Pizza nut Nino Coniglio twirls blistered pies that bridge the gap between old and new Brooklyn. Coniglio trained under DiFara’s legendary Domenico DeMarco, and it shows in his crunchy Grandma slice. Read more.
At this Chinatown bistro, curry and coconut perfume the air, as husband-wife team Marc Kaczmarek and Mei Chau bustle around, hefting giant portions of homestyle Malaysian fare at Lilliputian prices. Read more.
Between the rural, romantic vibe (pale blue walls, distressed-wood tables) and real-steal prices, this folksy American spot, from the team behind Peaches HotHouse, is tailor-made for budget dating. Read more.
Low prices and primo ingredients aren’t mutually exclusive at this retro-inspired Crown Heights sub shop, where aqua Formica walls and a lip-curling ’70s punk soundtrack set the mood. Read more.
Barbecue is a cornerstone of cheap eatin’, and there’s no better spot for carnivorous feasting on a budget than Hugh Mangum’s packed East Village smokehouse (TONY’s pick for best new 2013 BBQ joint). Read more.
For little more than a Hamilton, you can load up on a panino built atop a trusty loaf—the combo of salty prosciutto, rich buffalo mozzarella and pickled shishito peppers is a standout. Read more.
On this family-style menu, the “small” plates are big & the “big” plates are huge. Try the popular bacon-flecked mac and cheese ($9), fried pig tails ($11) and tripe chili with Fritos ($9). Read more.
The star of the no-frills menu here is the sizable cheeseburger ($12): Made with well-seasoned, griddled patties, the hefty sandwich oozes melted American cheese from beneath a toasted potato bun. Read more.
French-leaning small plates can be cobbled together to compose an excellent & affordable meal here. Try the classic croque madame ($10) or the brandade ($9), a pot of featherlight whipped salt cod. Read more.
Try the lush beef brisket, which spends up to 14 hours in the smoker before it hits the table; leaner cuts are sliced for platters ($15), while the fattier meat gets chopped up for sandwiches ($10). Read more.
Here, grilled cheese receives the star treatment & all sandwiches are under $11. Try the rich melted Gouda, offset with pickled jalapeños, sweet guava jam & creamy black-bean hummus on brioche ($10). Read more.
The candlelit patio here is a perfect spot to relax with a date. Nibble white-wine–steamed mussels with spicy chorizo ($13) or massive sandwiches like the mint-laced lamb burger ($13). Read more.
Most of the snacks on chef Jason Marcus’s often-changing menu are $10 or less. Snag a table on the lush back patio, & feast with the knowledge you’re filling your belly without emptying your wallet. Read more.
