Best Cheap Eats Restaurants in Jackson Heights (11372)
8 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Birria-Landia
Legendary birria tacos with house consommé.
Notable Picks
8.9
A beloved taco institution in Jackson Heights known for its rich birria tacos and late‑night vibe. Generous portions of tender, slow‑braised meat and deep, flavorful consommé keep locals and visitors lining up well into the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Tacos, Consommé Dip, Adobada Tacos
What makes it special: Legendary birria tacos with house consommé.
8.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Late Night Legends
A neon‑lit 24‑hour Colombian diner serving hearty plates any time of day. Its vibrant, family‑friendly atmosphere and solid Latin comfort food offerings have made it a neighborhood staple. Bold flavors and large portions deliver strong value and enduring appeal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bandeja Típica, Grilled Steak, Chicharrón Plate
What makes it special: 24/7 Colombian comfort food with big portions.
8.4
A longstanding Jackson Heights favorite balancing traditional Mexican tacos with a broad menu of other classic dishes. Meaty tacos and huaraches draw steady crowds from lunch into the late evening.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Huaraches, Carne Asada Tacos
What makes it special: Broad menu of classic, well‑executed Mexican tacos.
#4
Arepa Lady
8.4
Beloved Colombian staple known for handmade arepas, empanadas, and savory breakfast plates, blending street‑food simplicity with comforting flavors. Its energetic, local vibe and steady stream of regulars underscore its cultural significance. A brunch stop here feels both authentic and satisfying for Latin American comfort food enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arepa de Queso, Chicharrón Plate, Empanadas
What makes it special: Handmade Colombian arepas in a bustling local spot
#5
El Toum
8.4
A Lebanese counter spot that wins on garlic-forward shawarma, crisp falafel, and the kind of sauces that make takeout taste complete even 20 minutes later. Order it as a build-your-own mezze spread—one sandwich, one plate, and two dips—so you get texture (crunch), heat, and that signature toum punch in every bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma wrap with toum, Falafel plate with tahini, Hummus + baba ghanoush with warm pita
What makes it special: Toum-driven Lebanese shawarma and mezze that stay punchy in takeout.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A big, classic all-hours diner built for breadth: pages of breakfast, sandwiches, soups, and comfort plates with the portion sizes to match. Order it like a regular—one breakfast plate or one hot sandwich plus a soup—so the kitchen’s strengths stay front-and-center.
Must-Try Dishes:
Skirt steak & eggs, Buckwheat pancakes, Matzo ball soup
What makes it special: A true all-hours diner with a huge menu and reliably big portions.
7.8
A Tibetan spot with a devoted local following for its hand‑pulled momos and hearty noodles. Simple interior and straightforward service underscore its focus on good cooking rather than frills. An approachable choice for Asian‑flavored cheap eats within the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steamed Momos, Hand‑Pulled Noodles, Thenthuk Soup
What makes it special: Hand‑pulled noodles and Tibetan momos.
7.5
A small, highly‑rated Mexican counter with standout quesadillas and late‑night hours. Though review volume is modest, the focused menu and high ratings underscore solid execution on fundamental comfort food. Great for a quick, budget bite after exploring the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese Quesadilla, Al Pastor Quesadilla, Salsa Trio
What makes it special: Focused menu with expertly executed quesadillas.