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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to the Upper East Side

Affordable spots

You value your money and refuse to pay a premium just for the sake of a neighborhood address.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
The Emerald Dispensary - Upper East Side image 1
The Emerald Dispensary - Upper East Side image 2
The Emerald Dispensary - Upper East Side image 3
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Small cannabis store offers a stylish vibe with velvet chairs and soft lighting. Prices stay affordable across drinks, food, and services. Clean, well-organized space makes shopping easy and relaxing.

Offers a fantastic selection with both affordable and high-end products. Prices for drinks, food, and services stay affordable in a clean, professional setting.

People are saying

"I thought the weed here was the best in the city."

"I found great products and services here that were affordable."

"The people here are so friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

The dispensary offers a wide variety of pre-rolls and other items.

2

Happy hour specials are available on weekdays from 4-6pm.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted for all purchases.

02
Sushi Spot—78 Street image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cramped space offers a cozy atmosphere with an open view of chefs at work. Prices stay consistently affordable and service is fast, making it a quick, budget-friendly spot. Fresh-tasting fish adds value despite some sushi quality variation.

Prices stay consistently affordable for the amount and quality of sushi served. Service is fast, making it a quick and budget-friendly option.

People are saying

"You can't go wrong with this sushi for the price."

"I found the sushi here to be amazing and affordable."

"It's so cheap and the sushi tastes amazing."

Good to know

1

The establishment is cash only; no cards accepted.

2

Expect a long 30+ minute wait time during peak hours.

3

The restaurant is pickup only with no dine-in options.

03
Super Taste image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright lighting and a family-run vibe create an inviting space with authentic Chinese flavors. Prices stay surprisingly affordable while serving delicious meals. A kiosk speeds up service in this busy, no-frills spot.

Prices stay surprisingly affordable while serving delicious Chinese food. Meals offer good value without cutting corners.

People are saying

"The owner and his son made the dumplings a highlight."

"I loved the spicy beef noodle soup and homemade chili oil."

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

Good to know

1

There is no bathroom for customers.

2

Prices are doubled for this location.

3

One bowl can probably feed 2-3 people.

04
Water & Wheat Upper East image 1
Italian restaurant

Long room with fresh pasta station creates a cozy, quiet vibe like a neighborhood dining room. Affordable prices and happy hour wine make it easy to enjoy light, fresh Italian American meals. Stained wood and soft lighting add to the authentic feel.

Prices stay affordable with a focus on light, fresh options. Happy hour offers affordable wine to complement meals.

People are saying

"The Italian food service here is fantastic, they really took care of us."

"The salads here are super fresh and flavorful."

"I found the pasta and wine here to be delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

Make a reservation before visiting to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant offers gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

3

The price for two people is about $100 without tip.

05
Don Filippo image 1
Pizza restaurant

Cozy dining space with classic Italian decor offers a lively vibe and peaceful setting. Food stays pleasantly affordable with large portions and varied menu options. Small outdoor seating with a gazebo and plants adds charm to the experience.

Food prices stay pleasantly affordable despite some increases. Large portion sizes and varied menu options keep dinners budget-friendly.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I've ever had."

"The outdoor seating area is nicely arranged and adds value."

"The pizza here is amazing and affordable."

Good to know

1

Basic pizzas are $3.5 a slice and elaborate ones are $5.5.

2

The deal for 2 plain pizzas and 1 drink is $6.5.

3

Portions are decent; one menu item is enough for lunch.

06
Tang By Mr Sun 唐 image 1
Asian restaurant

Upscale Asian spot offers an elegant atmosphere with stylish decor and creative food presentation. Prices stay very affordable, perfect for a casual date night. Calm and refined space supports quiet conversation despite occasional loud moments.

Prices stay very affordable, making it easy to enjoy a meal without stretching the budget. Suitable for a casual date night with reasonable costs.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the duck."

"The pork fried rice was seasoned to perfection."

"I found the restaurant to be very affordable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are currently available but may fill up quickly.

2

The average meal cost is around $30-40 per person.

3

No rice is included with entrees, which is unusual for Asian cuisine.

07
Amber 80st image 1
Sushi restaurant

Warm, casual vibe with wood and brick decor sets a calm dining scene. Fresh fish is very affordable, making it a local favorite. Lunch specials offer great value in New York's pricey market.

Fresh fish comes at very affordable prices here. Lunch specials offer good value considering typical New York costs.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh and affordable."

"The lunch specials here are fresh and affordable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited inside tables.

2

The restaurant has a $30/person minimum for reservations.

3

Expect a wait of about 30 minutes for food orders.

08
Thai At Lex image 1
Thai restaurant

Small space with intimate seating and a cozy vibe offers affordable lunch deals near the subway. Outdoor area shines with Southeast Asian decor featuring fruit and vegetables. Noise can rise but food stays tasty and budget-friendly.

Offers affordable lunch deals near the subway with tasty food that fits well within budget. Stands out as one of the few budget-friendly spots in the area.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be excellent and super tasty."

"It's a small and cozy space."

"I found the food to be affordable and tasty."

Good to know

1

Limited seating is available, so call ahead or order take out.

2

The lunch special is $14 and includes soup, appetizer, and any entree dish.

3

Prices are very reasonable for Manhattan and the Upper East Side.

09
Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Upper East Side 78th&2nd image 1

Chinese noodle spot serves authentic regional dishes in a cozy setting with tight communal seating. Prices stay affordable while flavors remain bold and satisfying. Loud, casual energy keeps the vibe lively and fast-paced.

Food comes at affordable prices without sacrificing taste. Dishes are consistently delicious and offer good value.

People are saying

"I found the noodles to be authentic, chewy, and perfectly spicy."

"The lamb burgers here are bursting with bold, aromatic spices."

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

Good to know

1

The liangpi sells out by dinner time, so get it early.

2

Be prepared to wait during peak times.

3

The price you see listed is what they charge, no tax or tip.

10
T.J. Maxx image 1
Department store

Two floors split purses and beauty upstairs from clothes and home goods downstairs in a dungeon-like setting with armed guards. Jewelry shines with a fantastic selection. Prices stay affordable on designer fashion and décor, making quality easy to find.

Offers a wide range of affordable prices on fashion, home décor, and beauty products. Carries designer clothing and shoes at discounts that make quality pieces accessible.

People are saying

"I found so many great deals on top brands here."

"Robert at the Footwear Store was so helpful finding shoes."

"I thought the jewelry selection was fantastic and better than other stores."

Good to know

1

You should time your visit wisely to avoid long queues.

2

This location has a wider selection of name brands and sizes compared to other locations.

3

The lift is not working, so plan accordingly.

11
Ollie’s To Go: Upper East Side image 1

Chinese takeout spot serves affordable lunch specials with large dim sum portions. Cozy, clean space offers self-serve hot tea and a calm vibe. Perfect for quick, budget-friendly meals.

Food comes at very affordable and reasonable prices. The menu offers delicious and budget-friendly options.

People are saying

"I found the pork dumplings juicy and flavorful."

"I found this place to be a great, fast, and convenient Chinese takeout spot."

"I found the food to be very affordable and reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

There is a 4% surcharge called 'processing fee' if you pay by credit card.

2

Paying cash at Ollie's provides a better price.

3

The delivery took an hour and a half from 12 blocks away.

12
Brows and Lashes image 1
Eyebrow bar

Prati offers a calm atmosphere with budget-friendly prices perfect for beauty treatments. Warm vibes and relaxing music create a cozy setting that feels welcoming and affordable in New York.

Prices stay very affordable compared to most spots in New York. Meals at Prati come at a budget-friendly rate.

People are saying

"I had the most relaxing facial with Swek; it was amazing."

"Her eyebrow threading was gentle and thorough."

"It's so affordable and Swek made sure everything was clean."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Parking is available on-site, but fills up quickly during peak hours.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases.

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Upper East Side, New York

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