Written by Nick Simard on 27.10.20
Photo by Dan Nguyen
NYC is foodie heaven and world renowned for its diverse culinary scene. But it can be hard to find a place that is both delicious and doesn’t break your bank. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best affordable restaurants in the big apple.
The Halal Guys – Since its founding in 1990, the Halal Guys has become a crown jewel of NYC street food. The restaurant franchise has both food cart and storefront locations throughout NYC. The original carts halal carts are located on the southeast and southwest corners of 53rd Street and Sixth Avenue in Midtown. Be sure to load up on their available sauces, including the infamous “white” sauce. Opt for the hot sauce packets instead of having it on your platter as it is known to be EXTREMELY hot.
Crif Dogs – With locations on St. Marks Place and Brooklyn, Crif Dogs has some of the best hotdogs in NYC. These hand-made hot dogs, made from beef and pork, are topped with everything from mustard and onions to pineapples and peanut butter. Bonus: they have a vegetarian option for your vegetarian friends and family.
Just Pho – Located across from Penn Station, Just Pho has the best Hanoi-style (Northern Vietnamese style) pho in NYC. Their broth is boiled for 14 hours before being served to customers. Be sure to also try their Vietnamese-style coffee and lemonades.
Little Italy Pizza – This wouldn’t be a NYC cheap-eats list if we didn’t include pizza. Little Italy Pizza is a hidden gem that offers a large selection of gourmet and fusion pizza in NYC. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab some of their delicious garlic knots to go with your slice of pizza.
The Kati Roll Company – With five locations across Manhattan, the Kati Roll company offers cheap sandwiches with an indian twist. A Kati Roll is an indian flat bread stuffed with meats, cheeses and spices. Almost all of their rolls price at under $5.
Zaragoza Mexican Deli & Grocery – NYC famous for its delis but this one comes with a Mexican twist. Don’t let the outdoor facade fool you – the deli serves some of the best authentic homemade mexican food in NYC. The rotating menu consists of classic Mexican dishes including tacos, burritos, tortas, and more.
King Dumplings – Located in the Lower East Side, this counter-service restaurant is known for its dirt-cheap dumplings – 4 dumplings for $1.5! While the dumplings are definitely the star of the show, the menu also includes noodles, sandwiches and soups.
Topics: NYC Things to Do, Surviving NYC
