Dine on a Budget with the Best Cheap Eats in NYC: Affordable Food Finds + Budget-Friendly Bites You will Love!

New York City is a culinary dream, no doubt. It is a place where world-class fine dining exists side by side with humble food carts and neighborhood gems, each offering something unique. And let’s be real—while the city might be infamous for its sky-high rent and pricey cocktails, it is equally famous for its ability to serve up outstanding meals that will not leave your wallet in tears. 

Affordable does not have to mean lackluster, and in this city, that is a truth you can taste. Whether it is a warm bowl of ramen to slurp on a chilly day, a perfectly spiced taco from a local cart, or a hearty dish from a family-run diner, there is no shortage of culinary experiences that offer big flavors without the hefty price tag.

While some of these restaurants featured on this list do offer more expensive options, rest assured that there are plenty of affordable choices on the menu to suit any budget.

Featured

Armored Grilled Cheese

Last week, I visited Armored Grilled Cheese and I was not disappointed. Armored Grilled Cheese, nestled in the heart of Brooklyn’s City Point, is a revelation for anyone who has ever thought a grilled cheese was just a basic snack. This stall turns that notion on its head, offering a take on the classic that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day. As you approach the stall, the inviting aroma of toasted bread and melted cheese hits you, drawing you in with an almost magnetic pull.

It is the kind of place where you take one bite, and immediately know you have stumbled onto something special. I opted for the Grilled Double Cheese, an excellent balance of crispy exterior and gooey, melted goodness inside. Paired with tomato soup, it is everything you want in a comfort food—satisfying, nostalgic, and just the right amount of indulgence. But the Kimchi Grilled Cheese? A bold twist that adds a spicy, tangy kick to the familiar, showing that even a simple dish can surprise you when done right.

What makes Armored Grilled Cheese stand out is not just the food’s quality. It is the way such a humble dish can spark joy with every bite. And the best part? It did not come with a hefty price tag, making this experience feel just as good on the wallet as it does on your taste buds. Oh, and did I mention the menu is entirely plant-based, packed with vibrant, flavor-filled options?

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1. Artie’s Steak & Seafood

Artie’s Steak & Seafood, located on City Island in the Bronx, has been a beloved dining destination for nearly 30 years. Owned and operated by Spiros Chagares, the restaurant offers a casual Mediterranean ambiance that appeals to locals and visitors alike.

• Cuisine: Italian-accented seafood and steaks
• Location: 394 City Island Avenue—Bronx
• Must-Try Dish: Zuppa di Pesce for Two—a generous seafood medley featuring king crab, whole lobster, clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, and calamari over linguine, with a choice of white wine garlic sauce, marinara, or fra diavolo sauce.
• Price Point: Appetizers range from $8 to $19; Entrées range from $18–$89; Brunch items start at $16.
• Website: Artie’s Steak & Seafood

Quick Note:

Artie’s Steak & Seafood has been a City Island staple for nearly 30 years, known for its Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere and classic surf ‘n’ turf menu. The restaurant boasts two intricately designed main dining rooms, a private dining area, and a heated outdoor patio, making it a versatile dining destination for any occasion.

Guests can also unwind at the cozy cocktail lounge, featuring grand copper lamps and signature drinks like Artie’s Sangria Fresca and jumbo martinis. For brunch enthusiasts, Artie’s offers an a la carte menu with standout dishes like the Shrimp Parm Hero [$19], White Clam Grilled Mediterranean Pizza [$18], and the Chargrilled Calamari Salad [$16].

Open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, and brunch, Artie’s combines its commitment to quality with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot on City Island.

Reservations are recommended, and the full menu is available on their website.

2. Conmigo NYC

• Cuisine: Authentic Mexican
• Location: 1685 1st Avenue [between 87th & 88th Streets]—Upper East Side
• Must-Try Dish: Chorizo Smash Slider—featuring red and green chorizo burger patties, eggs, and house habanero mayo, served with a choice of home fries or salad.
• Price Point: Entrées range from $15–$35; Brunch special: $35 for an entrée and 90 minutes of bottomless drinks.
• Website: Conmigo NYC

Quick Note:

Conmigo NYC is a vibrant Mexican restaurant with a modern yet colorful atmosphere, offering authentic fare combined with local ingredients. Recently revamped by Executive Chef John Cullen, the menu seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. The restaurant features distinct dining spaces, seasonal outdoor patios, and a spirited bar.

Highlights include their weekend bottomless brunch, served every Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM. For $35, diners enjoy an entrée paired with 90 minutes of unlimited drinks. Brunch favorites include Banana French Toast with Amarula cream and piloncillo syrup, and a hearty Breakfast Burrito topped with red or green salsa.

Conmigo also participates in the “Cheers to Winter” bar crawl, offering a free cocktail with a $15 meal purchase between January 6th and March 16th. This makes it an excellent spot for both brunch-goers and cocktail enthusiasts.

Reservations are available on Resy.

3. Wakky’s African Restaurant

• Cuisine: Nigerian
• Location: 1174 Saint Marks Avenue—Crown Heights
• Must-Try Dish: Jollof Rice—A flavorful and aromatic West African rice dish cooked with tomatoes, spices, and a savory blend of ingredients that brings a taste of Nigeria to life.
• Price Point: $10–$20
• Website: Wakky’s African Restaurant

Quick Note:

Tucked in the heart of the Weeksville section of Crown Heights, Wakky’s African Restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that celebrates Nigerian cuisine in all its glory. The restaurant’s cozy setting features a tiny bar serving West African beers and refreshing soft drinks, adding an authentic touch to your dining experience.

Wakky’s is the ideal place for those seeking bold, hearty, and flavorful dishes. The Jollof Rice is a standout, with its rich tomato base and artifully spiced rice that will transport you straight to the heart of West Africa. For those with a bolder palate, the Pepper Soup packs a punch with its fiery kick, while the classic combination of fufu and hearty soups like Okra or Ogbono provide a comforting, satisfying meal.

Do not miss the chicken suya, a popular West African street food served as a bar snack, generously coated with spices and grilled to perfection. Whether you are new to Nigerian cuisine or a seasoned fan, Wakky’s is a must-visit in Brooklyn to experience the vibrant flavors of West Africa. It is a casual yet welcoming place that feels like home—a beautiful addition to your culinary adventures.

4. Urban Cove Society & Kitchen

• Cuisine: Modern American with Global Influences
• Location: Seaport District—Inside 33 Hotel, NYC, facing Peck Slip
  Must-Try Dish: ​​Shore Benny—lump crab meat, hollandaise, and chives on an English muffin, blending coastal flavors with a gourmet touch.
• Price Point: Brunch entrée + bottomless cocktails for $45; menu items range from $15–$26.
• Website: Urban Cove Society & Kitchen

Urban Cove Society & Kitchen is currently offering an exclusive menu for NYC Restaurant Week, Winter Edition—discover what is on the menu here!

Quick Note:

Nestled in the heart of the historic Seaport District, Urban Cove Society & Kitchen is a chic dining destination that wonderfully marries modern American cuisine with global inspirations. Its prime location inside 33 Hotel offers stunning views of the cobblestone-lined Peck Slip, providing the ideal backdrop for weekend brunch, Society Hour, or a sophisticated dinner.

The restaurant features a welcoming bar and an intimate 40-seat dining room, designed for both communal and elevated dining experiences. The menu is a culinary homage to New York City’s rich cultural mosaic, offering shareable small plates, bold entrees, and innovative cocktails.

Urban Cove’s new weekend boozy brunch is a must-try for food and drink enthusiasts. For $45, enjoy a continental pastry basket, bottomless brunch cocktails, and a standout entrée like the Chix + Waffles, served with crème fraîche and bourbon maple syrup, or the Urban Spritz cocktail, crafted with strawberry purée.

For explorers, the Old Seaport Saunter pub crawl invites you to experience the district’s vibrant dining scene, including Urban Cove. Collect loyalty card punches from five participating venues to earn $15 credit at any of them—a superb way to celebrate the Seaport’s lively atmosphere.

Reservations are available via OpenTable, and brunch lovers will not want to miss this stylish addition to the Seaport District’s culinary lineup.

5. Armored Grilled Cheese

• Cuisine: Vegan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Location: 445 Albee Square W [DeKalb Market Hall at City Point]—Downtown Brooklyn
• Must-Try Dish:

• Grilled Double Cheese: Indulge in a perfectly toasted sandwich made with your choice of American-style [AS] or Pepper Jack [PJ] cheese.
• Grilled Kimchi Cheese: A bold twist featuring tangy kimchi paired with your selected cheese.
• Classic Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup: A comforting duo of creamy tomato soup served alongside gooey grilled cheese, available with American Style [AS] or Pepper Jack [PJ] cheese.

• Price Point: Affordable, with sandwiches starting at $2.99; additional toppings available for $1 each.
• Website: Armored Fresh

Quick Note:

Armored Grilled Cheese, which opened its doors in October 2024, has quickly become a standout in Brooklyn’s DeKalb Market Hall. This trailblazing vegan eatery takes comfort food to the next level by reimagining the classic grilled cheese sandwich with plant-based ingredients. Featuring Armored Fresh’s groundbreaking zero-dairy cheeses, the menu offers both timeless favorites like the Original Grilled Cheese and bold options like the Kimchi Grilled Cheese, making it a haven for both vegan food lovers and those seeking something a little different.

The best part? The sandwiches do not just cater to plant-based diets—they deliver flavor and heartiness, proving that vegan food can be both satisfying and affordable. With its lively atmosphere in the heart of the market, Armored Grilled Cheese is a must-visit spot for anyone in search of a fulfilling, budget-friendly meal that does not compromise on taste.

6. Restaurant Relax

• Cuisine: Traditional Polish
• Location: 68A Newell Street [at Nassau Avenue]—Greenpoint
• Must-Try Dish: Borscht—a rich beet soup served with a dollop of sour cream, an ideal balance of tangy and earthy flavors.
• Price Point: $5–$15
• Website: Restaurant Relax

Quick Note:

Tucked away on a charming side street in the northeastern corner of Greenpoint, Restaurant Relax is a cozy, fairy-tale-inspired gem that feels like a welcoming escape from the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn. Its intimate, cottage-like ambiance invites you to sit back and savor authentic Polish comfort food at unbeatable prices.

The menu is a celebration of Polish culinary traditions, with comforting soups like borscht and hearty main courses such as pork schnitzel and bigos — a flavorful hunter’s stew packed with meat, sauerkraut, and spices. Their pierogies are also a must-try, offering a variety of fillings that are as satisfying as they are delicious.

For a truly authentic experience, wash everything down with one of their Polish beers, and you will feel as though you have traveled straight to Eastern Europe. Whether you are stopping in for a cozy lunch or indulging in a comforting dinner, Restaurant Relax offers an excellent setting for enjoying delicious, affordable Polish dishes. If you are ever in Greenpoint and craving something hearty, this hidden gem will make you feel right at home.

7. Chef Rose’s Kitchen

• Cuisine: Dominican, Puerto Rican, Afro-Caribbean
• Location: 205 West 231st Stree [Kingsbridge]—Bronx
• Must-Try Dish: Jerk Chicken—Tender and smoky chicken marinated with a rich blend of spices and grilled to perfection, delivering an unforgettable combination of heat and flavor.
• Price Point: $10–$20
• Website: Chef Rose’s Kitchen

Quick Note:

Chef Rose Batista has become a beloved figure in Kingsbridge, earning a loyal following for her delicious and authentic Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Afro-Caribbean dishes. After years of serving the community, she opened a spacious and contemporary restaurant in 2023 that offers a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

One of the standout features of Chef Rose’s Kitchen is the long steam table that displays a variety of flavorful dishes. You will find classic Dominican and Puerto Rican offerings like hearty rice and beans, pernil, and mofongo, as well as Afro-Caribbean comfort food like jerk chicken, oxtails, and plantains. The beauty of Chef Rose’s restaurant lies in the variety and the freedom to mix and match dishes, allowing each meal to be tailored to your tastes.

The Jerk Chicken is a must-try. It is smoky, tender, and packed with bold flavors that balance heat with a savory depth. Pair it with some classic rice and beans for an ideal, hearty meal that embodies the best of Caribbean cuisine. Whether you are a longtime fan of Caribbean flavors or a newcomer to this rich culinary tradition, Chef Rose’s Kitchen offers a feast that is as comforting as it is flavorful, making it a must-visit destination in the Bronx.

Best Cheap Eats in NYC: Budget-Friendly Bites You Will Love

As I take a moment to reflect on these spots, I am reminded that New York City, with all its hustle and bustle, is also a city where you do not need a hefty budget to have an unforgettable meal. Whether it is the crispy bite of a grilled cheese sandwich, the comforting warmth of a bowl of soup, or the zesty kick of plant-based dishes, these hidden gems prove that great taste and quality do not have to come with a sky-high price tag.

So, the next time you are wandering the streets of New York City, do not just walk past those humble storefronts and street corners. Step in. Savor the flavors. Embrace the experience of discovering the city’s best-kept food secrets—where every bite offers a moment of joy and the feeling that you have found something special.

Have you stumbled upon any of these affordable culinary gems? I would love to hear about your experiences. Share your favorites with me or dive into even more recommendations on our website. The best meals are often the ones you least expect!