Discover the best cheap eats in NYC! Explore over 30 places to eat under $10—from iconic pizza slices and street food to hidden gems across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
New York City is known for its vibrant food scene—but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Whether you’re a student, traveler, or simply on a budget, here’s your ultimate guide to NYC’s tastiest eats for $10 or less.
1. Dollar & Budget Pizza Slices
2 Bros. Pizza
Known for pioneering the $1 slice movement, 2 Bros. remains a go-to for a quick and tasty meal.
Joe’s Pizza (Greenwich Village)
A NYC icon. Classic thin-crust slices start around $4—legendary taste, unbeatable value.
Prince Street Pizza (Nolita)
Thick square slices with spicy pepperoni, priced at $5.50. A must-try.
2. Tacos & Mexican Street Food
Los Tacos No. 1 (Chelsea Market, Times Square)
Authentic tacos on fresh corn tortillas starting at $5.
Birria Landia (Jackson Heights Food Truck)
Juicy birria tacos and consomé from $4. A local favorite.
3. Dumplings & Noodles (Chinatown)
Vanessa’s Dumpling House
Dumpling plates for $5 and sesame pancakes under $8.
Shu Jiao Fu Zhou
Dumplings and peanut noodles around $3–$5.
Jin Mei Dumpling
Grab 15 dumplings for just $5. Great for sharing.
Fong On
Traditional tofu pudding bowls under $10—great for a light meal.
4. Middle Eastern & Mediterranean
Mamoun’s Falafel (West & East Village)
Falafel sandwiches start at $5. Light, healthy, and delicious.
Taim Falafel
Flavor-packed pita sandwiches around $9.
Oasis (Williamsburg)
Classic falafel sandwiches from $5.50.
5. Halal Platters & Street Carts
The Halal Guys (Midtown)
Chicken and lamb over rice combos just under $10.
NYC Halal Carts (Various Locations)
Tasty meat-and-rice combos starting at $6–$7.
6. Sandwiches & Street Eats
B&H Dairy (East Village)
Grilled cheese and soups from $6–$7. Try the mac & cheese for $10.
Roll N Roaster
Roast beef sandwich under $8. A Brooklyn staple.
Blue Sky Deli (“Hajji’s”)
Famous chopped cheese sandwich around $8.
Souvlaki GR
Greek skewers and pitas for $4–$7.
7. Classic NYC Bites
Gray’s Papaya (Upper West Side)
Hot dogs at $2.95. Combo meals for under $10.
Absolute Bagels
Bagel with cream cheese starts at $3.20. Add-ons still keep it under $10.
Bodega Bagels
Simple and delicious bagels found throughout the city for around $3.
8. Asian Street Food & Snacks
Joe’s Steam Rice Roll
Rice rolls range from $5–$10, perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Taiwanese Pork Chop House
Hearty noodle dishes around $7.75.
Sun Hing Lung Co
Affordable cheung fun rolls filled with savory ingredients.
Peppa’s Jerk Chicken
Delicious lunch platters around $8.
9. Unique Snacks & International Treats
A&A Bake & Doubles (Bed-Stuy)
Trinidadian doubles at just $3.
Nepali Bhancha Ghar (Jackson Heights)
Jhol momo and chicken choila, both under $10.
Lhasa Fast Food (Queens)
Tibetan dumplings and noodles under $10.
Cafe Himalaya (LES)
Another momo hotspot with full meals below $10.
Levain Bakery
Their famous giant cookies are under $10.
Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
Soft pretzels around $4–$6.
10. Budget Indie Spots & Late-Night Gems
Spicy Village (Chinatown)
Spicy noodles and pancakes from $7.
Super Taste
Famed Sichuan-style dumplings and soups.
Smashiess (East Harlem)
Bodega-style ham and cheese sandwiches for just $1.
Chubby Skewers (Garment District)
$1 Wagyu beef skewers available with membership.
The Pickle Guys (LES)
Massive pickles for $1 each.
Golden Steamer & Spongies Cafe (Chinatown)
Assorted buns and sesame balls for $1–$1.50.
Sam’s Falafel Cart (Zuccotti Park)
Vegan platters loaded with falafel and veggies—just $10.
Gena’s Grill (East Harlem)
Hearty Dominican plates with rice, beans, and meat from $7.
11. Food Markets for Value Bites
Queens Night Market (Flushing Meadows)
Every vendor capped at $5. Huge variety, fantastic atmosphere.
Essex Market (Lower East Side)
Indoor market with multiple vendors offering meals under $10.
Tips for Eating Cheap in NYC
- Visit during off-peak hours
- Keep small cash on hand
- Venture into boroughs like Queens and Brooklyn
- Don’t skip local bodegas and carts
- Check food markets and late-night spots for deals
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a fat wallet to eat well in NYC. From legendary pizza and bagels to momos and birria tacos, this city offers incredible food options for under $10. Get out there, try something new, and enjoy one of the world’s best food cities without blowing your budget.
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