From pizza to pierogis, we've got you covered. Words by Alexandra Middleton.
Everybody knows New York is expensive. Once you factor in tax, tip and the conversation rate, a bowl of pasta and a glass of wine at a midtown restaurant ends up costing you upwards of $50. But New York’s not all upscale dining – there are plenty of affordable and delicious cheap eats scattered around the city.
Hungarian Pastry Shop
Nestled opposite New York’s grandest cathedral in the Upper West Side is one the city’s best kept secrets – the Hungarian Pastry Shop. The cafe has been frequented by writers and students for years, and it’s not hard to see why. You won’t find a price list but you needn’t worry – you can grab a mouth-watering pastry and Hungarian coffee for less than $10USD. Try the traditional cherry and cheese strudel – you won’t be sorry.
Los Tacos No 1
Los Tacos No 1 is probably the number one – and cheapest – spot for authentic Mexican food in the city. You can grab a flour or corn tortilla taco filled with steak, chicken, pork or cactus for less than $5, or a quesadilla from $6. Lines form pretty quickly at their Chelsea Market, Times Square and downtown locations but you’re never waiting long. Once you’ve grabbed your tacos you can add on free toppings like salsa verde, salad and sauces.
Joe’s Pizza
Just because it’s famous, it doesn’t meant it’s not cheap. With locations around Manhattan, Joe’s Pizza is a New York institution that has been frequented by celebrities, locals and tourists for years. The pizza slices are bigger than your face and will only set you back around $5USD. The cheese slice is a classic while the white-based spinach and ricotta is a crowd pleaser.
Absolute Bagels
This unassuming shop at 2788 Broadway on the the Upper West Side serves some of the cheapest – but tastiest – hand-rolled and house-made bagels in the city. You can nab a plain cream cheese bagel for just $3.20USD, but they also have almost every kind of cream cheese flavour you can think of, from walnut and raisin to jalapeno for $5.30USD. If you feel like bulking up your bagel, adding salad, salmon or other toppings will bring your total to less than $10USD – and it’ll keep you full all day. They have no website or social media presence we can find, but that’s word of mouth for you.
Karczma
If you’re spending time in Brooklyn, do yourself a favour and make the trip to Greenpoint to sample some authentic and affordable Polish food at Karczma. Get in early to try the white borscht soup – served in a bread bowl with a side of mash potatoes and bacon – for just $8USD (the bread bowls usually sell out) or enjoy a feast of Polish specialties including pierogis (Polish dumplings), potato pancakes, traditional sausage, stuffed cabbage and hunter’s stew for just $18USD.
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The Halal Guys
If you’re walking around midtown it’s almost impossible to miss The Halal Guys. New Yorkers can be seen lining up outside the bright yellow food trucks for quick and authentic Halal food. $10USD (cash only) will get you a large platter of gyros, chicken or falafel with salad, rice and pita bread, as well as the Halal Guy’s special sauces. Your stomach will thank you.
Aunty Anne’s Pretzels
You can’t visit New York without trying a giant pretzel, and while they’re available at nearly every corner street cart, you can’t go past the freshly made pretzels at Aunty Anne’s. From original salted to cinnamon sugar to everything in between, you can nab a giant fresh pretzel starting at $4USD. There are multiple locations throughout the city so a pretzel fix is never too far away.
Ruben’s Empanadas
A favourite among workers in the financial district, Ruben’s Empanadas has been serving up $5USD empanadas and affordable Argentinian lunch specials for years. You can grab a piping hot empanada, a bowl of rice and black beans with a drink all for $10USD. Trust us, it’s so filling you won’t be able to finish it. Make sure to add the spicy chilli chicken empanada to your order.
Veselka
An East Village institution, Veselka has been serving up traditional Ukrainian food since 1954. You can sample a plate of Ukrainian-style dumplings (served with sautéed onions and sour cream) for $9USD, or if you’re extra hungry and feel like sharing, opt for a deluxe platter of specialty dishes served with soup or salad for as little as $19.
Alleva Dairy
Everybody knows about the iconic pastrami sandwich from Katz’s Deli made famous by the ’80s rom-com When Harry Met Sally – but not everyone knows that sandwich will set you back $25USD. If you’re on a budget, walk the 15 minutes from Katz’s to Little Italy where you’ll find a HUGE (and I mean huge), meat and cheese packed sandwich for nearly half the price at Alleva Dairy. The delicatessen – which also happens to be America’s oldest cheese shop – has a range of cured meats, fresh cheeses and affordable Italian snacks on offer.
This article originally appeared on escape.com.au. It has been reproduced here with permission.
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