Being a tourist in New York is no joke. I know because before I moved here, I had visited the city many times. This place is expensive in so many ways. Accommodation, plane tickets, museums, observatories, broadway shows and other attractions can take a heavy toll on our pockets. Of course there are tricks to save money. Visiting museums on specific days that offer free or pay as you wish admission, trying the Broadway lottery or picking restaurants that are both tasteful and cheap are some of the traveler hacks.

I know the ideal trip to the Big Apple would include fancy bistros run by international acclaimed chefs. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford this lush life. I know I can’t – at least for now (hehe). That’s why I’m here to share with you five really cool and on a budget food places to dig in and not run out (of money, I mean)!

S’MAC

I went to S’MAC for the first time with some friends in 2017. After that, I keep coming back. I always try to bring family and friends who are visiting, since it has a very American dish: mac ‘n cheese, but with a twist. Their menu is quite different as they have different types of macaroni &cheese served on 6, 8 or 10 inch cast-iron skillet.

I personally love going there because nothing is processed and nothing is pre-cooked. Plus, it’s in the heart of East Village, a very unique and hip neighborhood.

Address: 197 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003

Artichoke’s Basile Pizza

Still on the Italian cuisine field, I strongly recommend eating at Artichoke’s Basile Pizza. First of all, the slice is huge. Second, there are a bunch of them everywhere. Whether you’re in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the odds of you finding this pizzeria are high. My favorite location is in Chelsea – it’s close to the High Line Park. So after a very nice stroll on the former train tracks, you can take out or grab a table here.

Address: 114 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Pommes Frites

This restaurant, located in both West Village has authentic double cooked Belgian fries with a wide selection of sauces in a very rustic – sort of Viking – looking establishment. Ketchup and mayo are free, but the other sauces cost below $2 and the smallest fries portion costs around $7 but it will mostly definitely make you full!

But of course you’re in one the best cities to eat such food, so there are many other places you need to try. That’s why I wrote a post entirely devoted to New Yorker pizzas. After all, pizza is always a good and cheap idea!

Address: 128 Macdougal Street, New York, NY 10012 

Vanessa’s Dumpling House

I love dumplings and I cannot lie! If you’re on the same boat, join me at Vanessa’s Dumplings, a Chinese takeout food at its best value. Especially if you’re talking about eating in Manhattan. With a cost next to nothing, this restaurant is a godsend when you’re really broke and not very picky. Aside from handmade dumplings, they also offer buns, sesame pancakes, and noodles in five different locations. My favorite one is in Union Square, a very busy shopping area.

Address: 220 East 14th Street, New York, NY 10003 

Taqueria Diana

Craving Mexican food? No problem. From the eatery’s menu you can choose tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, salad and more. Made with fresh ingredients daily, Taqueria Diana’s appetizing food can be found in East Village, Hell’s Kitchen, Williamsburg and Lower East Side. If you’re down for an economical yet delightful experience, then this is the place to go! I recommend going to the address in Brooklyn, as there are many other things to do and see in the area.

Address: 367 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Do you know any other cheap places to eat in the NYC area? Share with me in the comments below!