In a perfect world , we ’d all rust for gratuitous . But the next best thing to free solid food is food for less than what you ’d likely find digging in the pockets of your one-time jeans . The Bronx might have a deep chronicle as the last home of Edgar Allan Poe , the provenance of rosehip - hops , and the household of NYC’sbetter Little Italy , but the borough is also a tacky - grub harbour . Regardless what part you find yourself in , these are the best place to eat for under $ 5 in the borough – from easy to - go snacks to full - fledged meals .
< strong > The Dumplin Shop ( < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / venues / eat / new - york / restaurants / the - dumplin - s … ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > BaychesterOn East 222nd in Baychester , you ’ll find a totally unassuming , authentic Jamaican spot doing Caribbean favorites like ackee & amp ; saltfish and ripe plantain tree . Though dumplings are in the restaurant name , you ’ll find the the crispy , fried numbers ( which come without filling and are really more like fried dough balls ) under “ incline ” on the carte . Still , at just $ 0.50 a daddy , they ’re more than enough reason to make a visit . An order of two dumplings with a huge chunk of deep-fried saltfish for $ 2.50 is one of the most pop budget - friendly buys , not to refer a seriously filling meal . Be trusted to opt for the crude pickle - peppered onion plant on top to cut through the coarseness and add an additional bitch .
Mon Amour Cafe|Cole Saladino/Thrillist
< hard > Landin Mac & amp ; Cheese ( < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / venue / wipe out / new - york / eatery / landin - mac - ch … ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > MelroseLandin is the Bronx ’s reply to the East Village / Murray Hill best-loved S’MAC – except way cheaper . The savory baked mac & amp ; cheese lulu here come in mini sizes , so you’re able to sample a recipe or two ( or three or four or five ) for just $ 2.25-$2.75 , before you decide to opt for the bigger version , which is still crazy - low-priced at around $ 6.00 . The red-hot volaille with buffalo sauce , Mexican ( with Piper nigrum jackstones , Muenster , chicken , black pepper , and jalapeño ) and bacon ( mozzarella , Muenster , and Sir Francis Bacon ) are the bleed favorites for Melrose residents .
< strong > Mexicocina ( < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / venue / eat / new - york / restaurants / mexicocina&qu … ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > Mott HavenMexicocina is a charming and authentic Mexican touch with two locations in Mott Haven – the first open up on Jackson Ave in 2008 , and the second was added three years ago on 149th . away from quad , the only other remainder is the “ c ” vs “ z ” in the spelling of their name , which intend you could mark the super - cheap and satisfy Taco Mexicocina – featuring a thick , handmade clavus tortilla ; chile chipotle ; tall mallow ; cilantro ; and red Allium cepa – for just $ 4 at either site . Plus , for just a buck more , you may add in a generous portion of shrimp or fish .
< substantial > Golden Krust < /strong>(<a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / locale / eat on / new - House of York / eatery / golden - krust - light speed … ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > Wakefield , Baychester , Olinville , Eastchester , Williamsbridge , Laconia , Morrisania , Parkchester , Norwood , Fordham ManorThis Caribbean food for thought franchise is the go - to for a Jamaican beef patty Uptown . Even though it ’s up the price over the year , a single patty is still just $ 2.50 . Most placement dribble both chicken and beef options , but the spicy beef season with garlic , scallion , and Scotch bonnet pepper is always a solid selection . Get yours early in the sidereal day when the fill is guaranteed to be piping - hot .
Tameika Lawrence/Thrillist
< strong > Ali ’s Roti Shop ( < a href=“http://http://www.thrillist.com / venues / feed / new - york / restaurant / alis - ro … ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > WakefieldThere are a couple substantial chinchy eats you may rack up from this no - gimcrack takeout Trinidadian solid food chainlet , like the cajan pea pouri roti , pholourie with tamarind dipping sauce , or current roll . But if you ’re not walking out without roti , then you better have prescribe doubles . two-baser are a popular Trinidadian street food dwell of manipulate chickpeas lightly seasoned with curry and sandwich between two roti flatbreads , which are fried to intumescent ne plus ultra . Just one of Ali ’s doubles can make for a weft repast , but with prices as low as $ 1.65 , there ’s no reason not to carry up .
< strong > Com Tam Ninh - Kie u ( < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venue / deplete / new - House of York / eating house / com - tam - ninh - ki … ; target="_blank”>address and info )
Cole Saladino/Thrillist
< em > Fordham ManorOnce you get over the slight hurdle of communicating with the almost strictly Vietnamese - talk waitstaff at this authentic Fordham Manor shop class , you ’ll never await at other summer roll the same . Three roller of slender Timothy Miles Bindon Rice newspaper come bulge out with noodle , shrimp , and lettuce , making for one of the healthiest meal you could grab for under $ 5 in the Bronx .
< impregnable > Leche y Miel ( < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venues / consume / new - york / restaurants / leche - y - miel&q … ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > KingsbridgeThe name of this Kingsbridge restaurant directly render to “ milk and honey , ” which is fitting for a place with a menu full of simple yet fulfill solid food , like a plentiful Gallus gallus & amp ; waffles platter for $ 10.99 that comes drizzled with syrup , or BBQ pulled pork with a helping portion of mac & amp ; cheese for just $ 13 . The best deal on the carte du jour , though ? The fried chickpea seasoned with paprika , a crispy and spicy dish that ’s an homage to the proprietor ’ Dominican ascendent , and which will only cost you $ 4.10 .
Cole Saladino/Thrillist
< potent > La Masa ( < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / locus / eat / new - york / eating place / la - masa" ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > Morris ParkSince the Bronx has a huge Latino universe , there are plenty of great place to get your hands on empanadas – but the restaurant that Colombians in particular call place is the radical - authentic La Masa , which offers traditional bag like bandeja paisa – a combination platter with everything from porc to chicharron to blackened pud – and over two dozen types of empanada , let in both piquant and fresh alternative , like chicharron or dulce de leche . Be sure to come back often , as it ’s always adding new varieties .
< strong > Mon Amour Coffee & amp ; Wine (<a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venues / use up / new - york / restaurants / mon - affair - coff … ; target="_blank”>address and info )
Cole Saladino/Thrillist
< em > KingsbridgeYou’ll discover the obligatory croissant and macaron offerings at the French - themed coffee bar , but the hidden cheap - eats jewel is its interpretation of the classic gelt pudding , the $ 3.50 brioche diplomate , which is guaranteed to be more filling than the aforementioned options . Delivered impudent daily , the bread pudding is really made with croissants , and often total with a little added surprise , be it deep brown or raisins . It ’s usually served salute , and they ’ll happily top it with powdered sugar or caramel upon request .
< strong > Estrellita Poblana ( < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venue / feed / new - york / restaurants / estrellita - PO Box … ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > ParkchesterYou wo n’t find esquites – the bowl version of on - the - cob elotes – at every Mexican eating house Uptown , so the creamy , street - style boiled corn whiskey , made with a mix of mayo , high mallow , and chili capsicum , is a great reason to visit the original Estrellita Poblana , which has four baby localization throughout the borough . It ’s an low-cost and unquestionable snack ( serve in a 16 oz cup ) for less than $ 5 .
< hard > Lechonera La Piraña food truck ( < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / venues / eat / new - york / eating house / lechonera - la- … ; target="_blank”>address and info )
< em > Mott HavenRoast pork barrel rules the crew at this popular Romance American solid food truck , which you may usually regain park up in the South Bronx . Fortunately , if you ’re eating on a budget , it also churn out fresh batches of pastelillos – the brotherly twin of the empanada – that come with your choice of chicken , beef , crab , or shrimp for just $ 1.50 - 2.50.<a class=“vortex - assailable " data - campaign=“2842 " href=“https://signup.thrillist.com/" ; target="_blank”>Sign up here for our daily NYC email and be the first to get all the food / drink / fun New York has to offer.
