The 6 Best Cheap Eats On The Lower East Side
Got the late-night munchies in the LES, but only a few bucks left in your wallet? Or are you looking for a lunch deal when awaiting your next paycheck? Stop by one of these restaurants in the neighborhood for the best cheap eats under $10. By Sarah Shaker.
More: NYC's 5 Best Dumpling Spots
Where else but Chinatown can you get a satisfying lunch for only $1? Prosperity Dumpling offers a pan-fried pork and chive dumpling order of 5 for only a buck. These crisp dumplings are stuffed with filling and can be drizzled in soy sauce. Grab your order to go and enjoy in the nearby park because this tiny shop is too crowded and cramped to snag one of the few seats at the counter. For an extra 50 cents order a Sesame Pancake for a fluffy carb treat.
The owners of Forcella opened this tiny joint last spring, boasting fried thin crust personal sized pizzas, fried appetizers and yes, even fried desserts. The namesake pie, Montanara (tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil and parmesan) is your standard pie, with a fried dough twist for $7. Splurge another $4 for an order of Angioletti alla Nutella, small strips of fried dough topped with Nutella and powdered sugar. These fluffy fried bites gives zepoles a run for their money!
This may be the closest a vegetarian has to a Big Mac at Tiny's Giant Sandwich Shop in the Lower East Side, serving one of the best veggie burgers in NYC for under $10. A soft brioche bun is filled with a soy-based patty, soy bacon, real cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle and "special sauce." Fast food has gone vegetarian at Tiny's.
More: NYC's 5 Best Crepes
Got a sweet tooth after throwing back too many beers? Thankfully the Creperie has an LES location situated by some of the nightlife world's consistently packed venues. The Famous Crepe is made to be shared, stuffed with strawberries, bananas, Nutella, ice cream and whipped cream to satisfy your sweetest cravings for $10.
One of Michael "Bao" Huynh's Vietnamese concepts, Mikey's Burger pays homage to his younger days flipping burgers upstate. Served on a soft potato bun, the BLT Burger is topped with thick cut Chinese bacon, kewpie mayo, lettuce and tomato. Add a side of fries to dip in their homemade chipotle mayo for a creamy kick. All burgers are offered for under $7 and fries can be added to your order for just 3 bucks.
Open late night at locations in the East Village and LES, you can enjoy marinated steak stuffed inside a corn tortilla for only five bucks. If shots of tequila have brought you back to Acapulco Spring Break, satisfy your taste for Mexico at this unassuming taco shack once the bar has closed.
Sarah Shaker is the founder of the blog Bright Lights, My City.
