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When you think of New York City, do you tend to think “expensive” or “cheap”? Probably expensive, right? But it doesn’t have to be. For us New Yorkers, we have outrageously high expectations in taste but nearly empty wallets. As for time, we have 100 places to be except the grocery store and our kitchen.
Because of that, cheap but phenomenal tasting food is part of the everyday New York lifestyle— more so than those fancy schmancy restaurants you may see on TV.
Now don’t get me wrong. Those high end restaurants are delicious, but when you’re already spending an arm and a leg on an Airbnb, hotel, or a flight to New York City, do as the locals do.
Check out these 16 cheap places to eat in New York City, specifically in Manhattan!
You might also like:
Complete New York City Travel Guide
5 Places to Eat Under $5 in NYC
10 Things Not to Do in NYC
*Prices may have changed since this post was originally written in 2016.*
Saigon Shack
Greenwich Village
Flavorful broth, noodles of the right size thickness, and tender meat mixed together with a hip yet understated setting? What else could you want when eating pho?
If it’s too warm outside for pho, the Grilled Pork Chop Vermicelli is both filling and refreshing.
This place was in my weekly mix of restaurants. I miss it!
Category: Vietnamese, Pho
What to Get: Classic Beef Pho for $9, Grilled Pork Chop Vermicelli for $9, Banh Mi Classic for $5 or Fresh Summer Rolls for $5
Payment: Cash only
Pro Tip: There’s never more than a 15 minute wait because this place rolls out the pho like no other so nonchalantly pass off the crazy busy looking restaurant. You’ll be eating in no time.
Xi’an Famous Foods
6 Locations in Manhattan
Update 10/5/17- So I went to Xi’an Famous Foods in Sept. during my recent trip back to the US, and they raised the prices! It used to be $7.75 for the dish I liked, but now it’s about $10-10.50. It’s still worth trying, but because of the price increase, it’s not the awesome value it used to be.
Want chewy, slurpy noodles covered in blends of oils and spices that wow your tongue with each bite? Then Xi’an Famous Foods is the place for you.
Besides the good food, I love this place because it’s the classic American dream story. Dad came to America from China, opened up a small shop in Queens, and worked hard to send his son to a good school.
The son graduated from school with a business degree and broadcasted his dad’s recipes to the world (aka NYC). Now they’re exploding in success while our tongues explode with flavors.
Category: Chinese, Noodles
What to Get: Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger or the Pork “Zha Jiang” Hand-Ripped Noodles
Payment: Credit Card, Cash
Pro Tip: Eat the noodles asap in the restaurant so that your noodles are of utmost fresh chewiness. Getting take-out will make the noodles a bit mush. They even have a sign warning you of this. Aren’t they sweet?
Mighty Quinn’s
5 Locations in Manhattan
With items like pulled pork sandwiches, burnt ends baked beans, sweet potato mash, and of course, boneless spare ribs, Mighty Quinn’s is the place to go for slow cooked barbecue food.
Category: American, Barbecue
What to Get: Burnt Ends Brisket sandwich, Pulled Pork sandwich, or the Spare Ribs all under $10. The Sweet Potato Casserole and Burnt End Baked Beans are a delight too at $3.50 each.
Payment: Credit Card or Cash
Pro Tip: Go with a few friends to order as many sides as possible. They’re all delicious.
Joe’s Shanghai
Soup dumplings probably wouldn’t come to the top of your head when you think of New York City foods, but it very much is. In the past decade or so, it has been wholly ingrained in our city’s culture of food, especially for those who love dumplings!
Joe’s Shanghai has become one of New York’s culinary institutions for soup dumplings because their dumplings are just delicious! The outside skin is delicate to taste but strong enough to hold the soup and the meat inside, and the chew– yes, each bite magically springs back ever so slightly as you move your teeth up and down.
As for the broth and the meat inside– so flavorful. This is a place I wouldn’t miss.
Category: Chinese, Shanghainese
What to Get: Pork Meat Soup Dumplings for $7.95
Payment: Credit Card or Cash
Pro Tip: Place your dumpling on your spoon with your chopsticks. Then poke a hole on top so that it vents out but doesn’t let any soup escape. Let it cool then take it in one bite.
Or you could be patient and let your soup dumplings cool down so you don’t have to poke a hole in it and won’t burn yourself as you bite it– but let’s be serious, waiting for these dumplings to cool down is basically impossible.
Num Pang
5 Locations in Manhattan
The right amount of marinated meat and veggies on a mini baguette that’s crispy, crunchy, and chewy? 100% yes.
Category: Vietnamese, Cambodian, Bahn-mi
What to Get: Five Spiced Glazed Pork Belly sandwich for $9.25
Payment: Credit Card, Apple Pay, or Cash
Also on my Where to Eat Asian Food for Lunch Near Grand Central post
Pepe Rosso To Go
Greenwich Village
If you have a thing for hole in the walls that serve amazing pasta and parallels a full-service Italian restaurant without the price, then this place is a must-try.
In addition to Saigon Shack, this was also in my weekly mix of restaurants.
Category: Italian, Pasta
What to Get: Penne Arrabbiata for $9.95, Penne with Spinach, Ricotta in Tomato Basil for $10.95, or really ANY pasta
Payment: Cash only under $15
Pro Tip: This place only has 8 seats, but don’t worry. The cashier watches out for who should have the next seat. Be ready to rub elbows with your neighbors!
You might also like this Greenwich Village food tour.
Shake Shack
8 Locations in Manhattan
Take your fast-food burger, kick it up a notch in flavor and quality, and you’ve got Shake Shack. Sprouted from a tiny hot dog cart in Madison Square Park, it’s basically running the fast food world now.
Category: American, Burger
What to Get: Single Shackburger for $5.29 or any of their shakes made with frozen custard, not ice cream for $5.29
Payment: Credit Card, Cash
? Pin or bookmark this for later!
Minca Ramen
East Village
Want the taste of Ippudo ramen without the expensive prices and long lines? Then Minca’s the spot for you especially in the wintertime when the only thing that’ll cure the cold is a hot bowl of ramen.
Category: Japanese, Ramen
What to Get: the Pork Broth ramen or Minca ramen for $10.50
Payment: Cash only
Otto’s Tacos
3 Locations in Manhattan
Juicy, fresh, flavorful, and above all, authentic— that’s what Otto’s Tacos are all about. They’re the closest thing I could find to Stamford’s taco truck tacos (the best tacos in the world).
Category: Mexican, Tacos
What to Get: Carne Asada for $3.25 AND the Carnitas taco for $3.00 because you have to try both!
Payment: Credit card, Cash
Pies n’ Thighs
Chinatown
Juicy chicken covered in a light, crispy, and airy batter— ERMAGOD yes. Besides a fried chicken place I frequented in Harlem, this is the only other place in Manhattan I truly love, and I would know fried chicken because…
if I was a superhero, it would be my weakness.
Category: American, Fried Chicken
What to Get: the Chicken Biscuit for $7.50 or if you’re feeling a little spendy, the classic Fried Chicken Box for $14.50, which comes with a whopping three pieces of fried chicken
Payment: Credit card, Cash
Pro Tip: If you’re up for an adventure, check out the original location in Williamsburg. It’s the OG Pies n’ Thighs and supposedly has the better fried chicken.
Crocodile Lounge
Gramercy/East Village
Where else in Manhattan besides Crocodile Lounge can you get a $4 beer with a free personal pizza? You can’t.
Category: Pizza, Beer
What to Get: any drink ’cause it comes with a free personal sized pizza
Payment: Credit Card, Cash
Streecha Ukranian Kitchen
East Village
Not only will you get authentic Ukranian food that’ll stuff you with delight, you’ll get to experience what it’d be like if your Ukrainian grandma (if you had one) decided to open up a cafeteria. You’ll know what I mean when you step into this homegrown place.
Category: Ukranian
What to Get: Six dumplings for $4.50 or a giant stuffed cabbage roll for $4
Payment: Cash only
Pro Tip: This place is only open on Friday to Sundays from 10-4PM.
Helpful Sites: Yelp
Le Basket
Greenwich Village
New York City is known for their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches from a deli. If you want the quintessential one with a soft roll, which is so oddly hard to come across, make sure to get it on Le Basket.
It’s so good that one of my co-workers even made a jingle about their breakfast sandwich.
Category: American, Breakfast
What to Get: Bacon or Sausage, Egg, and Cheese on a roll for $3.50
Payment: $5 minimum on credit cards so bring cash
Helpful Sites: Yelp
S’Mac
2 Locations in Manhattan
This place has mac and cheese with whatever toppings you want all baked in a cast iron stove— can I get a yum yum?
They even make gluten-free and vegan mac and cheese if that’s your thing.
Category: American
What to Get: 4-Cheese Nosh (a mix of cheddar, meunster, gruyere, and pecorino) for $6.75
Payment: Credit Card, Cash
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Pio Pio
4 Locations in Manhattan
Tender, moist Peruvian chicken and green sauce— that’s all there is to life on somedays.
Category: Latin American, Peruvian
What to Get: On weekdays for lunch, the quarter chicken with salad and a side is only $9.50, but the highlight of the meal is the Avocado Salad for $8 or the Tostones for $4.
Payment: Credit Card, Cash
Pro Tip: Pio Pio started out of Queens, and the restaurants there are slightly better in taste so if you have the time, venture out to Queens to get the OG Pio Pio dining experience.
Milon
East Village
Want to eat delicious Indian food and practically be bombarded with a festive ambiance? Why not, right? Head to Milon for a fun time and good food.
Category: Indian, Bangladeshi
What to Get: For only $5.95, when you eat in for lunch (12-4PM), you get a main dish, rice, cabbage, an appetizer, and soup or dessert. Don’t blame me for your food coma.
Payment: Cash only
Pro Tip: First of all, BYOB! Second, it’s best to go on your birthday to hear their home-mixed Indian disco birthday song.
If you’re looking to be extra cheap like under $5 cheap, then head to this post to get the full details on places such as Prosperity Dumpling, Ess-a-Bagel, Mamoun’s, and Joe’s Pizza, or if you need help with general local tips before even eating, check out these 10 things not to do in New York City.
Thanks for stopping by! xo.
Stephanie says
Croc, Shack, and SMac are my jam. Haven’t tried the others yet, but definitely need to get on that! I am so over cooking, I need to find a little variety in my under $10 meals though. Pies ‘n Thighs looks awesome!!
Sarah says
Whole Foods is also great for quick dinners if you don’t want to cook and save money! Enjoy.
Jo says
What – wait – $3 for Tacos and a burger under $6 – These rates are crazy cheap! I can’t believe this nifty list you have shared and I am bookmarking it for my NYC visit (yeah its gonna happen!).
Sarah says
Thanks! I hope you enjoy it.
Eddie says
Nice list! Halal Guys should definitely be on this list especially since they open their first brick and mortar spot in EV. Can’t beat a combination platter with extra white sauce for $7 bucks. I’d also rep Totto Ramen over Minca for about the same price.
Sarah says
Yes to Halal Guys! I definitely have to make a 2nd list because 15 is obviously not enough. Will add it to my 2nd list. I originally had this list at 20 places but getting together all the resources was taking so long. Good tip for Totto Ramen too. Thank you!
mark says
I am confused for a harlem fried chicken it is linked to places to eat in savannah georgia
Sarah says
Oh thanks for catching that. Anytime there is a mention of fried chicken, it links to the most relevant article which is when I had fried chicken in Georgia. If you want fried chicken in Harlem, check out Amy Ruth’s! You get A LOT for only $12-13.
DrifterHannah says
Ahhhh *drooling*! I honestly didn’t think it was possible to get such good value for money food outside of the usual fast-food chains. The spiced and glazed pork belly sandwich sounds insane. Out of interest, burnt end baked beans? What are these? The Brit in me wants to know…
Sarah says
They take the burnt ends of the barbecue pork or brisket, and mix it into the baked beans 🙂
Andrea says
OMG I’ve been to Milon YEAAARS ago with a friend and thought it was the greatest place but couldnt remember the name! THANK YOU!
Sarah says
That’s hilarious! You’re welcome.
Amanda Williams says
Your food pics are amazing and you have definitely made me hungry yet again (especially for mac and cheese). I would love to go to New York one day so I will pin this for future reference.
Sarah says
Not my food pics but I did pick them out 🙂 Thanks for pinning!
Patricia says
First, I’m pretty sure I just saw Milon featured in an episode of Daredevil. Second, I’m printing out this list to use as a guide the next time in NYC. I worked downtown for four years, but the schedule rarely allowed for easy sampling. Now when I return, I love trying new things (and if they are cheap, all the better)!
Sarah says
Ha was it? I should totally make a printable version of this! Will work on that. Thanks for the idea.
Laura @ Grassroots Nomad says
I found it slightly harder than I anticipated to find cheap eats in NYC but this is such a great list! I want to visit again just to eat those tacos (even though they have plenty in Guatemala)! I also love that there is a great range of food types – everything from pho to pasta 🙂
Sarah says
Aw that’s a bummer! There are so many cheap eats everywhere. I feel like I need to make a series of cheap eat posts.
Cassie says
I lived in NYC for five years and I’m ashamed to say I’ve been to an embarrassingly small number of these! That said, I used to live near S’Mac and probably frequented enough to make up for it 🙂
Sarah says
I haven’t been to a ton of places in NYC as well. So many places to go!
Suma Jain says
Lusting after every single food pic!! Would love try Ukranian kitchen as I have never tasted the cuisine. This is going to be of great help for me when I visit NYC 🙂
Sarah says
Awesome. Glad to know!
Hung Thai says
Hmm… is shake shack an East Coast thing? I’ve heard about it so much but have yet to see one over here on the West Coast. I guess we have In-n-Out Burger to your Shake Shack? Well… in Seattle we have Dick’s burgers as well. Have you had the others?
Sarah says
Yep! It started in NYC in this tiny stand at Madison Square Park but has grown all over New York and into CT now. I heard there’s one in Los Angeles now!
Sarah says
I like In-n-Out burger better than Shack Shack but it might be a grass is greener on the other side thing. I haven’t had Dick’s!
Tricia @ The Adventure List says
That pulled pork sandwich looks yummy! And the taco pic makes me hungry for homemade corn taco shells and Mexico. And free personal pizza?!?! How the hell can they afford to do that for a $4 beer? Whoa!
Sarah says
No clue about the pizzas! But the combo works!
Danielle Des says
Shake Shack is my absolute favorite, but there are quiet a few restaurants on this list that I would love to try.
Sarah says
Go for it! Enjoy.
Charles McCool says
I am heading to NYC next week and will keep these suggestions in mind for cheap eats. It can be such an expensive place to visit.
Sarah says
Yes it can be. Have fun.
The Adventure Ahead says
Keeping this in mind for when we head to New York – some great tips here 🙂
Sarah says
Thank you! Have fun.
Rita Woods says
Wow !
Awesome post!
I am getting so hungry looking your post!
Really great amazing !
Sarah says
Thank you!
Danielle says
I found your guide before leaving for NYC a few weeks ago and I’m so glad I did! I hit up Otto’s Tacos and it was SO GOOD. Thanks for the recommendations!
Sarah says
Oohh I’m so happy! Thanks for letting me know.
Laura Nalin says
I love this! I recently booked a trip back to the states for a few weeks this fall and will be spending a bit of time in New York. I’m going to refer back to this in October! Cheers!
Sarah says
Awesome! Let me know if you have any questions and check out more of my NYC posts!
Katie Dickinson says
Literally plugging these into my NYC map riiight now! Headed that way this weekend 🙂
Sarah says
yesss! email me with any questions too sarah@talesfromafork.com
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Agness of aTukTuk says
NY is one of my most favourite cities in the world. These places are so awesome, Sarah!
Sarah says
Enjoy!!
Visweswar says
One of my favourite places has lately been Shake Shack and Le Basket. Le Basket is a really awesome deli. The entire list is an awesome list of various venues which offer inexpensive food in my favourite city, New York! What more can I ask for…Thanks so much!
Sharon Smith says
WOOOOOW!
So much delicious Sarah!
Love love love all recipes ! Thank you so much for sharing.
stephanie says
Im going to NYC in June so this article was very handy. Any new places I should check out?
Sarah says
Hey! That’s going to be so much fun. Sorry I haven’t been in NYC for two years but my friends really like Emily’s Pizza in Williamsburg. I’m a stickler for NYC institutions. I’d suggest getting soup dumpligns at Hot Kitchen in the East Village!