NY Cheap/Easy

Amber: Everything. But especially the chicken parm sandwich.

Amber: Get the spicy square. Pepperoni for dayz. (Honestly, don't waste your time with anything else, the spice square is why you're here).

Amber: The Chairman and the Birdhaus baos. Pork belly or fried chicken. So simple but SO craveable.

Amber: The fried chicken sandwich is great. Add the pimento cheese.

Amber: Incredible ice cream. Another one of my favorite ice cream places in the world. The flavors are rich and the scoops are large - ordering a double is often a mistake 😂

Brew York: Delivering on a promise of "rare, new and unusual beer" from around the corner and around the world, this bar sports knowledgeable staff and an offbeat vibe in a space hidden behind Jane's Sweet Buns.

Untapped Cities: Wait! Don't leave! There's a long line for a reason. Wah Fung's $3.00 roast pork over rice is one of the best deals in the city, if not America. And it's every bit as delicious as you hope it'll be. Read more.

Amber: Fried chicken with mashed potatoes on a biscuit. Do I need to say anything else?

Amber: The Peking Duck sesame pancake is only available at the location on Eldridge. Worth the trek. Also, the coconut boba is solid.

David Bills: Great place for a solid drinks in an authentic retro lounge.

Amber: Less of an ordeal than Ippudo. Cozy laid back vibe, often possible to just walk in and the ramen is great.

Emily Wilson: Definitely get an order of the fried chicken to start, then go for any of the udon bowls.

Amber: Everything is solid. I particularly like the pulled pork sandwich but they're all good.

Suzy Tran: Lu rou fan & beef noodle soup! Pretty small menu, but delicious nonetheless.

Noah Weiss: New Italian small plates spot from the Aria team, perfect for a date with the same great value and even more cozy than the original. Burrata, lamb, all the pastas including bucatini, creme brûlée.

Amber: Great Italian sandwiches.

Amber: Honestly, you're just here for the margaritas

Nikki Bogopolskaya: If you want to avoid a line, go before 10:30AM on weekends. Grab your bagel to go and eat it in the Elizabeth Street sculpture garden a few blocks down rather than the cramped tables inside.

Amber: I have yet to find better halal in NYC. And the guy is always nice.

Amber: Chicken milanese torta isn't authentic, but if that's not a problem it's also quite tasty

Serious Eats: You go here for one thing: pork wontons in hot oil (no. 6). The thin wonton skins hold a delicate filling; mild chili oil and preserved vegetable topping make this one of the best dumplings in NYC.

Chet Mancini: Grilled cheese good for lunch meetings. Crowded, fun west village scene at happy hour.

Serious Eats: Cheap hole in the wall diner in the heart of midtown, an unlikely but delicious source for Cubanos and other sandwiches.

Untapped Cities: As its name so eloquently suggests, this place has some excellent. pork. chops. Order the pork chop over rice ($5.25), throw a marinated egg in the mix, and add a dash of soy sauce. Instant ecstasy. Read more.

Amber: Very decent Thai food for very decent prices. And cute enough to use as a date spot but casual enough to stop in for a rushed lunch special. All around solid.

Amber: With the iconic huge red banquet hall, Jing Fong may claim the title of THE classic NYC dim sum spot. The food is reliable and prices are a bit cheaper than other top spots. Def a scene on weekends.