20 best affordable places to eat in Times Square 

20 best affordable places to eat in Times Square

Times Square, the heart of New York City, is known for its lights, broadway shows, and constant buzz of activity. Seen as an expensive place for dining, people usually avoid eating in the Square. Here's a list of the 20 best budget-friendly places to eat in Times Square. From Pizzas to Dimsums, we've got you covered.

20. Pure Thai Cookhouse

This is the place to come to when craving Thai cuisine. Serving authentic Thai food at an affordable range, this place is a hidden treasure. Just a short walk from Times Square. Food starts at just $12, and one could opt for their popular dishes like Chicken Satay Buns or Ratchaburi Crab and Pork Dry Noodles or Ratchaburi Crab and Pork Dry Noodles just for $13. This is the place to go when you're on a budget and craving some delicious Thai food.

19. Szechuan Gourmet

Szechuan Gourmet serves up a mouthwatering selection of delicious and spicy Chinese dishes. Located close to Times Square, this place serves affordable and hearty portions just at the cost of $12. Definitely a place to visit when you feel like having spicy Chinese food. Their Steamed Pork Soup Dumplings and Spicy Beef Stew Noodle Soup are a must-try!

18. Margon

When you're in the mood for some Cuban-Dominican food, you should visit Margon. Not very far from Times Square, the place serves mouthwatering sandwiches, stew, chops, and many more. The Cuban Sandwich Cubano, Roast Pork Pernil Roasted Chicken, and their Oxtail Stew Black Beans and Rice are a must try. Starting at just $14, making it affordable to experience Cuban-Dominican cuisine.

17. Toloache Taqueria

Toloache Taqueria is a Mexican Restaurant that offers a taste of Mexican cuisine at a budget-friendly price. Located near Times Square, it serves one of the best tacos, churros, steak, and rice and beans, starting at just $13. A must-try restaurant with your loved ones to experience fine dining and authentic Mexican cuisine at a budget-friendly price.

16. Wok To Walk

Craving for some quick and tasty stir-fry dishes near Times Square? Wok to Walk is the place to visit where you can create your own meal, choosing from an array of noodles, vegetables, and proteins to mix and match, tailoring it to your preference. The best part is that it's not even expensive. You can experience Asian stir-fry dishes for less than $14. Where else can you get this in the heart of New York?

15. Maison Kayser

Want to experience some French pastries, sandwiches, and salads? You don't have to go all the way to France. You could experience all of this right in the heart of New York. Just around the corner, Maison Kayser offers the best in bakeries, with most of its items under $15. What are you waiting for?

14. Joe's Pizza

Who hasn't heard of Joe's Pizza? Even non-New Yorkers know how good the pizza from Joe's is. The legendary pizza place has been up and running for almost 50 years. Right at the heart of New York, one can enjoy authentic New York Pizza at just $12.

13. 2 Bros Pizza

Another Pizza place on the list where you can find some tasty and affordable pizzas. For only a dollar per slice, it's the perfect deal in Times Square when you're on the go. Pizza is not the only food you get here. Calzones and Strombolis are priced at $10.50 and $11.25, respectively. Different kinds of pasta are also available; you can get Baked Ziti for just $13.50 and Chicken Parmigiana for $12. In addition, you can enjoy sides like French Fries for $2.50 and Mozzarella Sticks (six sticks) for $3.00. It's the perfect place to throw a party at.

12. Empanada Mama

Finding delicious Empanadas at Times Square isn't that hard when it's around the corner. Serving the best Empanadas with creative fillings, this is the place to visit for a satisfying snack at a budget-friendly price. Their Jerk and Cheese, Shredded beef, and the Pollo a La Plancha are a must-try.

11. Xi’an Famous Foods

Xi’an Famous Foods has been a famous joint for years in Times Square, serving food classics like spicy lamb noodles and cumin lamb burgers for just $13. It's known for its taste and its affordable prices. It's an excellent place to visit, just a few steps from Times Square.

10. Ess-a-Bagel

If you love bagels, then you'll love this place. Serving the best bagels in NYC, with a wide range of spreads and toppings at just $13. They have you covered, from the simplest bagel with just cream and cheese to meat-filled bagel sandwiches—the best place to visit to enjoy some tasty bagels.

9. Patzeria Perfect Pizza

The third pizza place on the list, Patzeria Perfect Pizza, serves authentic New York-style pizza at an affordable price. Just a few steps away from Times Square, they're known for their fast service and tasty pizzas. For $13, you can get pizzas, making it the best spot to hang out with your friends.

8. Dim Sum Palace

The go-to place for your Dimsum cravings, The Dim Sum Palace offers an enticing Asian fusion menu. Signature dishes include har gow, tender dumplings filled with shrimp, as well as crowd-pleasers like shumai and BBQ pork buns. You can easily find what you crave for here at an affordable rate.

7. Havana Central

Located in Times Square, Havana Central is a homage to Cuban cuisine, culture, and music. This spot serves timeless favorites such as ropa vieja, sofrito empanadas, and pernil asado alongside cherished recipes at a pocket-friendly price. They also offer a wide range of drinks. Some must-tries are the Passion Fruit Spritz and the Blood Orange "Margarita."

6. Carmine's

A proper Italian joint that offers the taste of Southern Italy. The family restaurant offers generous portions perfect for sharing. The menu features hearty antipasto, pasta, seafood, meat entrees, and homemade desserts at an affordable price. This is the place to visit with your family on the weekends.

5. Brooklyn Deli

Located in Times Square, the Brooklyn Deli has served the people for years. It is known for its classic deli favorites, including pastrami sandwiches, chicken noodle soup, and other comforting, nostalgic dishes inspired by Brooklyn’s rich heritage. Yes, it is affordable as well. One could have multiple dishes for just $15.

4. All'Antico Vinaio

All'Antico Vinaio, known for its delicious sandwiches and freshly baked Tuscan schiacciata bread in Times Square, is the place to go as it's tasty and affordable. Starting at just $12. Each sandwich, crafted with authentic flavors, is a must-try, from their spicy L'inferno to the mouth-smacking La Favolosa to the classic The New Yorker.

3. Criollas Baked Empanadas

Criollas Baked Empanadas creates gourmet empanadas that blend traditional Argentine flavors with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, making it stand out from other places in Times Square. Their menu contains a variety of options to satisfy your appetite. With combos available at just $13. This is a must-try place in Times Square.

2. Jakarta Munch

Jakarta Munch lets you create your own Indonesian rice and salad bowls. You can choose your base, protein, and salad. You can add whatever you wish to. Base ranging from white rice, coconut rice, salad, or a mix of both, protein ranging from chicken, beef, vegan meat, or mushrooms and sauces such as spicy gulai, savory opor, sweet semur, or spicy balado and starting at just $10 and going up to $16. this place offers a range of options at excellent prices.

1. Hainan Jones

Hainan Jones offers Singapore dishes in Times Square, which is in the heart of NYC. Chefs from Singapore cook the famous Chicken Rice with poached, roasted, and fried options. Other options are also available starting at just $16. This is the perfect spot to visit when craving some Singaporean Chicken Rice.