New York is often cited as one of the most expensive cities in the world, especially when it comes to food– however, every so often you may stumble across a hidden gem that offers the best quality eats at a more affordable price. If you know where to look in NYC, you can find full meals for $15 (around £12) or less, but cheaper prices certainly don’t mean bad quality. Some of these restaurants/eateries have been shared and raved about across multiple social media platforms, but some of them may be more unknown to tourists. Let’s take a look at 7 of the best cheap eats in New York.
7. 7th Street Burger
Price: $5-$10
7th Street Burger in New York has been hailed by many as one of the cheapest places to get a classic burger. With branches across New York, 7th Street Burger offers a simple and classic menu with affordable prices and high-quality burgers with a taste that is unmatched. The uncomplicated menu is the highlight of this place, as keeping things simple can help you focus on perfecting the classics, and the chefs at 7th Street Burger have done just that. With perfectly seasoned beef or vegetarian burger patties, perfectly melted cheese, the best accompaniments and the crispiest fries, 7th Street Burger is sure to become your new local favourite.
6. B&H Dairy
Price: $7-$15
B&H Dairy is known for its vegetarian and kosher dishes, and this classic diner-style restaurant in East Village, Manhattan offers a variation of dishes, from breakfast foods to soups and sandwiches that vary in price– the cheapest prices vary from around $6-$10, with soup costing $6-$7, mac and cheese for $10 or a classic grilled cheese for around $6. If you’re looking for somewhere for lunch with a relaxed atmosphere, good quality food and affordable prices, B&H Dairy is one of the best places in Manhattan to consider. Perhaps somewhat of a hidden gem to first-time visitors to New York, this restaurant has been mentioned in high-profile publications and across social media platforms, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you're in the East Village neighbourhood.
5. Breakfast by Salt’s Cure
Price: $5-$12
Breakfast for under $12 is pretty much unheard of in NYC, but this restaurant manages to provide the best quality breakfasts at an affordable price. Known for its speciality griddle cakes, this restaurant serves up a hearty breakfast of sweet or savoury that won’t break the bank. The cheapest items on the menu are eggs, sausage or crispy potatoes, which are each around $5-$6, and the cheapest griddle cakes are the original, at $10, however, these prices can vary between locations! With restaurants across both New York and Los Angeles, Breakfast by Salt’s Cure is certainly well on its way to dominating the breakfast scene in both cities, and its cheaper-than-average prices entice both budget-conscious tourists and local regulars alike.
4. Tompkins Square Bagels
Price: $2-$15
Highly reviewed amongst the foodies of New York and first-timers, Tompkins Square Bagels are a must-try, with the vast majority of bagels costing under $10. The prices can range from $2-$10 for classic bagels, and between $10-$15 for heartier items and deluxe options. Having garnered high praise across social media, if you’re on the search for breakfast or lunch that won’t make you wince at your bank account balance after purchasing, then look no further. With locations across Manhattan, it’s no surprise that visitors to New York or locals may have heard of this bagel heaven and speak highly of it. With fluffy and perfectly textured bagels and flavourful fillings and additions, who is really surprised?
3. Tiki Chick
Prices: Burger/sandwich prices at $5. Cocktails range from $15-$16.
This tropical-themed bar in the Upper West Side of Manhattan is the perfect paradise for cheap cocktails and burgers in the heart of the city. With classic cocktails priced at $15, and all food items at $5, Tiki Chick is a nice little find when you’re hungry and on a budget. Their sandwiches/burgers feature buttermilk fried chicken or spam and a range of accompaniments from pickles to pineapple, and their signature sauces. You can also purchase drink/food packages starting at $40-$50 per guest, but if you’re simply on the lookout for somewhere cheap to eat in NYC, you may be more inclined to just order a burger for $5, and once you try it you won’t be able to stop raving about it.
2. Punjabi Deli
Prices: Most dishes under $10
Punjabi Deli is a well-loved local deli in the East Village neighbourhood of Manhattan and serves premium authentic, vegetarian takeout food at an affordable price. Most of the dishes served at Punjabi Deli are under $10, so you can enjoy a hearty and warming meal without worrying about overspending. What could be better than exploring the streets of Manhattan with a takeout curry and most of your budget still left over?
1. Birria Landia
Prices: $4-$5 each for food, $5-$6 for consommé.
Several entries on this list prove that you don’t have to visit a food truck for lower food prices, but we wanted to include a taco truck as it is one of the best-loved and best-known for its affordable prices on delicious tacos. Birria Landia, located across Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens, serves a range of quintessential tacos and their signature consommé sauce. Choose from tacos, mulitas or tostadas, priced at $4-$5 each, and a medium cup of consommé for $5. If you want to keep costs really low, order two tacos or tostadas for $8 and skip the consommé, although we’d recommend going all in, as Birria Landia’s food is worth splurging a little extra for.
Get ready to plan your trip to New York
BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK
MOST POPULAR
SIMILAR ARTICLES
newsletter