The Best Places To Eat In Times Square On A Budget

Los Tacos No.1

One of my all-time favorite spots and one of the best affordable restaurants in NYC has to be Los Taco No. 1. Prepare your taste buds for a south-of-the-border sensation, this taco haven is nothing short of legendary in the heart of Times Square. With so much to choose from I would have to say my personal favorite is their Adobada marinated pork taco. With loads of affordable options and over 10,000 5-star reviews, Los Tacos No. 1 has solidified its status as one of the New York City's best taco and there’s a reason it is #1 on my list of the best places to eat in Times Square on a budget. If you love Mexican food feel free to check out my list of Best Mexican Restaurants Near Times Square.

What To Order: Adobada Pork Taco

Price: $5.25

Location: 229 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036

Website: Los Tacos No.1

Broad Nosh Bagels

If you’re on the hunt for a quintessential New York City bagel on a budget then Broad Nosh Bagels is your answer. This iconic bagel spot near Times Square offers an impressive selection of handmade bagels, ranging from classic everything bagels to blueberry bagels. Now look, everyone is different but my absolute all time favorite bagel has to be their bacon, egg, and cheese bagel (aka the baconeggncheese). I recommend you try this classic NYC sandwich on a toasted everything or sesame seed bagel. Once you visit Broad Nosh Bagels you will under why they are Number 2 on my list of the best affordable restaurants in Midtown NYC.

What To Order: Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Bagel

Price: $7.00

Location: 587 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Website: Broad Nosh Bagels Deli & Catering

Joe's Pizza Broadway

I couldn't create a list of the best places to eat in Times Square on a budget and not mention Joe's Pizza. This iconic spot has been hand-making pizza since 1975 and they offer some of the best slices of pizza in Times Square. One of my personal favorites is their classic Cheese Pizza Slice or their Pepperoni Pizza Slice and at only $4.00 per slice this spot is both filling and budget friendly. Just a warning, there might be a line, but trust me—it's totally worth the wait!

What To Order: Classic Cheese Pizza Slice

Price: $4.00

Location: 1435 Broadway, New York, NY 10018

Website: Joe's Pizza

The Halal Guys

The Halal Guys are the undisputed GOATS for budget friendly food in Times Square, serving thousands of hungry New Yorkers every single day. One of my personal favorites is their signature beef gyro wrap. For a only $8.00 you get a truly authentic NYC food that comes wrapped up in a warm pita, with succulent beef gyro, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and their legendary white sauce and spicy red sauce.

What To Order: Beef Gyro Wrap

Price: $8.00

Location: 6th Avenue &, W 53rd St, New York, 10019

Website: The Halal Guys

Bites of Xi'an

Get ready for a taste bud fiesta at Bites of Xi'an, where flavor takes center stage, and every bite is a journey to the vibrant streets of Xi'an, China, right now it becomes a classical Times Square food ! ! The absolute must-try is the crispy Chinese-style beef burger – a game-changer that'll redefine your burger expectations. Picture this: a Chinese-style pita bread stuffed with spicy and aromatic beef, creating a flavor explosion that's nothing like your ordinary American cheeseburger. Not only will it tantalize the taste buds but also keeps your wallet happy, costing only $5.50, the tenderness and juiciness of each bite make it one of the best tasting cheap eats NYC.  If you are in the mood for something a little different you should also try their Pan Fried Pork and Chive Dumplings.

If you are also a fan of Chinese food, welcome to click on Chinatown Restaurant Guide.

What To Order: Chinese Style Aromatic Beef Burger or Pan Fried Pork and Chive Dumplings

Price: $5.00 - $6.00

Location: 555 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10018

Website: Bites of Xi'an

Gray's Papaya

Now Gray’s Papaya hot dog isn’t strictly in Times Square but if you’re happy to travel 10 minutes up Broadway you won't be disappointed. Gray's Papaya is the most popular hotdog spot in New York City and has been selling hotdogs on the Upper West Side for over 50 years. Now, if you're looking to experience the real deal be sure to get the 100% grilled beef hotdog and pair it up with their legendary papaya juice combo. For just $5.00, you're getting a taste of history, flavor, and that perfect New York hotdog.

What To Order: Beef Hotdog and Papaya Juice

Price: $5.00

Location: 2090 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

Website: Gray's Papaya

Falafel Station

if you’re in the mood for some delicious Middle Eastern and are looking for delicious cheap restaurants near Times Square then you have to visit Falafel Station. They offer some of the best budget-friendly meals in the area and my personal favorite would be their Classic Falafel Pita. This homemade pita is generously stuffed with crispy falafel, a medley of fresh salad, zesty pickles, and the pièce de résistance – a drizzle of authentic tahini sauce. It's like a party for your taste buds that won't break the bank, coming in at just $9.00.

What To Order: Crispy Falafel Pita Sandwich

Price: $9.00

Location: 316 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018

Website: Falafel Station

Empanada Mama

You can’t have a list of Times Square cheap eats without mentioning Empanada Mama - one of the best food places times square. This quick bites Latin restaurant near Times Square offers some of the best empanadas in the city. My personal favorite has to be their Spicy Chicken Empanadas. Slow-cooked chicken breast meets the bold kick of their signature picante sauce, creating a spicy symphony that's a fiery delight for all spice enthusiasts. These little fried pocket rockets are the epitome of street food, and with each empanada priced at less than $5, Empanada Mama is a must-try on my list of cheap eats near Times Square.

What To Order: Spicy Chicken Empanada

Price: $5.00

Location: 200 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018

Website: Empanada Mama

Magnolia Bakery

Step into the sweet haven that is Magnolia Bakery, an absolute icon of New York City. This renowned bakery, catapulted to fame by its cameo in Sex and the City, is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Indulge in the epitome of dessert perfection with their signature cupcakes, priced at $4.15 each. These little bites of heaven are not just treats for the taste buds but a visual feast as well, adorned with swirls of heavenly frosting. Alternatively, I'd also recommend trying out their Banana Pudding.

What To Order: Sex & The City Cupcakes or Banana Pudding

Price: $4.15 and $4.95

Location: 1240 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020

Website: Magnolia Bakery

DD Soup Dumpling & Fuji Hibachi

DD Soup Dumpling & Fuji Hibachi is one of the best restaurants near Times Square, they have an amazing selection of dishes that are sure to please everyone. My personal favorite has to be their Pan Fried Pork Buns, they are a delectable delight that will only set you back $10 so they’re the perfect dish if you’re in the neighborhood and want some cheap food near Times Square. As well as fantastic food they also have a great happy hour Times Square has to offer.

What To Order: Pan Fried Pork Buns

Price: $10.00

Location: 321 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036

Website: DD Soup Dumpling & Fuji Hibachi

Conclusion: Where to Find the Places To Eat In Times Square On A Budget

Times Square has some of the best affordable restaurants in NYC. From Middle Eastern cuisine to classic New York style pizza slices, there is something for everyone on every budget. If you're a foodie and want to experience the best food in New York City or other popular spots like Greenwich Village,  hope you enjoy this food guide and , join us on one of our walking New York City food tours. We visit Times Square restaurants restaurants, and try authentic dishes from around the city.