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New Yorkers 1st Choice
the Theater District's best

Affordable barbecue

Barbecue that is actually affordable without sacrificing the quality of the smoke and the meat.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
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Updated June 2026
01
The Halal Guys image 1
The Halal Guys image 2
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Halal restaurant

Street food carts with flashy yellow exteriors line busy city streets, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with the aroma of sizzling meat and the sight of food prepared in front of customers. Seating is limited to nearby benches and covered areas, making the experience casual and often involving waiting outdoors. The energy is lively, with a steady flow of people drawn by the distinctive street-side setup and open-air dining.

Spicy BBQ chicken stands out with its bold flavor and is a newer menu item. Four sauces including white, red, barbecue, and hot sauce offer options to customize heat and taste.

Large portions come with affordable prices even in a busy area. Meals stay tasty while keeping costs low for quick, filling options.

People are saying

"This food is the best street food I had in NYC."

"The portions are generous and it's really affordable for the quality."

"The spicy Barbecue here is amazing, especially with the white sauce."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines, especially during peak hours like noon.

2

The food truck is takeout only with no seating available.

3

A small meal costs $9, while a regular meal is $11.

02
Applebee's Grill + Bar image 1

An expansive multi-level restaurant with a maze-like layout creates a sense of disorientation. The atmosphere is lively and noisy, featuring loud music and sports broadcasts on screens. A live photographer and private celebration rooms add unique touches to the experience.

Barbecue ribs feature very soft meat and a moderately strong sauce. Chicken wings come both boneless with barbecue sauce and traditional, both well-prepared.

Staff offers multiple affordable options with familiar cuisine. Prices stay affordable but not necessarily cheap for what is served.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The barbecue ribs were soft with a moderately strong sauce."

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

Good to know

1

Happy hour drinks are $7 and $8 all night between Monday and Thursday.

2

Each evening event runs from 7 - 10 pm.

3

An 18% tip will be automatically included in the bill.

03
Yard House image 1
New American restaurant

Sprawling multi-story space with big screens and three-story cooler creates a lively, pub-like atmosphere. The vibe is relaxed yet loud, filled with sports fans watching games on numerous TVs. Tables feature self-service kiosks for easy ordering, enhancing the energetic dining experience.

Smoky and tangy BBQ sauce stands out with a thinner au jus texture rather than thick sweetness. The BBQ wings are crunchy and well-coated, while the Korean BBQ cheesesteak offers a solid, flavorful option.

Offers great food quality at affordable prices even in a busy city area. The cost stands out considering the prime location.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious and thoughtfully prepared food."

"It's surprisingly affordable for being in the middle of Manhattan."

"The smoky, tangy barbecue sauce made the burger."

Good to know

1

The open bar is available until 1 o'clock on New Year's evening.

2

Guests are asked to leave the building after the party ends at 12:30 AM.

3

Expect a crowded venue during happy hour and game nights.

04
Virgil's Real BBQ - NYC image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Two floors of spacious seating with giant sports screens create a lively, welcoming vibe. A big bar area and occasional live music add to the energetic atmosphere. The place fills with groups enjoying games and conversation, blending casual dining with entertainment.

Real BBQ and smokehouse style food stands out with consistently delicious barbecue and a house specialty BBQ hamburger. The menu offers honest, classic BBQ dishes with reliable quality every visit.

Large portions come with affordable prices. Breakfast stands out as tasty and budget-friendly. Overall, the rates stay very affordable.

People are saying

"The American barbecue here, especially the ribs and brisket, is to die for."

"The barbecue here is really good and tasty."

"The food here is very good and affordable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from 3 PM to 6 PM and after 9 PM.

2

The happy hour offers excellent frozen margaritas for only $5.

3

$5 margaritas are available during happy hour.

05
Hard Rock Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant doubles as a rock 'n' roll museum with walls covered in signed guitars, stage costumes, and photos. Atmosphere feels loud and crowded, filled with great music that can make conversation difficult. Popular spot for tourists, often requiring reservations due to high demand.

Barbecue ribs come out perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The BBQ lunch pairs ribs, fried chicken, and salads with apple cobbler and ice cream for dessert.

Prices stay very affordable across visits. Food costs remain reasonable by New York standards.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent and came out really fast."

"The barbecue here has perfectly cooked meats and flavorful dishes."

"The prices here are surprisingly affordable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours.

2

Happy hour runs from 4pm to 6pm daily for select food and drinks.

3

The venue often hosts live music events and private parties.

06
Junior's Restaurant and Bakery image 1

Space combines retro diner vibe with vibrant decor featuring red and yellow hues. Atmosphere stays fun and lively, often busy and chaotic, with music that is pleasant and not overpowering. Crowd enjoys classic American comfort with standout cheesecake and a bar offering notable cocktails and beers.

Ribs and chicken come slathered in BBQ sauce that stands out for its rich flavor. Meals include fries and coleslaw, making for a solid American BBQ experience that's family-friendly.

Prices stay consistently affordable here, making meals easy on the wallet. The cost matches the convenience and location without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"I found their famous cheesecake to be truly delicious."

"I found the prices to be very affordable, especially for New York."

"The barbecue chicken and ribs were yummy."

Good to know

1

You can put your name on a waitlist to plan your visit better.

2

The place is busy and open till midnight, close to Times Square.

3

On Saturday night at 6:00 PM, there was a 10-minute wait for a table for two.

07
Dallas BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Spacious barbecue restaurant with large dining area and rustic decor creates a lively, inviting atmosphere. Tables often have BBQ sauce bottles ready, and a photographer circulates to capture moments. The setting offers a view of 42nd street, blending indoor comfort with a street-like vibe.

Sticky wings and beef ribs stand out with excellent BBQ sauce and a unique Henny BBQ flavor. The spot serves hearty portions and big drinks at reasonable prices, all in a lively atmosphere with quick seating.

Prices stay affordable even in a busy area. Combo dishes offer generous portions at a competitive cost, making it easy to share and enjoy without spending much.

People are saying

"The ribs here are so tasty and tender."

"The barbecue ribs and chicken here are excellent."

"I found the prices to be super affordable, especially for the generous portions."

Good to know

1

Reservations are advisable as the restaurant is always very crowded.

2

Expect long wait times, especially during peak dining hours.

3

A default 15% gratuity is added to the bill for larger parties or late dining.

08
Margaritaville Restaurant - Times Square image 1

Rooftop spaces offer magnificent city views with glass siding and an hourly LED light show enhancing the atmosphere. Islander decor creates a laid-back, beachy vibe contrasting the urban surroundings. Music stays at a volume that allows conversation, supporting a casual and fun environment.

Half BBQ chicken and pork ribs come with barbecue sauce and fries. The ribs are priced at $39 and have a lighter sauce than expected. Barbecue sauce also appears on dishes like the shrimp, replacing other sauces.

Drinks come in collectible plastic cups shaped like blenders and stay affordable. Food and happy hour prices keep the spot budget-friendly for multiple visits.

People are saying

"The food here was excellent and well worth it."

"I found the drinks and food to be really affordable."

"The barbecue ribs were good, with fries."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

The restaurant stays open late at night on weekends for late-night dining.

3

Every Saturday, there is a mixology class taught by Alfonse.

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