The 10 Best Cheap Restaurants in New York City

This one is for the travel foodies out there! New York City is known for its diverse culinary scene, but enjoying great food doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re craving tacos, pizza, or something more unique, there’s plenty of affordable options to satisfy your taste buds. Here are the 10 best cheap restaurants in New York City, where you can indulge in delicious meals without spending a fortune.

1. Birria-Landia - The 10 Best Cheap Restaurants in New York City

Address: Multiple Locations in SoHo and Brooklyn

Highlights: Birria Tacos, Mulitas, Tostadas

Prices: Tacos for $3.50, Mulitas for $4.50, Tostadas for $3.50

Birria-Landia is a food truck sensation known for its mouth-watering birria tacos. The slow-roasted beef, marinated to perfection, practically melts in your mouth. Be sure to try the tacos dipped in their rich consome for an extra burst of flavor. This spot is a must-visit for taco enthusiasts looking for cheap eats in New York.

2. Scarr’s Pizza - The 10 Best Cheap Restaurants in New York City

Address: 22 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

Highlights: Cheese Slices, Specialty Slices

Prices: Cheese Slice for $3.75, Specialty Slices up to $5.75

Located in the Lower East Side, Scarr’s Pizza is a beloved spot for New Yorkers seeking a classic slice. The pizza is made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and the retro ambiance adds to the charm. Don’t miss their Sicilian slices, which are particularly popular.

3. Veselka - The 10 Best Cheap Restaurants in New York City

Address: 144 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Highlights: Pierogis, Potato Pancake Latkes

Prices: Pierogis (4 for $9), Potato Pancake Latkes for $6

Veselka, a Ukrainian diner in the East Village, offers a range of delicious and affordable European dishes. Their pierogis and potato pancake latkes are standout items, perfect for a comforting meal without overspending.

4. San Marzano - The 10 Best Cheap Restaurants in New York City

Address: 117 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Highlights: Pasta Dishes, Paninis

Prices: Pasta dishes starting at $14, Paninis for $12

San Marzano is an East Village gem known for its affordable and delectable pasta. With a variety of shapes and sauces to choose from, it’s a pasta lover’s paradise. Their paninis are also a great option for a quick, budget-friendly meal.

5. Banh Mi Saigon - The 10 Best Cheap Restaurants in New York City

Address: 198 Grand St, New York, NY 10013

Highlights: BBQ Pork Banh Mi, Traditional Vietnamese Sandwiches

Prices: Most items under $10

In the heart of Chinatown, Banh Mi Saigon serves some of the best Vietnamese sandwiches in the city. Their BBQ pork banh mi is a fan favorite, featuring crisp baguette-style bread and fresh ingredients. It’s a delicious and affordable option for a quick meal.

6. Cheeky Sandwiches - The 10 Best Cheap Restaurants in New York City

Previous and New Address: 35 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002/ 88 Essex St, New York, NY 10002

Highlights: Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Prices: Fried Chicken Sandwich for $6.50

Cheeky Sandwiches in the Lower East Side brings a taste of New Orleans to NYC with their signature fried chicken sandwiches. Served on a buttermilk biscuit with coleslaw and gravy, it’s a hearty and affordable choice for sandwich lovers. They are currently moving (as of june 2024) so make sure to check for the new location on the north end of the Essex Market

7. Evelia’s Tamales - The 10 Best Cheap Restaurants in New York City

Address: Roosevelt Ave & Junction Blvd, Corona, NY 11368

Highlights: Tamales Verdes, Rojos, Chicken and Cheese

Prices: Tamales starting at $1.50

Evelia’s Tamales in Jackson Heights is a testament to the rich tradition of tamale-making. With a variety of flavors, including traditional and Oaxacan-style tamales, this spot offers some of the best cheap eats in New York City.

8. Mei Lai Wah - The 10 Best Cheap Restaurants in New York City

Address: 64 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013

Highlights: Baked Roast Pork Buns, Dim Sum

Prices: Baked Roast Pork Buns for $1.75

Mei Lai Wah, located in Chinatown, is famous for its baked roast pork buns. This bakery and coffee shop offers a range of dim sum and other affordable bites, making it a go-to spot for budget-conscious foodies.

9. Joe’s Steam Rice Roll - The 10 Best Cheap Restaurants in New York City

Address: Multiple Locations in Flushing and Soho

Highlights: Steamed Rice Rolls, Chinese Crepes

Prices: Steamed Rice Rolls for $8 or less, Chinese Crepes for $6

Joe’s Steam Rice Roll is known for its delicious Cantonese steamed rice rolls. Available with various fillings like beef, pork, and shrimp, these rolls are a must-try for anyone looking for cheap eats in New York. Don’t forget to try their Chinese crepes for a unique treat.

10. Wonton Noodle Garden - The 10 Best Cheap Restaurants in New York City

Address: 56 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

Highlights: Wonton Noodle Soup, Siu Mai

Prices: Wonton Noodle Soup for under $9, Siu Mai for $8.75

Wonton Noodle Garden in Chinatown specializes in wonton noodle soup, featuring generously sized wontons filled with pork and shrimp. This spot offers authentic Chinese flavors at budget-friendly prices, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Tips for Enjoying New York's Food Scene

Exploring the best cheap restaurants in New York City offers a delicious adventure through diverse cuisines, all without straining your wallet. From the savory birria tacos at Birria-Landia to the comforting wonton noodle soup at Wonton Noodle Garden, these eateries showcase the city's rich culinary landscape.

To make the most of New York's food scene, consider these tips:

1. Explore Food Trucks and Street Vendors: Some of the best cheap eats come from food trucks and street vendors. Keep an eye out for popular spots like Birria-Landia and Evelia’s Tamales, where you can enjoy fresh, flavorful food on the go.

2. Visit Different Neighborhoods: Each neighborhood in New York offers unique culinary experiences. Chinatown, for example, is a treasure trove of affordable Asian cuisine, while the East Village boasts a variety of cheap eats from different cultures.

3. Take Advantage of Lunch Specials: Many restaurants offer discounted lunch specials that provide the same great food at a lower price. This is a great way to try high-end dishes on a budget.

4. Share Dishes: When dining with friends, consider sharing multiple dishes. This not only allows you to taste a wider variety of food but also helps keep costs down.

5. Check Online Reviews and Social Media: Websites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Instagram can be invaluable for discovering new cheap restaurants and seeing real customer reviews and photos.

6. Look for Happy Hour Deals: Many restaurants and bars offer happy hour deals that include discounted food and drinks. It's a great way to enjoy a night out without spending too much.

7. Attend Food Festivals and Markets: Food festivals and markets like Smorgasburg and the Queens Night Market offer a wide array of affordable dishes from various vendors. These events are perfect for sampling different foods in one place.

By following these tips, you can fully immerse yourself in the city's vibrant and diverse food scene, enjoying delicious meals at some of the best cheap restaurants in New York City. So, pack your appetite and get ready to munch your way through the Big Apple without breaking the bank. Bon appétit!