a-Bagel!
Cuisine: New York bagels (is that an official cuisine?)
Where: 831 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10022
What to order: I keep things simple with the classic sesame bagel and plain cream cheese (toasted or un-toasted depending on the time of day – if the bagels are fresh out of the oven, I just eat them as is). Bonus – they’re only $3.15! Such a steal for a filling NYC classic meal on the go. Perfect for a quick breakfast before museum-hopping or strolling around Manhattan.
Hot tip: Try to avoid peak meal time hours if you want to keep your sanity. Lines at Ess-a-Bagel can get crazy long real quick, and the last thing you want to do in NYC is waste time standing in more lines. If you can manage to go in between rush hours, you’ll get in and out much faster. You can also order ahead of time for large groups or parties by calling them at 212-980-1010 or order bagels for delivery using Eat24 or other delivery services. Either way, the wait is worth it.
Note: Ess-a-Bagel accepts cash and credit cards, and their staff are some of the most genuine New Yorkers around. Strike up a quick conversation with them and soak up some true New Yorker spirit. They’re busy but efficient and friendly, and most of them are happy to chat!
Helpful links: Ess-a-Bagel menu, Ess-a-Bagel website, Yelp
Souvlaki GR
(Suggested by my friend Rachel of The Mulls, who is a native New Yorker!)
Souvlaki GR is an itty bitty Greek taverna that describes themselves as “a little taste of Mykonos in the heart of NYC” and that’s precisely what you get at this yummy Greek eatery! Their decor is on point, as is their delicious food – both will work to transport you over to the Greek islands in no time.
Cuisine: Greek
Where: 116 Stanton St, New York, NY 10002 (Lower East Side) or 162 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019 (Midtown), they also have a food truck!
What to order: Souvlaki GR is towards the top of our $10 and under limit, but still has plenty of options for those on a budget, including delicious chicken, pork or veggie skewers with tzatziki & pita for only $4.25, beef skewers ($5.50 each), or shrimp ($8 each). My pick would be the SGR Souvlaki Pita, which comes with tomato, red onions, fries and tyrokafteri (spicy feta) for only $7.75. Those spicy feta fries are TO DIE FOR. Plenty of other options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, and the atmosphere can’t be beat!
Hot tip: Both of their locations are fairly small, so I’d recommend avoiding peak meal times if you want to get seated quickly!
Note: They accept reservations at their Lower East Side location, so if you can plan ahead, do! They are also open late (11pm on weeknights, 12:30am on weekends) making Souvlaki GR a great place to start or end a night out.
Helpful links: Souvlaki GR menu, Souvlaki GR website, Yelp
Veselka
Veselka is a bit of an East Village legend. This Ukrainian 24-hour diner serves up the best kind of comfort food: fried (or boiled) pierogies, potato pancakes, borscht…all the good stuff you’d want after a night out on the town. It is my go-to late night restaurant and has been for many years. They crank out delicious Ukrainian dishes faster than you can say Я сумую без тебе (I am sad without you). In reference to the pierogies you’re drunkenly waiting for, obviously.
Cuisine: Diner, Ukrainian
Where: 144 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
What to order: A small plate (four) of assorted pierogies (my favorite is the arugula and goat cheese, fried) for just $7 will keep things safely under the $10 mark. To beef up the meal, add a plate of potato pancakes and upgrade to the large plate of seven pierogies. Thank me later!
Hot tip: In typical diner fashion, Veselka is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That means that it’s where a lot of revelers end their nights out (translation: if you go late in the evening, there will be a lot of drunk folks). I may or may not have been to Veselka sober less times than I can count…
Note: Veselka accepts cash and credit cards and generally doesn’t have a long wait. Their service isn’t the friendliest ever, but then again, these guys are working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So I cut them some slack. Don’t be afraid to throw your hand up when you’re ready to order if you feel like they’re taking too long. They’ll hustle over and get your order in.
Helpful links: Veselka website, Veselka menu, Yelp
Mamoun’s
Mamoun’s is a yummy Middle Eastern food joint that has been making New Yorkers happy since 1971. They serve up perfect grab and go meal for exploring New York City on a budget! (Even if you’re not on a budget, you’ll want to experience Mamoun’s at least once, it’s basically a New York institution.) With plenty of vegetarian and meat options, there’s a little something for everyone, and they do what they do very well.
Where: 2 locations in Manhattan, which you can check out here (the West Village one is their flagship location).
What to order: With a menu full of affordable, delicious options, you really can’t go wrong with any item! But my personal favorite is the vegetarian falafel sandwich, which comes with falafel, hummus, baba ganouj and tabbouleh, for only $3.50. And y’all, it is FILLING.
Hot tip: If you’re in the mood for some yoga, their St. Marks location is right next door to Yoga to the People, where you can snag a free yoga class (I’d recommend yoga first, then food, so you don’t feel like a fluffy falafel trying to downward dog). It’s also a great area for wandering and people-watching!
Note: Mamoun’s is open super late (1-2am on weeknights and 5am on weekends) so it’s the perfect spot to hit up after a bar-hopping around St. Marks! They accept cash and credit card.
Helpful links: Mamoun’s menu, Mamoun’s locations, Yelp
Dig Inn Seasonal Market
Dig Inn is the sustainable, healthy answer to fast food. Offering seasonal, delicious options in a buffet style format (akin to the Chipotle line setup), Dig Inn has options for everyone – including those with gluten, dairy and other food sensitivities! When I was doing my last Whole30 (which is basically the paleo diet on steroids), I took myself out to lunch one day and discovered the awesomeness of Dig Inn. I was amazed at how many options I had, and so thankful to find a place I could eat and also enjoy.
Cuisine: Farm-to-table, Vegetarian, Paleo
Where: All over the place! Check out their various locations here. My favorite location is Brookfield Place, for the views alone.
What to order: I really enjoy their Classic Market Bowl with pesto and tofu added, which is only $9.95 and comes with 3 side dishes (my faves are the Maple Cauliflower with Chickpea Crumble, the Cashew Kale Caesar, and the Charred Brussels Sprouts. The total for these bowls comes out to just around $11, but we’ll let it slide because HEALTH!
Hot tip: If you’re just feeling a bit peckish and not in need of a full meal, grab a few of their yummy sides and munch on those instead.
Note: If you choose to go to their Brookfield Place location, allow a little time for browsing around the shopping center and wandering around by the Hudson River outside!
Helpful links: Dig Inn website, Dig Inn menu, Yelp
Shake Shack
It wouldn’t be a New York food post without Shake Shack! Love it or hate it (and no one really hates it), this NYC-based burger chain is great what they do. While I don’t personally eat hamburgers, they do have a couple of other options I enjoy, particularly their chicken sandwich! They also have a ‘Shroom Burger (made from portobello mushrooms) for the vegetarians out there. Beware: it is loaded with gooey, delicious cheese and is AMAZING. If you’re gluten free, they’ve also got you covered with GF buns!
Cuisine: American, Traditional
Where: 19+ locations in all 5 boroughs, see locations here.
What to order: My personal favorite – the Chick’n Shack (crispy chicken breast with lettuce, pickles and buttermilk herb mayo, hi) and their crinkle cut fries with a cold root beer. Order a Concrete Jungle for dessert and thank me later.
Hot tip: My favorite Shake Shack locations are the original Shack in Madison Square Park (such a gorgeous spot for an evening burger in the summertime) and the Grand Central location (perfect for satisfying a hungry traveler since it’s just a few steps away from the train platforms in an awesome food court).
Note: Shake Shack accepts cash, credit cards, just about anything. Avoid their location in the Theater District at all costs. The line there is always a nightmare since it’s smack dab in the middle of tourist central. Also avoid the Madison Square Park location (or any location) during peak hours, such as 12-2pm or 6-8pm, unless you enjoy standing in looooong lines. They are generally pretty efficient, so even though they’re consistently busy, you shouldn’t be waiting terribly long for your food!
Bonus tip: They have an “A Line” and a “C Line.” Choose wisely. The main “A Line” is for burgers, fries, everything. The “C Line” however is for cold drinks, including their famous concretes ONLY. If you’re short on time and just need a quick beverage or frozen custard, C Line is the one for you!
Helpful links: Shake Shack menu, Shake Shack locations, Yelp
Dhaba
I discovered Dhaba after coming back from London in 2015, fresh off of a Dishoom London obsession. I was on the hunt for some Indian food that could compare with the incredibly high standards that Dishoom had set. Dhaba filled that hole in my heart. With curry and samosas. Dhaba has now made it into two of my NYC food posts, so you know I must really love it.
Cuisine: Indian
Where: 108 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016
What to order: Indian food is perfect for sharing (and you’ll never be able to finish an entree alone, so split up the work and try different dishes in the process)! If you’re eating solo, get the samosa chaat ($9.50) or kalmi kabob (chicken skewer) for $9.95. If you’re with a partner or group, split an order of the saag paneer ($15.50), aloo wadi ($15.50) garlic naan ($4.50) and/or samosas ($7.50) to make it more affordable.
Hot tip: Dhaba (like most Indian restaurants) has an extensive vegetarian selection, which is awesome. They also have a specifically vegan section, in case you or your fellow diners are in need of vegan options!
Note: Dhaba accepts reservations and takes cash and credit card. They have some great lunch specials so definitely take advantage of that if you find yourself nearby at lunchtime!
Helpful links: Dhaba menu, Dhaba website, Yelp
Hill Country Chicken
Hill Country is Southern comfort food at its finest. Healthy food will not be found here. I repeat, throw your health food dreams out the window before walking into this place. Your dreams of tofu and kale have no place at Hill Country. However, if you’re looking to clog some arteries in the most tasty way possible, read on!
Cuisine: American, Southern, Traditional
What to order: The Chickwich ($7.50) which is their original fried chicken sandwich. It’s delectable. Add a soda for $2.50 and you’ve got yourself one delicious meal. If you’re able to go a little above $10, add in a side of the Cheese Fried Mashed Potatoes (I can’t even describe how good these potatoes are in words, you’ll just have to try them for yourself!) for $3.75 and a mini pie cup (my fave is the Double Cherry) for $3.50.
Hot tip: They have pebble ice (does this excite anyone else?) and an amazing selection of Boylan Sodas on tap in their soda machines.
Note: Hill Country generally has a line at the Manhattan (Flatiron) location, Brooklyn tends to be a little quieter overall.
Helpful links: Hill Country menu, Hill Country website, Yelp
Artichoke Pizza
There’s much to be said about pizza in New York City. People will try to convince you that one place has THE best pizza, but I honestly think it just depends on what you’re in the mood for. If you’re curious about the Roberta’s vs Grimaldi’s debate, check out my Insider’s Guide to New York City. But I digress. Artichoke Pizza has some of the best (like, best of the best) pizza in NYC, hands down. You won’t find many Artichoke deniers. It’s delicious.
Cuisine: Italian, Pizza
Where: All over the place! Check out their many locations here.
What to order: My personal favorite is the Vodka pizza ($5/slice) but the Margherita and the rest of their offerings are crazy good too. You can’t go wrong here! And yeah, you can get a dollar slice of pizza just about anywhere in NYC, but I can guarantee you it won’t be as good as Artichoke. It’s worth the $5 (and their slices are HUGE).
Hot tip: Grab and go. Artichoke isn’t exactly a sit and relax kind of environment – it’s generally filled to the brim with busy people looking to scarf down a slice and be on their way. If you want a more leisurely experience, take your pizza to go and find a nearby park to sit and people watch from.
Note: Know what you want before you reach the front of the line. Artichoke is a busy place, and while New Yorkers are nice at their core (we really are), you don’t want to waste our time hemming and hawing over your pizza decision when 25 people are hangry behind you. Be kind, choose ahead of time.
Helpful links: Artichoke website, Artichoke menu, Yelp
Baohaus
Started by two brothers back in 2009, Baohaus is an affordable eatery in the East Village serving up Taiwanese steamed buns with assorted fillings (vegetarian and meat, take your pick)! The perfect quick meal that will warm you up and offer a unique option that’s a little outside the box.
Cuisine: Asian/Taiwanese
Where: 238 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003 (East Village)
What to order: The Uncle Jesse Bao™ which is perfect for vegetarians! It’s a traditional bao sandwich with organic fried tofu served with crushed peanuts, Taiwanese red sugar, cilantro, and Baohaus’ famous Haus Sauce. So yummy! Bonus: they’re only $3.55 each, and two is more than enough for most people, bringing a satisfying meal in under $10.
Hot tip: If you’re not in the mood for a puffy bao, Baohaus also has some other delicious signature dishes like pork on rice bowls that are equally filling and budget-friendly.
Note: Their East Village flagship location is super tiny, so don’t plan on having a leisurely meal here – you’ll likely be standing and scarfing down your food. The place has a great vibe and their music selection is always on point (think old school rap).
Helpful links: Baohaus website, Baohaus menu, Yelp
Tacombi
How did we make it to #11 before talking about Mexican food?! Blasphemy. To make things right, I’ll throw in all my top favorite Mexican restaurants below. Tacombi is a hip, vibrant, fun taco joint that gets Mexican right. Their menu is simple but they do everything on it so well. And wouldn’t you rather have that than a massive menu with crappy execution? (Hands up over here.) P.S. Tacombi is another restaurant making its second appearance on the blog today!
Cuisine: Mexican, Tacos
Where: See a list of all locations here!
What to order: My go-to has always been the crispy fish taco ($5.49) with a side of rice and black beans ($3.49), but I also love their esquites ($3.95) as an appetizer.
Hot tip: Their tacos are generally filled to the brim and because they give you two masa tortillas instead of one, you can easily turn one taco into two! (So, basically – two for the price of one. Magic.)
Note: Tacombi is a hoppin’ taco joint. There is almost always a wait, and they don’t take reservations (alas) so your best bet is to avoid rush hour and/or bring a book and a heap of patience. It’s worth it, trust me.
Helpful links: Tacombi website, Tacombi menu, Yelp
Javelina
As a California girl, I’m not the biggest fan of Tex-Mex, but Javelina’s fun atmosphere and delicious food have won me over entirely. Their enchiladas even pass muster for me, which is seriously saying something (I’m pretty picky about my enchiladas).
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Where: 119 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003 (Gramercy)
What to order: The classic queso ($9 but worth every penny!), fresh masa tamales ($9), chicken taquitos ($9) or their amazing nachos ($10). For the record, my favorite queso is their Mag Mud queso, which has white queso, black beans, pico de gallo & guacamole (the caveat is that it’s a little over our $10 limit, at $12).
Hot tip: On a cold winter day in New York, Javelina’s Texas Red Chili ($8) or Tortilla Soup ($9) will warm you right up!
Note: They accept cash and credit card. Make a reservation, because they have limited space and are incredibly popular (especially for dinner).
Helpful links: Javelina website, Javelina menu, Yelp
Taco Chulo
For years, I lamented the fact that I could not find a decent Mexican-style enchilada in New York City. I was flabbergasted by the fact that New Yorkers could not seem to summon the courage to craft the legit enchilada I was missing so desperately. For reference: all the enchiladas I encountered were less enchilada and more “wet burrito” for the first few years of my time in New York, which was disheartening at best.
When I finally discovered Taco Chulo’s enchiladas, my life was forever changed! They do Mexican food well, have a wonderful staff, great ambiance and awesome happy hour specials. What more could a California girl want?
Cuisine: Mexican
Where: 318 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (Williamsburg)
What to order: To keep it around $10, my faves are the Surf y Turf taco ($6.50) which consists of batter-fried shrimp, cactus, jalapeños, lettuce, salsa roja, and crema, plus a side of rice and beans ($4). For the whole enchilada (literally), I love their Enchiladas Chulas ($17). Admittedly a LOT for some freakin’ enchiladas, but they are so dang good…I forgive them.
Hot tip: Go between 5-7pm for $6 Happy Hour margaritas. Heaven.
Note: While Taco Chulo is definitely popular, if you go in for dinner around Happy Hour, it’s usually pretty easy to grab a table. And bonus: cheap drinks!
Helpful links: Taco Chulo website, Taco Chulo menu, Yelp
Lam Zhou Handmade Noodle & Dumpling
As someone who rarely deviates from her food favorites, I sometimes have to push myself to try new things. Lam Zhou dumplings make me glad I ventured outside my comfort zone. Basic, delicious, well-done dumplings and noodles at super affordable prices are what make Lam Zhou famous. It is considered to be the best dumpling shop in Manhattan by many (and for good reason)!
Cuisine: Chinese, Dumplings, Ramen
Where: 40 Bowery, New York, NY 10013 (Chinatown)
What to order: Any type of fried dumplings – at 8 dumplings for just $4 it’s an absolute steal!
Hot tip: Lam Zhou temporarily closed after their lease ended and New Yorkers were in an uproar that their favorite dumpling shop was gone. Thankfully, they have reopened on the Bowery and all is right with the world again.
Note: Lam Zhou is cash only so be sure to have some on hand when you go!
Helpful links: Lam Zhou menu, Yelp
Four & Twenty Blackbirds
Okay, okay. You caught me. Four & Twenty Blackbirds isn’t exactly a restaurant. It’s a pie and coffee shop. Sue me. I LOVE THEIR PIE. So much. Hands down, my favorite homemade pies in all of NYC. Don’t take my word for it, go check them out for yourself! Pie is totally a meal, right?
Cuisine: Desserts, American/Traditional
Where: 439 3rd Ave Brooklyn, NY 11215
What to order: The lemon chess is an old fave of mine, as is their strawberry rhubarb (when it’s in season). Their menu is seasonal and changes nearly daily, so you never quite know what you’re going to get! They do have some staples (like the lemon chess) that are pretty surefire bets on any given day. A slice of pie is $5.75.
Hot tip: A lot of freelancers like to work from Four & Twenty Blackbirds, so you’ll catch quite a few people on their laptops, having meetings or reading on their days off. It’s a nice relaxed atmosphere, and lots of families bring their kids in and out as well.
Note: The pie may be a little on the pricey side, but holy heck. It’s worth it. Another tip: Four & Twenty Blackbirds has a mini pie shop at the Brooklyn Public Library! Pretty cool – grab a slice and then grab a book and head to Prospect Park for a nice afternoon of pie and reading in the sunshine.
Helpful links: Four & Twenty Blackbirds website, menu, Yelp
Bogota Latin Bistro
I first tried Bogota upon the recommendation of a friend, and I’m so glad I did! It’s a Colombian restaurant specializing in arepas and empanadas, and boy, do they do ’em well. They offer a couple of vegetarian options, but mostly cater to meat/seafood eaters. The atmosphere is vibrant and the place is always packed, but it’s well worth a wait! They also have some delicious, unique drinks on the menu.
Cuisine: Colombian, Latin
Where: 141 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
What to order: The empanada sampler ($15) if you’re sharing with a friend. Also highly recommend the arepas ($4+ depending on toppings).
Hot tip: Get the mango margarita. You’re welcome in advance.
Note: As with most places in New York City, if they take reservations, make one. Bogota does accept reservations, and due to their high volume and popularity, I’d definitely err on the side of caution and make one no matter what day it is!
Helpful links: Bogota menu, Bogota website, Yelp
Crocodile Lounge
Cuisine: Dive Bar
Where: 325 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003 (Gramercy/East Village)
What to order: This one’s simple. It’s a dive bar. It’s nothing special. But! You get a free personal pizza with every drink purchase! You can’t beat that when you’re on a budget in New York City.
Note: If you’re broke and hungry, grabbing a beer and a free pizza before a night out on the town is a great deal and worth the trip. It’s not the best pizza in New York (by far) and that’s not why it’s on the list. It’s on the list because, well, free pizza!
Helpful links: Yelp, Crocodile Lounge website
The Meatball Shop
You guys, my love for The Meatball Shop knows no bounds. I’ve loved it since the first time I was introduced to it back in the winter of 2010 by some friends on the Lower East Side. Since then, The Meatball Shop has opened up a bunch of other locations and gotten even more popular!
Cuisine: Italian, American/Traditional
Where: 6 locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn; my old haunt is the Lower East Side shop, and my second favorite is the West Village one. See them all here!
What to order: My go-to is the spicy pork meatballs (you get four hearty-sized balls) with fresh pesto and a side of delicious focaccia bread for only $9! Other affordable options: a side ($6) like roasted broccoli, rigatoni with your choice of sauce, freshly milled polenta, or mashed potatoes plus a slider (one meatball of your choice on an adorable tiny bun, the perfect size to try out different combos, only $3.50).
Hot tip: Add a fried egg to just about any dish for just $2! Sounds weird, tastes amazing. Try it! Also, their busiest locations are open until 4am on the weekends if you need a late night bite.
Note: The Meatball Shop is extremely popular during the dinner rush, at any location. They don’t take reservations, so your only choice is to go in person to put your name down on the list (and waits can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours or more, depending on the night). So choose wisely! I’d recommend trying The Meatball Shop at lunchtime if you want to waltz right in and avoid the waits entirely, as it’s usually pretty quiet up until about 5pm.
Helpful links: The Meatball Shop menu, The Meatball Shop website, Yelp
Crif Dogs
Let’s continue on to another New York food staple, the hot dog! Now, you can get yourself a real authentic “dirty water dog” (ew) from a street cart on the corner in Central Park (or any corner, for that matter) or you can get a hot dog that actually tastes good. Disclaimer: one must have a street corner hot dog at least once in their lifetime, so this isn’t me giving you a free pass to avoid it. I’m just saying – they’re not the tastiest. Enter Crif Dogs, where they take hot dogs so seriously that it’s pretty much all they do.
Cuisine: American/Traditional
Where: 113 St Marks Pl, New York 10009
What to order: If you’re vegetarian, get the Veggie Special Dog with onions, tomato, cucumber and jalapenos ($6.50). If you’re a carnivore, go for the original Crif Dog ($4.50). If you’re living on the edge, try the The Lil’ Ma, a bacon-wrapped Crif dog with peanut butter pickles and crushed potato chips (also $6.50).
Hot tip: There’s a (somewhat) secret speakeasy called Please Don’t Tell that you can only access from a special telephone booth inside Crif Dogs! It’s near-impossible to get into, but if you want to try your luck, you can call them and try to get through for a reservation or go 15 minutes before opening (i.e. 5.45pm) and stand in line. The cocktails are $16 (kind of standard for NYC) and supposedly pretty dang good. I still haven’t been but have friends who say it’s very fun!
Note: Crif Dogs has seating, but it’s limited, so you may grab a table and you may not. There are always brownstone steps to sit on outside if the weather is decent (and no one yells at you to get off of them before you’re done with your hot dog).
Helpful links: Crif Dogs menu, Yelp
Momosan Ramen & Sake
If you’re on the hunt for Ippudo-like legendary ramen but don’t want to shell out the big bucks, Momosan is a fantastic alternative for you! Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto is the man behind the ramen (and it’s some seriously good ramen, y’all). Perfect for warming up on a chilly day!
Cuisine: Ramen, Japanese
Where: 342 Lexington Ave, New York, New York 10016 (Murray Hill/Midtown East)
What to order: The spicy coconut curry pork chashu, red miso ground pork, aji-tama, cilantro ($11, breaking our $10 rule by a slight margin but deliciously worth it). Plenty of other items on the menu under $10, including pork gyoza ($9), braised pork belly bao ($4) and much more.
Hot tip: Momosan does not accept reservations, so you’ll have to chance it. I’d recommend going for lunch (11:30am-3pm) if you want to be sure to get in.
Note: They do accept credit cards as well as cash.
Helpful links: Momosan Ramen website, Momosan Ramen menu, Yelp
Oops. I miscounted! Here’s a bonus, one of my all-time faves!
Hanco’s
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Where: 134 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
What to order: The tofu banh mi (a delicious vietnamese sandwich, for the uninitiated), which is just $6.50. The sandwich is made with mayo, butter, cucumber, julienne carrots, daikon raddish and cilantro served on a toasted French baguette with your choice of filling. I prefer the tofu, and I get it extra spicy – but beware, when they say spicy, they mean it. I also love their thai iced tea.
Hot tip: Bubble tea isn’t my personal jam, but if it’s yours, Hanco’s has an amazing selection of bubble tea for you to choose from, including matcha green bubble tea and super refreshing mango bubble tea!
Note: Hanco’s gets a huge lunch rush, so try your best to avoid that mess or you’ll be standing in a looooong line. Also, I’ve never tried their meat banh mi sandwiches, so I can’t vouch for those, but their sandwiches are super popular, so I think it’s safe to bet that they are also delicious.
Helpful links: Hanco’s website, Hanco’s menu, Yelp
You made it!
And now you know all my secret NYC food spots. Use this knowledge wisely.
I hope this massive list gave you plenty of ideas for cheap places to eat in New York City on your next trip! There are so many great restaurants in these five boroughs that deserve to be explored, and I know I’ve only scratched the surface in my eight years here (if you’re wondering why I moved to NYC, I talk more about that here). If you have any tried and true favorites that I’ve missed, I’d love to hear about them – drop them in the comments below!
For my full insider’s guide to New York City, including transportation tips and more, click here.
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Looking for food tours in other cities? How about this delicious post about the best Chicago donut shops?
This all looks so good! But the Pizza looks amazing!!!
Our pizza is pretty dang delicious!
Love your recommendations and will try. Have you heard of a restaurant with waterfalls inside and not too pricey? Have been looking and cannot find. Thanks
Hi Mary! I’m not sure I know which restaurant you’re referring to, sorry I can’t be more help! Hope you’ve found it!
OMG YUMMMM my mouth is drooling after reading this
Wow! This is such a helpful resource and super comprehensive. Love it!
WOW! I didn’t expect to be such a wide variety! I’d love to try some of them, though.
Is it easy to find vegan food in NYC?
SUPER easy to find vegan food in NYC! Planning to do a post on this soon!
This post is making my stomach rumble. I love that you also included personal suggestions. I think it is nice to include a recap of the menu, but it adds such a personal touch to include your “favorites”. That falafel you mentioned for only $3.50 sounds heavenly!
Thanks so much for that kind comment Jen! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed it 🙂 The falafel is so goooood!
This post is super helpful! I always want to eat as much as I can in NYC but it’s just so pricy. Had to pin it so I no longer have to say that.^^
Fantastic post full of information and recommendations – everything sounds DELICIOUS! It makes me want to book another trip to NY as soon as possible
This is an amazing post! I really really want to return to NYC but the budget is kind of putting it off, so this certainly helps!
Everything looks so delicious! I would definitely try the Mexican cuisines in NYC esp Javelina – so tempting!
What a great variety of cuisines. I am sure this will come in handy if I ever visit this big city
I used to live in NYC and some of my old faves are on this list! I’ll be visiting New York again next month too, so I’ll definitely have to check out more 🙂
I’m a New Yorker and I think I’ve only been to 1-2 of these places… some favorites of mine…
Chinatown, in general. So many places. Ho Won Bakery on Hester and Elizabeth. Big Wong’s on Elizabeth are two that come to mind.
Waaay uptown: Malecon. Tasty, tasty tasty roast chicken and traditional Dominican sides. 175th and Broadway.
Not under $10, but my favorite sushi – Yuka on 82nd and 2nd. You can get a large amount of really fresh salmon sashimi for under $10.
Thank you so much for sharing these, Jane! Definitely writing them down for myself – there’s so much I have yet to try!
I just love all the suggestions!! I tried Shake Shack of course!! Cheesy fries mmm but I got plenty of ideas here for my next trip (hopefully soon) 😀 My fav though was Chelsea market! So many different and delicious food options.
Love Chelsea Market! So fun to explore and try new things there 🙂
Hy! This article is really useful for us, the ones planning a trip in NYC. It would be a bliss if you could reveal us some tips of where to stay while in New York in terms of neighborhoods that are safe for tourists but not so prricey, and also hotels or other accomodations. Everything that we found on booking.com is veery pricey and I wonder if there is a chance of finding a decent and safe accomodation at a fair price.
Hi Ana! I would recommend staying away from Midtown and looking for hotels in the downtown area (sometimes there are good deals in the Financial District!) and even Brooklyn if you’re willing to not stay in Manhattan. It’s unfortunately pretty pricy all over Manhattan, I wish I had a better tip for you but it’s kind of tricky! I’d suggest trying Hotels Tonight, Hotwire, sites like that to see what discounts you can find! Manhattan is pretty safe in general, and so is Brooklyn (particularly the more touristy areas). Have a wonderful trip!
So many places to eat and your pictures really make me hungry 😋 the hot dog reminds me of the completos in Chile 😁
Yummmm! I’ve never had completos before!
Yum! What an exhaustive list! You must have had fun researching this one!
Can you tell? 😉
I just agreed with friends to book a trip to NYC today so loved reading your recommendations. The city really is a foodie’s heaven 😊
I lived in NYC for 7 years as a broke ass college student then struggling marketer and LIVED OFF of these spots!!
Broke student approved! Haha!
Yes! I love Artichoke Pizza! Will definitely be trying some of the others next time I’m in New York!
Wow some of these look so delish! I´m going to to NYC for my honeymoon next month so I´ll have to keep some of these in mind.
So happy for you, congratulations! Have a wonderful time!
I am a NYer so love Shack Shake, Digg Inn, Hill Country and have my own set on asian favorites.
This reads like a world food tour! I can’t wait to get to New York and try all of these places out.
And I am going to grab a bite now…superb post! Thanx
I used to live in NYC and am LOVING these recs! Lam Zhou and Artichoke were two of my favorites. The photos are great too! xo
Thanks Teresa! 🙂
Wow this is such an interesting and mouthwatering list. Great job . I am saving it for laters for sure
Now I’m drooling all over my laptop, Sierra! Great list with plenty of variety to suit all tastes.
Thanks Hazel! That’s what I was aiming for!
Great post! I need to check these out if I ever get round to visiting New York City!
Thank you for including some vegetarian options! That tofu bahn mi looks delicious (although I could never order it extra-spicy… I lost ALL my spice tolerance when I moved to Italy!).
Lovely list !!! Makes me both super hungry and eager to visit NYC !!!
I had a date with a guy who grew up in NYC once, and when we talked about food, he said that the good thing about living in the big apple is that he could literally find any kind of food from Middle Eastern to Mexican easily. Now that I’ve seen your list, I figured that it’s just 20 of them, imagine if everything combined… You had me at the bonus side though. I love Vietnamese!!! 😀
Yes! It’s such a rich, incredibly diverse city and you can literally get just about anything here! I love Vietnamese too 😉
I wish I’d had this list last time I was in New York City! I knew about bagels, of course, and street corner hot dogs, but none of the others! Thank you!
Your photos make me want to try EVERYTHING on this list! I have a feeling we have similar taste…I love cheap, yummy places to eat.
I love that you included yummy cheap eats from around the world!
Omg I am so hungry looking through this!! All looks so good for cheap eats too! Great list!
This is exactly what I need right now. I just booked a flight to New York. I will definitely check out a few of them.
Such a great list. I like that it not only gives you the name & address of the restaurant, but also gives good tips and links to menus. Great job! Will def save this for next time I’m in NYC.
Thank you Nailah! 🙂
Great list! I will have to try Hancos. Have you tried the shroom burger at Shake Shake? That’s my favorite
Hanco’s is so good! Their thai iced tea and summer shrimp rolls are to die for too. I’ve had the shroom burger and it’s effing delicious!
OMG! What a list. We are hopefully getting to NYC at the end of the year so this List is coming with me. x
This is hilarious but I think Lam Zhou’s is the “hole in the wall” restaurant my friend took us to. We were hesitant at first but LOVED their dumplings and were astounded by how cheap they were. Awesome to know this place is actually well known!
Ha! It’s often those sketchy looking spots that have the best, cheapest food, right?
Wow wow wow!! All of these places look delicious! I need to make it to New York ASAP just to try all of these places!!
Yum Shake Shack!!!
Hot damn, I’ve been out of the US for most of a year and didn’t realize how much I miss a REALLY good bagel! Next time try everything, lightly toasted, cream cheese, cucumber and a little extra salt. Trust me 😉
Ooh, that sounds so fresh and yummy!
Literally mapping these… in town this weekend and dyyying to try them all (esp. the pirogi place). It’s funny because as I was reading through I realized that my trainer had recommended a bunch of these, too! 🙂
Yay! Also – I like your trainer already. Haha! Eat all the things! And then let me know where you went!
Okay, I’m official STARVING now haha!! All those places are amazing, but I think my top choice would be Hill Country Chicken 😀 I promise to through out my healthy dreams out the window before I visit hehe <3 Great post!
Ahhhh, Hill Country is my fave too – but SO not healthy (sadly). It’s a rare treat for me – I wish I could eat it every day! 😉
I didn’t know about so many of these places! I am definitely saving this for my next trip to New York. Amazing photos, too! I’m definitely really hungry after reading through your post.
Thanks for reading Shannon! Hope you enjoy trying some new places out on your next trip to the city!
These all sound amaaaaazing!
I just bookmarked this for if I go to NY. The only bad thing is I didn’t start cooking dinner yet and now I am sooo hungry!
Haha! Sorry to make you hungry! Hope you get to come to NYC soon as test some of these out for yourself 🙂
Your photos are stunning! I just wanted to jump right in and start eating. Living in NYC for several years, there are so many great places to eat. For my bagels, I always opted for my local corner cart. Still so good and so cheap!
Good tip! I live in a Latino neighborhood, so there are more tamale carts than bagel carts here. Ha!
Welp, I may or may not be wiping drool off my keyboard rn…SUCH a cool and helpful post. Next time I visit, I’ll def be following your suggestions.
Ha! I may have drooled a bit writing it too…so much good food in NYC! Thanks for reading, Gina!
This is a LIFESAVER and all looks so freakin delicious!!! Thanks for the beautiful post, can’t wait to try some (aka a bunch)!!!
Yay! So happy to hear that – hope you enjoy eating your way around the city Kristen!
Amazing list! I’ve only been to 9 so I jotted down some to hit up this week. 🙂 I LOVE Dig Inn for offering cheap and quick eats that feel like you’re eating a hearty and healthy home-cooked meal. I was also thinking about Maoz as a cheap and quick eats. When I’m hangry and need a snack to keep me on my feet I grab their sweet potato fries. Yumskies!
Yay! I love hearing that – hope you enjoy some new finds! You’ll have to let me know where you went 🙂 I’ve never tried Maoz! Will have to add them to my list as I looove sweet potato fries. Dig Inn is also so great!
I live in NY so I pinned this for later. I love ess-a-bagel but I dont know most of these others!
Yay! Love to hear that from locals – hope you enjoy trying some new spots out!
Oh how I miss NYC – and all these pics made me so hungry! The bagels look so good I can probably eat five in one seating lol
SAME. Ha! I’m in California currently and missing bagels already. They’re addicting!
Yum, (almost) every one of them looks delicious! We’ll be heading to NYC in a couple of weeks for the second time in 2 year, so we’ll definitely be checking out some of your suggestions. Souvlaki GR looks delicious! We can already vouch for the yumminess at Artichoke Pizza, and The Halal Guys, but they aren’t on your list. 😉 Any specific suggestions for Christmas time?
I’m a little slow to reply, so you may already be in NYC (oops!) but one of my favorite things to do is grab a hot chocolate from City Bakery and just wander around, looking at all the festive windows and shops. Another (more secret) recommendation: walk into the Mandarin Oriental hotel near Columbus Circle, stroll straight back to the elevators and go up to the lobby (I think it’s on the 35th? floor), and ask the hostess politely if you can take a peek out the window. It’s a gorgeous view of Manhattan and Central Park, and free!
We’re leaving tomorrow for New York, so right on time! 😄 Thanks for the tips!
Perfect timing! Hope you get to try a bunch of these spots Birthe! Enjoy New York and stay warm!
This post is perfect timing! I’m off from work this week and wanted to try a new to me place for lunch one day. Now I don’t know which one to choose. I’ve only been to a couple of these you listed.
Oh good! Hope you get to try a few of them (the only tricky part is choosing where to start…they really are all so yummy!) Happy nomming!
Love this list! I can’t believe all these restaurants are $10 and under because they look delicious! I would visit even if I wasn’t on a budget! The bao and ramen place looks so good 😋 I have a ramen place on my NY post (I forgot the name) and it’s some of the best ramens I have ever had and it was under $10 too!
I know, right? Who said NYC had to be expensive to be fun (and delicious)?! Ooh, I’ll have to take a peek at your blog and try to find that ramen place…always on the hunt for a good bowl!
Mamoun’s!!! I lived half a block from them for 18 years and it was one of my true go-to spots. And then I’d go next door to Cafe Reggio for a Latte and sit there forever! And this is a great list. Bookmarking!
Good old Mamoun’s! Such an NYC treasure. I’m sure you sure quite a bit change in those 18 years, Donna!
Well I now am hungry and want to jump on a plane to NYC to try some of these places. NYC has such a great variety of cuisines and you included that variety. Great post that I’m bookmarking for future travel!
Haha, get on that plane, lady! Thanks for reading 🙂 Hope you get to test out some of these spots soon!
As a New Yorker, I can attest that you covered so many great spots in this post! The only thing that makes me sad is the price of that bagel and cream cheese – I remember when I was a kid they were $1! And now I sound like a cranky old lady 🙂
Yay! The stamp of approval from a fellow New Yorker means a lot 🙂 Thanks Sarah! P.S. I know – there are definitely still bagels for less than Ess-a-Bagel, they’re just my favorites! Ha.
This post is so incredibly helpful! We have to stick to a pretty tight budget when we travel and are always looking for ways to save money on food but still eat at really fun places. Totally saving your post for when we make it to NYC…hopefully not too long from now!
I’m so glad to hear that Sarah! As a budget traveler myself, I completely understand the need for good budget-friendly recommendations while traveling. Hope you’re able to make use of some of these yummy spots soon!
Ummm I wish I saw this before I went to NYC! :definitely saving this list for next time though! Now I’m hungryyy
I wish I’d gotten it up sooner! May have to do a Part 2 honestly, there’s so many places I couldn’t fit on the list! Sorry to make you hungry 😉 Come back and visit soon!
So I was sold on the Greek…then I saw the pie…and the meatball shop. I’m coming to New York. Yesterday. Lol. Great post!
Haha – I know, so many options, so little time! Come visit and test some of these spots out! You won’t be disappointed 🙂 Thanks for reading!
I’ve heard such great things about Ess-a-Bagel! I’m heading back go NYC in a few weeks, gotta check that out along with Veselka and Four & Twenty. Thanks for sharing!!
Ess-a-Bagel is legendary. Definitely recommend hitting up all 3 of those spots (obviously!) Let me know how you like them! I just had some Four & Twenty salted caramel apple pie tonight and yep…still delicious. Have a wonderful trip to NYC!
Reading this before bed isn’t a good idea. LOL. This is a very great guide for foodies like me. Cheap eats yet good food. Thanks for sharing.
Haha, sorry Dawnita 😉 Hope you didn’t go to bed hungry! Glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks for reading 🙂 Hope it gives you some good ideas for when you visit next!
Loved this post so much. New York is the place where I got to eat some of the best food I ate in my life, and I’m a spoiled kid grown up in quite a food rich country (Italy)! Of course, I got plenty of delicious food back home, but the richness in the variety of cuisines you can find in New York is out of this world. Sadly I don’t recall visiting any of the places on your list. Would have been handy to have a trusted guide to places that are both good and cheap!
Ooh, I am so jealous. I completely adore Italy – it’s the place my heart is happiest. Such a beautiful, special country. You’re so lucky! NYC definitely has some foodie gems though, I agree. I love the diversity too! Hopefully you’ll get to make another trip to the city soon and can try them out then!
I wish I had seen this article before going to NYC! It’s definetly hard to find budget places and your article has summed it up really well- thanks!
I’ve been hearing that from a few people and now I wish I’d put it up sooner too! Hopefully you can try out some of these yummy spots on your next trip to the city 🙂
Wow, this list is amazing! Digg Inn looks fantastic and Javelina is definitely someplace I want to try next time I’m in New York. I hadn’t heard of Artichoke Pizza but that looks like a great option too. Definitely pinning for future reference!!
Thanks so much Sherrie! Javelina is deeeelicious. You’ll love it, I’m sure. Artichoke is also amazing – definitely top 2 pizza places in NYC for me. Hope you get to make a trip here soon and test some of these recs out!
omg. I’m starving now haha. I went to NYC in college and lot and would just eat at like ….Wendy’s because I didn’t want to spend any money haha. Wish I had had this then!
Haha, sorry to make your stomach rumble 😉 I totally hear you, I ate at a lot of crappy places when I was in college and interning here too – until I realized I didn’t have to! I hope this saves a lot of broke college kids from McDonald’s fates!
Oh yum! I’m saving this for the next time we go to the city! Mamoun’s is definitely at the top of my list, or was until I saw the nachos from Taco Chulo!!
Yay! Always happy to hear that. All of these places (minus Crocodile Lounge, which is pretty basic, ha!) are SO delicious. Mamoun’s is incredible, and the nachos at Taco Chulo are to die for.
Awesome recommendations! Your food photos had me drooling. 🙂
Thanks for reading Jenny! Hope you didn’t drool on your keyboard 😉
Yum getting very hungry reading your list!
I made myself super hungry just writing it! Ha. Glad it got you drooling a bit! Mission accomplished.