In a nutshell
- Eating well on a budget in New York is totally doable if you know where to go.
- We know from personal experience: Even with a tight budget, you can still enjoy some really great food—whether it’s breakfast, 99-cent pizza, or even a good steak.
- Our guide has everything you need: tips for saving money when eating out, insider spots, and the best cheap restaurants in NYC, from Manhattan to Brooklyn.
- Want to stretch your New York travel budget even further? Check out our tips for cheap New York hotels and free things to do in NYC.
Basic Rules: How to Eat on a Budget in New York
Before we show you our favorite cheap places to eat in New York, let’s go over a few simple tips to help you eat well and save money at the same time:
- Go for street food: Food trucks around the city serve up great meals for less than most restaurants. They’re perfect for a quick and tasty lunch while you’re out exploring.
- Catch happy hour: Lots of bars and restaurants offer discounted snacks and drinks in the late afternoon. Keep an eye out for signs or chalkboards outside.
- Check out delis & supermarkets: Many delis and grocery stores have fresh salad bars, hot food stations and sandwiches. A quick bite to go is easy, tasty, and affordable.
- Take it to go: Picking up food instead of eating in can help you avoid extra service charges or tips in some places.
- Use apps: Apps like Too Good To Go and Yelp help you find cheap eats, last-minute bakery deals, and the best and cheap restaurants in NYC every day.
Cheap Breakfast in New York
You don’t have to spend much to enjoy a good breakfast in New York. Here are some great spots for a cheap start to the day:
Leon's Bagels
At Leon’s Bagels, you’ll find fresh bagels loaded with everything from classic cream cheese to smoked salmon. Prices range from $2 to $8.
A quick, satisfying breakfast that won’t blow your budget.
Nearby: Tompkins Square Park, St. Mark’s Place, East River Park
Gray's Papaya
Gray’s Papaya is a true New York favorite. It’s best known for hot dogs, but the breakfast options are also super affordable.
Starting at just $2.75, you’ll find juices, sandwiches, bagels, and coffee—everything you need for a quick and classic NYC breakfast.
Nearby: Central Park (West Side), American Museum of Natural History
Liberty Bagels
Liberty Bagels is one of the most popular bagel shops in Midtown Manhattan. Everything is baked fresh and made to order – from classic cream cheese to hearty breakfast sandwiches.
Prices start at around $3, depending on what you add, and everything is prepared right in front of you.
They’re also known for their colorful rainbow bagels – super Instagrammable and just as tasty.
Nearby: Bryant Park, Times Square, Empire State Building
Deli Juice Bar
Need something light in the morning? New York delis often have juice bars where you can grab fresh juices and smoothies starting from $4.
That’s a lot cheaper than popular chains like Joe & The Juice or Juice Generation, where smoothies usually start at $6.
Nearby: plenty of options in Midtown and Downtown – for example near Wall Street, Union Square, or along 6th Avenue
Cheap Lunch in New York
If you’re getting hungry after a morning of sightseeing in New York, check out these cheap places to eat in NYC:
7th Street Burger
7th Street Burger has several locations across the city. They serve juicy smashburgers, keep the menu simple, and get you in and out fast. Great for lunch on the go while exploring New York.
Burgers go for around $7. Add a few more bucks for fries and a drink if you’re really hungry.
Nearby: Times Square, Broadway, Madame Tussauds, Bryant Park
Los Tacos No. 1
Los Tacos No. 1 is one of those places that lives up to the hype — and the long lines are totally worth it.
They serve tacos, quesadillas, and more with freshly made tortillas, flavorful meats or veggie fillings, and house-made salsas.
It’s fast, no-fuss, and surprisingly affordable. Tacos start at around $3, making it one of the best cheap places to eat in NYC.
Nearby: High Line, The Edge, Hudson Yards
99 Cent Pizza & Dollar Slice Shops
This is classic New York: a huge slice of cheesy pizza for just a buck or two. It’s not fancy, but it hits the spot.
For 99 cents to $2, you can grab a hot slice to go. Many spots also have combo deals — two slices and a drink for just $5.
These dollar slice shops are some of the most iconic and cheap places to eat in NYC.
Nearby: practically everywhere – e.g. Times Square, One World Trade Center, Madison Square Garden
Mamoun's Falafel
Mamoun’s is a New York institution and one of the oldest falafel joints in the city. Tourists and locals both love it.
For $5 to $7, you get fresh pita packed with falafel, hummus, tahini, or grilled meats. It’s quick, tasty, and one of the most inexpensive restaurants in New York City.
Perfect if you’re looking for cool cheap restaurants in NYC or a quick bite in the park.
Nearby: Washington Square Park, NYU, SoHo
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle is a reliable go-to if you want something quick, customizable, and filling — without breaking the bank.
For around $10 to $12, you can build your own burrito, bowl, or tacos with your favorite toppings. Everything is made fresh with quality ingredients.
It’s one of the more affordable restaurants in Manhattan for fast casual food that doesn’t feel like fast food.
Nearby: depending on the branch – Union Square, Times Square, Bryant Park
McDonald's, Subway & Co.
Of course, you’ll also find all the big-name fast food spots in New York — McDonald’s, Five Guys, Subway and more.
Sure, it’s nothing new. But these places are consistent, quick, and you know exactly what you’re getting.
Plus, fast food in the U.S. is usually cheaper than in many other countries. A full meal in NYC costs around $6 to $8.
Nearby: everywhere – e.g. Wall Street, SUMMIT, Top of the Rock
Cheap Dinner in New York
A long day in New York deserves a satisfying meal. These are some of the best cheap places to eat in NYC for dinner:
Shu Jiao Fu Zhou
A hidden gem for fans of Chinese food, Shu Jiao Fu Zhou in Chinatown is a local favorite.
They serve delicious handmade dumplings and peanut butter noodles for just around $3.
It’s one of the most affordable restaurants in Manhattan if you’re craving authentic and cheap Asian food.
Nearby: Chinatown, near Canal Street and East Broadway
St. Anselm
Looking for a great steak that doesn’t cost a fortune? Head to St. Anselm in Brooklyn.
If your New York hotel is in Brooklyn, even better. If not, it’s still worth the subway ride to Williamsburg.
They serve high-quality, juicy steaks in a laid-back setting. You’ll pay around $34 per steak — a bargain compared to Manhattan steakhouses, where prices often hit $50 or more.
Nearby: Williamsburg Bridge, Domino Park
Check out all our Brooklyn tips
Rubirosa
Ready for great Italian food in New York? Head to Rubirosa in Little Italy.
They serve all the classics — pizza, pasta, lasagna and tiramisu — in big portions and at fair prices.
Dishes are around $20 to $25. That might seem high compared to some others on this list, but the portions are generous and the food is truly authentic.
Plus, the cozy vibe in Little Italy makes it one of the best places to eat in NYC on a budget if you’re looking for a relaxed evening.
Really funny: Rubirosa sells restaurant merchandise. For example, caps with the Rubirosa pizza on them. And you can also buy pasta sauces. A really cool souvenir.
Nearby: Chinatown, Washington Square Park, SoHo
Our Conclusion: Yes – Inexpensive Restaurants in NYC Do Exist
We’ve visited New York many times — often with a tight budget, a big appetite and not much time. And trust us: You don’t need a fancy restaurant or $100 a day to eat really well.
The city is packed with small, budget-friendly spots, hidden delis, and amazing street food.
If you explore the neighborhoods with an open eye, you’ll come across affordable snacks, cheap lunches, and even a quality steak at a decent price just about everywhere.
Our tip: Look up a few cheap places to eat in NYC near your sightseeing route ahead of time. It’ll save you both time and money.
FAQ about Cool Cheap Restaurants in NYC
Where can you eat cheaply in Manhattan?
Our tips for cheap restaurants in Manhattan are:
- Liberty Bagels (Midtown)
- Gray’s Papaya (Upper West Side)
- 99 Cent Pizza (everywhere)
- Los Tacos No. 1 (Chelsea Market)
- Mamoun’s Falafel (Greenwich Village)
- Shu Jiao Fu Zhou (Chinatown)
- Rubirosa (Little Italy)
How much does eating out in New York cost?
Eating out in New York can range from very cheap to quite expensive – depending on where and how you eat.
Hot snacks start at 99 cents. Upscale restaurants sometimes charge 80 dollars or more for dinner.
How can you spend less money on food in NYC?
Cross real restaurants off your list and get your food in New York at street food stalls, pizza spots or supermarkets, for example.
This will save you a lot of money.
You can also use the “Too Good To Go” app. This allows you to get leftover food at greatly reduced prices shortly before closing time.
We tested it at Starbucks and got a huge bag of pastries for very little money.
How do you get free food in New York?
Free food in New York is basically only available for those who really need it – for example in soup kitchens. And we definitely want to let them keep their food!
But don’t worry. You can also get delicious snacks really cheaply in New York.
Like the 99 cent pizza at food stalls on the street corners.
These were our tips for cheap places to eat in NYC
Do you know any cool cheap restaurants in NYC? Or maybe you’ve got your own money-saving food tips? Share them with us in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!