Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in the Theater District

Interesting and cheap spots

Made for those who find the most value in uncovering unconventional experiences that do not require a significant financial investment.

Based on 838 Opinions
+835
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Mari.ne Handroll image 1
Mari.ne Handroll image 2
Mari.ne Handroll image 3
View all
Korean restaurant

Bar seating surrounds a narrow sushi counter in a clean, minimalist space with a chic, zen vibe. The atmosphere stays calm yet lively, attracting people who enjoy handrolls paired with Korean drinks like soju and makgeolli. The intimate setting feels cozy despite tight seating and occasional noise from an open door.

All five hand-rolls show freshness with interesting flavors and textures. The spicy tuna roll offers a different and memorable taste. Korean flavors add an extra layer of interest to the food.

Dinner prices stay on the cheap side with about $40 for 5 rolls. Air conditioning is solid and not skimped on despite the low prices.

People are saying

"The fish in the hand rolls tasted very fresh."

"The hand rolls here have interesting, unique flavors and fresh fish."

"I thought the dinner here was cheap and tasted good."

Good to know

1

The last seating on Saturday night is at 7:45 PM.

2

They currently do not offer reservations.

3

Expect a line; it's recommended to arrive early.

02
Carmine's - Time Square image 1
Italian restaurant

Historic Italian restaurant offers spacious dining with family-sized portions and live entertainment including singing waiters and actors. Atmosphere is warm and inviting, often lively and bustling, with a mix of inside and outside seating. Reservations are essential due to popularity and crowding.

Walls display old photographs that spark curiosity about past lives. The setting feels like a place worth seeing once for its unique atmosphere.

Huge portions come with cheap prices here, making it easy to share and get a lot of food. The dishes offer plentiful servings without feeling like a high-end restaurant bill.

People are saying

"You'll get enough food; the dishes are massive."

"The dishes here are excellent and served in huge portions."

"It's a cheap eat with plentiful portions."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required in advance to secure a table.

2

One dish is enough for three people, making it great for sharing.

3

The restaurant offers a murder mystery dinner experience on select nights.

03
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.

Music plays while interesting portraits and decorations fill the space. The crowd includes many interesting people, though waiting times can slow things down.

Prices stay exceptionally cheap for Manhattan, especially around Times Square and Broadway. Food portions come abundant and affordable, balancing out pricier drinks.

People are saying

"The ribs here are so tasty and tender."

"I thought the food and drinks here were pretty cheap for NYC."

"The drinks here are interesting and satisfying."

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.

04
John's Pizzeria of Times Square image 1

Converted church with a stained glass ceiling and four coal-fired brick ovens creates a unique dining space. Atmosphere ranges from cozy and spacious to loud and crowded depending on the time and crowd. Guests watch pizzas prepared in full view, adding to the engaging experience.

An old 1800s church converted into a pizzeria creates an interesting atmosphere. The building's unique history adds charm and character to the dining experience.

Cheap wine comes by the bottle and the pizza by the slice offers generous portions at low prices. Whole pizzas cost over $30, so only slices are truly budget-friendly here.

People are saying

"The pizza here has a super crispy crust and amazing flavor."

"It's interesting how this place used to be an old church."

"I found the pizza by the slice to be cheap and very generous."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for groups larger than four to avoid long waits.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait on Friday nights if you arrive after opening.

3

Only whole pies are sold; no slices available.

05
Hershey's Chocolate World image 1

Chocolate shop offers an immersive sensory experience with an overwhelming smell of sugar and chocolate. Colorful, fun decor and interactive displays create a lively, crowded atmosphere. Unique features include custom candy bar wrappers and a stuff your own cup-Reese's bar.

Variety of rare candies and unique chocolates creates an interesting experience. Colorful, fun decor adds to the appeal, while free chocolate samples catch attention.

Samples come free and cheap. Chocolates vary in price, some are cheap, others not so much.

People are saying

"I found a really varied selection of Hershey's Chocolate here."

"I found the variety of chocolates and unique flavors really interesting."

"I found the chocolates to be cheap and varied."

Good to know

1

Hershey's central location in Times Square makes it easily accessible.

2

The establishment only accepts plastic payments.

3

There are no restrooms available for anyone, including paying customers.

06
Gallagherโ€™s Steakhouse NYC image 1

Steakhouse features an enormous dry aging room and an open kitchen where chefs prepare meals in view. Atmosphere blends old-school jazz with classy, buzzing energy, creating a lively yet refined dining experience. Seating is crowded, with tables close together, enhancing a bustling vibe.

A huge case of meat stands out as a unique feature. The interesting lunch menu offers budget-friendly options. Decor and pictures add to the distinctive atmosphere.

Business lunch specials come at a cheap price and taste very good. Dinner prices are not cheap but match the quality offered.

People are saying

"The porterhouse steak was flavorful and cooked to perfection."

"I found the lunch special to be cheap for an upscale place."

"It's interesting how the atmosphere feels like stepping back into mid-20th-century America."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for lunch courses on weekends.

2

Lunch course is available until 4pm on weekends.

3

Expect around $130 per person for a meal with drinks, tips not included.

07
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.

Atmosphere feels very nice and interesting. Displays include guitars donated by Gibson and a shop full of interesting items.

Prices stay cheap for New York overall, though desserts come in considerable sizes and cost more. Location influences the pricing, so it's not exactly cheap everywhere.

People are saying

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

"It's full of interesting memorabilia and relics."

"I found the burgers here to be very good."

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.

08
Grand Slam New York image 1
Souvenir store

Souvenir store spans three floors with distinct sections, including a basement for cheap items and an upstairs sports floor featuring official jerseys. Bright, colorful displays create a busy, crowded atmosphere filled with a wide variety of products. Prices tend to be more affordable than many other souvenir shops nearby.

Prices claim items start at 99 cents but most interesting products cost more. Few items stand out as truly interesting.

Souvenirs here come at very cheap prices, including custom jerseys and 0.99 cent magnets in the basement. The store offers a good selection of affordable trinkets and carry-on duffle bags.

People are saying

"I thought the prices were affordable, especially compared to other souvenir shops."

"I found cheap souvenirs and trinkets, especially in the basement."

"I found some interesting things around here."

Good to know

1

The store offers souvenirs for as low as 0.99 cents.

2

The dollar section has items for only $1 that other souvenir stores sell for $5 or more.

3

The store has a huge selection of products, including clothing, decoration, notebooks, pens, cups, and more.

09
Joe's Pizza Broadway image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small, bustling pizza joint with limited seating and a covered outdoor stand for standing diners. Atmosphere feels electric and very New York, often crowded and lively with a celebrity photo wall adding character. Pizza preparation is visible, enhancing the fast-paced, authentic vibe.

Lines add to the interesting experience here. Pizza offers some unique flavors. A celebrity wall featured in Spider-Man adds to the vibe.

Slices cost about 4 dollars, making them cheap and filling. Prices stay low despite the central location, offering big portions for the price.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I'd ever tasted."

"The line for pizza slices moves quickly, and it's worth the wait."

"The pizza here is delicious, very New York-style."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait in a long line, especially on weekends.

2

The wait time for this pizza store is over 1 hour.

3

Theyโ€™re open till 4am, making it a perfect place for late night cravings.

Discover more

Theater District, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...