GET YOUR Cheap Eats ON!
Astoria’s diverse and exceptional culinary offerings are a big part of what makes the neighborhood so special. But, as any New York City resident knows, consistently eating out at these great restaurants can be a strain on the wallet. With the cost of living steadily increasing across all five boroughs, affordable dining options are more in demand now than ever before. Luckily, there are still plenty of great spots in Astoria that can provide a worthwhile dining experience without breaking the bank. So, we’ve curated a list of 20 must-try restaurant deals and cheap eats options that will make you feel less guilty about eating out. Collectively, the entries on this list show that, despite prices rising throughout the city, Astoria is still a neighborhood where you can come together with friends and neighbors to enjoy a communal experience without having to worry too much about the financial burden.
JACK JONES: $14.95 LUNCH SPECIAL
Image Courtesy of Jack Jones Bar
Though you probably associate this casual Irish pub with dinner, happy hour, and weekend drinks, it is also home to potentially the best lunch special in all of Astoria. Monday to Friday, from 11 am to 3:30 pm, Jack Jones serves up $14.95 lunch offerings, where diners can pair a glass of wine or beer with a soup & sandwich, burger, sandwich, or wrap. The menu changes weekly, so you’ll never know for sure what to expect, but rest assured, the choices are always delicious. It is a premier lunch special at a time when finding a satisfying and hearty midday meal for less than $20 can feel like a rare feat.
38-01 Ditmars Blvd | 929.424.3180 / jackjonesbar.com
WOLFHOUND: $11 BURGER + BEER
Image Courtesy of Wolf Hound NYC
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 for less money than most fast food meals cost. 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 | 718.204.2111 / http://wolfhoundnyc.com/
EAT IT FOOD TRUCK
Image Courtesy of Eat It Astoria
For commuters getting off at the 30th Ave subway stop after a hard day at work, there is no better affordable, delicious, and convenient dinner option than the Eat It food truck. Located at the corner of 33rd Street and 30th Ave, Eat It serves up some of the best halal food in the neighborhood at extremely reasonable prices. Their platters, which consist of a choice of lamb, chicken, kofta, or falafel over rice or fries with a salad, only run customers about $10. If you’re looking for something that will fill you up without costing too much time or money, Eat It is the place to go. Upgrading from a cart to a truck last year, they are a true neighborhood success story, one that continues to give back to the community through their well-prepared and delicious food.
30 Ave and 33rd St | 646.600.1461 | @eatit_astoria
HOT PEPPERS: DAILY LUNCH SPECIAL
Image Courtesy of Hot Peppers
A hearty and healthy burrito bowl is always a great lunchtime choice. At Hot Peppers, it will only cost about $10 for one every day of the week, from 11 am to 3 pm. It’s an exceptional deal for anyone, but especially perfect for those who work from home and are consistently looking for quick, easy, and affordable lunch options that will actually satisfy their cravings without costing upwards of $20. If that sounds like you, Hot Peppers needs to be incorporated into your weekly routine immediately. After a single visit, you’ll probably never find yourself paying extra for guacamole at Chipotle at lunchtime ever again.
28-21 Steinway St | 347.676.7666
MI ESPIGUITA: $1 TACOS
Located under the N/W on 31st St, Mi Espiguita is a simple, no-frills spot that is home to some of the most authentically delicious Mexican fare in Astoria. Their mouthwatering menu is full of many affordable options, such as weekday soup specials, $11 burritos, inexpensive breakfast offerings, and $5 tostadas. But their true claim to “Cheap Eats” fame is their dollar tacos, available in quantities of 5, 10, 20, and 50. Customers can choose between chicken and roast pork for these tacos that are served on small corn tortillas and come with cilantro, onions, lime, and salsa. For groups and families, there is probably no better affordable dinner option than 20 tacos for $20 at Mi Espiguita.
32-44 31st St | 718.777.1993 / miespiguitany.com
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 | 718.956.9659 / pochana.nyc
OLIVER’S: $10 LATE NIGHT BITES MENU
Image Courtesy of Olivers Astoria
The need for cheap eats does not start and stop at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For those looking for an inexpensive late-night meal, Oliver’s is the place to go. Their $10 bites menu features wings, Bavarian pretzel sticks, buffalo chicken empanadas, mozzarella sticks, and truffle fries all for just $10 each, and is available every night of the week from 10 pm until closing. So, next time you’re out late, end your night by saddling up at Oliver’s bar with some apps and one of their $4 frosty mugs of Miller High Life.
37-19 Broadway | 718.806.1476 / oliversastoria.com
THE GRAND
Image Courtesy of Grand Cafe Astoria
Looking for a deal that actually delivers? The Grand Café has you covered with a daily happy hour (except Saturdays) from 4 pm to 8 pm, featuring some of the best bargains in the neighborhood. Snack on a $6 smash burger, 50¢ chicken wings, or $8 guacamole and chips, and enjoy all pizzas at half price. Behind the bar, sip on $7 margaritas, classic, flavored, or mezcal, along with $5 wine, beer (draft, bottled, or canned), and easy-to-love $10 house cocktails. Whether you’re stopping in after work or meeting friends, it’s an easy go-to for great food and drinks without stretching your budget.
37-01 30th Ave | 718.806.1604 / thegrandastoria.com
THE BREWERY BAR + KITCHEN
If you’re hunting for real-deal, The Brewery Bar & Kitchen delivers all week long. Tuesdays are a fan favorite with 60¢ wings, Thursdays bring half-priced burgers, and you can test your luck at Bingo Night every Wednesday. Stop by for Happy Hour Monday–Friday from 3–7 pm, plus half-priced small plates from 3–4 pm for that perfect early bite. There’s even free parking available, making it an easy choice for groups.
49-18 30th Ave | 718.777.8007 | @thebrewerynyc
OFF THE HOOK RAW BAR + GRILL: $1 HAPPY HOUR OYSTERS
Image Courtesy of Off the Hook
Just because Off the Hook is one of the most unique dining options in all of Astoria doesn’t mean you can’t find fair and affordable prices there. Unquestionably, their top deal is their $1 happy hour oysters, which are available all night on Mondays, 4 pm to 8 pm on 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 | 718.721.2112 / offthehooknyc.com
ST. JAMES DELI
From the outside, St. James Deli on the corner of 34th Street and 34th Ave looks like your typical NYC bodega. It isn’t until you venture inside that you learn that this hidden gem is actually home to some of the best, authentic Mexican food in all of Queens. From tacos to tortas to their signature, beloved quesadillas, St. James has all of your favorites at reasonable prices. Nothing will cost you more than $10, and there are so many incredible offerings to try. Open 24 hours, St. James is a neighborhood staple that brings locals comfort and extraordinary flavor from the early hours of the morning to late at night.
34-02 34th Ave | 718.440.9978
HALAL MUNCHIES
Image Courtesy of Halal Munchies
Spots like Halal Munchies on Steinway Street are a saving grace during times when it feels like every restaurant is consistently increasing their prices. With $11 protein over rice platters, $7 cheeseburgers, $9 gyros, $8 salads, and more, Halal Munchies’ menu is full of affordable options that will be sure to satisfy any lunch, dinner, or late-night cravings. With convenient delivery and takeout options, Halal Munchies makes eating cheap extremely easy.
25-36 Steinway St | 917.746.0586 / eathalalmunchies.com
DILLINGERS: DAILY DEALS
Image Courtesy of Dillingers Pub & Grill
Dillingers Pub & Grill is one of the best “true neighborhood” bars in all of Astoria. An unpretentious 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 aspect in particular 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, as well as some solid brunch deals on the weekends, there is never a bad time to visit.
46-19 30th Ave | 718.956.5601 | @dillingers_astoria
TASTE OF ITALY: $13 SUNDAY PIE
Sharing a pizza with your partner, family, or roommates can be the perfect way to cap off the week. Unfortunately, many pizzerias will have you shelling out $25-plus for a pie these days, though. That’s where Taste of Italy comes in to save the day. 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 | 718.204.6427 / tasteofitalyofastoria.com
PIG BEACH: $1 WINGS ON SATURDAYS
Image Courtesy of Pig Beach NYC
With the weather finally warming up, it’s good to remember that there aren’t many better places to spend a Saturday in Astoria than Pig Beach. While its 28,000-square-foot space is known primarily for its traditional barbecue options like brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, they are also home to some of the best wings in 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 chicken.
36-37 36th St | 718.362.6111 / pigbeachnyc.com
FRESCO’S GRAND CANTINA: $12 TACO TUESDAYS
A restaurant that consistently hosts some of the most lively and exciting events in the neighborhood, Fresco’s consistently has some of the best deals around. Their weekly Taco Tuesday offering 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. It is the perfect option for the next time you’re looking to go out and spice things up on a Tuesday night.
28-50 31st St | 347.997.3070 / welovefrescos.com
EMOJI BURGER
Image Courtesy of Emoji Burger NY
At this cozy neighborhood burger joint, you’ll find both classics and creative offerings at reasonable prices. Their signature Ori Emo burger is available for just $9.55, but they also have plenty of specialty burgers available for just a couple of dollars more. With $5 hot dogs and $10 chicken strips on the menu as well, Emoji Burger deserves consideration the next time you’re craving some traditional and delicious American grub.
36-20 30th Ave | 718.777.1069 / emojiburgerny.com
LA CEVICHERIA BY DE MOLE: TACO TUESDAY
Image Courtesy of La Cevicheria by de Mole
With incredibly authentic food and creatively delicious drinks at fair prices, La Cevicheria by de Mole is a neighborhood favorite seven days a week. But Tuesday nights are really when you can get the most bang for your buck at this local gem. On Taco Tuesdays, diners can enjoy 3 tacos for $10 or 2 for $7. Moreover, every drink on the menu is available for just $8. If you’ve been here before, you know these incredibly generous deals are worth it.
42-20 30th Ave | 718.777.1665 / demoleastorianyc.com
ASTORIA FAMILY PIZZA: $12 EXTRA-LARGE PIE ON MONDAYS
Image Courtesy of Astoria Family Pizza
At Astoria Family Pizza, they know pizza night shouldn’t be reserved only for the weekend. That is why they offer customers the chance to kick their week off right with a $12 extra-large pie deal available every Monday for both dine-in and delivery. It’s a great way to feed a big 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 | 718.433.9601 / heyastoriapizza.com
CREATE
Create is a lunchtime favorite of many Astorians. Their extensive menu is full of budget-friendly options like $6 soups, $14.99 rice bowls, and hero sandwiches that will cost you anywhere from $11 to $13. It is an incredibly convenient midday meal option that will fill you up without breaking the bank.
36-03 30th Ave | 718.204.0333 / createastoria.com
