NYC on a Budget: 5 Best Cheap Eats in the Big Apple

Category: Food & Dining Guide

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Introduction

Eating your way through the city doesn’t have to break the bank. While Manhattan is famous for its high-end dining, the 5 best budget restaurants in NYC offer world-class flavors for under $15. From iconic hot dogs to hand-pulled noodles, these spots prove that New York’s most authentic tastes are often the most affordable.

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1. Los Tacos No. 1

Category: Mexican / Street Food

Widely considered to serve the best tacos in the city, Los Tacos No. 1 brings authentic Tijuana-style street food to the heart of Manhattan. With its standing-room-only vibe and lightning-fast service, it’s a must-visit for anyone craving fresh, high-quality ingredients.

• What to Try: The Adobada (marinated pork) Tacos on a handmade flour tortilla or the cheesy Mula.

Business Detail	Information
Address	75 9th Ave (Chelsea Market), New York, NY 10011
Contact	info@lostacos1.com
Website	lostacos1.com
Hours	Daily: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

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2. Mamoun’s Falafel

Category: Middle Eastern

A Greenwich Village staple since 1971, Mamoun’s is the oldest falafel restaurant in the city. It remains a legendary destination for students and late-night revelers looking for a filling, flavorful meal that costs less than a subway fare.

• What to Try: The Classic Falafel Sandwich with plenty of tahini and their famous (and very spicy) hot sauce.

Business Detail	Information
Address	119 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Contact	(212) 674-8646
Website	mamouns.com
Hours	Daily: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Later on weekends)

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3. Xi’an Famous Foods

Category: Western Chinese

Starting as a tiny stall in a basement mall in Flushing, Xi’an Famous Foods has expanded across the city. It is famous for its bold, spicy, and tingly flavors typical of Xi’an, China, featuring hand-ripped noodles made to order.

• What to Try: Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles and the Stewed Pork Burger.

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4. 7th Street Burger

Category: American / Smashburgers

The king of the modern NYC smashburger, 7th Street Burger keeps it simple with a focused menu of burgers and fries. It has quickly become a cult favorite for its perfectly charred patties and affordable “recession-proof” pricing.

• What to Try: The Cheeseburger (loaded with grilled onions and pickles) and a side of Loaded Fries.

Business Detail	Information
Address	110 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009 (East Village)
Contact	Order via website
Website	7thstreetburger.com
Hours	Daily: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Late night Fri/Sat)

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5. Gray’s Papaya

Category: Hot Dog Stand

No budget trip to New York is complete without a “Recession Special” from Gray’s Papaya. This no-frills, 24-hour stand on the Upper West Side is a cultural landmark that has appeared in countless films and TV shows.

• What to Try: The Recession Special (two frankfurters and a medium tropical drink, like the Papaya or Coconut champagne).

Business Detail	Information
Address	2090 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Contact	(212) 799-0243
Website	grayspapayanyc.com
Hours	Open 24 Hours

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Customer Comments

• Los Tacos No. 1: “The Adobada is life-changing. I’d wait in that line every single day for just one more bite!”

• Mamoun’s Falafel: “Authentic, fast, and incredibly cheap. It’s the soul of Greenwich Village in a pita.”

• Xi’an Famous Foods: “The spice level is perfect. Those hand-ripped noodles have the best chew in the city.”

• 7th Street Burger: “Simple, greasy, and perfect. The best smashburger for the price in Manhattan.”

• Gray’s Papaya: “A true NYC icon. Still the best deal in town for a quick lunch or a 3 AM snack.”

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Ending Section

You don’t need a fortune to eat like a king in New York City. These budget-friendly gems offer a taste of the city’s diverse culture and culinary history without the hefty price tag.

What is your favorite ‘cheap eat’ in New York City? Did we miss your go-to spot? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this guide with your travel buddies!