The city that never sleeps, New York City, is a culinary paradise with a diverse range of cuisines to suit every palate and budget. However, with the high cost of living in NYC, dining out can be a significant expense for many. The good news is that there are plenty of affordable options to enjoy delicious food without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best places to eat cheap in NYC, from classic diners to trendy eateries, and provide tips on how to save money while dining out.
Whether you’re a student, a tourist, or a local on a budget, finding affordable dining options in NYC can be a challenge. The city’s high rent and labor costs have led to a surge in expensive restaurants, but there are still plenty of hidden gems that offer great value for money. From traditional New York-style pizza to international cuisine, we’ll cover the best cheap eats in NYC and provide insider tips on how to make the most of your dining experience.
Classic NYC Diners
NYC diners have been a staple of the city’s culinary scene for decades, offering a no-frills, affordable dining experience that’s hard to beat. From classic breakfast joints to late-night diners, these establishments serve up comfort food at unbeatable prices. Here are some of the best classic NYC diners to try:
Essential Diner Spots
Here are some of the most iconic NYC diners that are a must-visit:
- Ellen’s Stardust Diner (1650 Broadway): This 24-hour diner is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, with its retro decor and singing waitstaff.
- Gray’s Papaya (209 W 14th St): This classic diner has been a NYC staple since 1972, serving up classic breakfast dishes and late-night eats.
- Russ & Daughters Cafe (127 Orchard St): This Jewish deli and appetizing shop has been a Lower East Side institution since 1914, offering a wide range of traditional dishes at affordable prices.
Breakfast and Brunch Spots
NYC diners are famous for their breakfast and brunch offerings, and here are some of the best spots to try:
- The Original Pancake House (multiple locations): This popular chain has been serving up fluffy pancakes and omelets since 1953.
- Clinton St. Baking Company (4 Clinton St): This cozy bakery and cafe serves up delicious pastries, sandwiches, and breakfast dishes.
- Westville (multiple locations): This casual breakfast spot offers a wide range of omelets, pancakes, and sandwiches at affordable prices.
Late-Night Eats
NYC diners are also famous for their late-night eats, and here are some of the best spots to try:
- Carbone (181 Thompson St): This retro Italian-American restaurant is a favorite among late-night revelers, serving up classic dishes like veal parmesan and lobster fra diavolo.
- Xi’an Famous Foods (multiple locations): This casual noodle shop serves up spicy lamb burgers and hand-pulled noodles at affordable prices.
- Los Tacos No. 1 (Chelsea Market): This casual taco stand serves up delicious street-style tacos and other Mexican dishes at unbeatable prices.
International Cuisine on a Budget
NYC is a melting pot of cultures, and the city’s international cuisine scene is a reflection of this diversity. From Korean BBQ to Indian curries, here are some of the best international restaurants to try on a budget: (See Also: Where to Eat in Tekapo? Best Kept Secrets)
Korean BBQ
Korean BBQ is a popular trend in NYC, and here are some of the best spots to try:
- Mad for Curry (multiple locations): This casual Korean BBQ joint serves up delicious marinated meats and spicy kimchi at affordable prices.
- Seoul Garden (multiple locations): This family-owned Korean BBQ restaurant offers a wide range of traditional dishes at unbeatable prices.
- Ono Seafood (multiple locations): This casual seafood restaurant serves up fresh sushi and Korean-style BBQ at affordable prices.
Indian Cuisine
Indian cuisine is a staple of NYC’s international food scene, and here are some of the best spots to try:
- Madras Mahal (multiple locations): This family-owned Indian restaurant offers a wide range of traditional dishes at affordable prices.
- Swagat (multiple locations): This casual Indian restaurant serves up delicious curries and biryanis at unbeatable prices.
- Taste of India (multiple locations): This family-owned Indian restaurant offers a wide range of traditional dishes at affordable prices.
Mexican Cuisine
Mexican cuisine is a popular trend in NYC, and here are some of the best spots to try:
- Los Tacos No. 1 (Chelsea Market): This casual taco stand serves up delicious street-style tacos and other Mexican dishes at unbeatable prices.
- Empellón (multiple locations): This upscale Mexican restaurant offers a wide range of traditional dishes at affordable prices.
- La Morada (401 W 145th St): This family-owned Mexican restaurant serves up delicious traditional dishes at unbeatable prices.
Food Trucks and Markets
NYC’s food truck and market scene is a great way to try a variety of cuisines on the go. Here are some of the best food trucks and markets to try:
Food Trucks
NYC’s food truck scene is a popular trend, and here are some of the best trucks to try:
- Los Tacos No. 1 (multiple locations): This casual taco truck serves up delicious street-style tacos and other Mexican dishes at unbeatable prices.
- Wafels & Dinges (multiple locations): This Belgian waffle truck serves up delicious waffles and other sweet treats at affordable prices.
- Kimchi Grill (multiple locations): This Korean BBQ truck serves up delicious marinated meats and spicy kimchi at affordable prices.
Markets
NYC’s markets are a great way to try a variety of cuisines in one place. Here are some of the best markets to try:
- Smorgasburg (multiple locations): This popular market features a wide range of vendors serving up everything from artisanal cheeses to Korean BBQ.
- Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave): This indoor market features a wide range of vendors serving up everything from fresh seafood to Mexican cuisine.
- Grand Bazaar NYC (100 W 77th St): This outdoor market features a wide range of vendors serving up everything from artisanal jewelry to Middle Eastern cuisine.
Discounts and Deals
NYC’s culinary scene can be expensive, but there are plenty of discounts and deals to be found. Here are some of the best ways to save money while dining out: (See Also: Where to Eat in Swellendam? Top Local Favorites)
Coupon Websites
Coupon websites are a great way to find discounts and deals on NYC restaurants. Here are some of the best websites to try:
- LivingSocial (livingsocial.com): This popular coupon website offers discounts on everything from fine dining to casual eats.
- Groupon (groupon.com): This popular coupon website offers discounts on everything from cooking classes to food tours.
- Yelp (yelp.com): This popular review website also offers discounts and deals on NYC restaurants.
Happy Hour Deals
Happy hour deals are a great way to save money while dining out. Here are some of the best happy hour deals to try:
- The Dead Rabbit (30 Water St): This upscale cocktail bar offers a happy hour deal featuring discounted drinks and small plates.
- Attaboy (134 Eldridge St): This popular cocktail bar offers a happy hour deal featuring discounted drinks and small plates.
- 230 Fifth (230 5th Ave): This rooftop bar offers a happy hour deal featuring discounted drinks and small plates.
Student Discounts
NYC’s culinary scene can be expensive, but there are plenty of discounts and deals available for students. Here are some of the best ways to save money while dining out:
- Student IDs: Many NYC restaurants offer discounts to students with valid IDs.
- College programs: Many colleges and universities offer programs that provide discounts to students on dining out.
- Food apps: Many food apps, such as Grubhub and UberEats, offer discounts to students.
Recap
NYC’s culinary scene is a melting pot of cultures, with a wide range of cuisines to suit every palate and budget. From classic diners to trendy eateries, there are plenty of affordable options to enjoy delicious food without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best places to eat cheap in NYC:
- Classic diners: Ellen’s Stardust Diner, Gray’s Papaya, and Russ & Daughters Cafe.
- International cuisine: Mad for Curry, Seoul Garden, and Ono Seafood for Korean BBQ; Madras Mahal, Swagat, and Taste of India for Indian cuisine; and Los Tacos No. 1, Empellón, and La Morada for Mexican cuisine.
- Food trucks and markets: Los Tacos No. 1, Wafels & Dinges, and Kimchi Grill for food trucks; and Smorgasburg, Chelsea Market, and Grand Bazaar NYC for markets.
- Discounts and deals: Coupon websites like LivingSocial and Groupon, happy hour deals at The Dead Rabbit and Attaboy, and student discounts at many NYC restaurants.
FAQs
Q: What are the best cheap eats in NYC?
A: Some of the best cheap eats in NYC include classic diners like Ellen’s Stardust Diner and Gray’s Papaya, as well as international cuisine options like Mad for Curry and Seoul Garden.
Q: Where can I find happy hour deals in NYC?
A: Some of the best happy hour deals in NYC can be found at The Dead Rabbit and Attaboy, as well as at many rooftop bars like 230 Fifth. (See Also: Where to Eat in Painswick? Top Local Favorites)
Q: Are there any discounts available for students in NYC?
A: Yes, many NYC restaurants offer discounts to students with valid IDs, and some colleges and universities offer programs that provide discounts to students on dining out.
Q: What are some of the best food trucks in NYC?
A: Some of the best food trucks in NYC include Los Tacos No. 1, Wafels & Dinges, and Kimchi Grill.
Q: Where can I find the best international cuisine in NYC?
A: Some of the best international cuisine options in NYC include Korean BBQ at Mad for Curry and Seoul Garden, Indian cuisine at Madras Mahal and Swagat, and Mexican cuisine at Los Tacos No. 1 and Empellón.