Street Food Vendors in NYC?

Street vendors are out all the time - except for blizzards and huricanes. There are so many it's impossible to list the good ones unless you tell us at least areas you'll be in. (And they have food only in hthe morning and at lunch - not later in the day.)

As for budget friendly restaurants - do you men like Gray's Papaya - where you can get 2 dogs and a drink for next to nothing? Or a deli? Or a sit down restaurant?

There are hundreds of inexpensive ones - if you tell us neighborhood and type of food, and define budget - people can help more.

you may find this article helpful in finding street vendors:
http://nymag.com/restaurants/features/33526/

Street Food vendors are out all year round in NYC (except perhaps if there happens to be a blizzard or torrential rains). There are literally 1,000's of them in NYC - impossible to say which are the "best" - most sell simple foods. You'll find lots of them around the major tourist attractions and near the business & financial districts as well as near libraries and parks.

Same with "budget family" retaurants - they can be found all over the city - almost one on every block.

Where exactly in NYC will you be? How far are you willing to walk/ride to dine or find a street food vendor? What types of cusine do you like? What $ amount meets your definition of "budget friendly"?

Sorry that I wasn't more specific! We are staying at the Hyatt in Jersey City and will try to make it to all the major attractions! There are 4 of us! The kids are 16 and 11! I guess I consider budget friendly less than $100 for the 4 of us.

Even the street vendors charge more in the tourist areas.

How to eat cheaply in NYC

Breakfast

Every, and I do mean every, neighborhood in Manhattan have what are euphemistically called delis. Almost all have some sort of breakfast specials that usually includes eggs, potatoes, toast and coffee. If you are not hungry or are cholesterol adverse, they also usually sell sliced fruit and yogurt. Of course there are bagels and pastries. NEVER EVER order room service.

There are many places that make their bagels. NOT DUNKIN DONUTS. Some of the better one’s include Ess-a-Bagel, H &H. Murray’s Tal’s, David’s. Avoid the bagel place in Chelsea Market.

Lunch

Part of the NY experience is to avoid chain restaurants. There are an incredible variety of inexpensive foods, among them Chinese and Indian. Quality varies substantially. If you are in or near Chinatown, there are many places including Big Wong’s. If you are near the East Village East 6th Street has literally 17 Indian restaurants to choose from. There are also excellent Indian restaurants on Lexington Avenue in the high 20’s. If you are in the East Village you can also have inexpensive Eastern European cooking at Veselka, Filipino at Elvie’s, comfort food at Mama’s.

Every NY’er cannot resist a frank at Gray’s Papaya. Papaya refers to one of the drinks available. Nathan’s are also very good but they are much more expensive.

Pizza is a long lunch standby-do not go to ANY chain, the cheese is older than the kids who make it. Look for by the slice places and try a calzone as well, you will not eat for two days.

Sidewalk hot dog venders are always cheap, avoid the guys around Rock Center, you pay a premium.
There are those who wonder about the hygiene, the dogs are boiled and the knishes grilled for forever.

Free samples are available at Dean & Deluca, Sarabeth’s, and Gourmet Garage.

It is the rare independent bakery in NYC that does not have at least bread or pastry that is enticing.

Dinner

When we travel we often buy different foods as we walk around the city and put them in our backpacks and have dinner in the hotel room. In NYC you will probably see foods that are unfamiliar. Carry a knife, forks, and a corkscrew. Among the better places to buy foods as you walk-Greenmarkets including Union Square.

The following are expensive but cheaper than a meal for either prepared foods, fruits, cold cuts, and desserts-Balducci’s. Dean & DeLuca, Zabar’s, Zeytuna, Gourmet Garage, and Chelsea Market.

The following are downtown:

Indian-Brick Lane-Banjara, Mitali, Brick Lane

Inexpensive Italian- La Marca (3rd Ave. and 22 Street, only opened noon-10 PM, Mon-Fri)

Inexpensive Eastern European- Veselka

Very Inexpensive Filipino-Elvie's

French Bistro-Cafe Deville $14.95 daily multi-course pre-fixe

Tapas-Xunta. Bar Carrera,

Dessert-Veniero's, DeRobertis for the frozen lemon thing and tortonis.

Brunches-Five Points, Zoe's, Blue Ribbon Bakery ,Turkish Kitchen , City Bakery (18th off 5th), Cafecito (Ave C), Clinton Street Bakery ,9th St. Market, small and impossible to get into.

Pizza-Lombardi's Totonno’s (2nd and 26th.) Pizza Fresca

Hole in the wall-Stage (next to Stomp) great cheap home made soups

French fires-Pomme Frites

Inexpensive American-Mama’s

Ice Cream-Cones on Bleecker, Australia, Il Laboratorio de Gelato, Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

Chinatown-Big Wong. Joe’s Ginger, NY Noodletown

Dim Sum-Jing Fung, Golden Unicorn

tambennet:

You just got a classic helpful Fodors answer my by aduchamp!

Hey aduchamp: Do you know if Wo Hop and Hung Fat still exist on Mott Street? That was my "college day's" Chinese value!!
John

Less than $100 for a meal for 4 people - when you consider tax and tip (assuming you want to sit down) is VERY tight budget. That actually leaves you $20 a person for the meal and beverage.

This can be done at one of the sit down delis (sandwich and soda, burger plate etc) or some of the ethnic places - which often have specials at lunch (many Chinese or Indian places have a plate for $8.95 or so - which with beverage, tax and tip will come to about $55 for lunch. This would allow you a little more leeway for dinner. But you'll still have to be careful.

If you go to menupages.com you will find a lot of choices for all areas with budget indicated plus an actual menu and diner reviews.

Whatever you do stay away from the standard chain places (Firdyas, etc). They charge much more for the same things in NYC and the food is the same awful micro-nuked stuff they serve at the local mall.

Also hope you realize that thee budgets mean no alcoholic drinks at all - a glass of basic wine will set you back at least $7 anyplace in the city - often way more.

Hey aduchamp: Do you know if Wo Hop and Hung Fat still exist on Mott Street? That was my "college day's" Chinese value!!

I believe Wo Hop is still there but Hung Fat is gone.

Try http://www.villagevoice.com/restaurants/search for info on very inexpensive, but very good ethnic restaurants, street food and cheap eats. You can do a search according to price, neighborhood and/or cuisine.
Also NY Magazines; feature cheap eats lists lots of places:
http://nymag.com/restaurants/cheapeats/2007/

Wo Hop was my cheap college choice as well. It's still down the steps at 17 Mott, still cheap, and they still serve hot tea in a water glass.

New York Magazine's top 20 list.

http://nymag.com/restaurants/features/33527/

The Hallo Berlin cart on 54th is as good as advertised.

I know the line at the Halal cart at 53rd and Sixth is crazy. When I was staying at the New York Hilton, I would sometimes see 50-60 people in that line late at night.

One night we were walking back from the theatre and all of sudden the skies opened and just poured (and I mean pour). We made a dash for the hotel as we were just across the street. All the people in the cart line were totally drenched and not one of them left!!

paula,
i know what you mean. i have seen insane never ending
lines there but unfortunately never had the patience to wait.
it must be good!

abranz-I never tried it either. Also didn't have the time or patience. Maybe on my next trip.

This is not in Manhattan - but check out the falaffel guy at 34th Avenue and Steinway Street in Queens - out of this world and cheap.

The best take out Chinese is Szechuan Kitchen 1st Ave and 79th St (East Side of street) in Manhattan.

Go to the real Nathans in Coney Island. Have a beer, a few dogs, and some cheese fries......

Pizza - never go to a chain place - Never go to a hyped up place....Broadway Bakery (willoughby Street in Brooklyn by Adams Street has slices for 1.50)

Passed that cart at 53rd and 6th the past two nights. Tonight the line was crazy long even in the rain. We asked someone walking away with his food how much it was -- $6 for a "panful" (disposable container) of food. It sure looked good too!

My husband has noticed that New Yorkers seem to have a knack of eating on the move. A hot dog or sandwich is one thing, but walking while eating out of one of those pans must take some practice.

I always liked the halal guy on 5th Ave and 18th Street, in front of the Gap.

For street-food vendors, this looks worth investigation: http://www.takepart.com/tag/street-food-nominees/

Wo Hop is still around and still popular with kids (they're open 24/7) but I think Hong Fat is gone.
http://www.explorechinatown.com/Gui/Content.aspx-Page=Event.htm

Now you're staying at the Hyatt? I'm confused.

No, we ended up booking the Doubletree because of reviews on tripadvisor!

mclaurie-We booked the Hampton Inn inSoho per your suggestion! Thanks so much! I'm sure we will love it!

Our family of four (husband, me & kids ages 17 and 14) did a "cheap eats" vacation in NYC the summer of 2007. The kids still talk about their two favorites:
1. John's Pizzeria, 278 Bleecker Street
2. The Burger Joint at LeParker Meridian, 118 W 57th St

I did a LOT of research online and these made our list, too, but we didn't get to them (too little time as always):
* Dumpling Man, 100 St Marks Place
* LaBomme Soupe, 48 W 55th (sounds nice for December!)
* Gray's Papaya, 539 8th Ave
* Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop, 174 5th Ave (we did eat here and it was good, get the traditional egg cream)
* Tulcingo del Valle, 665 10th Ave
* Cafe Edison, 228 W 47th St

Try this link for the 2008 version of NY Magazine's Cheap Eats: http://nymag.com/restaurants/cheapeats/2008/

Also, simply Google "Cheap Eats New York City" and see what you come up with.

IMHO you CAN do it for under $100 for a family of four. Simply order water (not bottled) for your beverage!

ENJOY!

I have eaten out of the Halal Cart ib 53rd street. When I use to work in that area,
I would take the $3.50 chicken with 'white sauce' wrap up to Central Park and make it a mini lunch picnic!
Gives a new meaning to "A la Carte"

Glad you got the HI Soho! Just steps away at 15 Watts St. is Lola's, a restaurant with southern food that's beautiful and delicious. If you want a bit of a splurge, go for the gospel brunch on Sun. It's $27/person but lots of food including dessert (and a drink for the adults) and a fun time. Get there at 11:30. If that's too pricey, lunch is reasonable. lolissoul.com

Some other cheap eats nearby

Mooncake Foods (Asian)
Broome St. Bar (burgers, salads, brunch etc.)
Xicala (Spanish tapas with flamenco on Tues. http://www.xicala.net/pages/tapas.html)
Lombardi's for pizza is not far

My favorite street cart is at Madison & 62 st. If you go to FAQ Schwarz, it's not far. It's also near Barney's who always have great Xmas windows. The problem is the grilled chicken in pita with white sauce is soooo messy. Get LOTS of napkins. http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/tony-dragon-dragonas/

I also LOVE Gray's Papaya. There's one on 72 st & Broadway not far from Mus. of Nat. Hist. Crif's Dogs in the east village is also supposed to be very good. Then there's Shake Shack, THE go to for burgers now. Here's a fun list
http://nymag.com/nymetro/food/guides/cheapeats2004/9543/

Sorry, typo for Lola's

http://lolaissoul.com/

Thank you!!!!

Are the hours of operation for the street vendors adjusted during the winter months?

I don't know if anyone gave you the link for this article from NY Mag, but if you click on the name of the cart, it gives hrs. and locations. Calexico is not far from your hotel.

http://nymag.com/restaurants/features/33527/

for cheap eats, you can't miss st. marks place.
it is full of several cheap places especially as it's main clientele are student from nyu and other schools.
a couple of my favourites :

klongs - thai street food- dd and i were just craving their calamari and wishing we could have it fed exed to s.f.

jules bistro - french bistro with jazz at night

there is a mediterranean place a few doors away from jules that is also excellent. sorry, i am blanking out on the name..

For something sweet:

The Dessert Truck
http://www.desserttruck.com/

Thanks for the great ideas! Please keep them coming!

Thanks for all the links!! I found the Vendie winners! I think I'm looking more forward to the food than the sightseeing!

Some other cheap eats for a sit down meal:
In the times square area:
Bella Vita - cheap Italian/Pizza with decent food.
Dervish Turkish - good multi course pre-theater prix fixe
Basilica (Italian)- also good pre-fixe deal.

In the village area:
Cafe Spice (Asian) - University and 10th st
Saigon Grill (vietnamese) - University and 12th (there are other locations as well)
La Annan (vietnamese) - University and 13th (also has other locations)
John's on 12th street (e 12th and 1st av) - red sauce italian
Cascata (Italian & sullivan) - Bleecker St, also has reasonable prix fixe.
Cafe Mogador (Middle Eastern) at St Marks place and 1st av.
Moustache (middle eastern) - e. 10th and 1st
Lederhosen (german) - Grove St and Bleecker

CHeck menupages for reviews and to view menus.

If you're staying in Jersey City at the Hyatt or the Doubletree, there is a great little diner about a block or two from the hotel - it's called the Flamingo, and it's a great inexpensive place to grab a traditional 'two eggs, hash browns, toast and coffee' breakfast before jumping on the PATH train or the ferry into Manhatten. We always stay at the Hyatt in Jersey City when we go to NYC - it's the best secret for traveling to the Big Apple I know!

kcm0894-We actually changed our hotel to the new Hampton Inn in Soho! Better price! Thanks for the rec!

My most memorable memory of a NYC street vendor was watching someone reach their hand in through the back of the stand to grab a handful of hot food while the vendor was gazing off into space waiting for customers. Put me right off!

By the way, the best bagel I had during my stay was from JFK airport on the morning of my departure - still warm, it was.

By the way, the best bagel I had during my stay was from JFK airport on the morning of my departure - still warm, it was.

That wasn't a bagel.

You guys have a great sense of humor! I love the comments!

So, as you know I am excited about eating while I am in NYC! It's really my favorite thing to do!!! I have been researching the best street carts and wanted ya'lls opinion!
My 1st choice is The Halal cart on 53rd street and 6th ave.
My 2nd choice is Calexico in Soho.
My 3rd is Kwik Meal on 45th and 6th!
Which is your favorite? I am hoping to hit all three while in town!
We definitely want to stay away from any chain! Any recommendations for Chinatown and Little Italy?

Most NYers major recommendation for Little Italy is not to eat there--every NY neighborhood has a better Italian restaurant than most you find there. If you really must, I find Da Nico on Mulberry St acceptable.

For Chinatown, I either return to the days of my youth at Wo Hop, down the stairs at 17 Mott St, or go for delicious newness at Dim Sum Go Go at 5 East Broadway.

i agree with NYtraveler...check menupages.com.

bookmarking...thank you!