Cheap Eats In New York City

Anytime you visit a city you should be aware of what you want to see. Usually this is done by researching, which if you're reading this, you're probably doing now. Well let me say that after all the sights to see, you're going to be pretty hungry. So in between train rides and drop offs at your New York hostel, here's where to eat.

I've taken into account that you're staying at a New York hostel and you probably don't have more than $20 to spend on a meal. That's fine, because in this city, there's everything for everybody, including hungry travelers on a budget.

You may have heard of the New York hot dog. In all its incarnations the dog is a cheap staple, and in some, it can be more than an afternoon snack - it can be enough for the night. Any vendor will give you the goods, but be sure to ask for your toppings: relish, sauerkraut, ketchup, mustard, onions, etc. But the best place to go for a crazy dog is Crif Dogs. On St. Mark's (which is in fact, a cheap food lover's haven) and Avenue A, this staple has been providing high and hungry NYU students with hot dogs for years. Each dog is bacon wrapped. The toppings are up to you. My personal favorite is the Spicy Redneck, with coleslaw and jalapenos, but the breakfast dog with an egg is city-renowned. If you want to be cool, there's a phone booth that leads to a private speakeasy. They have more expensive hot dogs and fare, but there's probably a long line.

Okay, after you've pigged out and headed back to your New York hostel you'll probably be sick of cheap greasy food. Tomorrow is time for lighter fare. For that, the falafel is second to none. It's vegetarian and cheap. At $2.50 from Mamoun's on McDougal, or, again, back to St. Mark's, you won't be disappointed. Oh and don't be tempted by the shawarma. It's called Mamoun's Falafel for a reason.

New Yorkers are known for their pizza. Thin crust, cheesy and delicious, by the slice or the pie, you can't go wrong when it comes to a cheap meal at a pizzeria. By the slice, Joe's right off Bleecker in the West Village is a hit. Sicilian style or original, you won't be disappointed. The best pie is debatable. I'd personally recommend DiFara's at Avenue J off the Q train, but it's a hike for many tourists who aren't on their way to Coney Island. Grimaldi's, underneath the Brooklyn Bridge is a close second.

These restaurants will give you a sample of cheap delicious food. Don't be afraid to explore. There are so many options, it's hard to disappoint, no matter where you walk from your New York hostel.

The Whitehouse Hotel of NY is an affordable youth hostel in NYC. When you're looking for affordable New York City hotels or hostels in New York City, you can make reservations online.

Article Source: Mark_Etinger