Best Cheap Eats in New York (2025)

Lower East Side slice royalty built on freshly milled flour and classic New York spirit. Featured in Eater and praised by critics for a benchmark cheese slice, the larger space keeps lines moving while prices stay friendly.

Williamsburg’s cult slice shop where thin, crisp pies meet Italian market toppings. Frequently highlighted by Eater and named Best Pizza Slice in the U.S. by respected rankings, it delivers creative slices without luxury prices.

A Greenpoint counter channeling Mexico City with suadero from the choricera, tripe, and al pastor carved to order. Raved about by Eater and admired by local critics, the compact menu keeps tacos affordable and unforgettable.

The city’s birria standard‑bearer, praised by The New York Times and The Infatuation, serves tacos, mulitas, tostadas, and rich consomé from multiple trucks. Consistent, quick, and inexpensive for a deeply satisfying meal.

A decades‑running East Village vegetarian canteen born to feed cab drivers. Beloved for samosa chaat, dals, and chai, it’s celebrated by Gothamist and The Infatuation as an essential, community‑rooted, cash‑friendly stop.

Long‑running Chinatown counter known for generously stuffed, budget‑friendly Vietnamese sandwiches that locals swear by. Frequently cited in neighborhood guides and praised in recent reviews for value and consistency.

Wah Fung No. 1 Reopens After Months Closed | Eater NY

A Chinatown favorite for roast pork located at 79 Chrystie Street at Hester Street, it reopened this week after a months-long closure the restaurant attributed to “Con Edison issues” related to a gas leak. I note that the cash-only takeout spot—under its red awning—continues to serve large portions of char siu and duck simply over rice with a side of cabbage, and that devoted fans regularly line up for those affordable carryout offerings; critic Robert Sietsema checked in in 2020 praising its value, and the New York Times later named its roast pork over rice an “essential dish.” During the closure the restaurant kept its same management, periodically updated its Instagram bio with closure dates, and sold merch in collaboration with Neighborhood Spot that, according to spokesperson John Siu, was a significant source of income; locals and nearby businesses flooded its reopening Instagram post with congratulations. - Emma Orlow

A Chinatown stalwart for late‑night Cantonese—BBQ meats, wonton noodles, and salt‑and‑pepper seafood—spotlighted by the Michelin Guide and local critics. Cash only, first‑come seating, reliably inexpensive.

Bed‑Stuy’s beloved Trinidadian shop and James Beard America’s Classics winner serves doubles, bakes, and roti that remain affordable and central to neighborhood life. Frequently recommended by critics for quick, flavorful meals.

A tiny Williamsburg Thai counter turning out boat noodles, khao soi, and punchy Bangkok snacks at fair prices. Celebrated by Eater and The Infatuation for big flavors in a small room; go off‑peak or take out.

Family‑run since the 1950s, this Greenpoint bakery keeps prices gentle and quality high—red velvet, sour‑cream glazed, and classic crullers. A neighborhood institution frequently featured by Time Out and Thrillist.

Thiru Kumar’s vegan South Indian cart is a Vendy Award winner and campus‑area legend. Masala dosas and Pondicherry specials stay budget‑friendly; NYC Parks and local press confirm ongoing operations—check social for daily hours.