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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Morningside Heights

Affordable places

A meal that fits a modest budget without making you feel like you are compromising on the quality of the ingredients.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Island Grill Harlem Modern Caribbean Kitchen image 1
Island Grill Harlem Modern Caribbean Kitchen image 2
Island Grill Harlem Modern Caribbean Kitchen image 3
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Lively fusion spot shines with affordable lunch deals and tasty local dishes. Clean, beautiful decor pairs with vibrant DJs spinning Caribbean beats. Energy stays high, making it a welcoming place to enjoy great vibes.

Food comes at very affordable prices with lunch deals that stand out. The spot offers tasty local dishes without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and phenomenal."

"The jerk chicken here is so good and fresh."

"The lunch deals here are super affordable, especially for students."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is takeout only and does not offer sit down service.

2

The restaurant accepts cards for payment.

3

You get a good amount of food for $6.50.

02
Hooda Food Truck image 1
Halal restaurant

Food truck serves tender, smoky meat and flavorful rice near a university. Prices stay budget-friendly with no on-site seating. Popular dishes like lamb over rice and chicken kebab attract a steady crowd.

Prices stay relatively affordable across the menu. Food costs keep the overall experience budget-friendly.

People are saying

"I've eaten a hundred chicken over rice places, and this is top 3."

"The Mediterranean food, especially the falafel, is so fresh."

"I found the food to be very affordable."

Good to know

1

The food cart offers late-night food options.

2

They accept cash, card, and mobile payments.

3

Prices are very affordable, with meals around $5.50.

03
The U bar and grill image 1

Sports bar features a hidden hookah lounge and private party hall. Lunch menu is incredibly affordable with tasty options. Lively vibe with music and sports on every TV makes it perfect for socializing and watching events.

Lunch menu offers delicious options at incredibly affordable prices. Pricing stays low across the menu.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing, and the service was great."

"Chanty at the bar was funny, professional, and paid attention to detail."

"I loved the delicious and affordable food and drinks."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer 5 tacos and a margarita for 20 dollars.

2

Happy hour includes $3 tacos and $7 frozen margaritas.

3

All-day happy hour on Tuesdays features one drink and five tacos for $20.

04
Book Culture image 1
Book store

Two-level bookstore offers a cozy atmosphere with comfy seating upstairs and a large kids area. Shelves hold many affordable books, including used copies and new titles around $15-20. The vibe is chill and sophisticated, welcoming serious readers and locals alike.

Plenty of used and affordable books fill the shelves. New books cost around $15-20, and knick-knacks come in a range of prices.

People are saying

"I found this bookstore's selection of used books to be huge."

"This Local Spot has such a great selection of books for all interests."

"It's affordable with a good flow throughout."

Good to know

1

If a book is not on hand, it can be ordered and delivered to the store for pickup.

2

If you are looking for a specific book, make sure to call them in advance to see if it's in stock.

3

Prices for books start at 98 cents.

05
Le Monde image 1
French restaurant

Parisian bistro style shines with rustic decor and outdoor seating that welcomes dogs. Affordable prices make brunch and petit dรฉjeuner options easy on college budgets. Cozy yet lively energy creates a charming atmosphere perfect for casual dining.

Offers very affordable prices that suit college budgets. Serves simple, delicious food with a focus on affordable brunch and petit dรฉjeuner options.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always very good."

"The French food here is amazing, thanks to attentive servers."

"I found the brunch here to be delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak times, especially if Columbia is in session.

2

The bottomless mimosa brunch costs $25 per hour.

3

The restaurant offers a fixed price menu on Christmas Eve.

06
Dig Inn image 1
American restaurant

Deli-style spot serves affordable healthy meals with a vibrant atmosphere. Seating is comfortable and clean, perfect for students. Throwback jams add a welcoming vibe while music volume shifts from relaxing to loud.

Offers affordable prices for full plates with healthy options. Food stays delicious and satisfying without high cost.

People are saying

"I found the healthy food here to be fresh and delicious."

"I found the mac and cheese here to be amazing."

"The food here is delicious and surprisingly affordable."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during lunch hours, especially around noon.

2

The restaurant charges $15 for a bowl, which some find overpriced.

3

Portion sizes are small, especially for delivery orders.

07
The Hungarian Pastry Shop image 1

Small, busy pastry shop buzzes with an Old World Viennese cafe vibe. Walls lined with books add a creative vibe. Pastries and coffee are absurdly affordable without losing taste. Indoor and outdoor seating offer cozy options despite limited terrace space.

Pastries and coffee come at absurdly affordable prices here. The overall menu stays very affordable without sacrificing taste.

People are saying

"Their coffee and pastries are amazing, with great texture and taste."

"The pastries here are delicious and not dry at all."

"I found the pastries and coffee to be amazing and affordable."

Good to know

1

Expect a long wait on weekends, but the line moves quickly.

2

You can bring food from nearby shops, but check with staff first.

3

Prices for pastries are not displayed; ask for each item's price.

08
Tartina image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant shines with affordable prices and a cozy interior. Outdoor seating offers cathedral views while live jazz adds a relaxed vibe. Perfect for a quiet, welcoming meal before dinner crowds arrive.

Offers a high standard with affordable prices. The setting is super cute and welcoming.

People are saying

"I thought the pasta here was delicious, especially the carbonara."

"The live jazz music here is a really nice backdrop."

"I found it to be a nice place with affordable prices."

Good to know

1

Brunch is served on Sundays with a special menu.

2

The restaurant has a happy hour with discounted drinks.

3

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get full.

09
Dragon Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi spot shines with affordable combos at $15 for three rolls, all fresh and tasty. Quick service keeps wait times low, even when busy. Handwritten ingredient lists add a personal touch to soups, enhancing the chill atmosphere.

Offers 3 rolls for $15 combos that are consistently fresh and tasty. Prices stay low without sacrificing quality or speed.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is a great value for the price."

"The sushi here is a great value, especially the roll combos."

"The sushi rolls here are affordable and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not allow dine-in, only take-out.

2

Take-out orders are ready in 5 minutes or less.

3

The restaurant accommodates serious anaphylactic food allergies, including Shellfish and Mollusks.

10
Tom's Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Old-fashioned diner style creates a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere with Seinfeld memorabilia on the walls. Prices stay consistently affordable, offering good value for meals. Narrow corridors and crowded seating add an intimate vibe that feels family-friendly and quiet.

Prices stay consistently affordable here, especially for the area. Food offers good value without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"This diner has really good, simple food done well."

"It felt surreal and nostalgic being at the iconic spot from the show."

"I found the menu to be affordable and extensive."

Good to know

1

The total cost for an omelet, eggs Benedict, and coffee was $47.60.

2

The location is super convenient and accessible by subway.

3

Sometimes it can be very busy, so plan to go early or wait for tables.

11
West Place image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese takeout spot serves affordable lunches with classic dishes. Some meals have great flavor, while others fall short. Seating is available and card payments accepted with a minimum charge.

Lunches offer delicious options at very affordable prices. Chinese dishes maintain the same affordable quality.

People are saying

"I called twice about the delivery delay, and they kept changing the time."

"This lunch spot is delicious and affordable."

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

Good to know

1

The lunch special is available Monday through Friday from 11 am to 2 pm.

2

Expect a $2 delivery fee despite advertised free delivery for orders over $15.

3

They charge a minimum of $10 for debit card transactions.

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Morningside Heights, New York

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