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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to the LES

Cheap eats

Made for those who navigate the city with a strict budget and refuse to pay a premium for anything other than the essentials.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Sushi restaurant

Cozy izakaya style sushi bar offers cheap sushi and affordable drinks. Dark interior and outdoor euro-style seating create an intimate atmosphere. Fresh, innovative sushi and lively music add to the casual vibe.

Sushi comes at very cheap prices here, with drinks also being affordable. The food is tasty but quality can be inconsistent.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, especially the sushi."

"The Happy Hour service is super speedy and friendly."

"I found the sushi and drinks to be cheap here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3:30pm to 7:00pm with $6 items.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid a 30-40 minute wait.

3

The restaurant is small, so arrive early to secure a table.

02
Halal Munchies image 1
Restaurant

Tiny space offers a cozy atmosphere with affordable prices and generous portions. Food comes out fast and stays cheap without losing quality. Friendly vibe and fresh food make it a great late-night spot.

Food comes out fast and stays cheap without losing quality. Options suit those looking for good meals on a budget nearby.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The food at this Late Night Spot is amazing, with huge, healthy portions."

"I got a gyro and two entrees for under $30."

Good to know

1

They offer a BOGO deal on their mixed plates through Uber Eats.

2

Expect generous portion sizes at reasonable prices.

3

A 25% student discount is available.

03
The Magician image 1

Traditional New York bar offers a spacious layout with a low-key atmosphere and diverse crowd. Drinks are cheap and strong, perfect for affordable happy hour. No food service keeps focus on good music and reasonable prices.

Drinks come cheap and strong here, making it a solid spot for affordable happy hour. Prices stay low compared to the area, with standard drinks served.

People are saying

"I found the happy hour drinks to be a great deal."

"The bartenders here are awesome and have great energy."

"The drinks here are nice and cheap."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available all week from 5 to 8 PM.

2

The dive bar has a great happy hour with affordable specials.

3

There is no food available at this location; only drinks are served.

04
Welcome To The Johnsons image 1

Bar has a gritty dive vibe with 90s grunge decor and loud music. Affordable drinks like $2-$3 PBRs keep nights budget-friendly. Pool table and chill crowd make it a classic spot for simple socializing.

Cheap drinks stand out here, making it a spot for budget-friendly nights. The bar also has a chill crowd and great bartenders that add to the vibe.

People are saying

"This quintessential dive bar has outgoing vibes and a gritty, no-frills atmosphere."

"I found the drinks here to be cheap and fun."

"It's a chill vibe with cheap drinks and a great crowd."

Good to know

1

The ABC NO RIO hosts punk shows regularly.

2

Wednesday nights at Johnson's are popular for visitors.

3

$3 PBRs are a great deal in Manhattan.

05
Essex Market image 1
Produce market

Spanning three floors, the market offers a vibrant upstairs and a quieter lower level for varied moods. Fresh fruits and Luna Brothers' items are cheap and tasty. The lively bar scene adds authentic NYC energy with quality sound.

Fresh items come at cheap prices here. The fruits on the first floor and purchases at Luna Brothers stand out for their affordability.

People are saying

"This market has so many delicious food options to explore."

"I found the vibe here to be really cool and artsy."

"I found the fruits here to be really cheap."

Good to know

1

Restaurants close at 7 PM on Saturday night.

2

The market gets crowded during the lunchtime rush.

3

Management frequently closes the seating area for events, disrupting diners.

06
Mojo East image 1
Japanese restaurant

Minimalist space with counter seating offers a lively vibe. Fast-paced omakase delivers exceptional sushi at cheap prices with no tipping. Staff like Ming and Santiago enhance the welcoming feel. An impressive sake selection rounds out the experience.

Offers cheap prices with a no tipping policy. Staff includes Ming and Santiago, noted for their service.

People are saying

"The omakase Japanese food experience here is impeccable and personalized."

"The Omakase here is outstanding value for $55."

"It's cheap for omakase, with unheard-of pricing and tipping."

Good to know

1

The omakase set costs $55 with no tipping required.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid cancellation fees.

3

The omakase experience includes 13 courses of sushi.

07
Joey Roses image 1
Sandwich shop

Small sandwich shop offers best deli sandwiches at about $10 each. Retro decor with vinyl records and classic video game themes sets a cool vibe. Loud dubstep and hip hop music energize the space, while free arcade games and a personal movie room make it a fun, affordable hangout.

Sandwiches cost about $10 each and rank among the city's best deli options. Drinks come at cheap prices, making both food and beverages affordable here.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches here were incredible."

"It's a chill place with immaculate vibes and good music."

"The deli sandwiches are phenomenal and surprisingly cheap."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great drink specials.

2

Joey Roses offers a "buy 2 get 1 free" sandwich deal during happy hour.

3

Expect to wait over an hour for your sandwich during peak hours.

08
Iggy's Keltic Lounge image 1

Cozy dive bar offers a laid-back vibe with unpredictable music that energizes the space. Enjoy cheap happy hour specials and strong drinks. Colorful decor and perfect Guinness create an authentic, worn-in feel for easy conversation.

Strong drinks come with very cheap happy hour specials. Beers and shots are consistently cheap here.

People are saying

"It's a great dive bar, the gold standard."

"The drinks here are strong and cheap."

"I found the atmosphere here to be super chill."

Good to know

1

Happy hour price for Guinness is $5.

2

The establishment has only one bathroom stall for the entire bar.

3

Cocktails are advertised at $12 but may cost $14 each.

09
7th Street Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Warehouse-style spot offers cheap smashed burgers with fast service. Loud music and a street vibe energize the crowd. Spacious indoor and outdoor standing areas with high-top tables make it great for quick, no-frills eats.

Burgers come at a very cheap price with fast service. This spot works well for quick, affordable meals in the city.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were perfect and damn good."

"This late night spot has a greasy, satisfying burger."

"It's my favorite spot for cheap eats and fast service."

Good to know

1

7th Street burger is open until 1am on weekdays and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

The menu includes Cheeseburger, Double Cheeseburger, Impossible burger, and fries.

3

Ordering online is preferred due to the uncomfortable waiting experience.

10
Zaad - Broome St image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small spot offers authentic Middle Eastern and Egyptian halal food with amazing vegan options. Falafel wraps are cheap and tasty. Atmosphere feels like a local neighborhood gem with fresh ingredients and great service.

Falafel wraps come cheap and authentic here. The food is pretty good and the service is high quality.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here, especially the shawarma, is delicious with spicy meat and great sauces."

"I found the falafel here to be the best I've ever had."

"You can get great falafel wraps that are cheap and authentic."

Good to know

1

Zaad offers a variety of ingredients in the bowl, loading it up compared to some kebab places.

2

The prices are very affordable.

3

Zaad provides discounts to teachers that work in the neighborhood.

11
Boho Karaoke Orchard image 1

Karaoke spot shines with cheap drinks and a large song selection including old Bollywood hits. Private rooms are small but affordable, especially during happy hour. Lively bar vibe keeps energy high despite cash-only and reservation rules.

Drinks come with cheap prices and are often strong. Happy hour offers private rooms at very low rates during the week.

People are saying

"The staff here makes Karaoke so fun and welcoming."

"The atmosphere here is super chill and not crowded."

"The drinks here are cheap and strong."

Good to know

1

The venue is cash only, so be prepared to bring cash.

2

Make reservations beforehand to avoid high walk-in charges.

3

Karaoke is most crowded on Fridays and weekends.

12
Lidl image 1
Grocery store

Grocery store offers very low prices with 4 liters of milk at 2.99. Bakery section features European products that stand out. Layout is easy to navigate but space is tight, and self-checkout often stays closed.

Prices stand out for being very low, with 4 liters of milk at 2.99. The main draw here is definitely the cheap pricing across products.

People are saying

"I found this grocery store to be cheaper than others around."

"I found the Bakery prices to be amazing and the quality high."

"I found it to be very affordable and cheap."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines at checkout, especially on weekends.

2

Self-checkout is often closed, leading to longer wait times.

3

The store frequently runs out of stock on popular items.

13
Toka chef kitchen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open kitchen with a large L-shaped counter offers an interactive vibe and spacious layout. Atmosphere stays quiet and warm, perfect for relaxed dining. Prices are very cheap, making meals affordable without sacrificing comfort.

Prices stay consistently very cheap here, making it easy to enjoy meals without spending much.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

"The desserts here are rich and decadent, melting on the palate."

"I found the prices here to be really cheap."

Good to know

1

This month, the restaurant changes to an AYCE and AYCD omakase concept.

2

You can bring your own bottle (BYOB) to the restaurant.

3

The $46 tasting menu includes 3 chef-selected dishes and one uni pasta.

14
Hair of the Dog image 1
Sports bar

Spacious sports bar shines with country-style decor and plenty of TVs for game lovers. Enjoy super cheap drinks that keep the night affordable. Lively weekends feature DJs and a dance floor for energetic fun.

Drinks come at super cheap prices here, making it easy to enjoy a night out without spending much. The vibe includes good tunes that add to the experience of affordable fun.

People are saying

"The bartender's friendliness made me feel right at home."

"The happy hour drinks are half-price and the sliders are a steal."

"I found the drinks here to be super cheap."

Good to know

1

Happy hour lasts all day until 7 PM with specials even after.

2

Draft beers are half off on Monday nights.

3

You cannot enter if you are wearing sweat pants.

15
109 Nails image 1
Nail salon

Nail salon shines with cheap prices and detailed nail art. Friendly vibe and massage chairs add comfort despite cramped, noisy space. Some wear shows, but quality nails stay strong.

Prices stay super cheap here, especially for New York. The spot offers good quality nails without any frills.

People are saying

"I loved my manicure, especially the pink cat eyes."

"Jenny did an amazing job on my daughter's nails."

"I found the prices here to be super cheap and unmatched."

Good to know

1

The nail salon is cash only.

2

The price for design nails is $38.

3

You can get a quality gel manicure for $28 with a walk-in appointment and be out in under an hour.

16
Trader Joe's image 1
Grocery store

Spacious store with high ceilings and easy navigation via elevators and escalators. Fresh flower display adds a welcoming touch. Prices vary, with some items cheap and others overpriced, so watch your budget carefully.

Prices vary but often feel cheap or overpriced depending on the item. Some food items do not come at a lower cost compared to other stores.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and of great quality."

"I found so many great organic options for healthy foods here."

"I found the prices here to be great and affordable."

Good to know

1

Mask wearing is required.

2

There is no cell phone reception or wifi at this Trader Joe's.

3

Shopping early in the morning is wiser than shopping in the afternoons and evenings.

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Lower East Side, New York

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