The 19 best cheap eats in NYC

What is it: A dosa cart staple that's been parked in Washington Square Park since the early 200s. 

Why we love it: Thiru Kumar has been a friend to the midday luncher to the college student with just a few bucks in their pocket. Since 2001, he's kept NYC fed with his dosas, packd to the brim with curried potatoes and vegetables. Each vegan dosa comes with a cup of lentil soup and coconut chutney for dipping. 

Time Out tip: Check NY Dosas to see if and when Thiru is open

Address: 50 Washington Square, New York, NY, 10014

Hours: Closed Sun; Mon-Sat 11am-3pm

What is it? A kosher, shoebox sized diner that's been around since the 1930s. 

Why we love it: This venerable 400-square-foot counter spot has been slinging kosher faves and classics since 1938. Its $7 breakfast, available until 11am, comes with two eggs any style, home fries, B&H challah bread, orange juice and coffee or tea. 

Time Out tip: If you missed the 11am hour, you can always grab a knish with gravy for $6.50 or a 16-ounce bowl of soup for $7. 

Address: 127 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10003

Hours: Closed Mon; Tues–Sat 7am–11pm

What is it? A burger stand located inside the last gas station found under 14th Street

Why we love it: Smacking Burger produces a burger that, well, smacks, and we aren't just saying that because of the name. The corner operation specializes in burgers with onions smashed right into the patty. And to get truffle anything under $10 is a steal. The Truff comes with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese and griddled mushrooms with a swirl of truffle mayo, quite possibly making it the best bite from a gas station that we can think of.

Time Out tip: If you'd rather be more economical, you can get the Classic ($7.49) and tack on fries for $5 bucks more. 

Address: 51-63 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014

Hours: Mon–Thurs noon to 11pm; Fri noon–1am; Sun noon–10pm

What is it? Once a late night stop for taxi drivers, this deli has become a favorite for cheap Punjabi eats on the go. 

Why we love it: At $8.50, this downright delicious dish is beloved local favorite Punjabi Grocery & Deli's most expensive item. It includes a heaping helping of rice alongside three vegetarian mains like chana masala, saag paneer or dal. 

Time Out tip: The fist sized samosas are good in a pinch, too, only running you $4. 

Address: 114 East 1st Street (Btw 1st Ave & Ave A), New York, New York 10009

Hours: Daily 8am–10PM

What is it? A counter-service spot where Trinidadian doubles and aloo pies are so well-renowned, they earned themselves a nod from the James Beard Foundation. 

Why we love it: With only a few bucks in hand, you could eat like a king at A&A Bake and Doubles. Right off of Fulton street, the space has enough room for a counter a few tables and chairs sprinkled about. The doubles will run you $2.50 pop and we recommend getting them spicy even to those who can't stand the flame—its more flavor than heat anyway. 

Time Out tip: They also have golden aloo pies for only $4.00.

Address:1337 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Hours: Closed Sun; Mon–Sat 6:30am–8pm

What is it? A Sheepshead Bay where roast beef reigns supreme. 

Why we love it: Dating back to 1971, this south Brooklyn restaurant’s roast beef sandwiches are legendary: Layers of thinly sliced meat are folded and pressed between toasty kaiser rolls. For the full experience, get the classic and top it off with the requisite “cheez” sauce. 

Time Out tip: Beer and wine are also available for $2.95-$4.95, or you can splurge on a bottle of Champagne for $59.95. 

Address: 2901 Emmons Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11235

Hours: Daily 11am–1am

What is it? A Los Angeles based mini chain that specializes in oatmeal griddle cakes. 

Why we like it: This Brooklyn outpost of Breakfast by Salt's Cure from Los Angles follows its NYC premiere over in Manhattan. The sweet corner spot's oatmeal griddle cakes are even sweeter; rich and suffused with accompanying cinnamon molasses butter for a decadent, filling start to the day. 

Time Out tip: No, they don't offer syrup with the griddle cake, so don't bother asking. 

Address: Multiple locations

Hours: Closed Mon and Tues; Wed–Fri 8am–2pm; Sat and Sun 8am-3pm

Chopped cheese is among NYC's most famous foods, and Blue Sky Deli's (also referred to as Hajji’s) is the best known of them all. Not only is it filling and flavorful, but you can also get it 24 hours a day. 

Taqueria Al Pastor opened this second Brooklyn location in 2021. Its titular tacos are top-notch: Teeming with strips of marinated pork sliced right off the trompo, onion and pineapple, all atop house-made corn tortillas. They're $4.50 a pop and so generously portioned that two are rather filling. 

Dumpling aficionados flock to this tiny shop to order the No. 6: A dozen pork wontons doused in roasted chili oil and topped with a smattering of diced pickled vegetables on a Styrofoam plate. It's super popular even among more than 30 menu items.

Known to its fans as “the jewelry store one,” the tiny Chinatown takeout operation does indeed share space with an accessories counter. Regardless, the prices, succulent pork preparations and crispy-chewy bread that’s baked in-house make it even easier to appreciate the unique location.

Of course there was going to be a slice included among NYC's best cheap eats, and Paulie Gee’s sells some of the best of 'em. Yes, $5 is still a little high, but even $1 doesn't get you as much pizza as it used to, and the Freddy Prince sesame-bottomed Sicilian-style square comes topped with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce and pecorino Romano.

What is it: A small operation where the best thing on menu is the only thing on menu: steamed rice rolls.

Why we love it: You’ll find lots of options under $10 at Joe’s Steam Rice Roll, and the titular Cantonese specialty is among our favorites. It’s available with fillings like beef, pork, shrimp and curry fish ball for $6-$10 depending on size and variety. 

Time Out tip: The veggie is the cheapest at $6 but we say spring for the pork or the beef for more heft. 

Address: 422 Amsterdam Ave, New York NY, 10024 and 136-21 Roosevelt Ave # A1, Flushing, NY 11354

This savory tofu pudding is notably silky and packed with accoutrements. The addition of pickled radishes, fried shallots, sesame oil and dried shrimp make the whole bowl sing. A larger size is also available for $11. 

Consider this Williamsburg staple your no-frills, no-fail best bet for a toasty falafel sandwich, stuffed with a bounty of pickled veggies that would be good enough to order on their own. 

What began as a modest cart now has a brick-and-mortar shop still specializing in arepas and other Colombian bites in Jackson Heights. Many of its menu items are under $10, and the cheese arepa de choclo is $7.62. 

Peppa’s Jerk Chicken perfectly grills its bird with hints of smokiness permeating throughout the juicy meat. It's $8 option is a quarter portion, chopped. 

This casual lunch counter in the Bronx focuses on all things pork, with recipes of Puerto Rican and Dominican provenance. Cuchifritos are the fan-favorite, the standout morcilla (aka blood sausage) in particular.

The green plantains with beef are tops at this Puerto Rican favorite that turned its beloved street fair appearances into a well-regarded, permanent location. 

“Smør” means “butter,” which is fitting, as smørrebrøds—open-faced toasts with buttered rye bread—are this shop’s signature. The curried herring is a canary-hued treat that's only available on the 10am-4pm menu.