The Best Cheap Eats in New York City

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A slice from Joe’s Pizza is truly one of the most satisfying and delicious things you can eat in New York City for any price. Grub Street called Joe’s “the absolute best slice of pizza in New York,” and it’s been a beloved institution for years. While the flagship store, opened in 1975, is located in Greenwich Village, Joe’s has since expanded to various locations throughout the city.

Kosher delis are a dying breed in NYC, but one icon of the scene remains an East Village institution. A neighborhood favorite since its inception in the 1940s, B&H Dairy is the sort of place where you can eat at the counter alone, order yourself some pierogis or a sandwich and have a chat with the cooks. The food here is the kind that warms the soul, and while it’s all great, the soups are the best $5 option.

Since this St Mark’s staple opened a second location in Williamsburg, its hot dogs are more accessible than ever. Known for its adventurous items, Crif Dogs tops its hand-made dogs with everything from sour cream and peanut butter to the spices that grace an everything bagel. Feeling inspired yourself? Crif Dogs also allows eaters to customize their own creations, ensuring crushed cravings every time.

Chinatown is a cheap-food lover’s paradise. You’ll be amazed at the prices – $1 for a plate of eight dumplings is not uncommon. But despite the plethora of inexpensive options, sometimes you get poor quality for the low price. You need to know where to go in the neighborhood, and one of the best options is Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles. It’s got all the $4-$5 dumplings and noodle soups you’re looking for in Chinatown at top-notch quality.

Hidden inside Chelsea Market at Los Tacos No. 1 you’ll find what are often hailed as NYC’s best tacos. Given that the market caters to an upscale clientele in an upscale neighborhood, these reasonably priced cheap bites are even more beloved. All their tacos are under $5, but as we all know, it’s hard to order just one. For something more substantial go for a quesadilla, and know that you’ll be pleased with anything you order.

The New York deli is something everyone should experience, and M&O Market & Deli in SoHo is an excellent starting point. The classic, old-school deli is a dying breed in the city, but M&O is still going strong. Here you can get any deli sandwich you want, but the famous BLT is what draws the crowds. At only $3.50 for a small size, it’s a real steal.

First opening its doors in 1971 in Greenwich Village, Mamoun’s Falafel now has numerous locations throughout New York. The simple ground-chickpea delicacy of falafel takes center stage at the outlets, which aim to be New York’s best falafel restaurants. Everything served is made from scratch using the freshest natural ingredients, finest imported spices and Mamoun’s signature recipes. As well as the famous falafel, the restaurant also offers tasty shawarmas and a selection of chicken, shish and kofta kebabs.

Punjabi Grocery & Deli may be the place in NYC where you can eat the most food for the least money. This Indian deli, located in the East Village, is a long-time favorite of taxi drivers and anyone looking for cheap eats at any hour of the day (it’s open 24/7), and most items cost $1-$3. There’s nowhere to sit, so once you select your dishes from the counter you’ll probably be eating standing up or on the go.

For a cheap sandwich that’s crazy good, head to The Kati Roll Company. If you’ve never had a kati roll, prepare to be dazzled – it’s basically an Indian wrap made with paratha bread (a buttery croissant-like flatbread) and stuffed with whatever meats, cheeses and Indian spices you could want. There’s tons to choose from on the menu, and nearly half the options are $5 or under. The first location opened in Greenwich Village in 2002, and now Kati Roll has locations throughout NYC.

Do not let this counter-serve restaurant fool you; what it lacks in high-end atmosphere, it makes up for with bold flavor. Xi’an Famous Foods offers chain-style Xi’an fare, so be sure to stop in if you’re looking for a fix of cold noodles, hand-pulled noodles, soups and more. Cost may vary depending on location, but salads and burgers can be had for under $5.

This Trinidadian snack shop in Bed Stuy relocated from Nostrand Avenue around the corner to Fulton Street. Owners Geeta and Noel Brown offer a cheap yet delicious menu featuring their namesake doubles, which are small flatbreads sandwiching curry chickpea filling, tamarind and pepper sauces. Bakes are also offered here – hence the name – which consist of fillings ranging from cod to herring and shark jammed into a round roll. The menu also includes rotis with anything from goat to duck inside, as well as an array of curry.

Need some more culinary inspiration? Check out the foods you must eat when you’re in NYC.

Michael LoRé contributed additional reporting to this article.