Meals for $10 or Less in New York City

You'll be surprised that you don't need to hit a fast-food chain to get a decent meal for under $10 in New York City. With these tasty choices, you might not even want to try New York City's Most Expensive Restaurants.

burger joint at Parker New York

Hidden in midtown's swanky Parker New York, this divey burger joint is a bit hard to find (ask the well dressed concierge to point you in the right direction) but it serves up tasty burgers and shakes to an in-the-know crowd. You can get a cheeseburger for $9.42. And that includes all the essential trimmings: lettuce, tomato, onion, sliced pickles, mustard, ketchup, and mayo.

Chennai Garden by Tiffin Wallah

The best deal at this South Indian restaurant that is both Kosher and vegetarian is the lunch buffet -- they even bring appetizers and freshly baked breads to your table. It's every day from 11:30 to 3:00 pm.

Corner Bistro

There is a reason that there is almost always a line at Corner Bistro -- this neighborhood joint serves up tasty burgers, crisp fries and cheap beers. It has numerous items for under $10 from the famous burger to the grilled chicken sandwich. The BLT, Grilled Cheese, and Chili Bowl are also excellent options.

Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop

This Flatiron sandwich shop has been around since 1929, offering a serving of nostalgia with their traditional luncheonette menu. Some of the shop's best sandwiches such as the tuna melt and the chicken salad sandwich are under $10. The sandwiches are hearty, leaving you happy and full for hours. You can also order matzo ball soup, chopped liver, breakfast sandwiches, and more within your budget.

Great NY Noodletown

While it might not be much to look at, this Chinatown staple serves delicious Cantonese dishes and roast meats. Open late, Great NY Noodle Town is a great choice for filling up after a night on the town. But New Yorkers know it's the place to come for a delicious snack. Numerous items from the roast duck to the fried rices are under $10. You'll be surprised by how packed it is at all hours of the day.

Mamoun's

This surprisingly affordable (and very popular) falafel joint serves tasty falafel and Middle Eastern cuisine late into the evening. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will be satisfied by Mamoun's, though it might be tough to find a place to sit in this tiny restaurant. It's best to get your falafel to go ($5.00 for a sandwich. $8.25 for a plate) and eat it outside while people watching.

Original Nicky's

Nicky's serves up classic bahn mi with paté, ham, ground pork, pickled carrot, cucumbers, cilantro, jalapeno, and mayo on a baguette at this small East Village restaurant. Almost everything on the menu, from the pho to the sandwiches, is under $10 except for a few of the specials (and even those hover just over it at $11 or $12.)

Sip Sak

The Middle Eastern food served at Sip Sak is a great respite from cheap meals of pizza and burgers. The freshly baked Turkish bread is top-notch and what's even better is that you can bring your own bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal.

Shake Shack

When the weather is nice, this is a great choice for dinner or lunch. Have a seat at one of the many tables, or take up some space on the park's grassy lawns and enjoy Chicago style hot dogs, burgers and concretes at this Madison Square Park burger stand operated by Danny Meyer (of Eleven Madison Park, Union Square Cafe, and Tabla fame). There are also indoor restaurants across the city including next to the Natural History Museum and in Fulton Street Station.