Restaurants

Cheap Eats

BY ROB PATRONITE & ROBIN RAISFELD

We've got nothing against $34 black sea bass, and $26 burgers are fine, too. But who can resist delicious fare in unpretentious, unexpected places? Our Underground Gourmet experts have forked and knifed their way all over town, bringing back reports of smashing Swedish meatballs, luscious lobster rolls, crackling fried chicken, delicate dim sum, succulent hand-stuffed shawarma, and more -- all at prices so modest they'd give Alain Ducasse heart palpitations. Check out our 80 great ways to eat on the cheap.

 

 
  All You Can Eat
The best filling stations.		  
 
 
 

Bar Food
Beyond the beer nuts.

  
 
 
 

Cafeteria Style
Great, tray-chic dining.

  
 
 
 

Cheap Dates
Inexpensive meals with a little romance.

  
 
 
 

Dumplings
The right stuffing from all over.

  
 
 
 

Street-food Wonders
Hot dogs, takoyaki and more.

  
 
 
 

Indian
Surpassing the sameness of Sixth Street.

  
 
 
 

Italian
Favorite pasta parlours.

  
 
 
 

Latin
Four righteous rice and beaneries.

  
 
 
 

Mexican
Maximum Mexican, minimal cost.

  
 
 
 

Noodle Shops
Super bowls that hit the spot.

  
 
 
 

Pita Sandwiches
Super Middle Eastern pita pockets.

  
 
 
 

Pizza in Queens
Pies that bring you back again and again.

  
 
 
 

Prix Fixe Dining
Happiness at exactly the expected price.

  
 
 
 

Rotisserie Chicken
Whirly birds with a Latin spin.

  
 
 
 

Sandwiches
Best things since sliced bread.

  
 
 
 

Surf (Sans Turf)
Lobster for less and other fish stories.

  
 
 
 

Turf (Sans Surf)
Budget-friendly beefsteak.

  
 
 
 

Thai
Where the lemon grass is always greener.

  
 
 
 
All photos by Kenneth Chen, Ben Fink or Joe Scafuro of NEW YORK Magazine