Finding good food in New York City without spending a lot can be a challenge. Many people think you have to pay a lot to eat well here, but that’s not true. I have found several places where you can enjoy tasty meals without breaking the bank.
If you want to eat cheaply in New York City, there are affordable spots that offer great food at low prices. I want to share some of these places that helped me eat well on a budget while exploring the city. These options show you don’t need to spend much to get a satisfying meal.
1) LOS TACOS No.1
I stopped by LOS TACOS No.1 in the busy area near Times Square. The place is small and simple, mostly with standing tables. It felt like I was grabbing a quick bite from a street cart rather than a full restaurant.
The tacos are made from family recipes by friends from Mexico and California. The flavors were fresh and true to authentic Mexican street food. Each taco was packed with simple ingredients, yet full of taste.
The atmosphere was casual and perfect for a fast lunch. I noticed a good mix of locals and tourists enjoying the food. It’s a place where the focus is clearly on the tacos, not fancy dining.
If you want an easy, affordable way to try real Mexican tacos in New York, LOS TACOS No.1 is worth a visit.
Rating: 4.8 (12806 reviews)
Location: 229 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036
Website: Visit Website
2) Xi’an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Chinatown
I stopped by Xi’an Famous Foods in Chinatown, and I was impressed by how simple and authentic the menu is. They focus on Xi’an-style Chinese food, especially hand-pulled noodles and spicy dishes. The flavors were bold but balanced, making every bite interesting without being overwhelming.
The place is small and casual, perfect for a quick meal. I tried their spicy beef noodle soup, which was warm and filling. The chili oil they use is special, made from over 30 ingredients, giving the dishes a deep, fragrant spice that stays with you.
It’s a family-run spot that started as a small food cart before growing into a well-known NYC chain. Even with its popularity, they keep the food honest and affordable. You can also buy their chili oil or meal kits if you want to make the dishes at home.
Rating: 4.5 (2013 reviews)
Location: 45 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
Contact: (212) 786-2068
Website: Visit Website
3) Kwik Meal NYC
I stopped by Kwik Meal NYC, a small halal spot right in Midtown that serves up tasty sandwiches and curry dishes. The place feels casual, like a classic street vendor, with quick service and no fuss. It’s not fancy, but the food is solid and filling.
The menu focuses on halal options, including rice platters with flavorful sauces and fresh salads. I tried a chicken sandwich and a curry rice platter. Both were well-seasoned and fresh, making it a good grab-and-go choice for a reasonable price.
The area can be busy, but Kwik Meal manages to keep things moving fast. It’s perfect if you want a quick bite that’s different from the usual fast food. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere simple, which fits the vibe of a street food spot.
Rating: 4.5 (611 reviews)
Location: 100 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
Contact: (917) 412-4694
Website: Visit Website
4) Uncle Gussy’s
I stopped by Uncle Gussy’s and was pleasantly surprised by how fresh the food tasted. The menu focuses on Greek-style dishes, like salads, platters, and gyros, all served from a food truck. The tzatziki sauce stood out as one of the best parts of the meal.
It’s not just Greek food here; I also found cheesesteak and pita options, which added some variety. The portions were generous and the prices were reasonable, making it a good spot for a casual, cheap bite in the city.
The atmosphere is simple since it’s mostly a food truck experience, but the flavors make up for it. It’s clear that the focus is on quality and convenience, which works well for a quick lunch or dinner.
If you want Mediterranean food that’s quick and affordable, Uncle Gussy’s is worth checking out.
Rating: 4.7 (505 reviews)
Location: 345 Park Ave, New York, NY 10154
Contact: (929) 600-1111
Website: Visit Website
5) Woorijip
I stopped by Woorijip for a quick lunch and found it perfect for a no-fuss meal. The place offers a wide variety of Korean dishes, all ready to grab and go. I liked how the food was made fresh throughout the day, so everything felt fresh and tasty.
The buffet-style setup made it easy to pick exactly what I wanted without waiting. I tried some hot and cold dishes, and each had a homemade feel to it. The staff was friendly and the space felt simple but welcoming, a nice spot to eat in Koreatown.
Woorijip’s focus is on homestyle Korean food, the kind you’d find at home. I could tell the owner’s goal was to share food loved by family, making it a place many locals trust for good, affordable meals. It’s easy to see why it stays popular after so many years.
The prices were reasonable, especially for the quality and portion size. If you want authentic Korean food without spending much or waiting long, this place is worth checking out.
Rating: 4.5 (2774 reviews)
Location: 12 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
Contact: (212) 244-1115
Website: Visit Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding meals that fit your budget and taste takes some planning. You can enjoy filling dishes for under $10 at various spots around the city.
Where can I find budget-friendly meals in Times Square?
Times Square tends to be pricey, but you can still find cheaper options nearby. I recommend dodging main streets and checking out spots like Kwik Meal NYC for quick, affordable lunches.
What are some recommended affordable restaurants for a birthday dinner in NYC?
For a casual birthday, places like Uncle Gussy’s offer tasty Mediterranean dishes without a high bill. The vibe is relaxed, making it great for small celebrations.
Can you suggest some inexpensive yet charming restaurants in NYC?
Woorijip is a good example of an inexpensive place that still feels cozy and authentic. Chinatown also has many charming spots like Xi’an Famous Foods 西安名吃, where you’ll get flavorful meals at reasonable prices.
What are the top cheap eateries in Midtown Manhattan?
In Midtown, LOS TACOS No.1 serves fresh and filling tacos at low prices. It’s easy to grab food here and stay within a budget while enjoying real New York street food.
How can I dine affordably in Manhattan without compromising on quality?
Look for local favorites that focus on simple, fresh ingredients. Dumplings in Chinatown and pizza slices from well-known spots can fill you up and keep costs down.
What’s the average cost of a meal for two people in New York City?
On average, you can expect to spend around $20 to $30 for two people at cheap eats. Sometimes you can go even lower if you pick places like those mentioned above or grab multiple small dishes to share.
