Best Cheap Eats Restaurants in Long Island City (11101)
10 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Court Square Diner
A true all-day diner with proven reliability at massive local volume.
Notable Picks
8.6
A classic, high-volume neighborhood diner that wins on round-the-clock reliability and a menu built for repeat visits. The best move is to order like a regular—one comfort staple, one breakfast favorite, and a side that travels well if you’re taking it to-go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Belgian waffle, French onion soup, Tuna melt
What makes it special: A true all-day diner with proven reliability at massive local volume.
#2
Noodlecraft
8.4
A casual noodle shop with a comfort-first approach—brothy bowls, tender braises, and dumpling sides that make it easy to build a satisfying meal. It’s especially strong when you want warmth and richness without turning the night into a whole production.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised beef noodle soup, Chili wontons, Shrimp shumai
What makes it special: Deep, satisfying noodle bowls with strong braise-driven flavors.
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A neighborhood burger spot that nails the classic cravings: a straightforward, sauce-forward cheeseburger, crisp fries, and milkshakes that keep it feeling old-school. It’s not trying to be fancy—just dependable, fast, and satisfying when you want a real burger without the fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Cheeseburger, Fries, Milkshake
What makes it special: Straightforward smash-leaning burgers built for speed and repeatability.
A reliable stop for doughnuts that lean thoughtful rather than gimmicky—clean flavors, well-made dough, and enough variety to satisfy both classic and seasonal cravings. It’s an easy office pick-up or weekend treat that feels upgraded without becoming precious.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tres Leches doughnut, Crème Brûlée doughnut, Strawberry crème-filled doughnut
What makes it special: Signature NYC-style doughnuts with standout filled and cake options.
8.0
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A compact, counter-leaning neighborhood spot that’s most useful as a repeatable takeout and quick-bite solution near Court Square. It hits best when you stick to a tight order—one curry, one rice dish, one naan—so the flavors stay clean and the value stays obvious.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter chicken, Lamb biryani, Chole bhature
What makes it special: Fast, dependable Indian staples built for takeout value.
#6
Yumpling
8.0
A compact Taiwanese-focused spot built around dumplings and snackable plates that are easy to mix and match. It’s ideal when you want something flavorful and fast—comforting, saucy, and designed for a quick meal that still feels like a treat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried chicken sandwich, Zha Jiang noodles, Bubble tea
What makes it special: Taiwanese comfort hits with unusually strong consistency at volume.
#7
Cannelle LIC
8.0
Vibes:
Sweet Treats Escapes
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
A French-style bakery that works equally well for a quick pastry run or a slower coffee break, with reliable execution across classics and seasonal treats. It’s a strong value splurge in cheap-eats terms: spend a little, get something that feels genuinely crafted.
Must-Try Dishes:
Almond croissant, Fruit tart, Macarons
What makes it special: A true neighborhood patisserie for polished pastries and tarts.
Worthy Picks
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A neighborhood deli-cafe that’s built for everyday value—breakfast sandwiches, hot-counter staples, and quick lunches that don’t overcomplicate things. It’s a pragmatic pick when you need something filling, fast, and priced like a true local routine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast sandwich, Chopped cheese, Chicken over rice
What makes it special: Classic deli staples done fast with wallet-friendly pricing.
7.8
A low-key neighborhood deli that feels built for real-life eating—hot food in the back, hefty portions, and fast service that prioritizes regulars. It’s an easy cheap-eats anchor for LIC when you want something satisfying without paying restaurant prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot food plate (daily specials), Breakfast sandwich, Sandwich on a hero
What makes it special: Big, affordable hot-food plates in a true local deli setting.
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A no-frills neighborhood taqueria built for quick, satisfying Mexican comfort—tacos, burritos, and plates that hit hardest when you lean into classic proteins. It’s the kind of spot that works best as a repeatable weeknight order rather than a special-occasion destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carnitas burrito, Chilaquiles
What makes it special: Fast, affordable tacos and burritos that stay reliably satisfying.