4 Best Restaurants in New York City, New York

Gray's Papaya

$ | Upper West Side

It's a stand-up, take-out, 24-hour dive: but yes, limos do sometimes stop here for these legendary hot dogs—they are delicious, and quite the economical meal. The recession special is two grilled hot dogs and a drink, and there are cheap breakfast offerings, too, like the quintessential egg and cheese on a roll. Skip the other location in Midtown; it just doesn't compare.

Gray's Papaya

$ | Upper West Side

It's a stand-up (no seats) or take-out dive, but yes, limos often stop here, too, for the legendary hot dogs—they are fresh grilled on a flattop and delicious, and quite the economical meal, even when they're washed down with the eponymous papaya drink. The ongoing recession special is two grilled hot dogs and a fresh fruit drink for just $6.95, and cheap breakfast offerings include the quintessential egg and cheese on a roll. Credit cards can be used for orders of $10 or more.

Lemon Ice King of Corona

$ | Corona

If you're looking for an authentic Queens experience, there are few as true as eating an Italian ice from the Lemon Ice King of Corona on a hot summer day. A neighborhood institution for more than 70 years, this place has dozens of flavors to dig into (just note there are no seats).

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Red Hook Food Vendors Marketplace

$ | Red Hook
Food trucks selling top-notch, mostly Central American food have been congregating at the Red Hook sports fields on weekends (April--October, 10 am to sundown) for more than 40 years to feed hungry sports enthusiasts and foodies looking for exemplary cheap eats. The nine fields are undergoing a rotating, several-years-long rehabilitation, and there are fewer food trucks than in years past, but the selection is still tempting. Be on the lookout for the Vendy Award–winning El Olomega, with their famed pupusas (corn tortillas stuffed with delicious fillings).