The Ultimate Guide to NYC’s Best $15 and Under Lunch Spots
In a city known for its exorbitant prices, finding a delicious and satisfying lunch for under $15 can feel like a victory. But a great cheap lunch in New York City doesn’t have to mean a sad desk salad or a greasy slice. The city is packed with incredible, high-value lunch spots if you know where to look. Whether you’re a local on a budget or a tourist saving your money for a nice dinner, this is your guide to the best lunches under $15.
For World-Class Dumplings: Vanessa’s Dumpling House
Location: Chinatown & Williamsburg
An undisputed legend in the cheap eats scene. At Vanessa’s, you can get a heaping plate of perfectly pan-fried pork and chive dumplings (8 for around $5) or a satisfying sesame pancake sandwich for well under $10. It’s fast, delicious, and one of the best values in the entire city. Be prepared for a line, but it moves quickly.
For a Perfect Slice: Joe’s Pizza
Location: Multiple locations, original in Greenwich Village
Sometimes, all you need is a perfect New York slice. Joe’s Pizza is an institution, serving up classic, no-frills, foldable slices with a crispy crust, bright tomato sauce, and the perfect amount of cheese. A couple of plain slices will run you about $6-$7, leaving plenty of room in your budget for a drink. It’s a quintessential NYC lunch experience.
For Flavor-Packed Tacos: Los Tacos No. 1
Location: Multiple locations (Chelsea Market, Times Square, NoHo)
Widely considered the best tacos in NYC, Los Tacos No. 1 serves authentic, Tijuana-style tacos and quesadillas. Their adobada (marinated pork) is carved fresh off the spit. Each taco is only a few dollars, meaning you can easily get a satisfying and incredibly flavorful meal of 3-4 tacos for under $15. Don’t skip the fresh salsas and toppings.For a Hearty Banh Mi: Saigon Shack
Location: Greenwich Village
This bustling Vietnamese spot near NYU is famous for its incredible banh mi sandwiches. A crispy baguette is stuffed with your choice of protein (like classic pork or grilled chicken), pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, and cucumber. Most sandwiches are around the $10 mark and are large and filling enough to be a complete meal.
For Middle Eastern Comfort Food: Mamoun’s Falafel
Location: Greenwich Village & East Village
Serving the community since 1971, Mamoun’s is another NYC institution. Their falafel sandwich, packed into a warm pita with tahini sauce and salad, is one of the city’s most iconic cheap eats, costing only about $5. You can get a falafel sandwich and a side of their famous lentil soup and still come in well under your $15 budget. It’s simple, vegetarian, and consistently delicious.
