Cheap Eats in New York: For When the Thought of Ramen Makes You Want to Die

By Caitrin Sneed on January 23, 2015

College is expensive and cooking is hard when you live in a dorm with an inconvenient kitchen situation. Or if you are like me, cooking is just hard.

Luckily, New York has a plethora of cheap eats. Here is the short list of my favorites.

1. Vanessa’s Dumplings (IN WILLIAMSBURG, GUYS)

310 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11211

Photo via CaitrinKelly, instagram

Yes, a Vanessa’s Dumplings has opened near Union Square but I will have none of that. Call it stubborn loyalty, call it a force of habit, I think the best Vanessa’s Dumplings is conveniently located in Williamsburg. 310 Bedford Avenue.

Orders of dumplings range from $1.50-$5.00. You will get multiple orders because you want to taste more delicious dumplings not because you are not full; and because YOU CAN! I repeat $1.50 for an order of dumplings.

Also, they have South Korean beer (and others) for $2-$4. I could ramble on about the amazing bars and spots in the neighborhood but why are you not already completely sold on this? Grab your metrocard and go wait for the L train, now.

*There is also a Chinatown location which I have not tried.

 2. Empanada Mama (Hell’s Kitchen or LES locations both acceptable)

763 9th Ave, btwn 51st and 52nd St. 

OR

189 E. Houston St. btwn Ludlow & Orchard.

Two locations, both amazing. The varied menu features something for almost any palate. My favorite is the “Cuban.” Pork and sofrito + $2.85 for a good sized empanada = enough said.

They also have awesome sangria and plantain chips; adding these items takes this empanada wonderland out of the ‘incredibly cheap’ category though. 

3. Little Italy Pizza (UWS or bust)

Photo via Caitrin Sneed

Yes, there are countless “Little Italy Pizza”-rias all over the city but only because pizza is the ultimate cheap meal in New York! I am officially stating that the Little Italy Pizza on the Upper West Side at 71st and Broadway is the best. You’ll easily find it between the McDonald’s and the Moaz.

Resist the temptation of Pinkberry that is on the same block; the addiction is real and will break your bank. The UES (86th between 3rd and 2nd) and Union Square (13th and University) locations are 2nd and 3rd place winners. $5 for two big slices of cheese pizza and a soda is an amazing deal, especially when the pies taste this good.

4. Taco. Truck.

My other-worldly experience of a taco truck happened in Astoria and I’ve never been the same since. If you live in Astoria, check out the truck that is parked at 33rd St. and 30th Ave near the intersection of 30th Ave and Newtown Ave, in front of the Rite Aid.

If you are never in Astoria, don’t go just for the tacos, but find your own taco truck. Meals are often between $5 and $7 dollars. Open late into the night.

5. Bagels from Starbucks (Don’t hate me)

Starbucks should never be on any “Places to go in New York” list, but for the broke student who is not a tourist, Starbucks is really convenient and the $1.50 bagels are consistently good. You can find $1.50 in the bottom of your backpack, and in a rushed moment this is a good option to keep in mind and save money. If you are lucky you will find a few more quarters and you can add a banana to that breakfast.

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