The 12 Best “Cheap Eats” Spots on the UWS

Finding good, affordable food in Manhattan isn’t always easy, but the Upper West Side has long been home to neighborhood favorites that serve quality meals without high prices. From bagels and banh mi to pizza and ramen, the UWS offers excellent cheap eats across every meal of the day.

Breakfast Deals

​Gray’s Papaya (2090 Broadway at 72nd St)
An iconic NYC institution, Gray’s Papaya offers some of Manhattan’s best breakfast bargains. Choose from a $3.00 special of coffee and a breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese, and ham, bacon, or sausage, or try the $3.95 combo with egg, cheese, and a frank. Their “Recession Special” of two hot dogs and a tropical drink ($7.50) is legendary, making Gray’s Papaya a go-to not just for breakfast but for all-day value. The shop’s place in NYC pop culture is cemented by its cameo in Seinfeld, where Kramer famously craves a hot dog from “Papaya King.” Gray’s Papaya stands out for its service, nostalgic charm, and ability to satisfy both locals and curious visitors any time of day.​

Mila Cafe (694 Columbus Ave at 94th St)
A hidden gem that serves hearty breakfast platters at unbeatable prices. Popular items include fluffy omelets with home fries and toast for under $10, challah French toast, and sausage-egg-and-cheese sandwiches on fresh breakfast rolls. The no-frills atmosphere, friendly service, and cash-only policy keep costs low while portions stay generous. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot where you can get a satisfying breakfast platter with coffee for half the price of typical Manhattan diners.

​Irving Farm New York (224 W 79th St)
This welcoming café blends serious coffee with breakfast options that keep things affordable. Espresso drinks start at $4 (americano $4.50, cappuccino $5.50), while grab‑and‑go staples like croissants ($4–5), house‑baked muffins ($4.25), and their small‑batch breakfast sandwich—a local‑egg, cheddar, and arugula creation—stay around the $8–10 mark. It’s a top pick for quality coffee and real food at prices below most brunch spots in the area.

Lunch on a Budget

Mama’s Too! (Broadway at 105th St)
Pizza aficionados travel from across the city for Mama’s Too!, where thick, square slices with crispy edges and creative toppings like cacio e pepe or hot honey pear set the bar for slice perfection. Despite the hype, prices remain wallet-friendly, averaging $5–8 per slice for what’s easily among NYC’s best.

Tacombi (377 Amsterdam Ave at 78th St)
A taqueria serving authentic Mexican street food, Tacombi shines for its affordable, all-day “Breakfast Taco,” available for just $4.99. Whether it’s lunch or a late-afternoon craving, this soft flour tortilla filled with eggs, potatoes, and salsa is one of the best values in the neighborhood. Other favorites like their Lunchtime Taco Plato (Baja crispy fish and Al Pastor tacos with rice and beans) is also well-priced at $13.99, making Tacombi a go-to for both quick bites and lingering meals with friends.​

Bánh Vietnamese Shop House (Amsterdam at 107th St)
This casual, counter-service favorite serves flavorful dishes like sizzling buttery beef, pork belly bánh mì, and pho for about $15. The pork shoulder bánh mì, filled with pickled vegetables and chili-spiked mayo on a crusty baguette, has become a UWS staple and one of the neighborhood’s best deals.​

Sal & Carmine’s Pizza (Broadway at 102nd St)
In operation since 1959, this old-school pizzeria continues to deliver one of the best classic New York slices north of 96th Street. Large, crisp, and perfectly foldable, each slice costs under $5. It’s a no-frills experience steeped in nostalgia, ideal for a quick and satisfying lunch stop.​​

Affordable Dinner Options

Jin Ramen (Amsterdam Ave at 82nd St)
Their West Harlem restaurant at 3183 Broadway at W. 125th Street is a staple for Columbia students. Jin Ramen serves flavorful bowls starting around $17. The tonkotsu ramen, with its creamy pork broth and perfectly soft eggs, is especially popular, offering one of the most comforting dinner values in the neighborhood.​

La Caridad 72 (130 W 72nd St)
A cherished Upper West Side icon reborn, La Caridad 72 continues the Cuban-Chinese fusion tradition that defined the neighborhood for decades. Dishes like fried pork chops with rice and beans, ropa vieja, and roast chicken pair perfectly with lo mein or fried rice — a reflection of generations of culinary mixing. The decor is bright and nostalgic, and most dinners are comfortably priced under $25. The restaurant’s revival has been celebrated for keeping the same comfort flavors, warm service, and hearty portions that made the original so beloved.​

Dinastia (145 W 72nd St)
A true Upper West Side institution since 1986, Dinastia is one of New York’s last great chino-latino restaurants. The menu spans both Chinese and Latin comfort favorites — from boneless fried “crackling” chicken and roast pork fried rice to chuletas fritas and lomo salteado. Prices are refreshingly reasonable, with most dishes between $14 and $20. Despite a brief health department closure they are back in business. Dinastia remains a go-to for big portions, old-school charm, and irresistible fusion flavors.

​Charles Pan-Fried Chicken (146 W 72nd St)
Run by Harlem legend Charles Gabriel, this UWS outpost serves soul food classics at very reasonable prices. The pan-fried chicken, cooked to order in cast-iron skillets, is crisp, juicy, and comforting. Pair it with creamy mac and cheese or collard greens for a satisfying dinner under $25.

​Chirping Chicken (355 Amsterdam Avenue & 7W. 77th Street) They serve up hearty comfort food at wallet-friendly prices. Charcoal-broiled ¼ chicken with coleslaw or potato salad is a standout at about $9.75, while a half chicken meal with salad and a hot side runs around $22.75. Burgers and chicken sandwiches range from $10 to $17.50, and sides like mac and cheese or rice are just $7. Perfect for a filling, no-frills meal that’s big on flavor and value.