NYC Cheap Eats: 10 Meals for $10 (or Less) for Eating on a Budget

While New York City boasts thousands of high-end restaurants, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find cheap eats, too! Luckily, we’re going to show you 10 cheap NYC spots that are delicious, affordable, and filling.

These 10 spots we’ll cover offer food for $10 or less that can serve as a full meal or a quick snack between meals. Because you should eat your way through NYC! 😋

Here are our picks for the 10 best meals under $10 in NYC:

1. Dollar slice & a single slice at most pizza spots
2. Vanessa’s Dumplings
3. Grays Papaya
4. Halal Guys
5. Souvlaki GR
6. Mamoun’s Falafel
7. 7th Street Burger
8. Crif Dogs
9. Empanada Mama
10. Bacon, Egg & Cheese (BEC)

Let’s look at each one below. 👇

Note: This article was written by a real human who lives in NYC, not artificial intelligence. 🥸

Best Cheap NYC Meals Under $10 Podcast Episode

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1- Pizza Slices, Especially at Dollar Slice

NY pizza is a must-have for all travelers, but especially if you’re trying to explore the city on a budget.

Most spots that offer by-the-slice pizza will have slices priced from about $3 to $7. Of course, we love Dollar Slice… although it’s not $1.50! 😅

@bettertogetherhere

It’s with a heavy heart that we share this dreadful news. 99¢ pizza is now officially $1.50. To say it’s the end of an era is the understatement of a lifetime. Nothing brought us more joy than handing in one single dollar bill in exchange for a piping hot slice of delicious NY cheese pizza. We didn’t want to start our day, or yours, like this… but sometimes, life hands us tragedy. 99¢ is gone forever, but the memories will never, ever fade. ❤️ #nypizza #99centpizza #endofanera #goodbyemyfriend #goodbyemylove #cheaptravel #nyclife #nycfood

♬ original sound – Better Together Here NYC

Explore all our NY pizza favorites here.

2- Vanessa’s Dumplings

You can get eight pan-fried dumplings for $10 or less.

You can also get homemade noodles for $10 or less.

Bring cash! Check out all the Vanessa’s Dumplings locations here.

3- Gray’s Papaya

There aren’t many other places more famous for cheap food in New York than Gray’s Papaya.

You can get:

1. Breakfast sandwich $3
2. 2 franks & drink for $7.50
3. Single hotdog $3.25

Get all the info on Gray’s Papaya here.

4- Halal Guys

You can get:

1. Sandwich (9-$10)
2. Small plate ($10-$11)

Make sure you go to the legit Halal Guys here.

5- Souvlaki GR

Souvlaki GR is a sit-down restaurant, but you can easily order some of their delicious pitas to go!

1. Chicken or Pork for $8.75
2. Greek sausage or burger pita $9.75

Learn more about Souvlaki GR here.

6- Mamoun’s Falafel

This spot is delicious, fresh, and affordable.

You can get:

1. Vegetarian sandwiches and plates under $10
2. Meat sandwiches under $10 (plates are more)

Learn more about Mamoun’s Falafel here.

7- Crif Dogs

All hot dog options are under $10, even specialty options.

You can also get a burger for $9.95.

Check out Crif Dogs here.

You’ll Have to Check It Out – Xanadu

Xanadu is a roller rink in Brooklyn that hosts live music and other events. Most events on the calendar range from $15 to $30, and skate rentals are $7.

Most nights have some type of open skate, concert (no skating), or club where the rink is a “dance floor” while skating.

Learn more and see the calendar of events here.

8- 7th Street Burger

7th Street’s smash-style burgers are tasty, affordable, and orders come out quickly!

You can get a cheeseburger for $6.50 or even a double for $9.50.

Check out 7th Street Burger here.

9- Empanada Mama

All empanadas are under $5, and they boast a plethora of options.

Their to-go ordering, at least at their Hell’s Kitchen location, is seamless.

Learn more about Empanada Mama here.

10- Bacon, Egg & Cheese Bagel (BEC)

Most bagel spots offer a BEC for less than $10. For even cheaper options, try a bodega or deli!

See our favorite bagel spots in NYC here.

Cheap Meals in NYC Recap + Next Steps

While many New York City eateries are expensive, this list of meals under $10 can help you stay on budget during your NYC travels.

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