Cheap Meals in NYC | 18 Affordable NYC Restaurants

New York City is expensive! Today I am sharing a list of my go to places for cheap meals in NYC. I’ve included bagel shops, pizza joints, diners, and more. Some of these foods are full meals while others are snacks or desserts. These affordable NYC restaurants are ways to get a meal without breaking the bank.

A list of 18 places for cheap meals in NYC. I've included bagel shops, pizza joints, diners, and more. Some of these foods are full meals while others are snacks or desserts. These affordable NYC restaurants are ways to get a meal without breaking the bank.

Best Cheap Meals in NYC (and some snacks too)

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Artichoke Pizza

This is my favorite pizza place ever. This pizza is very filling, eating two slices is an accomplishment. I love their namesake pizza, which is topped with artichokes, spinach, and a delightfully creamy sauce, but they have other options too.

Prince Street Pizza

If you want classic thin crust cheese or pepperoni pizza, this is the place to go.

Veselka

This Ukranian diner is a classic NYC restaurant and a place for a great meal on a budget. Get pierogi, blintzes, potato pancakes, or a wide range of entrees. The prices of the entrees varies, but you can get four pierogi for $7-$9. The restaurant is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Mamoun’s Falafel

Mamoun’s has two locations in Manhattan, one in the Greenwich Village and another in the East Village. The falafel sandwich is just $5.25 and nothing on the menu is more than $14 – and there are lots of sandwich options.

Tortaria

Located just outside Union Square, this spot specializes in tortas (Mexican sandwiches) and tacos. Most items on the menu are under $10.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

I used to live just down the street from this Harlem barbecue joint. A sandwich with a side is under $13. I recommend the pulled pork and the mac and cheese. You can also add an extra side (making it a platter) for $1.50. Heads up – the wait time can be very long.

74 St Cafe at Fairway

Yup, there is a restaurant on the second floor of this grocery store. You might remember it from the Alec Baldwin episode of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. The cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and most entrees are $12-$16.

Chobani Cafe

The Greek yogurt company has a cafe in Soho. Yogurt is the basis of the menu, and it includes sweet creations like yogurt with pistachios, dark chocolate, orange, honey and mint, plus savory offerings like the yogurt topped with mango, avocado, jalapeño, and cilantro (pictured above). The yogurt with toppings is $5-$6 and sandwiches are $10.

Milk Bar

Crack pie, cereal milk ice cream, and cake truffles are some of the most beloved desserts in New York City.

Gray’s Papaya

The recession special is $4.95 for two hot dogs and a drink.

By Chloe

This fast casual plant-based restaurant has a cult following, and top-notch french fries. The menu has a wide range of salads, veggie burgers, snacks, and breakfasts. The guac burger with a black beans, quinoa, and sweet potato patty topped with guacamole and the air baked sweet potato fries are pictured above.

Up Thai

My sister and I love this Thai restaurant on the Upper East Side. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside, it’s really nice! For dinner, most noodle dishes and entrees are $13. More expensive meals are $26. At lunchtimes most meals are $11.

Levain Cookies

If you need a snack, it doesn’t get much better than this. Their famous 6 ounce chocolate chip cookie is $4. The original location is on the Upper West Side, but there are also locations on the Upper East Side and Harlem.

Ess-a-bagel

There are lots of great places for a bagel in NYC, but this one if my favorite. Grabbing a bagel, cream cheese, and coffee is a classic New York breakfast, and a very affordable meal.

Shake Shack

Sure, there are locations all over the world now, but I love the original location in Madison Square Park. You can get a cheeseburger and fries for just about $10. It’s also worth noting that a location just opened at Laguardia.

The Halal Guys

What started as a cart on West 53rd and 6th Avenue has become a small empire. Today there are 5 carts and 2 restaurants in New York City. A big serving of chicken and beef gyro over rice and lettuce topped with white sauce and red sauce is just $8.

Spice Thai

When I was a poor grad student, I dined at this Upper East Side restaurant on a regular basis. The lunch specials are $10-$12 and include a complementary appetizer. I always got the pad thai.

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Chelsea Market

If you want lots of food options at an affordable price, head to this food hall in the Meatpacking District. Charles loves Very Fresh Noodles. I also hear great things about the cheese sticks at Big Mozz.

What are you favorite places for cheap meals in NYC? I am always looking to try out new places!