Best Restaurant Deals & Cheap Eats in the Neighborhood
New York City is the greatest city in the world—and it better be because it’s certainly priced as such. With the cost of living steadily increasing across all five boroughs, affordable dining options have never been in higher demand. Thankfully, our neighborhood here in Queens is still home to some amazing food that’s heavy on flavor but light on your wallet. So, to make dining out more convenient and less anxiety-inducing, we’ve rounded up 20 incredible restaurant deals and cheap eats options for you to take advantage of. Each entry on our list is under $20, and collectively, they are a great example of what makes Astoria so special. Despite rising prices, this neighborhood is still a place where you can go out, enjoy yourself, and try new things without spending an arm and a leg.
Wolfhound: $11 Burger & Beer
Few cheap eats options hit the spot better than a mouthwatering burger served alongside an ice-cold pint. It is an unbeatable combination that is perfect for any day of the week. At Wolfhound, one of Astoria’s most charming and inviting pubs, this duo will only run you $11 on weekdays from 3 pm to 7 pm. That’s right, from Monday to Friday, you’re able to take a seat at Wolfhound’s long, wooden bar and indulge in a delicious double cheeseburger and a delectable draft beer. Thanks to Wolfhound’s comforting environment and friendly staff, you’ll probably end up staying for a couple of drinks. But, even if you do, you won’t be feeling any sense of dread when paying the bill at the end of the night.
38-14 30th Ave I 718.204.2111 I wolfhoundnyc.com I 4.4 out of 5 (Yelp)
Pig Beach: $1 Wings on Saturdays
There aren’t many better places to spend a Saturday in Astoria than Pig Beach. This 28,000-square-foot restaurant with a massive outdoor courtyard space is the perfect place to unwind with some delicious drinks and even more tasty food. While they’re known for their more traditional barbecue options like brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, Pig Beach is actually home to some of the best wings in all of Astoria. And on Saturdays, those wings are available all day long for just $1. With many sauces to choose from, Pig Beach should be the top option on your list next time you’re craving some weekend wings.
35-37 36th St I 718.362.6111 I pigbeachnyc.com I 4.0 out of 5 (Yelp)
Dillingers: Daily Deals
Dillingers Pub & Grill is one of the best “true neighborhood” bars in all of Astoria. An unprenentious and welcoming spot that’s just as great for catching the game as it is for sitting down to a hearty dinner, there are so many things to love about this pub. One of the things that makes Dillingers extra special, though, is their daily food and drink deals. On Mondays, they serve up $4 appetizers. Every Tuesday is wing night, featuring budget-friendly wing deals that come with pitchers of beer. You’ll find surprisingly excellent $10 skirt steaks every Wednesday. And, lastly, Dillingers is home to $5 burgers on Thursdays. With all four of these outstanding deals, there is never a bad time to visit. So, when you’re searching for an affordable dinner, you should run—not walk—to Dillingers.
4619 30th Ave I 718.956.5601 I @dillingers_astoria I 4.0 out of 5 (Yelp)
Off the Hook Raw Bar & Grill: $1 Happy Hour Oysters
Just because Off the Hook is one of the most unique dining options in all of Astoria doesn’t mean it is one of the most expensive. Unquestionably, their top deal is their $1 happy hour oysters, which are available all night on Mondays, 4 pm to 8 pm Tuesday-Friday, and 1 pm to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. With an ambiance that’ll remind you of a coastal fishing village, a trip to Off the Hook is the perfect way to feel like you’re taking a vacation right here in the neighborhood, without breaking the bank.
28-08 34th St I 718.721.2112 I offthehooknyc.com I 4.0 out of 5 (Yelp)
Pochana: $12 Lunch Special + $16 Early Bird Dinner Special
Pochana is home to some of the finest Thai food in Astoria. And, thanks to their daily lunch and early bird dinner specials, you can enjoy a stress-free meal there on any weekday. From Monday through Friday, Pochana offers a $12 lunch special from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm that comes with both an appetizer and an entree. Then, between the hours of 5 pm and 7 pm, customers can receive an appetizer, entree, drink, and dessert all for just $16. You’d be hard-pressed to find better food at lower prices anywhere in Astoria.
33-16 30th Ave I 718.956.9559 I pochananyc.com I 4.0 out of 5 (Yelp)
Fresco’s Grand Cantina: $12 Taco Tuesdays
A restaurant that consistently hosts some of the most lively and exciting events in the neighborhood, there is always a deal worth checking out at Fresco’s. For this list, we chose their weekly Taco Tuesday offering, which features $12 taco trios and $7 margaritas all night long. With creative and delicious options available like surf n’ turf, cubano al pastor, and jerk chicken tacos, there is no going wrong when it comes to the taco menu at Fresco’s. The next time you’re looking to spice up your Tuesday evening, Fresco’s is the place you should visit.
28-50 31st St I 347.997.3070 I welovefrescos.com I 4.1 out of 5 (Yelp)
Astoria Family Pizza: $12 Extra-Large Pie on Mondays
Who says pizza night should be limited to the weekend? At Astoria Family Pizza, you can start your week off right with their $12 extra-large pie deal available every Monday to both dine-in and delivery customers. It’s a tremendous option for anyone looking to feed a group of people on a budget. Whether you’re buying it for your family or your three roommates, you definitely won’t have any complaints if you bring home an extra-large pizza from Astoria Family Pizza next Monday.
19-27 Ditmars Blvd I 718.433.9601 I heyastoriapizza.com I 4.5 out of 5 (Yelp)
Jack Jones: $14.95 Lunch Special
Nowadays, finding a worthwhile lunch option under $20 can feel like a rare feat. That is why restaurants such as Jack Jones, which serve inexpensive and delicious lunchtime offerings, are so treasured. Though you probably associate this casual Irish pub with happy hour and dinner, it also has one of the best lunch specials in Astoria. Monday to Friday from 11 am to 3:30 pm, Jack Jones is home to $14.95 lunches that come with a glass of wine or beer. Whether you’re in the mood for soup, a burger, a sandwich, or a wrap—you’ll find something at Jack Jones to satisfy your midday cravings here.
38-01 Ditmars Blvd I 929.424.3180 I jackjonesbar.com I 4.4 out of 5 (Yelp)
El Lado Taco: Daily Morning and Happy Hour Deals
A relative newcomer to the neighborhood, El Lado Taco only opened its doors to Astorians in December of last year. But, since that time, they have quickly become a favorite taco spot among locals. Some of their success and popularity can be attributed to the daily, customer-friendly deals they offer. In the mornings, El Lado Taco gives away a free coffee with any order of three breakfast tacos. It is the perfect deal for anyone looking for a quick and inexpensive breakfast on the go. Then, during happy hour, El Lado serves tacos every day for just $3. Especially for anyone who starts and finishes their daily commute at the 30th Ave subway stop, El Lado should be incorporated into their routine as soon as possible.
34-14 30th Ave I 718.795.0077 I elladotaco.com I 4.4 out of 5 (Yelp)
Hei Tiki: Daily Happy Hour Deals
Among many Astorians, the sushi bar Hei Tiki is known for having one of the best happy hours in the neighborhood. Not only are they home to some potently boozy cocktails, but their happy hour, which runs all day on Mondays and Wednesdays and 12 pm to 7 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, also features some incredible food deals. From $5 chicken karage, to $7 sushi tacos, to $3 edamame, Hei Tiki is an excellent spot to grab a quick, but filling, snack or meal after the workday ends.
34-20 Broadway I 917.745.0407 I @heitikinyc I 4.5 out of 5 (Yelp)
Murphy’s Bar: Daily Lunch Special
As the premier sports bar in the area, Murphy’s is home to some delicious pub fare. Their familiar and comfortable menu has offerings that are great for any time of day, but their impressively cheap lunch options are what we want to focus on for this list. On any day of the week, you can head to Murphy’s at lunchtime and order one of their happy hour beers to accompany either an $11 cheeseburger, $12 corned beef sandwich, $12 turkey club, $11 grilled chicken wrap, or $11 chicken parm sandwich. With these friendly deals, one visit to Murphy’s just isn’t enough. Thankfully, their deals extend to the nighttime as well, with happy hour drink pricing and discounted food options during every Mets game.
45-01 23rd Ave I 347.242.3786 I murphysbarastoria.com I 4.1 out of 5 (Yelp)
George’s Deli: $8.45 Chopped Cheese Sandwich
Though it’s not a promotional deal, the affordable options at one of Astoria’s top sandwich spots, George’s, felt like they deserved a place on this list. The deli located on the corner of 28th Ave and 37th Street is home to so many incredible sandwiches that’ll keep your lunchtime spending under $10, but we chose to highlight their $8.45 chopped cheese for this list. A historic NYC favorite, few things hit the spot more than a delicious chopped cheese. For my money, you won’t find a better one in all of Astoria than the one served up at George’s. And, as this deli is a 24-hour establishment, the George’s chopped cheese is just as perfect for the 1 pm lunch as it is for the 1 pm walk home from the bar. Either way, you won’t be breaking the bank.
36-19 28th Ave I 718.777.3200 I georgesdeliastoria.com I 4.4 out of 5 (Yelp)
Milkflower: $17 Lunch Special
It’s hard to find better pizza in Astoria than the pies served up at Milkflower. This casual, rustic Italian eatery is perfect for dinner, sure, but their daily lunch special is what makes them a true neighborhood gem. For just $17, diners can enjoy any of their uniquely wonderful pizzas and a side salad. The deal is available from 12 pm to 4 pm, and is perfect for anyone looking to indulge a bit at lunchtime without spending too much money.
34-12 31st Ave I 718.204.1300 I milkflowernyc.com I 4.2 out of 5 (Yelp)
Rivercrest: $18 Burger, Beer, and Fries Every Monday
For a simple, tasty, and no-fuss weekday dinner, there aren’t many better options in Astoria than Rivercrest. On Monday nights, specifically, this neighborhood favorite is home to an $18 burger and beer deal that comes with crinkle-cut french fries on the side. It’s a great option for anyone who is looking to jumpstart the week with something classic and satisfying without hurting their wallet. This deal is especially enticing for those who like to chase away the Monday blues by meeting a few friends for a quick bite and a pint after work. If that is you and you suggest Rivercrest for your next Monday outing, your pals surely won’t be disappointed.
33-15 Ditmars Blvd I 347.808.7887 I rivercrestnyc.com I 4.2 out of 5 (Yelp)
Sala: $15 Paella on Thursdays
If you’re looking for an authentic Spanish dining experience that comes with some strong savings, then Sala is the place for you. Not only do they have all-day happy hour drink prices every Monday and ½ off bottles of wine on Wednesdays, but their $15 paella every Thursday is an exceptionally affordable dining option. Meant for two or more people, this deal makes Sala the perfect destination for a weekday date night or dinner with friends.
34-39 31st St I 929.556.3038 I salarestaurants.com I 4.6 out of 5 (Yelp)
Ruta Oaxaca: $15.45 Taco Tuesdays
For Astorians with an affinity for Mexican cuisine, Ruta Oaxaca is a beloved spot. Their menu is packed with an authentic vibe and rich flavors. And on Tuesdays, that menu becomes a bit cheaper, with a stellar Taco Tuesday deal. All of their taco trios are available for just $15.45. If you can’t decide between their many delicious options, you can mix and match any three of their taco offerings for the same price. It is a deal that should be kept in the minds of all Mexican food lovers in the neighborhood.
35-03 Broadway I 929.349.1228 I rutaoaxacamex.com I 4.5 out of 5 (Yelp)
The Pomeroy: $15 Lunch Special
The Pomeroy is home to one of the coziest vibes and some of the most delicious food in all of Astoria. Always an excellent place to visit for dinner or brunch, their weekday lunch specials should not be forgotten. For only $15, patrons can sit down and enjoy a pint of beer alongside their choice of a burger, a grilled chicken sandwich, a spicy chicken sandwich, or a veggie sandwich with halloumi, all of which come with a side of fries. And, though they don’t technically qualify for this list because they are greater than $20, The Pomeroy’s $25 bucket of chicken deal on Mondays and $25 prime rib on Thursdays are worthy of a shoutout.
36-12 Ditmars Blvd I 718.721.1579 I thepomeroynyc.com I 4.3 out of 5 (Yelp)
Oliver’s: $10 Happy Hour and Late Night Bites Menu
An affordable lunch or dinner is always great, but for those looking for an inexpensive late-night meal, Oliver’s has you covered. Not only is their $10 bites menu available from 4 pm to 7 pm on weekdays, but it is also offered to customers every night of the week from 10 pm until closing. So, next time you’re out late, be sure to end your night at Oliver’s and treat yourself to some jumbo chicken wings, Bavarian pretzel sticks, buffalo chicken empanadas, mozzarella sticks, or truffle fries for just $10 each.
37-19 Broadway I 718.806.1476 I oliversastoria.com I 4.1 out of 5 (Yelp)
Taste of Italy: $13 Sunday Pie
When you’re craving some pizza on a Sunday but don’t feel like shelling out the usual $20-plus for a pie, turn to Taste of Italy. This revered neighborhood pizzeria offers customers a plain pie for just $13 every Sunday. It’s the perfect low-cost way to indulge in a hearty and flavorful Italian dinner before the workweek starts.
29-16 Crescent St I 718.204.5427 I tasteofitalyofastoria.com I 3.8 out of 5 (Yelp)
Hot Peppers: Daily Lunch Special
Hot Peppers’ daily lunch special is one of the best deals in all of Astoria. From 11 am to 3 pm every day, you can walk in and get a hefty and delicious burrito bowl for about $10. This deal is especially perfect for people who work from home and are always looking for a quick, easy, and affordable lunch option that will actually fill them up without costing upwards of $20. If that sounds like you, Hot Pepper should become a go-to spot immediately. After a single visit, you’ll probably never find yourself at a Chipotle at lunchtime ever again.
28-21 Steinway St I 347.676.7566 I hotpeppersinc.com I 4.3 out of 5 (Yelp)
