New York City is home to probably one of the most brutally competitive restaurant scenes. Practically every block in Manhattan is crammed with great eating spots varying from Ethiopian to steakhouse to sushi to Caribbean fare. It comes as no surprise then that many visitors to the city, as well as many NYC natives, spend plenty of their time poring over dining reviews, restaurant guides, and trying out any random new spot they walk by. All of this great eating can really add up though, on average about twenty to thirty dollars per meal per person (and that’s a decently priced meal!). Off the beaten path, tucked away from the snazzy midtown hotspots, are many casual, dirt cheap places with great food. All it takes is an open mind, an empty stomach, and five bucks to have the best cheap eats in New York City.

The All-American Hot Dog

Gray’s Papaya is a famous, NYC chain that serves up one of the best deals in town: two hot dogs and a drink for two dollars and seventy-five cents (Ninety-five cents for one hot dog). Gray’s Papaya isn’t known just for this great deal, but for the amazing freshness of food and great service. Hot dog street vendors are immortalized in many tv shows and films taking place in NYC, but for the real native favorite, make a trek to one of the Gray’s Papaya locations. They are open at almost all hours, and there are often lines even at 10pm on a weekday night. Lines move fast as each customer picks up their order and moves away to the narrow counter running along the wall to eat, or out to the street to munch up their fare quickly. Gray’s has signature drinks, like papaya juice of course, but also other creamy, fruity beverages and regular soft drinks. Their sauerkraut and onion toppings are always freshly made and delicious, tubs of ketchup and mustard are found past the cashier. Recently there have been Gray’s Papaya knock-off locations, notably the Papaya Dog on 6th Avenue and West Fourth just across the street from a real Gray’s Papaya. This knock-off is almost exactly alike and tastes just about the same, but purists need only jaunt across 6th Ave if they wish to have the original deal.

Have you heard of a "falafel" before?

Falafels are a Middle Eastern fare. They are generally composed of deep-fried, mashed chickpea, a white sauce, lettuce, tomatoes all in a soft pita shell. Don’t be deterred by this seemingly ultra-healthy, vegetarian sandwich, it’s very filling and very tasty. For only two dollars a sandwich, it is definitely something worth trying at least once. Greenwich Village’s MacDougal Street (right by historic Washington Square Park) has several tiny falafel places that are all excellent eats. Keep an eye out for tiny Middle Eastern eateries all over New York City’s burrows Some places may have more accolades in their window than others, trendy décor, and a line out the door, but don’t be fooled, any falafel joint in this area serves up the same great falafel. Wrapped up in handy tin-foil, they are ideal for walking around and munching, or just plopping down on a bench to scarf down before catching a movie. Kebabs, stuffed grape leaves, mango juice, and baklava are also commonly served at falafel places. If you have a few extra bucks, try those too! Caution though, the hot sauce they’ll ask you if you want on your falafel is HOT (but scrumptious too). Olives are not usually put on falafels because of their pits, but pickles are free additions that are worthwhile to try.

It’s Crepe, not "Crape"! (And certainly not "crap")

Crepes are originally a French style snack. Many Americans may be familiar with this papery thin pastry from breakfast menus and that pinnacle of French cuisine art, IHOP. Crepes make great snacks and even light meals. Generally priced around four dollars (more for extra toppings) they can be dessert-like, with berries, chocolate, and nuts or they can be made with sandwich materials like meat or hummus. Try walking around Washington Square Park, especially the corner by Waverly, for crepe places. Many crepe shops offer creative creations such as s’mores or apple pie crepes that are practically better than the real thing. Plus there is nothing more mesmerizing than watching batter being woven into a delicate, delicious wrap on top of the crepe skillet.

Little India

In between 1st and 2nd Avenue, behind Astor Place, past St. Marks street, on a short strip of East 6th street, there is a piece of heaven. In this paradise a full set Indian meal is only five dollars. Here the waiters come out to the street to coax you in and the street is lined with restaurant after restaurant, all with great food and variety. It’s hard to understand how these establishments stay in business by charging so little on both their lunch and dinner menus for so much! Not including tip, a five dollar meal includes an appetizer (like samosas), soup, soda, curry, tea, and dessert! This quiet, well-kept street is lined on the right hand side with at least a dozen cozy Indian eateries, all sit down, with menus on the street, inviting you to peruse their cheap, quality meal deals. Many feature live Indian music in the evenings, making it a great place to meet up with friends for a meal and entertainment without cringing at the bill. Décor and atmosphere vary from chic and urban to homey and traditional. Since the eating is great and the price is right at any one, try to find one that has the perfect atmosphere you desire at the moment. Indian places outside this concentrated alcove are much pricier for far less food and tend to be more crowded and gentrified. For genuine Indian cooking, intimate service, and bang for your buck, drag yourself and your friends to this neighborhood. This hidden treasure is the best cheap eat in NYC as well as the most addicting.

Mmmmm...

It’s a blast to eat at that famous steakhouse you’ve been dying to get to, or that trendy café you saw in a favorite movie, but make sure you get to discover an unfamiliar side of the Gotham. Remember also that places like Serendipity (as featured in the movie Serendipity starring Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack) boomed after Hollywood mass exposure and are booked to the nth degree most of the time. To cement your travel plans, consult Menupages.com; this is an NYC restaurant guide that makes locating a great place very easy by providing maps, phone numbers, as well as sample menus. Seeking out these cheap eats is not just good for your tummy and your wallet, but also for your overall NYC experience. Getting off the beaten path of posh and/or popular spots allows you to see more of the city and explore on your own. Who knows, perhaps while checking out these tiny spots, you’ll make a great, new dining find all your own!

External Links:

• Menu Pages - NYC's Magical Menu Machine