Cheap eats in NYC: The best budget dining in New York

Find out where to fill up for less with our guide to the best cheap eats and meal deals in NYC. Edited by Amy Plitt and Jordana Rothman

By Time Out editors Tue Jun 19 2012

Yunnan Kitchen Photograph: Jakob N. Layman

New Yorkers are always looking for the cheap eats Holy Grail—an inexpensive meal that packs as much flavor as it does value. Search no more: Whether you’re dining solo, as a couple or with a crew—or just craving an affordable snack—we’ve found the perfect budget bite.

The best cheap eats in New York
Ten new spots where you can fill up for $15 or less.
Dinner dates for less than $50
You don’t need to spend a ton of cash to have a great—and cheap!—dinner date.
Affordable group dinners
Feed a crowd for less at these spots for inexpensive group dining.
The best new cheap snacks
Sample these tasty and affordable small bites, both sweet and savory.
The new cheap-eats classics
Chow down on the best new burgers, fries, pizza and other cheap-eats classics.
Food photos: The best cheap eats in New York
Check out our slide show of the best cheap eats in NYC.
Interview: Norah Jones
The singer-songwriter gears up for SummerStage and a season of alfresco snacking.
Behind the scenes: Norah Jones cover shoot (VIDEO)
Cheap eats poll
What do you consider cheap? We want to know.

More great cheap eats

Best cheap fried chicken

Proof that the golden-crusted classic doesn't have to break the bank.

Best cheap burgers

Sink your teeth into our top five underrated patties.

Best cheap hot dogs

Price band: 1/4

Skip the dollar hot-dog carts and sample our picks for the best cheap hot dogs in NYC.

Lyon Irish-American chef Chris Leahy gamely goes French at this date-ready bistro. Fill one of the small tables in the bar, tucked away from the main dining room in a cozy corner, with nibbles like croquettes ($8) or a croque-monsieur ($12). We particular

Cheap bar food

Price band: 1/4

Belly up to the bar and dig in---these satisfying snacks won't kill your boozing budget.

Related cheap eats coverage

White-wine--steamed mussels at the Rabbithole

Cheap eats 2011

Our rundown of the best places to binge on a budget focuses on the sacred space where good food and cheap food overlap, where dishes pack as much flavor as they do value.

Cheap eats 2010

Who needs haute burgers and fried chicken when you can eat equally delicious versions, each for under $10? The junk-food averse, meanwhile, can test out our eco-friendly suggestions.

Cheap eats 2009

Living on a student's budget doesn't mean you can't eat well. Sample our selection of fantastically affordable food spots.

Cheap eats 2008

The city's finest culinarians, line cooks and street vendors, along with everyone's favorite Top Chef contestant, pick the most delicious dishes around-all under ten bucks. Plus, our own inexpensive spots for every situation.