Who would have thought you can eat for $1 in this city? When I started my hunt, I was shocked at how many tasty treats were only a buck. But like shopping at a 99-cent store, these foods are only approximately a buck (give or take a few coins).
Go ahead, try one. They will be gone before you can say "George Washington."
Falafel from Cinderella Falafel
While you won't get a huge hunking sandwich, you do get a tasty half-pita stuffed with falafel, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini. Good for a quick bite or light snack. Just make sure you ask for some of the fiery hot sauce on the side. Price: $1
Cinderella Falafel
129 2nd Avenue, New York NY 10003 (map) 212-995-1049
Pickles from Guss' World Famous Pickles
Though they were warm from sitting out in the sun, these pickles packed a smart crunch and were flavored to briny perfection. My favorite is the sour, but they also have half-sour, sweet, and spicy. Price: 2 for $1
Guss' World Famous Pickles
85-87 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002 (map) 212-334-3616
Sushi from Nori
Nori in the West Village serves special sushi pieces for $1 each. I sampled the tobiko (flying fish roe), tuna, striped bass, and eel. All four were delicious. The only catch (heh) is that during dinner hours (5:30 p.m. to midnight), you have to spend $8 to get the deal. But at lunch, get however many you want. Price: $1 each for select pieces
Nori
129 Second Avenue, New York NY 10003 (map) 212-677-4825
Agedashi Tofu from May's Place
On the same block as Nori, May's Place offers even more $1 options. The best thing on the menu: agedashi tofu. The thick chunk of sweet, firm tofu comes in a bowl filled with soy sauced-based tentsuyu and scallions. Slightly fried, the delicate skin opens up flavors that will make you smile when you break it. Price: $1 per chunk
May's Place
121 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10003 (map) 212-533-8448
Italian Ice from Various Street Stands
Throughout the summer, Italian ice stands litter all five boroughs, especially near schools and playgrounds. Pretty much every stand carries the staples: coconut, cherry and rainbow--but look out for other flavors like lime and mango. Price: varies
Dumplings from Dumpling Man
These small dumplings pack a punch. You can get them steamed or seared with pork, chicken, vegetable, or shrimp. I liked the steamed chicken and seared vegetable best. Don't want just one? They get cheaper the more you buy. Price: 80 to 99¢ each
Dumpling Man
100 St. Marks Place, New York, NY 10009 (map) 212-505-2121
Pork Buns in Queens
Queens has some of the cheapest, best Chinese food in the city. Pick up a quartet of hot, fluffy pork buns, a freshly grilled scallion pancake, or tender, spicy fish balls at the widow stalls under the elevated train. While there is no seating, the library steps across the street make a good picnic venue. Price: 4 for $1.25
60 Main Street, Queens NY 11367 (map) 718-939-1032
Meat on a Stick in Queens
Choose from beef, pork, squid, tripe, broccoli, white fish, and a bunch of other meat and veggie options on a stick. Once you pick, a nice woman will dip the speared food into a vat of sizzling oil and cook it on the spot. Get the hot sauce for an extra zing. Price: $1 each
24 Main Street, Queens, NY 11367 (map)
Frozen Yogurt from Yogurt Station
You might want a lot more then a dollar's worth of this frozen yogurt. The new shop is self-serve so mix and match any flavors you want. My favorite combination is cake batter and dutch chocolate. Get it while it's cheap (this is a special grand opening promotion). Price: 35¢ an ounce
Yogurt Station
18 St. Marks Place, New York NY 10003 (map) 212-677-5017
French Fries from Papaya Dog
Papaya Dog isn't necessarily known for its french fries. These golden, crispy beauties are definitely worth the price and can be found at all the locations. Price: 99¢
Papaya Dog
239 1st Avenue, New York NY 10009 (map) 646-654-7110
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