12 Best Cheap Eats In The East Village
We all know New York City is an expensive place to live. From the high cost of rent to the pressure of keeping up with the newest fashion trends, who in New York City doesn't appreciate a good deal? There are affordable dining options that will satisfy even the biggest foodie in the East Village. Visit these restaurants for the best cheap eats below 14th Street. By Sarah Shaker.
More: NYC's 8 Best Falafel Spots
Here at CBSNewYork.com, we've long debated the question of NYC's best falafel. While we're still not sure if Mamoun's is the ultimate pick, their $3.50 falafel satisfies both hungry New Yorkers and tourists alike. Sure, they've got some serious competition from street carts and many Middle Eastern restaurants, but the value and quick service make Mamoun's a must-try.
More: NYC's 5 Best Dumplings Spots
If you happen to get lost in Chinatown, you'll find an order of 5 dumplings for only $1 - but when you're in the East Village looking for a variety of fresh dumpling fillings, Dumpling Man is a can't-miss for only a few bucks more. Try an order of 6 dumplings of seared pork ($4.95) or steamed shrimp ($5.95). For dessert, Sweetie Pie ($4.25) stuffs 4 steamed dumplings with pumpkin pie filling, goji berries, honey and condensed milk for a taste of fall all year round.
This corner bodega offers much more than Four Loko and candy. The deli at Sunny and Annie's has a long list of sandwiches with gourmet ingredients from seaweed to cilantro. The P.H.O Real (fresh sliced roast beef, basil, cilantro, sprouts, tomato, avocado, spicy sriracha and sweet hoisin) captures the essence of the popular Vietnamese noodle soup in sandwich form. Or if you're really feeling adventurous, try the Bush Sandwich (teriyaki, chicken, roasted seaweed hot pepper, avocado, cucumber, onions, fresh mozzarella, and ranch dressing) These deliciously creative subs will only set you back $6.99 each.
More: NYC's 5 Best Out Of The Ordinary French Fries
Who doesn't love hot, salty fries? Whether you're craving a late night snack or want to cheat on your diet during the day, these Belgian steak fries fit the bill for a crispy, fried-to-order indulgence. The regular size, at $4.50, is more than enough for two. Pair them with Garlic Mayo, Curry Ketchup or any of their 28 delicious sauces.
Stray from boring American-Chinese fare at Xi'an Famous Foods. This little joint offers specialties from Xi'an, a province in China. Enjoy Western Chinese comfort food, including the spicy cumin lamb burgers (praised by Anthony Bourdain) at only $3.50 and a variety of hand-pulled noodles from $6 to $8.
More: NYC's 5 Best Spots for Arepas
A Venezuelan corn flour round is stuffed with fillings like chicken, beef, beans and cheese, making arepas your new favorite tapas order. The wait is usually long on weekends, but thankfully they have an entrance devoted to takeout. Don't miss Da Pabellon (shredded beef, black beans, white salty cheese, and sweet plantains) for $8.
More: NYC's 5 Best Takes On Classic, American Fare
You may secretly love that hot dog cart by Central Park, but why not enjoy more than a basic dog? Crif Dogs get creative with specialties like the Jon-Jon Deragon (cream cheese, scallions, and everything bagel seeds) for $3.75 and the Philly Tube Steak (melted cheese and sautéed onions) for $4.
More: The 5 Best Pork Buns In Manhattan
Taiwanese street food is sold from a tiny shop on East 14th Street, known for their steamed buns with gourmet fillings. Try the Chairman Bao (Braised All Natural Berkshire Pork Belly, served with crushed peanut, cilantro, Haus Relish, and Taiwanese red sugar) for $4.05. Seafood lovers should try the Fried Fish Bao (Fried fish filet served with Haus Tartar Sauce, lemon cabbage slaw, crushed peanuts, Taiwanese red sugar, fried garlic, and cilantro) for $4.55. Fluffy bread with savory fillings make this cheap eat best for a snack when running errands or go ahead and order a few for a complete lunch.
More: 5 Best Restaurants For Chicken Wings In NYC
Wings and beer make sports even better. Enjoy a steal at Croxley's every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with 20-cent classic wings, in orders of 10 or more. These wings may be cheap, but the meat to bone ratio isn't skimpy. These fried wings are crispy with plump chicken in each bite. Croxley's offers the best cheap eats in the East Village when catching the big game with your crew.
Pig out on a "That Way," layered with slowly roasted beef round, sliced paper thin with a hearty gravy and fresh mozzarella. This sandwich is as delicious as it is messy for only $5.50 on a roll or $9.50 if you're a hungry enough piggy for a hero.
More: NYC's 5 Best Tacos
As you can tell by the name, this narrow, white-tiled joint specializes in tacos prepared with one of five fillings: chicken, pulled pork, chorizo, ground beef or veggies (ginger butternut squash and spiced red bell peppers). Each flour tortilla taco goes for $3.67 and is topped with shredded lettuce, corn, cheese, and salsa. Get creative by mix-and-matching homemade signature sauces: Tequila Chipotle Mayo, Hickory Bourbon BBQ, Spicy Coconut Masala, Hot Habenero Jerk and The Devil's Sauce. Wash down your tacos with an affordable beer for only $3.90 a glass.
Cabbies and in-the-know hipsters wait in line at Punjabi Grocery and Deli for spicy vegetarian fare. Top two hearty potato-stuffed samosas with chaats (spicy stewed chickpeas) and don't forget the tangy yogurt, sweet tamarind-date chutney or spicy cilantro chutney. Samosas with chickpeas chaats are only $2, so the line is worth the wait.
Sarah Shaker is the founder of the blog Bright Lights, My City.
