Michelin stars, $100 fixed menus, and weekly lines to trendy chefs are just one facet of New York City’s multifaceted restaurant culture. Surprisingly, you can eat well in this city for as little as $10. Inexpensive places create as much excitement around themselves as the most famous establishments. Here are the best of them.
Ess-A-Bagel
What could be better than a good old-fashioned New York bagel for breakfast? You can find a hearty bagel with cream cheese or salmon on just about every street here, but if you want a real, guaranteed fresh bagel, don’t just go anywhere. Ess-A-Bagel will never let you down; they’ve kept the tradition alive since the ’70s and still have lines on weekends. If you have trouble choosing between different kinds, take the one that’s still warm. For vegans, there are different kinds of tofu cream cheese. It’ll cost you around $4-5.
Gaia
Tiny Italian spot Gaia on E Houston Street has made enemies as well as fans over the years. In terms of food, this place is unique: fresh paninis on homemade focaccia and great hot dishes like gnocchi with spinach in tomato sauce are $5-$7. Where’s the catch? Accustomed to the fast pace of life, New Yorkers periodically piss off the irascible hostess, who tells customers what she thinks of them.
Otto’s Tacos.
A small café with authentic tacos in the East Village opened a little over a year ago and immediately made it to various New York gastronomic tops. They’re beloved for their homemade taco shells (tortillas with toppings), secret sauce, and crispy masa fries.
Taim
If you want inexpensive oriental food, head to Taim. Classic Israeli cuisine with a fresh twist. The best falafel in town comes in three flavors: green, harissa, and red pepper. Plus, the pita comes with perfect cole sloe, tahini and fresh homemade sauces.
Beyond Sushi.
Sushi with fish? No, we haven’t heard that one. This small cafe in Union Square serves only vegetarian variations of everyone’s favorite Japanese dish. The menu features more than just cucumbers and avocados. The variety is surprising: there are mushrooms, yams, mangoes, nuts and bean sprouts…
Xi’an Famous Foods
The first café of a small family chain opened in Queens ten years ago. Over the years, the business has grown, and there are now about five tiny establishments where hipsters come for homemade Chinese noodles. The entourage at Xi’an on St. Marks is unassuming, but they always play select hits from the golden era of hip-hop – owner Jason Wang is a big fan.
Maman’s
Maman’s is a great place to grab a light lunch while you run through the galleries and stores of SoHo. The very cute looking French bistro offers a good selection of healthy seasonal salads, sandwiches and quiche for around $6-$7 a position. They’re also loved for their desserts – the chocolate chip cookies and cupcakes are especially famous. When you get inside, don’t be intimidated by the size of the café: there is a passageway to the left where all the tables are located.