Where to Eat in New York on a Budget: Cheap Eats That Deliver

You can eat cheap and eat well in New York. The city may be home to some of the best restaurants in the world, but you can also get by on just a few dollars a day if you choose wisely. Here are some ideas:

1. The first pizzeria in the United States

Pizza is one of the most iconic NYC foods (just ask the Ninja Turtles or Tony Manero 😉

The first pizzeria in the United States opened in New York in 1909: Lombardi's in Little Italy, and it's still going today (32 Spring Street).

Now, if cheap pizza is what you're after, know that the smartest move is to buy it by the slice.

For more pizza, we recommend checking out Pizza Spots, which rounds up the best pizzas in New York.

Tradition says a slice with one extra topping should cost the same as a subway ride. You'll find the best prices on streets where pizzerias are packed side by side, because the price wars between them always work in our favor.

2. Hot dogs: a New York invention

Hot dogs are said to have been invented in New York around 1879 in Coney Island, when German butcher Charles Feltman got the idea to sell his sausages in a bun from a street cart.

In time, one of his employees would popularize them at his own shop, the famous Nathan's Famous (the original location still stands on the corner of Stillwell and Surf Avenue in Coney Island).

Hopefully you'll make it to Nathan's to try the original hot dogs, but if you're watching your wallet, there are hot dog carts all over the city and you can get one for just 2 dollars.

3. Dumplings in Chinatown

There are fabulous dumplings at every Chinese restaurant in New York, but in Chinatown you'll find street stands offering 5 dumplings for a dollar or two.

They're also available at sit-down places if the street thing isn't for you, between 3 and 4 dollars for half a dozen depending on the filling.

Another idea is to head to the «real Chinatown» in Flushing, where everything is ridiculously cheap, the recipes are authentic and exotic, and there are hardly any tourists.

4. Falafel and kebabs

You'll find good falafel stands all over New York, guaranteed fast, cheap food.

Plenty of carts even throw in babaganoush and hummus on the side, all for under 6 dollars.

One famous spot is Mamoun's Falafel, near Washington Square Park in the Village (119 MacDougal Street).

5. Where to eat cheap in New York: food trucks

Eating at food trucks or food carts is a worldwide culinary trend, and New York is the perfect place to do it thanks to its huge range of cheap, delicious dishes.

Go for it: you'll eat very well, spend little money, and be right on trend.

6. Eating cheap in New York by the pound

New York delis sell food by weight, which is ideal for vegetarians or if you need a break from fast food, since salads weigh next to nothing.

If you can stretch the budget a little, head to Whole Foods, where the food by weight is so good it borders on gourmet…

They also have tables where you can sit down, microwaves, napkins, utensils, and a nice clean restroom… So you'll eat comfortably and skip the tip.

(It's my favorite place to eat well in New York at a good price. The best one is at 10 Columbus Center, across from Central Park)

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When people ask us about the best places to eat in New York, we always answer that it depends on the neighborhood, because each one is home to people from some part of the world, and with them come the wonders of their cooking.

So the best advice is to explore each neighborhood and follow your nose 😉