Must-try cheap eats in New York City (2025 edition)

New York is a city that knows how to eat. From food trucks and street carts to local institutions and buzzing market halls, you don’t need to drop big bucks to eat well here. In fact, some of the best bites in the city cost less than a MetroCard swipe. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, these are the must-try cheap eats in New York City right now—freshly updated for 2025.

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1. Bleecker Street Pizza – West Village

It’s the slice that locals swear by—and it lives up to the hype. Grab a classic cheese or their legendary Nonna Maria slice, loaded with fresh mozzarella, marinara, and basil. Quick, delicious, and very New York.

69 7th Ave S, West Village
$4–5 per slice
Find Bleecker Street Pizza here

2. Los Tacos No. 1 – Chelsea Market + locations

This fast-casual Mexican spot is no secret, but it’s still one of the best. Juicy adobada or carne asada tacos wrapped in house-made tortillas. Expect a short wait, but it’s fast and well worth it.

Chelsea Market & Times Square
$4–5 per taco / $10–15 for a full meal
Find Los Tacos No.1 here

3. White Bear – Flushing, Queens

An iconic NYC bite that’s barely changed in 50 years. Crispy-skinned hot dogs and tropical drinks in a no-frills setting. Grab the Recession Special if it’s on offer—two dogs and a drink for under $10.

135-02 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing
$10 for a dumpling fix
Find White Bear here

4. Gray’s Papaya – Upper West Side

Tiny and unassuming, but the #6 wontons in chili oil are legendary. It’s a pilgrimage-worthy stop if you’re heading to Flushing, one of NYC’s best areas for authentic Chinese eats.

2090 Broadway
$3.25 per hot dog / $7–9 with a drink
Find Gray's Papaya here

5. The Halal Guys – Midtown + Locations

The OG of NYC street food. Chicken and gyro over rice with white sauce, pita and salad. The portions are massive, and the value is unbeatable for a full meal on the move.

53rd & 6th Ave (flagship cart)
$8–12 per platter
Find The Halal Guys here

6. Birria-Landia – Various Locations (Truck)

These beefy, cheesy birria tacos come hot from the truck with rich consommé for dipping. A viral favourite that’s still crushing it in 2025—get there early, it gets busy.

Jackson Heights, Williamsburg, Bronx
$3.50 per taco
Find Birria-Landia here

7. L&B Spumoni Gardens – Brooklyn

Their thick-cut Sicilian slice is a Brooklyn classic. Fluffy dough, sweet tomato sauce, gooey cheese—it’s like pizza’s comforting cousin. Pair it with a scoop of spumoni ice cream and you’re golden.

2725 86th St, Brooklyn
$5–6 per slice
Find L&B Spumoni Gardens here

8. Dominique Ansel Bakery – SoHo

Not your average cheap eat, but still worth the occasional splurge. Famous for the original Cronut®, this bakery is full of creative desserts that are both Instagrammable and genuinely delicious.

189 Spring St, SoHo
$6–8 per pastry
Find Dominique Ansel Bakery here

9. Smorgasburg / Essex Market / Chelsea Market

If you’re hungry and indecisive, head to one of NYC’s food halls. Smorgasburg (seasonal), Essex Market, and Chelsea Market all pack in quality vendors slinging ramen, empanadas, dumplings, bagels and more. Plenty of bang for your buck.

Various Markets
$10–15 meals
Find Smorgasburg / Essex / Chelsea

Tips to eat cheap in NYC

• Food trucks rule – Some of NYC’s best meals roll on wheels.
• Skip sit-down – Grab-and-go saves on tipping and table tax.
• Eat where locals eat – If it looks busy and smells amazing, you’re on the right track.

Final word

NYC doesn’t just do cheap eats—it masters them. From $3.25 dogs to market-fresh tacos, these are the spots where locals and budget-savvy travellers come together to feast. Bring your appetite, skip the fancy reservations, and let the city serve you its tastiest bites—one street corner at a time.

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