People say that it’s expensive to eat in New York. These people probably don’t really know NYC and its food scene. Indeed, going to a restaurant will surely make you feel like you have been robbed after. But these fancy restaurants are not your only option if you want to eat well in the city that never sleeps. Yes, some restaurants do charge as high as $500 for a set menu. But if you know where to look, your 20 bucks will go a long way. Yes, there are a lot of billionaires in New York. But it is also home to starving artist types and working-class people. Where do you think these guys eat? So if you want to know how to eat well on a budget in New York City, then you have to read on.

The key to finding cheap places to eat in the Big Apple is to explore. If you can, then just walk around the city. Forget checking out Yelp or looking at a guide book. The way to experience New York is on foot. Here’s a pro tip though, befriend a local. You need to know someone from the inside to discover the best deals. If you don’t know anyone from the city, then check out the food bloggers. Avoid the popular ones that are probably paid to feature restaurants. Look for an authentic foodie, someone who is doing it for the love of food. You’ll be able to get more honest information from these guys.
If you are a morning person and if you must really have a big meal before noon, then what you can do is to go for an unlimited brunch promo. There’s plenty of that in New York, and prices start at $35. It usually comes with unlimited drinks too. If you’re really tight on budget, then just skip breakfast and even lunch and just give it all you’ve got during brunch. Unlimited brunches happen during the weekends only, though, so the rest of the week, you need to find other ways to fill yourself up.
If you’re a fan of pizza, then you will love New York City. The city is home to countless pizzerias. And guess what? Pizzas in New York are very affordable. Not to mention that they are also very delicious. Some people even go to New York just for the pizza. You can get a yummy slice for as low as one dollar. Two bucks will already get you a special slice. If you’re someone who can eat pizzas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, then you will be okay in New York City. Cheese, pepperoni, vegetarian, name it, and New York surely has it.

And if you get thirsty from your budget food hunting, then it’s time for you to go to a bar for happy hour. You just need to come early because these bars quickly fill up. Happy hours provide the best opportunity to have cheap drinks and even food in NYC.