Best Cheap Eats Restaurants in East Village (10009)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Cafe Mogador
Moroccan comfort classics that stay craveable across brunch and dinner.
Notable Picks
#1
Cafe Mogador
8.5
A warm, always-busy Moroccan mainstay that’s at its best when you order like a regular: one tagine, one grilled plate, and a couple of classic spreads to start. It works equally well for brunch crowds and weeknight dinners when you want steady, spice-forward comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives, Lamb tagine, Moroccan mint tea
What makes it special: Moroccan comfort classics that stay craveable across brunch and dinner.
#2
Hanoi House
8.3
A compact St. Marks Vietnamese spot that’s best when you treat it like a focused soup-and-one-snack mission. The pho and broth-driven dishes are the reason to come—order efficiently and you’ll leave happy without turning it into a long sit-down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho (choose two cuts, go broth-first), Bun cha, Papaya salad (goi du du)
What makes it special: Modern Hanoi-leaning flavors with broth depth that holds up at volume.
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A go-to counter for made-from-scratch fried chicken that stays reliable under real neighborhood volume. Treat it like a fast comfort play: one sandwich or wrap plus one side, eaten immediately so the crunch does what it’s supposed to do.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried chicken sandwich, Chicken Caesar wrap, Biscuits
What makes it special: Scratch-made fried chicken that holds up at scale for a counter spot.
8.2
A 24-hour East Village deli built for maximal sandwich satisfaction without sit-down friction. The smart move is one big signature sandwich plus a simple drink or snack—these are large, and the best ones balance salty, spicy, and creamy in one bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho #1 sandwich, Banh mi-style sandwich, Fresh smoothie
What makes it special: Late-night deli energy with signature sandwiches people seek out.
A neighborhood market-counter hybrid where the Mexican comfort lane feels lived-in: straightforward, generous, and built for everyday eating. Come for a few staples—tacos, tamales, or a hearty plate—then stock up on pantry goods while you’re there.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tamales, Tacos (daily fillings), Chilaquiles
What makes it special: Deli-market format with counter Mexican classics that locals treat as routine.
Worthy Picks
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A tiny takeout-first spot that nails portable Japanese rice sandwiches and clean matcha drinks for under-$10 lunches. The best experience is a one-two order: one onigirazu plus a matcha—simple, fast, and genuinely useful when you want something lighter than the usual cheap-eats rotation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Onigirazu (rice sandwich), Matcha latte, Karaage with yuzu ponzu (when available)
What makes it special: Onigirazu and real matcha built for fast, satisfying snacks.