Order a brew, pop some money into the rock- and punk-fueled jukebox, and wait your turn for a game of pool at this tiny, knickknack-adorned place off the main drag. 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.
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.
From the Miller’s Tavern team, this cheery hole-in-the-wall is the Bruce Springsteen of burger stops—a no-fuss nod to the greasy-spoon glory days of roadside diners. Read more.
At Hide-Chan, ramen chef Kawahara focuses on tonkotsu (pork) broth—a luscious, meaty soup, more cloudy than creamy. The best way to taste it is in the ma-yu ramen. Read more.
Here, you can get 12 pork & chive dumplings for $3. "Thin skins, fried perfectly crisp, yield to your bite to reveal juicy nuggets of pork and chives so flavorful that no sauce is necessary." Read more.
Try the grilled pork chop sandwich ($8): "tender, thin slices of pork, brushed with a bit of sweet hoisin and quickly grilled, paired with a mango chutney and irresistibly crunchy, fresh bread." Read more.
Try the xiao long bao (soup dumplings). "At just the right thickness, the soup dumplings’ skins ensure that both beginner and expert can pluck them effortlessly from the steamer." Read more.
Try the pernil with beans and rice ($9.25). "The pork is on the greasy side – all the better to be mixed with rice and beans." Read more.
Try the “Haus Bao” ($3.90), endowing Creekstone beef cheek with the flavors of a classic Taiwanese street snack, it's especially tasty. Read more.
The Good Morning Dog ($5), also pretty tasty as a late night snack, is a hot dog wrapped in bacon and padded with melted cheese and a fried egg. Read more.
Takoyaki ($5) may not sound appetizing, but they're worth trying. Pieces of octopus are enrobed in wheat flour, and covered in mayo, a smoky “barbecue” sauce, dried seaweed and bonito flakes. Read more.
Try two kathi rolls ($6). "Fillings include chicken, lamb or vegetarian, but communication is rocky, so what you get may be a surprise. As long as you can take some spice, it’s all good." Read more.
