Cheap eats in Long Island City: The best nosh on a budget
Looking for cheap eats in Long Island City? Fuel up without damaging your wallet at these critic-approved budget food spots.
-
Best restaurants in Long Island City: Where to eat now
-
Best brunch places in Long Island City: The weekend starts here
-
Cheap eats in Long Island City: The best nosh on a budget
-
Best bars in Long Island City: The essential drinking spots
-
Best shops in Long Island City for vintage, local fashion and more
-
Long Island City hotels: The best places to stay
Long Island City, Queens, New York: The best of the neighborhood
Whether you want to grab an inexpensive daytime bite or line your stomach before hitting the local bars (or soak up the damage afterwards), there’s no shortage of superior cheap eats in the neighborhood. Nosh on everything from gourmet arepas to one of the city’s best burgers for less than $15.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Long Island City, Queens, New York
Arepas Cafe
- Price band: 1/4
Onetime truffle salesman Riccardo Romero left the gourmet game to open this 36-seat café. Inspired takes on the Venezuelan snack (try Riccardo’s Tuna, made with tuna, pico de gallo, avocado and truffle butter) are offered alongside the classics.
- 33-07 36th Ave , (between 33rd and 34th Sts)
Breadbox Cafe
- Price band: 1/4
The exterior of this café is covered with 2,000 wooden rolling pins. Inside, find homemade baked goods, coffee and a menu with items like a braised short-rib sandwich with charred onion.
- 47-11 11th St, (between 47th Ave and 47th Rd)
Corner Bistro
- Price band: 1/4
The West Village institution, open since 1961, debuts its first spin-off. Long Island City locals will find an identical menu, including, of course, the beloved Bistro Burger (broiled beef, cheese and bacon on a sesame-seed bun), along with 12 draft beers (Guinness, McSorley's Ale and Dark Lager). The decor also takes its cues from the flagship location: The laid-back 75-seat tavern features a mahogany wood bar and booths, antique brass chandeliers and a pressed-tin ceiling.
- 47-18 Vernon Blvd, (at 47th Rd)
Communitea
This mellow neighborhood café has more to offer than a Gossip Girl trivia connection and free Wi-Fi for its laptop-toting clientele. The organic loose-leaf teas and adorable afternoon tea service—a three-tiered spread of sandwiches, scones and pastries designed for two—is worth the trip alone.
- 47-02 Vernon Blvd, (at 47th Ave)
