Best Cheap Eats in New York City

Taking a bite out of the Big Apple can be pricey, but an easy way to keep costs down and taste the real flavor of New York City is to dine on a dime. Check out my favorite budget-friendly restaurants and food trucks to experience while you’re in NYC!

Shake Shack

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You’ve probably heard the hype about Shake Shack, and I’m here to tell you: believe it. I’m a California girl with a passion for In-N-Out, but even their food can’t compare to mighty Shake Shack’s. The burgers are better. The crinkle-cut fries are legendary. And the shakes will blow your mind.

Not only is this one of the most delicious meals in New York City, it’s also one of the cheapest. You can leave full for less than $20. Plus, they’re working hard to be earth-friendly too!

Lombardi’s Pizza

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You can’t leave Gotham until you get an authentic slice of thin-crust pizza. While New Yorkers could debate which place has the best pizza until the cows come home, my go-to spot is usually Lombardi’s. Though not the absolute pinnacle of NYC pizza, their pies are truly excellent and their enviable location in NoLIta puts them over the top.

Plus, a large pizza will only set you back $19.50. And, hey, you’re tasting a piece of history. Legend has it Lombardi’s was the first pizza place in the U.S.

Milk Bar at Momofuku

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Foodies everywhere speak of Momofuku in hushed tones. But dinner at the main restaurant can add up pretty quickly. Instead, get a small taste of David Chang’s wildly inventive fare at next door Milk Bar. There, you can sample some of the legendary pork buns and satiate your sweet tooth with a slice of crack pie or a compost cookie.

Gray’s Papaya

Only in New York. This cheap eats option has been available since 1973 and it still holds its own today. Stop by for a hot dog and a fresh-squeezed papaya juice to rub shoulders with busy New Yorkers eating on the go. The whole experience will cost you less than $5.

And if you really want to geek out on this weird combo, you can also try the offerings at competitor Papaya King, which was made famous by Cosmo Kramer on Seinfeld.

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Indian Food on 6th Street, aka Curry Row

You will know them by their chili pepper lights. If you’re craving cheap Indian food, there’s no place better than 6th Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues in Manhattan, which is colloquially known as “Curry Row.” There, a cluster of cheap restaurants huddle together and barkers stand out front, trying to lure you inside. Each is decked out in enough colorful lights to put even the gaudiest house on your street during Christmas to shame.

Nearly identical to one another, I’ve never had a bad meal on 6th Street and I’ve never spent more than $20.

Food Trucks

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Like the rest of the country, New York City is currently obsessed with food trucks. Keep an eye peeled for these colorful trucks as they move around the city. Some of my favorites include: Sweetery and Rickshaw Dumpling Truck.

Need help spotting them? New York Magazine did a great round-up with pictures for you.

Veselka

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As weird as it may sound, this Ukrainian soul food spot is a crowd favorite and it’s been pleasing palates since 1954. Head over to the East Village and get your fill of classic dishes like pierogi, stroganoff, and, of course, borscht. Even better? Veselka is open 24 hours a day and you’d be hard-pressed to spend more than $20 on a meal.

Hungry yet? We’ll see you with a full stomach and wallet in NYC!

 

 

 

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