The 15 Best Affordable Restaurants in NYC

Where to find the best cheap Restaurants in NYC

In the bustling metropolis of New York City, where dining options are as diverse as the city’s culture itself, finding affordable yet delectable eateries can feel like uncovering hidden gems amidst a sea of glittering culinary treasures. For those looking to savor the city’s vibrant food scene without breaking the bank, this guide is your passport to the best affordable restaurants in NYC. 

Are you asking yourself “Where can I find cheap food near me?” in the heart of New York City? Then our exploration of cheap restaurants in NYC will leave you with a curated list of culinary treasures that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey to uncover the city’s hidden gems, offering not only delicious fare but also affordable options for those seeking cheap restaurants in the city that never sleeps.

These are 15 TOP Affordable Restaurants in NYC

  1. 01

    Shake Shack

    Burger Spot in Battery Park City
    Shake_Shack_180105140510001
    Add to myNY added

    Shake Shack is a burger chain with more than 20 stores in New York alone. We got this spot recommended by a New Yorker as the “best burger in town” with the warning that you have to wait an hour for your burger – but it was worth the wait! From the outside the burger shop may seem quite inconspicuous, but the burgers are certainly among the best in New York.

  2. 02

    Los Tacos No. 1

    Mexican Restaurant in Theatre District
    Our Highlight
    190130105941006_Los_Tacos_1_NYC
    Add to myNY added

    Los Tacos No. 1 in Times Square is rightly very popular: in the “standing snack bar” everything revolves around tacos & quesadillas. Wonderfully traditional, cheap and really delicious. What’s special about it? The handmade tacos taste like in Mexico, because instead of wheat flour (as it is unfortunately often done for cost reasons) real corn flour is used for production. My tip: Take the tacos with grilled cactus!

  3. 03

    Roll N Roaster

    Other Restaurants in Brooklyn
    Add to myNY added

    If you find yourself in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, a visit to Roll-N-Roaster is essential. Their premium roast beef undergoes slow, meticulous roasting all day and is tailored to your preference, whether you prefer it rare, medium, or well-done. They thinly slice this delectable beef and stack it generously onto their freshly baked rolls, finishing with a drizzle of natural pan gravy. The menu extends beyond roast beef sandwiches for those seeking diverse options, and their dedication to exceptional customer service has firmly established them as a beloved institution in the Brooklyn community.

  4. 04

    Pret a Manger

    American Restaurant in Financial District
    Restaurant_170423115755029-1
    Add to myNY added

    Pret a Manger is a well-known chain with “healthy fast food”. You have a huge selection of sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, wraps, soups, and even Mac and Cheese! There is also a small bakery with delicious breads and muffins – and there is fresh fruit, coffee and tea. You can find a Pret a Manger almost everywhere in the city.

  5. 05

    Chipotle

    Mexican Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
    Chipotle_171004111557003
    Add to myNY added

    Chipotle is a famous chain that brought Mexican food to the USA. Although there are many Mexican restaurant options in the Big Apple, it is one of the top low budget restaurants in New York. The menu includes tacos, burritos, quesadillas, burrito bowls and salad bowls. You can find the Mexican restaurant on almost every corner in the city.

  6. 06

    Dos Toros Taqueria

    Mexican Restaurant in Williamsburg
    dostoros141119_9915
    Add to myNY added

    Dos Casminos is especially known for its spicy guacamole and the very good sangria. The charm that the restaurant exudes in each of the 5 locations is absolutely authentic Mexican and provides a successful change after a long working day or a strenuous sightseeing day.

  7. 07

    Mighty Quinn's

    BBQ in Greenwich Village
    Mighty_Quinns_BBQ_New_York
    Add to myNY added

    What can we say: the shop in the East Village was packed (and that in the evening 10 p.m.) and the BBQ is really delicious. But not only in the East Village you can find a branch of Mighty Quinns BBQ – there are several branches in Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey. Spareribs, Spicy Chicken Wings, Pulled Pork and Brisket – this is just a selection of what you can order at Mighty Quinns BBQ.

  8. 08

    Black Seed Bagels

    Other Restaurants in Nolita
    210228111745001_Bagel
    Add to myNY added

    Black Seed Bagels offers delicious homemade bagels and homemade cream cheese options at a low price. You can also get fresh sandwiches, classic or fancy, with all the ingredients of your choice. Delicious classics are definitely the Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese, Smoked Turkey or Tuna Melt. Black Seed Bagels is a great shop with a lot of character and good food for New York’s smart spenders.

  9. 09

    Great NY Noodletown

    Asian Restaurant in Chinatown
    Great NY Noodletown
    Soft Shell Crab
    Add to myNY added

    Great NY Noodletown is a noodleshop, Chinese restaurant in Chinatown located right next to the Manhattan Bridge. Great insider tip for this area!

  10. 10

    Le Pain Quotidien

    Other Restaurants in Midtown Manhattan
    Add to myNY added

    An European bakery chain. You can find over 40 spots in Manhattan, this one is located in Bryant Park.

  11. 11

    The Halal Guys

    Other Restaurants in Midtown Manhattan
    Add to myNY added

    The Halal Guys are an absolute insider tip. Their trademark are the yellow-red parasols, their yellow shirts and a delicious smell of gyros, pita and kebab. If you’re on a low budget trip to New York, you’ll find that the Halal Guys can fill your stomach for little money.

  12. 12

    Govinda's Vegetarian Lunch

    Vegetarian Restaurant in Boerum Hill
    Vegetarian
    Add to myNY added

    Govinda’s Vegetarian Lunch is vegetarian every day of the week, but on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays they serve vegan food as well. And many times, they even offer gluten-free options. If you’re wondering by now why their menu changes during certain days of the week, it’s actually one of the reasons why this establishment sticks out from the rest. They change their menu every single day! Rotating their best dishes to keep things fresh.

    As far as the type of cuisine they offer, they serve Indian dishes. Which means lots of spice! And one of their best-selling items is their eggplant parm, so if you see it on their daily menu, you should drop by and try it!

  13. 13

    Taqueria Al Pastor

    Mexican Restaurant in Bushwick
    Add to myNY added

    At Taqueria Al Pastor you can find delicious things and a mixture of different Mexican flavors to choose from on their menu. Accompany your meal with a classic Mexican soda or a refreshing horchata. They are waiting for you with open arms ready to serve as you deserve.

  14. 14

    Peppa's Jerk Chicken

    Other Restaurants in Crown Heights
    Add to myNY added

    Peppas Jerk Chicken is an establishment that offers delightful and genuine Jamaican cuisine in a welcoming ambiance. Their team is courteous and skilled, committed to ensuring customers have an unforgettable dining experience. Their specialties include jerk chicken, escovitch fish, and other authentic Jamaican favorites.

  15. 15

    Native Noodles

    Asian Restaurant in Harlem & Washington Heights
    Add to myNY added

    Native Noodles offers a modern interpretation of Singaporean cuisine in the heart of NYC. The menu draws inspiration from their cherished hometown dishes, with a special focus on crafting delectable noodles using the finest, freshest ingredients available. They provide a laid-back and cozy counter-service dining experience, accommodating up to 12 guests indoors and 4 outdoors.


$1 Pizza Slice – the “Icon” of the New York Food Scene

Pizza Slices

The famous “one dollar slice” definitely has a reputation in New York. People don’t eat them on purpose here, but rather because they have no time, no food left in the fridge, or haven’t yet received their salary for the month. Nevertheless, the one-dollar slice is probably one of the best tips for saving money in New York. You can really find one-dollar slices everywhere in New York, but not all of them are necessarily that tasty.

We recommend 99 Cent Fresh Pizza, for example. They offer two slices of cheese pizza plus a beverage for only $3! But if you’re really hungry and want to save money, try other pizza places and go where the longest queue is, because a long queue always speaks for the food!

You can find 99 Cent Fresh Pizza here:

  • 1723 Broadway (between 55 St and 54 St)
  • 473 Lexington Avenue (between 46th St and 45th St)
  • 151 East 43rd St (between 3rd and Lexington Ave)
  • 143 West 40 St (between 7th Ave and Broadway)
  • 71 2nd Avenue (between 4th St and 5th St)
  • 383 Canal St (between 6th Avenue and West Broadway)

Profilbild Swana
About the author

Swana

I'm in love with New York City since I was a child but when I finally had the chance to visit this place back in 2019 I lost my heart. This city makes me happy in a way I didn't know before. Now I hope that I can give you some inspiration for your New York City trip, so that you can understand my love for this city and have the best possible time in the Big Apple.

Did you like this article?