15+ Must-Visit Cheap Eats for First Time Travelers in New York City
Budget-Friendly · Food · Guide · New York City · Snacks · Street Foods
New York City, a sprawling culinary cosmos, offers not only sky-high skyscrapers but also prices that can tower just as high. However, nestled among the city’s bustling boroughs are gems that offer flavors as rich as their prices are modest. For first-time travelers looking to indulge without a splurge, here’s a guide to the must-visit cheap eats in New York City.
The Art of Eating Well for Less in NYC
Eating well in New York doesn’t have to drain your wallet. The city is peppered with affordable spots that dish out immense flavor, providing a taste of the local culture without the hefty price tag. From iconic bagels to innovative street food, these must-visit cheap eats are your ticket to a culinary adventure.
A Culinary Tour Through NYC’s Budget-Friendly Bites
1. Joe’s Pizza
- Location: 7 Carmine Street, New York, NY
- Cuisine: Pizza
- Popular Dishes: Classic New York-style cheese slice
- Google Reviews: Praised for its authentic slice of NYC
- Website: Joe’s Pizza
- Notes: A quintessential NYC experience, perfect for a quick and delicious bite.
2. The Halal Guys
- Location: 53rd Street & 6th Avenue, New York, NY
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Popular Dishes: Chicken and rice platter with white sauce
- Google Reviews: Known for generous portions and addictive sauces
- Website: The Halal Guys
- Notes: An iconic food cart that has grown into a global phenomenon.
3. Mamoun’s Falafel
- Location: 119 MacDougal Street, New York, NY
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Popular Dishes: Falafel sandwich
- Google Reviews: Celebrated for its authentic and budget-friendly fare
- Website: Mamoun’s Falafel
- Notes: Serving NYC since 1971, it’s a historic spot for falafel lovers.
4. Vanessa’s Dumpling House
- Location: 220 East 14th Street, New York, NY
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Popular Dishes: Pork and chive dumplings
- Google Reviews: Renowned for its cheap yet hearty dumplings
- Website: Vanessa’s Dumpling House
- Notes: An East Village staple where quality meets value.
5. Prince Street Pizza
- Location: 27 Prince St A, New York, NY
- Cuisine: Pizza
- Popular Dishes: Spicy Spring pizza
- Prince Street Pizza
- Notes: Famous for its square pizzas, especially the pepperoni-laden Spicy Spring slice.
6. Taco Mix
- Location: Multiple locations
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Popular Dishes: Al pastor tacos
- Taco Mix
- Notes: Best known for its traditional Mexican tacos, particularly the al pastor from a rotating spit.
7. Shake Shack
- Location: Madison Square Park, New York, NY
- Cuisine: American
- Popular Dishes: ShackBurger, fries, and milkshakes
- Shake Shack
- Notes: What started as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park has grown into an international chain known for its burgers and shakes.
8. Los Tacos No. 1
- Location: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue, New York, NY
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Popular Dishes: Adobada tacos
- Los Tacos No. 1
- Notes: A bustling spot within Chelsea Market, offering some of the most authentic tacos in the city.
9. Punjabi Grocery & Deli
- Location: 114 E 1st St, New York, NY
- Cuisine: Indian
- Popular Dishes: Vegetarian curry and samosas
- Notes: A small, no-frills spot popular for its authentic, vegetarian Indian food, especially known for its budget-friendly prices.
10. Zabar’s
- Location: 2245 Broadway, New York, NY
- Cuisine: Deli
- Popular Dishes: Bagels and lox
- Zabar’s
- Notes: A staple on the Upper West Side known for its deli selections and gourmet foods.
11. B&H Dairy
- Location: 127 Second Ave, New York, NY
- Cuisine: Eastern European, Kosher
- Popular Dishes: Challah bread, borscht
- Notes: This kosher vegetarian diner offers hearty Eastern European dishes at very reasonable prices.
12. John’s of Bleecker Street
- Location: 278 Bleecker Street, New York, NY
- Cuisine: Pizza
- Popular Dishes: Classic New York pizza
- John’s of Bleecker Street
- Notes: Known for its no-slices policy, ensuring every pie is freshly made and piping hot.
13. Xi’an Famous Foods
- Location: Multiple locations
- Cuisine: Chinese (Shaanxi)
- Popular Dishes: Spicy cumin lamb noodles
- Xi’an Famous Foods
- Notes: A beloved chain for those seeking bold, authentic Shaanxi cuisine.
14. Banh Mi Saigon
- Location: 198 Grand Street, New York, NY
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Popular Dishes: Banh mi sandwiches
- Banh Mi Saigon
- Notes: Located in the back of a jewelry store, this small shop crafts some of the city’s best banh mi sandwiches.
15. Trapizzino
- Location: 144 Orchard Street, New York, NY
- Cuisine: Italian
- Popular Dishes: Trapizzino with various fillings like oxtail and meatballs
- Trapizzino
- Notes: Offers a unique take on Italian street food with its inventive stuffed pizza bread, providing a delicious and affordable bite in the Lower East Side.
16. King of Falafel & Shawarma
- Location: Food truck locations vary, commonly found in Queens
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Popular Dishes: Falafel and shawarma platters
- King of Falafel & Shawarma
- Notes: Award-winning street food with generous portions, known for its flavorful and crispy falafel.
These must-visit cheap eats in New York City are not just meals; they are experiences that embody the city’s diverse culture and culinary excellence. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Manhattan or wandering through Brooklyn, these spots ensure that you can savor the flavors of NYC without spending a fortune.
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