Los Tacos No. 1 serves up small, flavorful tacos and quesadillas
In the back of Chelsea Market is Los Tacos No. 1. It's a gem, but a tiny one — there are no tables and barely any room to stand, but the snack-sized tacos will blow your mind.
The prices are super affordable, running from $3 tacos to a "Nopal (cactus) Plate" with beans, cheese, and meat for $6. Lines can get long, but the staff is efficient at turning out their delicious Mexican food.
Order fried chicken with outlandish flavors like wasabi at Sticky's Finger Joint
Fried chicken lovers, Sticky's Finger Joint is your new go-to. The fried chicken is well-done, but what makes Sticky's extra special is the sheer amount of house-made sauces and flavors like Wasabi, General Tso, and Salted Caramel.
Each finger ranges from $2.50 to $4.50, which may seem expensive, but they are huge, juicy, and crunchy. The $4 truffle fries will also meet anyone's high expectations.
Max in Williamsburg makes traditional, mouth-watering Italian dishes
The South Williamsburg location of Max has everything a neighborhood staple could offer — friendly service, affordable food, and piping-hot, huge portions.
Though all of the menu items are worth trying, it's the homemade lasagna (in a bowl) that will seal the deal. The pasta dishes range from $9-$14 while entrees like pan-seared cod are $14 to $17.
Try the Cuban sandwich with grilled corn at Cafe Habana
Nolita's Cafe Habana is always busy and the space is tight, but that's because locals know how good it is. Plus it doesn't hurt that the most expensive thing on the menu is a $17 grilled skirt steak sandwich (prices for entrees hover closer to $11 and $12).
Their Cuban is meaty, salty, and addictive — everything a Cuban should be — and the Mexican-style corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime is a customer favorite.
Vegetarians can get fresh Middle Eastern falafel at Taim
The name Taim literally means "tasty and delicious" in Hebrew, and that's exactly what you can expect from this West Village spot. For only $6, you can buy a traditional falafel sandwich with fresh sauces and toppings.
Aside from falafel, Taim has salads, smoothies, and home-made juices that will also impress. Bonus: They even have a food truck.
Sao Mai delivers authentic, delicious Vietnamese pho and bânh mì
Sao Mai serves some of the best pho in New York City (especially the House Special). With a tasty broth and ample portions of noodles and meat, the pho averages around $9 and the house bânh mì are $6 or $7.
Plus if you order the pho to go, they'll separate the noodles and ingredients from the broth so they don't get too soggy. Now that's service.
Keep things simple with a cheeseburger at Le Parker Meridien's Burger Joint
Burger Joint may be inside Manhattan's fancy Le Parker Meridien hotel, but the vibe of this low-key restaurant is very casual and dive-y.
The menu is simple (if you don't see it, they don't have it), and the burger patties are fat and juicy. We recommend getting the cheeseburger with the works ($8) with a side of fries ($4).
Brooklyn's Court St. Grocer's makes the best unique and creative sandwiches
Every sandwich at Court St. Grocer's in Carroll Gardens will be the best sandwich you've ever had. They pack them full of tasty ingredients and pour on sauces with names like "Come-Back" and "Goddess."
For those overwhelmed by the menu, try the classic "Italian Combo Sandwich" with savory meats and cheeses plus a "hoagie spread" for $10, or the $5.50 breakfast sandwich that is an upscale version of your bacon, egg, and cheese go-to.
Scarf down delicious falafel and hummus at Mamoun's Falafel restaurants
119 MacDougal St.. and others
With locations everywhere — including Greenwich Village, East Village, and New Jersey — Mamoun's Falafel serves the tastiest and cheapest Middle Eastern food.
The restaurants in New York are on the smaller side, but the wait is usually quick and the prices are super affordable, ranging from $3 for a sandwich to $11 for a combination platter. Our advice? Try the falafel and hummus sandwich and thank us later.
You can find more information at the Mamoun's Falafel website
Prosperity Dumpling in Chinatown has the cheapest (and best) dumplings in NYC
This tiny little Chinatown restaurant always has a line out the door. And it makes sense why, considering you can get an entire meal for two under $10 — the most expensive order of dumplings is $2, and the menu's priciest item is the $3 soups.
The food is also incredibly good. Try their pork fried dumplings in particular, which have the optimal blend of chives, meat, and perfectly-fried skin to make them crisp, yet still chewy.
Rai Rai Ken's delicious Miso Ramen will cure your drunk munchies
This awesome little noodle shop in the East Village has $10 ramen that puts other restaurants to shame. The broth is light and flavorful, the staff attentive, and it even stays open until 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Miso Ramen is one of Rai Rai Ken's best, and all of the appetizers from pork buns to handmade gyoza are stellar, too. Just remember it is cash only.
Eat fried chicken with the hipsters at Williamsburg's Pies 'N Thighs
Pies 'N Thighs is a no frills kind of restaurant where the tables are old school desks and the chicken and pies are made to perfection. And when we say perfection, we mean it: The skin is crunchy and the interior is delicious and tender.
Order the Fried Chicken Box for $14.25, which gives you three pieces of heavenly chicken, biscuit with honey butter, and a choice of side like collared greens or mac and cheese.
