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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Chinatown

Affordable spots

A meal that fits your budget without making you feel like you are sacrificing quality for the price.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
ITH San Francisco Pacific Tradewinds Backpacker Hostel image 1
ITH San Francisco Pacific Tradewinds Backpacker Hostel image 2
ITH San Francisco Pacific Tradewinds Backpacker Hostel image 3
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Hostel offers quiet dorms with spacious bunk beds and clean bathrooms at inexpensive prices. Social areas host free activities and communal meals, creating a friendly atmosphere. Rooftop terrace and central location near attractions add great appeal.

Rooms and bathrooms stay clean while prices remain inexpensive. Quality stays high despite affordability.

People are saying

"The rooftop BBQ nights were the best part of my stay."

"They organize social events every evening to help guests meet."

"The staff here is so accommodating and friendly, it's truly affordable."

Good to know

1

The hostel organizes daily events like BBQs and karaoke to foster social interaction.

2

Free tacos are served on Taco Tuesdays, adding to the hostel's community vibe.

3

Guests enjoy a free communal breakfast and coffee/tea each morning.

02
Aji Kiji image 1
Sushi takeaway

Minimalist Japanese design creates a calm, upscale vibe with artful sushi presentation. Affordable set menus offer good quality sushi without high costs. Striking storefront and expertly prepared sushi boxes make it a refined takeout spot.

Sushi offers surprisingly affordable options. The set menu provides good quality without the cost of the dine-in omakase.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is mindblowingly good and beautifully presented."

"The takeout sushi here is exceptional, with fresh fish."

"The sushi here is surprisingly affordable and high quality."

Good to know

1

Preordering is highly recommended to avoid disappointment as they sell out quickly.

2

The omakase box costs $55 for lunch, while regular boxes are $40 each.

3

The restaurant opens at 11:00 AM, and lines start forming around 10:30 AM.

03
Metro Hong Kong Dessert and Milk Tea image 1
Cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style cafe)

Cha chaan teng serves authentic Hong Kong-style desserts and milk tea in a cozy, small space with Chinese songs playing. Prices are affordable with filling portions. The atmosphere feels homely and inviting, drawing both old and young.

Food comes at affordable prices and offers good value with filling portions.

People are saying

"The food here is so tasty and authentic, it feels like Hong Kong."

"The strawberry mochi was simple, fresh, and really well balanced."

"I found the food here to be filling and affordable."

Good to know

1

Cash is preferred; credit card payments incur an extra charge.

2

The menu features both sweet and savory options, including boba milk tea.

3

The restaurant is open late, making it a good spot for late-night snacks.

04
Royal Pacific Motor Inn image 1

Historic motor inn offers 1950s charm and balcony views over Chinatown. Rooms are inexpensive and clean, with quiet options away from street noise. Free valet parking adds rare convenience in a busy city.

Rooms stay very inexpensive despite a central location. The place is clean and comfortable with no frills.

People are saying

"This hotel's location in Chinatown is perfect for exploring."

"I loved that the parking was free, it's a huge plus."

"I found the rooms to be very inexpensive and no frills."

Good to know

1

The inn offers free parking, saving you $30 to $80 compared to other places.

2

The lodging is centrally located in Chinatown, close to many attractions.

3

The hotel is affordable, making it a good option for visitors with cars.

05
Cinta Aveda Institute image 1

Salon offers affordable haircuts by skilled students under expert supervision. Environment feels high-end and welcoming with artistic styles. Facials and hair treatments use quality products for a relaxing, nourishing experience.

Haircuts come at a very affordable price here, done by students under teacher supervision. High-end quality products get used without raising the cost.

People are saying

"My blowout was smooth, bouncy, and styled exactly how I wanted it."

"The stylists at this hair salon are super sweet and professional."

"I got a really good haircut that was super affordable."

Good to know

1

Haircuts by students are very affordable, typically costing around $50.

2

Appointments are flexible, allowing for easy scheduling throughout the week.

3

The salon uses high-end Aveda products for all services.

06
Stars Hair Salon image 1

Bright, clean space offers a cozy vibe with a relaxing scalp massage during hair wash. Skilled stylist delivers affordable haircuts around $53 and flexible hours with walk-ins accepted. High-quality results suit natural hair textures and maintain healthy color without damage.

Haircuts cost around $53, making it very affordable. The salon offers flexible hours and accepts walk-ins up to an hour before closing.

People are saying

"I got the best haircut I've ever had at this hair salon."

"Wilson really understands what hair styling fits you best."

"I was looking for an affordable but good haircut."

Good to know

1

The total cost for wash, cut, and blow-dry is $55 before tips.

2

Parking is easy at the salon.

3

The salon specializes in Asian hair.

07
Hon's Wun-Tun House image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Open kitchen shows chefs making massive authentic wontons with fast, efficient service. Meals are inexpensive yet consistently good. Small, clean space feels busy but welcoming during quieter times.

Meals come at inexpensive prices while staying consistently good and served fast.

People are saying

"The wonton noodle soup here is authentic and comforting."

"The Thai tea here is fantastic and refreshing."

"The food here is good and affordable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; register your name and party size at the counter to wait for a table.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The broth in the beef noodle soup contains seafood, which is crucial for those with shellfish allergies.

08
Grant Plaza Hotel image 1

Historic building with vintage charm offers affordable rates near Chinatown. Spacious rooms have period furniture and modern Wi-Fi. Quiet atmosphere blends old San Francisco vibe with budget-friendly comfort.

Offers affordable rates and comfortable accommodations in a prime location near Chinatown and public transit. Provides a budget-friendly option without luxury amenities.

People are saying

"The hotel's welcome felt so warm and sincere."

"It's an affordable hotel right in the heart of Chinatown."

"It's a cozy, vintage stay with a bespoke charm."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is not available; self-parking is two blocks away.

2

The hotel charges a $50 deposit at check-in, refundable at checkout.

3

The location is excellent, close to downtown and public transport.

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