Cheap Dining in New York's East Village

Share This

What are generally referred to as as cheap eats in dining guides these days are everywhere to be had in the East Village. In some instances, the dining recommendations we make here are really better suited for take-out, while others are super cheap and great if you are pressed for time and just want to eat on-the-go. Finding a sit-down lunch or dinner in New York City that is tasty and under $10 is like finding the proverbial needle in the haystack. You may never find one, but some of these East Village dining options sure can help.

7A Cafe
(212) 475-9001
109 Avenue A,
New York, NY, 10009

7A serves round-the-clock comfort food that’s definitely superior to your average diner grub. Burgers, nachos, pastas—7A is an especially good choice if you’ve spent the night wandering East Village bars and want to fill up and sober up for cheap very late into the night.

Artichoke Basille
(212) 228-2004
328 E. 14th St.,
New York, NY, 10003

Don't be surprised to see a crowd of people standing in front of this tiny place on 14th Street, and not because there is some New York celebrity couple inside. The star's name here is Art E. Choke, and the pizza fan base he has tapped into is nothing short of astonishing. East Villagers have a hound-like hunger for these garlic-flavored slices, you can almost see them drooling on the sidewalk outside.

Benny's Burritos
(212) 254-2054
93 Avenue A,
New York, NY, 10009

Widely known to serve some of the best burritos in Manhattan at four different locations. The crispy avocado rolls, shrimp, chicken, and bay burritos are much beloved at Benny's kitschy-style Mexican joint on an eclectic and funky stretch of Avenue A.

Caracas Arepa Bar
(212) 228-5062
91 E 7th St,
New York, NY, 10009

Crispy Venezuelan corn muffins stuffed with mashed chicken or shredded beef sprinkled with Cheddar cheese anyone? The seventeen varieties served here are served like burgers in napkin-draped plastic baskets and can be eaten in-house or ordered for take-out. Check this place out!

Dumpling Man
(212) 505-2121
100 St. Marks Place,
New York, NY, 10009

It is a hard claim to make in Asian restaurant rich New York but Dumpling Man on St. Marks makes dumplings better than anyone else. They range from traditional to exotic flavors. Dumpling places used to be the domain of Chinatown eateries, but not anymore. The North Asian style dumplings served here give the East Village reason to raise the dumpling flag here. It's a genuine feat and a place to be proud about.

Hummus Place - East Village
(212) 529-9198
109 St. Marks Place,
New York, NY, 10009

Chickpea fanatics will appreciate the fine hummus served at this East village storefront in what has become a relatively tame St. Marks Place environment. You can have your fill of puffy pita, pickles, and hot sauce here for under $10.

Otafuku
(212) 353-8503
236 E 9th St,
New York, NY, 10003

Holy octopus balls! This place has sizzling Japanese at bargain-basement prices, and chances are you'll sample something new and unique here that's worth writing home about.

Punjabi Grocery & Deli Inc
(212) 533-9048
114 E 1st St,
New York, NY, 10009

This hole-in-the-wall is an East Village insider secret, probably because the place is so small and the entrance just below street level. What you usually do see is a steady stream of patrons going in and out because the vegetarian Indian menu served buffet style for take-out is good quality, delicious, and cheap. Bring a five dollar bill here and you'll eat like a maharajah.

Motorino
(212) 777-2644
349 E 12th St,
New York, NY, 10003

The pizza here is mouth-wateringly amazing and more similar in style to authentic Italian pizza—simple, flavorful, fresh ingredients, served on thin dough. The place is quite popular so you can expect a bit of wait time before ordering.