The 20 best cheap eats in NYC

What is it? A small shop, with two locations in Bed-Stuy, that pays homage to congee. 

Why we love it: Maya Congee Café hits the spot at all times of health, whether we are at peak performance or sporting a sniffle. Its large bowl of congee will warm you right up with braised chicken and ginger bits with rounds of chopped scallions. It's easy to snag a small, squat table at the Fulton street location as you gaze among the walls stocked with noodles and homemade chili crisp. 

Time Out tip: Speaking of, each table comes said chili crisp so you can dress your congee your way. 

Address: 1013 Fulton Street and 563 Gates Avenue in Brooklyn

What is it: A dosa cart staple that's been parked in Washington Square Park since the early 2000s. 

Why we love it: Thiru Kumar has been a friend to the midday luncher to the college student with just a few bucks in their pocket. Since 2001, he's kept NYC fed with his dosas, packed to the brim with curried potatoes and vegetables. Each vegan dosa comes with a cup of lentil soup and coconut chutney for dipping.

Time Out tip: Check NY Dosas to see if and when Thiru is open at the park. 

Address: 50 Washington Square

Hours: Closed Sun; Mon–Sat 11am–3pm

What is it? A series of taquerias made from Andrés Galindo Maria or "the Birria Taco King of Brooklyn."  

Why we love it: This is a Taco Tuesday deal that is actually still a steal. Offered all day on Tuesdays, you can grab $2.50 birria tacos at the Bushwick location of Nene's Taqueria. We aren't telling you how to build your order, but two tacos and a 16-ounce Horchata for $4 bucks more doesn't sound like a bad idea either.

Time Out tip: Can't make it to Bushwick? The Astoria location offers its own deal for Tuesdays—three tacos and a drink for $9.99. 

Address: Multiple locations

What is it? A burger stand located inside a gas station in Chelsea. 

Why we love it: Smacking Burger produces a burger that, well, smacks. The corner operation specializes in burgers with onions smashed right into the patty. And to get truffle anything under $10 is a steal. The Truff comes with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, griddled mushrooms and a swirl of truffle mayo, quite possibly making it the best bite from a gas station that we can think of.

Time Out tip: If you'd rather be more economical, you can get the Classic ($7.49) and tack on fries for $5 bucks more. 

Address: 51-63 8th Avenue

Hours: Mon–Thurs noon–11pm; Fri noon–1am; Sun noon–10pm

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Time Out New York (@timeoutnewyork)

What is it? An East Harlem deli that lays claim to the origin of the chopped cheese.

Why we love it: Chopped cheese is among NYC's most famous foods, and Blue Sky Deli's (also referred to as Hajji’s) is the best of them all. Claiming creator status, their chopped cheese is not only filling and flavorful, but you can also get it 24 hours a day. 

Time Out tip: It is a deli, so there isn't seating to be found. Be prepared to take your sandwich on the go.

Address: 2135 1st Avenue

Hours: 24 hours

What is it? A counter-service spot where Trinidadian doubles and aloo pies are so well-renowned, they earned themselves a nod from the James Beard Foundation. 

Why we love it: With only a few bucks in hand, you could eat like a king at A&A Bake and Doubles. Right off of Fulton street, the space has enough room for a counter and a few tables and chairs sprinkled about. The doubles will run you $2.50 pop and we recommend getting them spicy even to those who can't stand the flame—its more flavor than heat anyway. 

Time Out tip: They also have golden aloo pies for only $4.

Address:1337 Fulton Street, Brooklyn

Hours: Closed Sun; Mon–Sat 6:30am–8pm

What is it? A kosher, shoebox sized diner that's been around since the 1930s. 

Why we love it: This venerable 400-square-foot counter spot has been slinging kosher faves and classics since 1938. Its $7 breakfast, available until 11am, comes with two eggs any style, home fries, B&H challah bread, orange juice and coffee or tea. 

Time Out tip: If you missed the 11am hour, you can always grab a knish with gravy for $6.50 or a 16-ounce bowl of soup for $7. 

Address: 127 2nd Avenue

Hours: Closed Mon; Tues–Sat 7am–11pm

What is it? Once a late-night stop for taxi drivers, this deli has become a favorite to all city dwellers in search of cheap Indian eats on the go. 

Why we love it: At $8.50, this downright delicious dish is also Punjabi Grocery & Deli's most expensive. It includes a heaping helping of rice alongside three vegetarian mains like chana masala, saag paneer or dal. 

Time Out tip: The fist sized samosas are good in a pinch, too, and will only run you $4. 

Address: 114 East 1st Street

Hours: Daily, 8am–10PM

What is it? A small stall in Flushing known for its jianbing.

Why we love it: An actual definition of a hole in the wall, at Eight Jane Foods, there really enough space for you and maybe one other soul to stand inside to order. But after observing the speed in which owner Sunnie and her staff make food, you won't need much time here. Order the jianbing at only $5 and in less than five minutes, you'll be on your way with a two-handed savory crepe filled with eggs and scallions, with the option to include Chinese sausage or youtiao, or a golden fried piece of dough. 

Time Out tip: Cash is king, so bring a few bucks. 

Address: 37-12 Main Street, Flushing

Hours: Sun closed; Mon–Sat 7am–5pm

What is it? A Sheepshead Bay institution where roast beef reigns supreme. 

Why we love it: Dating back to 1971, this south Brooklyn restaurant’s roast beef sandwiches are legendary: Layers of thinly sliced meat are folded and pressed between toasty kaiser rolls. For the full experience, get the classic and top it off with the requisite “cheez” sauce. 

Time Out tip: Beer and wine are also available for $2.95-$4.95, or you can splurge on a bottle of Champagne for $59.95. 

Address: 2901 Emmons Avenue, Brooklyn

Hours: Daily, 11am–1am

What is it? A NYC-born restaurant that has reached mini-chain status with its most excellent jerk chicken. 

Why we love it: Peppa’s Jerk Chicken perfectly grills its bird with hints of smokiness permeating throughout the juicy meat. For just $9, you can get a quarter portion, chopped and ready to go. 

Time Out tip: Another deal on the menu? The Escovitch fish for only $6. 

Address: Multiple locations

What is it? The city's oldest tofu shop established in 1933.

Why we love it: This savory tofu pudding is notably silky and packed with accoutrements. The addition of pickled radishes, fried shallots, sesame oil and dried shrimp make the whole bowl sing. You can upgrade to the larger size priced at $11. 

Time Out tip: The Sweet Tofu Pudding is also a good find at $10, with your choice to top with aloe, red beans and rainbow jelly. 

Address: 81 Division Street

Hours: Mon Closed; Tues–Sun 11am–7pm

What is it: A small operation where the best thing on menu is the only thing on menu. 

Why we love it: You’ll find lots of options under $10 at Joe’s Steam Rice Roll, and the titular Cantonese specialty is among our favorites. It’s available with fillings like beef, pork, shrimp and curry fish ball for $6-$10 depending on size and variety. 

Time Out tip: The veggie is the cheapest at $6, but we say spring for the pork or the beef for more heft. 

Address: 422 Amsterdam Avenue and 136-21 Roosevelt Avenue # A1, Flushing

What is it? A Los Angeles based mini chain that specializes in oatmeal griddle cakes. 

Why we like it: This Brooklyn outpost of Breakfast by Salt's Cure from Los Angeles follows its NYC premiere over in Manhattan. The sweet corner spot's oatmeal griddle cakes are even sweeter; rich and suffused with accompanying cinnamon molasses butter for a decadent, filling start to the day. 

Time Out tip: No, they don't offer syrup with the griddle cake, so don't bother asking. 

Address: Multiple locations

Hours: Closed Mon and Tues; Wed–Fri 8am–2pm; Sat and Sun 8am-3pm

What is it? A tiny Chinese joint where the masses gather for chili-flecked dumplings. 

Why we love it: Dumpling aficionados flock to this tiny shop to order the No. 6: A dozen pork wontons doused in roasted chili oil and topped with a smattering of diced pickled vegetables on a Styrofoam plate. It's super popular even among more than 30 menu items and it comes out as quick as can be.

Time Out tip: Indoor dining is closed for the time being, so just walk up to the window to place your order. 

Address: 135-02 Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing

Hours: Daily, 10am–7pm

What is it? A soulful southern takeout counter from "The Fried Chicken King of Harlem."

Why we like it: Charles Gabriel has been pan frying golden pieces of chicken for over 30 years in Harlem. At all three of his locations, you can walk away with a two-piece chicken meal or one smothered turkey wing with a choice of side (we are partial to the collard greens) and cornbread. 

Time Out tip: There aren't tons of seats at either location, so be prepped to take this on the go. 

Address: 146 West 72nd Street; 340 West 145th Street; and 439 West 125th Street 

What is it? A Bronx staple referred to by Anthony Bourdain as “the center of the pork universe.”

Why we love it: This casual lunch counter in the Bronx focuses on all things pork, with recipes of Puerto Rican and Dominican provenance. Cuchifritos are the fan-favorite, the standout morcilla (aka blood sausage) in particular.

Time Out tip: You can get a large coconut, passion fruit or a tamarind juice for $2.50.  

Address: 158 E 188th Street, Bronx

Hours: Daily, 9am–11pm

What is it? A street fair staple turned brick and mortar from chef Derick López. 

Why we love it? The green plantains with beef are tops at this Puerto Rican favorite that turned its beloved street fair appearances into a well-regarded, permanent location. 

Time Out tip: The plantain boiled with pork stuffing is also a favorite, priced at $5.75.

Address: 4306 34th Avenue, Astoria

Hours: Wed–Sat, noon–9pm

What is it? A no frills sandwich counter where most selections hit under the $10 mark. 

Why we love it: Known to its fans as “the jewelry store one,” the tiny Chinatown takeout operation once shared a space with an accessories counter. Now, only the sandwich counter remains, likely due to its succulent pork preparations and crispy-chewy bread that’s baked in-house. 

Time Out tip: There are no seats inside, so plan to grab it and go.

Address: 198 Grand Street

Hours: Mon Closed; Tues–Sun 10am–5:30pm 

What is it? A small Middle Eastern restaurant that is as affordable as it is good. 

Why we love it: Consider this Williamsburg staple your no-frills, no-fail best bet for a toasty falafel sandwich, stuffed with a bounty of pickled veggies that would be good enough to order on their own. 

Time Out tip: The store has a side wall stocked with pickles, olives and sauces if you need a little goodness at home. 

Address: 168 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn

Hours: Daily, 10am–11pm