Lifestyle
The 10 Best Cheap Eats in New York City
## The 10 Best Cheap Eats in New York City: The Definitive Ranking New York City's reputation as a culinary capital often comes with the assumption o...
1. The 10 Best Cheap Eats in New York City: The Definitive Ranking
New York City's reputation as a culinary capital often comes with the assumption of hefty price tags. While it's true you can spend a small fortune on a single meal, the city's real culinary heartbeat is found in its vibrant and incredibly diverse cheap eats scene. From legendary dollar-slice joints to hidden dumpling havens, NYC offers a world of flavor that won't drain your wallet. This is a city built by immigrants, and their culinary traditions are the foundation of its most delicious and affordable offerings. Forget the fancy tablecloths and Michelin stars for a moment; we're diving into the world of paper plates, bustling counters, and unforgettable meals that often cost less than a subway ride.
This definitive ranking of the 10 best cheap eats in NYC is your guide to navigating the city's budget-friendly food landscape. We're celebrating the institutions that have been serving up delicious, affordable food for decades, as well as the newer spots that have quickly become local legends. Whether you're a tourist looking for an authentic taste of New York or a local in search of your next favorite lunch spot, this list has something for everyone. Get ready to explore the five boroughs through their most accessible and mouthwatering dishes.
1. Xi'an Famous Foods
This popular chain, with multiple locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, is a must-try for anyone seeking bold and authentic flavors. What began as a small stall in a Flushing basement has grown into a city-wide phenomenon, beloved for its hand-pulled noodles and fiery Western Chinese cuisine.
The Must-Try Dishes
The star of the show at Xi'an Famous Foods is undoubtedly the Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles. The hand-pulled noodles are thick, chewy, and the perfect vehicle for the intensely flavorful and aromatic sauce. For a refreshing yet equally delicious option, the Liang Pi Cold-Skin Noodles are a popular choice.
The Unbeatable Value
Despite its cult following and consistently high quality, Xi'an Famous Foods remains incredibly affordable. A hearty and satisfying bowl of noodles will set you back around $10-15, a price that's hard to beat for a meal of this caliber in NYC.
2. 7th St Burger
Sometimes, all you need is a classic, no-frills smash burger, and 7th Street Burger delivers perfection. With several locations throughout the city, this spot has quickly become a go-to for burger aficionados on a budget.
The Simple Perfection
The menu at 7th Street Burger is refreshingly simple: cheeseburgers, double cheeseburgers, and fries. This focus allows them to excel at what they do. The burgers are smashed thin on the griddle, creating a crispy, caramelized crust while the inside remains juicy. Topped with American cheese, pickles, and their signature sauce on a soft potato bun, it's a masterclass in simplicity.
The Wallet-Friendly Price
In a city where a gourmet burger can easily cost over $20, 7th Street Burger offers its delicious creations for a fraction of the price. A single cheeseburger is priced at a wallet-friendly $6.50, making it one of the best cheap eats NYC has to offer.
3. Joe's Pizza
A true New York City institution, Joe's Pizza has been serving up classic New York-style slices since 1975. With locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, it's a favorite among locals, tourists, and even celebrities.
The Quintessential New York Slice
Joe's Pizza is all about the classic, no-fuss New York slice. The crust is thin and crispy, yet pliable enough to fold. The sauce is tangy and the cheese is perfectly melted. It's the kind of pizza that has made New York famous, and Joe's does it better than almost anyone. A plain cheese slice is the perfect way to experience what they're all about, but their fresh mozzarella and pepperoni slices are also excellent choices.
The Unbeatable Price
While there are cheaper "dollar slice" spots in the city, Joe's offers incredible quality for a very reasonable price. A generous slice will cost you around $3-5, making it an affordable and satisfying meal on the go.
4. Mamoun's Falafel
Serving falafel since 1971, Mamoun's is a Greenwich Village institution and a pioneer of Middle Eastern street food in New York City. This tiny, cash-only spot has been a favorite of students, artists, and anyone in search of a delicious and incredibly cheap meal for decades.
The Legendary Falafel
Mamoun's is famous for its falafel sandwich, a perfect combination of crispy chickpea fritters, fresh vegetables, and tahini sauce all stuffed into a warm pita. The falafel itself is perfectly seasoned and has a satisfying crunch. For a heartier meal, their shawarma and kebabs are also excellent choices.
The Unbelievably Low Prices
Mamoun's has managed to keep its prices remarkably low over the years. A falafel sandwich is still one of the cheapest and most filling meals you can get in the city, costing around $5. This commitment to affordability is a big part of why it remains one of the most beloved cheap eats in NYC.
5. Shu Jiao Fu Zhou Cuisine
Tucked away in Manhattan's Chinatown, Shu Jiao Fu Zhou Cuisine is a no-frills spot that serves up some of the best and most affordable dumplings in the city. This is a true hidden gem where the focus is solely on the food.
The Delicious Dumplings and Noodles
The main draws here are the pork and chive dumplings and the peanut noodles. The dumplings are incredibly flavorful and have a wonderfully delicate skin. The peanut noodles are creamy, savory, and ridiculously addictive. An order of 10 dumplings will cost you less than $5, and a plate of peanut noodles is around the same price.
The Unbeatable Value
Shu Jiao Fu Zhou is the epitome of a cheap eat. You can have a truly satisfying and delicious meal here for under $10. It's a cash-only establishment, so be sure to come prepared.
6. Birria-Landia
What started as a single food truck in Jackson Heights, Queens, has become a city-wide sensation. Birria-Landia specializes in Tijuana-style birria, and they do it exceptionally well.
The Famous Birria Tacos
The menu is simple: birria tacos, tostadas, and consomé. The tacos are the star of the show, featuring tender, flavorful stewed beef in a corn tortilla that's been dipped in the consomé and grilled until crispy. Be sure to order a side of the rich and savory consomé for dipping.
The Affordable Price
Each taco is a few dollars, meaning you can have a very filling and incredibly delicious meal for around $10-15. The quality and flavor they deliver for the price are what make them a standout in the city's taco scene.
7. Scarr's Pizza
Located on the Lower East Side, Scarr's Pizza is a neighborhood spot that takes its pizza very seriously. They are known for milling their own flour in-house, a testament to their commitment to quality ingredients.
The High-Quality Slices
Scarr's offers classic New York-style slices that are a cut above the rest. The crust has a depth of flavor you won't find at most pizzerias, thanks to their freshly milled grains. Their plain cheese slice is a thing of beauty, but their pepperoni and grandma slices are also not to be missed.
The Accessible Price
While slightly more expensive than your average slice shop, Scarr's still offers excellent value for the quality. A slice will run you around $4-6, a small price to pay for one of the best slices in the city.
8. Veselka
An East Village institution since 1954, Veselka is a 24-hour Ukrainian diner that serves up hearty and comforting food at any time of day or night.
The Comforting Ukrainian Classics
Veselka is famous for its pierogies, which come in a variety of fillings like potato, cheese, and short rib. Their borscht (beet soup) and latkes are also must-tries. It's the kind of soulful, satisfying food that's perfect for a cold day or a late-night craving.
The Reasonable Prices
While not the absolute cheapest on this list, Veselka offers very reasonable prices for a sit-down meal in Manhattan. A plate of pierogies or a bowl of borscht will provide a filling and delicious meal for around $10-15.
9. A&A Bake & Doubles Shop
For a taste of Trinidadian street food, head to A&A Bake & Doubles Shop in Brooklyn. This beloved spot is known for its delicious and incredibly affordable doubles.
The Famous Doubles
A double consists of two pieces of fried flatbread (bara) filled with curried chickpeas (channa). It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful and satisfying snack or light meal. You can customize your double with various sauces, from sweet tamarind to spicy pepper.
The Unbeatable Price
A&A is a true cheap eats paradise. A double will only set you back a couple of dollars, making it one of the most affordable and delicious bites in all of New York City.
10. Gray's Papaya
A quintessential New York experience, Gray's Papaya is a 24/7 hot dog and fruit drink stand on the Upper West Side. It's a no-frills spot that has been serving up cheap and delicious hot dogs for decades.
The Recession Special
Gray's Papaya is famous for its "Recession Special," which gets you two hot dogs and a tropical fruit drink for an incredibly low price. The hot dogs are simple and delicious, with a satisfying snap. The fruit drinks, like papaya and pineapple, are refreshingly sweet.
The Iconic Value
In a city of ever-rising prices, Gray's Papaya remains a beacon of affordability. The "Recession Special" is still one of the best food deals in NYC, making it a must-visit for anyone on a budget.
2. Conclusion
New York City's culinary landscape is as diverse as its population, and its cheap eats scene is a testament to this incredible variety. From hand-pulled noodles and authentic birria tacos to classic New York-style pizza and comforting Ukrainian pierogies, there's a world of flavor to be discovered without breaking the bank. These ten spots are more than just places to get a cheap meal; they are beloved institutions that contribute to the vibrant culinary fabric of the city. So next time you're in New York, be sure to skip the tourist traps and seek out these delicious and affordable gems.