One of the things that I love most about New York City is the varied gastronomy that lies in all the restaurants and small cafés in the city. Being a college student on a tight budget, I try to find more affordable eats that still make my food baby happy. We all love Sunday brunch, so here are a few options for foodies who don't feel like splurging!
The Park
The cutest little American restaurant on 10th Ave (right by the High Line). The ambiance when you walk in is absolutely great. Trees and plants everywhere make you feel like you are eating in the middle of Central Park-- you can even see little birds flying around. They have a very affordable brunch menu that includes plates to satisfy those with a sweet-tooth, and a like for the salty.
The little appetizer donuts are absolutely delicious, for only $5 you get six doughnuts. 
They are also nice enough to bring a complimentary, fresh banana walnut bread.
In the picture you can see my roommate and I enjoying our farm fresh eggs (any style), with a side of toast, bacon and hash browns. Best part? It was only $11.
Bocca di Bacco
This Italian restaurant and wine bar has a very welcoming atmosphere, where brick walls are complimented by wooden tables, and warm-toned furniture with hints of white. It is located on 9th Avenue, and it is easily identified by the white, lit-up branches on the outside.
When you first walk in you think the prices on the menu will be a little higher, delicious skirt steak and scrambled eggs, with a side of potatoes and a small salad is $18. When you live in New York City steak does not get much cheaper than this. If you want something cheaper you have the option to get things like french toast for only $9. 
Oh, and they bring muffins with jelly as you wait for your food (tip: they'll keep them coming if you ask them to).
Caracas Arepa Bar
If you've never had Venezuelan food, and don't know what an arepa is, you'll thank me for introducing you to this beautiful food. This is a cute little hole-in-the-wall arepa bar located on 93 East 7th avenue.
For all of those wondering what an arepa is, it is a typical food made out of corn dough and then stuffed with pretty much anything you want. No, it is not a taco. No, it is not a tortilla.
I must say this place lived up to my expectations, and it was one of the best arepas I've had in my life-- and trust me, I've had a lot of them. I got the arepa "De Pabellón," which has beef, tajadas (fried plantains), black beans and white cheese for only $9.5. 
I was also very excited when I saw they had tequeños on the menu. A tequeño is basically cheese wrapped in dough and then fried, but no it is not a mozzarella stick. A little basket of tequeños is $9.50.
I would recommend this place for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. If you've never had Venezuelan food, you definitely should.
Narcissa
This american restaurant is located on 25 Cooper Square right next to The Standard Hotel. It has a very simple, welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for a weekend brunch. The menu is not that broad, but everything my friends and I had was really good.
As an appetizer we just had to get these cinnamon rolls for the table ($10).
When I was there I had "Biscuits and Gravy." Honestly, biscuit, eggs and gravy is just a really good combination. Plus, it was only $13!
Cafeteria
This modern, chic and hipster restaurant is located on 7th Avenue, and it is open 24/7. It is always packed so Sunday and Saturday brunches include hour-long waits. The place seems to be very popular, but they maintain their prices low, which means you can get a couple of different things from the menu.
One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the Mac n' Cheese spring rolls ($11), which are absolutely delicious-- I mean how could it not be? Crispy on the outside, and cheesy on the inside is the perfect combination.
Food at this place is amazing and affordable, and that is why it is a must visit. Not only do they have Mac n' Cheese spring rolls, but also Nutella sticky buns ($6), street tacos (12-15$), and waffles ($12) amongst other delicious foods!
