Eating Out on a Budget in Manhattan

It is very easy to spend $50-$100 for a meal at a high end trendy restaurant in Manhattan. It is something you should experience at least once, but let’s face it, not many people can afford to do it all the time, especially if you are visiting with a family But if you know what to look for, you can get a good, satisfying meal for less than $25 and in some budget restaurants less than $20. True, you will have to give up the ambiance- the white table cloths, fancy china, plush carpeting etc., but once you get the bill, you will not miss it at all. There are some things to look for. First of all Diners, pubs, Chinese restaurants, Delis, all are more likely to be a budget restaurant. . Also, you will find more budget restaurants out side of mid town. There are some budget restaurants there, but not that many. Look in the side streets instead of the main avenues. Try the neighborhoods to the south, like the ones listed below. Look in the restaurant’s window. Many of them have the menu posted there. In the examples below, the items are from the dinner menu unless it says otherwise. The dinner menu is usually more expensive than the lunch menu, so you can figure to get lunch at an even better price. Drinks are not included. There are just too many choices. Don’t forget you have to figure the tip and the 8 1/4% New York City sales tax into the total. When you go to any restaurant ask if they have daily specials. Many of them do, and they do not necessarily have them posted.

Budget Restaurants in Chelsea, Manhattan