Little Italy. Korean food on 32nd street. Chinatown off of the Canal Street stops on the subway. Vegan desserts in the East Village. You can find just about anything edible that you want in New York City, but if you're on a budget, you have to be careful. That innocent-looking diner two blocks away from The Metropolitan Opera? Its simplest entrées like a burger with fries can run up to $20! It truly is about location, location, location in NYC, and also when you go out (the weekend vs the week day, lunch vs dinner). Here are some suggestions of places that are comparatively cheaper than other restaurants, so you won't be waking up at 6 AM every morning to catch that early bird special.
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1. Soho, once a haven for artists starving in huge lofts, is now the downtown shopping Mecca; you'll find trendy (and expensive) stores like Agent Provocateur, Ben Sherman,and Marc Jacobs. There are some great cafes and restaurants as well, if you don't mind paying big bucks. A great alternative while you are down in Soho is Mooncake Foods on 28 Watts Street. Primarily concerned with Southeastern Asian cuisine, the staff of Mooncake Foods welcomes you with a smile (a first in Soho) and serves up a menu with goodies for $5 to $10. Try the unusual but tasty Crawfish Dumplings ($5.50), the Cold Jicama Spring Rolls ($4.50) or the very popular miso-glazed salmon (around $9). They also deliver!
2. For great Latin food, the Mexican-Cuban hybrid Cafe Habana on 17 Prince Street (off of Elizabeth Street) is cheap, delicious and environmentally friendly (think post-consumer recycled paper goods and high-efficiency light sources). A more hip-looking luncheonette, Cafe Habana serves up breakfast (try the Huevos Divorciados, which is 2 eggs sunny side up and green and red salsa, also comes with home fries, for under $6), lunch (try the Sincronizada, which comes with black bean & sun dried tomato tortillas stuffed with mozzarella cheese and avocado for under $6) and dinner (the Cuban Sandwich for $8.75 is not to be missed!) There is something for everyone at Cafe Habana-- check out their website under "Resources."
3. Check out 9th Avenue between 43rd street and 56th street. This area, still known as Hell's Kitchen (minus the true Hell part), has budded into an up-and-coming neighborhood with condos, lounges and trendy (and mostly affordable) restaurants. One in particular that is great for groups and affordable is V*ynl on 51st street. V*ynl serves up tasty American and Thai options in a disco-like setting, complete with bathrooms decorated in homage to celebrities like Nelly, Cher and Dolly Parton. (V*ynl has other locations; check out their website under "Resources.") Their mac 'n' cheese is amazing comfort food, while their Wasabi-seared tuna wrap is only for the brave. Most entrees run under $15, but avoid ordering too many drinks-- this is where they make their money!
4. A newcomer on 9th avenue, Gazala Place is also worth trying for their "Israeli Druse" (as in Middle Eastern/Mediterranean) specialties. It's a small place, but there's a long banquette with pillows on one side as well as small, intimate tables on the other, so it's great for dates. Start with their foule moudammas which is like hummus, but instead of chickpeas, is made with fava beans, garlic, pepper and lemon ($4.50). All their appetizers are under $6, and for their entrees, the falafel plate is filling and cheap at $6.95. They also have a variety of sandwiches (try the lamb kebab for $5) and desserts, including a date cake which is only $1.50 and makes a sweet ending to any meal.
5. For a good price on brunch, head to The Sunburnt Cow in Alphabet City at 137 Avenue C (between 8th St & 9th St). Their Bush Benedict (eggs benedict with bacon, a side of home potatoes and salad) is filling for $10, but if you are super hungry, try the Burger with the Lot, which is large concoction filled with eggs, cheese, tomato, bacon, and beef. Also worth trying are their buttermilk pancakes and the Queen Adelaide which comes with poached eggs, avocado and smoked salmon. Go on a Sunday and get the "Endless Brunch" for $15 which includes any entrée of your choice plus all you can drink. Check out their home page below under "Resources."
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