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New York is home to some of the best sushi restaurants this side of Tokyo, and there's no shortage of great all-you-can-eat sushi and sake bars in the city. But sometimes you're in the mood for a row of squishy maki rolls without shelling out so much cold, hard cash. For those days, here are some actually good and cheap sushi spots worth checking out.
Maru
This westside hole in the wall serves thrifty bites like a $5 seaweed-wrapped “yummy stick” of fried egg, crab cake and rice doused in white sauce and spicy mayo. Noodle ($8 soba, $9.25 udon) and sushi lunch specials won't break the bank, with basic roll options like California and spicy tuna. 217 W 17th St (212-273-3413)
Sashimi Express
You might not expect to find a frugal man's paradise on the Upper East Side, but this two-seat cash-only sushi joint does it right, offering maki rolls for $1.50 a pop, three rolls for $9.50 or seven rolls for $21. For obvious reasons, it’s recommended that you get your rolls to-go. 354 E 78th St (929-231-9376)
Lz Sushi
Double down on deals like the sashimi special, featuring 10 pieces of white tail, salmon and tuna with a miso soup for $12.50, at this Chelsea spot. These guys roll em’ out fast, so you can make the most of your lunch break. 355 Seventh Ave (212-868-1388)
Hanabi
Everyday on the Upper East Side, the chefs at Hanabi roll out loads of fresh sushi for unheard-of New York prices. Their lunch specials let you fill up for just over $10, with options like a tuna combo (five pieces of tuna sushi and one tuna roll) and a maki combo (California, Alaskan and tuna rolls). 1450 Second Ave (212-570-1228)
Shinju Sushi III
Both the Clinton Hill and Park Slope locations have inexpensive Japanese eats like maki rolls and hand rolls for five bucks and under (think tuna-avocado, yellowtail-jalapeño). Bonus: Service is quick as a flash. 75 Fifth Ave, Brooklyn (718-638-0888)
Aburi Sushi Bar
Bright yellowtail and vibrant salmon line the platters at Aburi, where you can walk away without losing all your cash. Get salmon-mango, eel-avocado and creamy Philadelphia rolls for $4.50 and under. 769 Grand St, Brooklyn (718-387-8815)
Sushi 33
À la carte pieces are a penny pincher’s dream at this Rego Park joint, as well as regular rolls in the $3 range: Eel-avocado, tuna and a lobster salad with cucumber number. 6356 Booth St, Brooklyn (718-896-3033)
Charlie’s Place
You can find no frills but legit sushi at this East Harlem spot. Regular rolls including spicy salmon and a tuna California roll can be yours for under a fiver. You can also opt for brown rice or add "crunch" for just a buck more. 1960 Madison Ave (212-410-0277)
New Peter's Kitchen
Dig into a plethora of maki or temaki (à la carte options include red snapper, shrimp and yellowtail) for $2.75 each at this Flushing sushi bar. 14909 Union Turnpike, Queens (718-591-8688)
