I love my friends, I really do. And since a majority of them live in New York City, it makes the most logical sense to have our adventures there. But they are all so indecisive when it comes to eating. After six years of dining and dashing around New York City, I am sharing with you some of my favorite spots. Not only that, but I have also placed them into economical savvy-ness order, meaning you can really get some bang for your buck. At the same time, these all are in New York City, causing even the least expensive places to seem expensive. n
Less than $20 for your meal, obviously it varies price-wise with what you decide:
1. Vanessa’s Dumplings
I’ve been to the one near Union Square, and man was I in heaven. I love scallion pancakes and I love sandwiches. Vanessa’s put them together. Genius.
2. Dos Toros
Chipotle has been on the fritz and as a person who has two siblings becoming doctors, I have to put Chipotle on hold. But Dos Toros has amazing Mexican food and, dare I say, may be better than Chipotle. Try all of their tacos.
3. Mexicue
I have an obsession for Mexican. Sorry. Mexicue started as a food truck and graduated to the restaurant business. I had their Avocado shroom tacos which were deliciously spicy.
4. Tandoor Palace
This Indian restaurant has been around forever, and their lunch special is the talk of the town.
5. Pi Bakerie
The location in SoHo is super cute, definitely Instagram worthy. The pastry is all the rage and it’s in the super economically savvy category. What else can you want?
6. Dulce Vida
Colombian food at its finest. I love their cookies and their empanadas and their arepas. The prices are right, especially for the Upper East Side.
7. Bar Pitti
Their lunch menu prices are reasonable! And the pastas are beautiful and just take you back to Italy. I promise. Plus Beyoncé eats there on the weekly.
8. Patacon Pisao
Go there and eat any of their amazing sandwiches. They also started out as a food truck!
9. Johny’s Luncheonette
Cheap eats, great diner food. The perfect solution for hangry friends.
10. Tompkin’s Square Bagels
Yes, this place is pretty pricey and it’s only breakfast food. But you can get a bagel with birthday cake cream cheese for breakfast and it will cost you less than $20. Hence, why I put it in this category. Oh, and your snap of a bagel will definitely be a hit on your Instagram.
11. 2 Bros Pizza
Everyone needs a go-to dollar slice pizza place!
So you want to eat like an adult today? Well, here are some viable options that will not break the bank.
12. Pier 66 at the Frying Pan
Go here in the summer! Fresh seafood, an amazing atmosphere, and it is pretty cool that you get to eat on a boat. AND it’s Zagat-rated. See you there.
13. Serafina
This international Italian restaurant chain will not disappoint - even if you go to the one in Dubai.
14. The Green Table
Located in Chelsea Market, this farm-to-table restaurant rotates their menu to match the seasons. Last time I went there, I ate this delicious Vegetable Mushroom Pot Pie. Mmhhh.
15. Num Pang Sandwich Shop
A Zagat-rated sandwich shop? That’s unheard of and screams, "Check me out!"
16. Veniero’s Pastry
My dream come true, a late night dessert place. I absolutely adore their fudge drop cookies and amaretto almond cookies. Plus, they are open until 12 a.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 1 a.m. Thursday to Saturday.
Feeling fancy? Some more expensive options. Of course, this depends on what you get. I did add some super expensive options just because who doesn’t want to feel like royalty sometimes?
17. Rao’s
Next time you’re at the grocery store, keep a look out for Rao’s tomato sauces. This place is always packed. Always. Which basically means you should have made your reservations yesterday. Word on the street is that there’s a three-year reservation list.
18. Cellini
Outrageous Italian food. My parents love this place, and they have been all over the world eating amazing things.
19. Maloney and Porcelli
The secret steakhouse everyone should know about. Also, the onion rings are to die for.
20. Peter Luger Steak House
The steakhouse everyone should know about. If you don’t know about this place, eat there.
21. The Sea Grill
It calls Rockefeller Center home. That’s how you know it’s amazing, because the SNL stars and famous people definitely dined there.
22. Old Homestead Steakhouse
My brother told me his teacher is obsessed with this place. And the best part is, his teacher has every reason to be.
23. Pizza Beach
The famous British artist Banksy picked Pizza Beach as one of his canvases. The Roasted Pear & Tallegio is a favorite of mine, but yes they also have normal pizza.
24. Da Tommy Osteria
Located in Greenwich Village, this small Italian restaurant has some modern classics. Their zucchini chips are pretty dynamite. The only minor issue is that I wish their portions were larger.
25. Nobu
“Nobu, Nobu, Nobu, Nobu, Nobu, Nobu.” –Future and Drake
