"A Traveler's Foodie Journey in NYC: How to savor every second in this iconic city; from classics to the trendiest, there's a bite for everyone."

Herson Guerrero
Sep 9
6 min read

Updated: Sep 29

We all know New York City is a food Nirvana for enthusiasts, a perfect balance between a rich culinary heritage and trendy new plates. This article will surely guide travelers on a delectable expedition to the city's must-visit food spots, showcasing what has defined NYC's dining hidden gems by capturing the current culinary spice on a budget. New York and worldwide foodies, this one is for you.

99¢ pizza slices are a gem. It's not about how much you spend, but how.

We've all been there, you just arrived at the airport knowing that part of the fun of visiting New York City is to indulge in its culture and food. That been said, it's hard to choose from the abundance of great places to get your "food groove on". I know, it can be overwhelming, that's why I made a list of all the places I went to for 72 hours... on a budget.

To start of, I would like to mention that there may be some places that aren't on the "budget side," but compared to other places, it's a safe spot for your pocket. I love my food as much as the next person, but when in NYC, do as the New Yorkers do. New York foodies rejoice!

Here are the contenders...

Glace: French Ice Cream Dream

The Glace fuzz is real. Nothing better than taking a walk around 5th Avenue while admiring Central Park, and then indulging in the most delicious hot chocolate I have ever tried. They have short yet sweet selection of desserts on their menu, and they have seasonal items as well. We ordered the Apple à la Mode and the Hot Frozen Cocoa. Try to get there early because the place gets packed fast. If you have time, you should visit the Guggenheim Museum, it's very close to it.

Gotham Burger Social Club: Lower East Side gem.

I'm a fan of burger. Each time I travel, I try to incorporate a good burger with fries; this is because each city or country always has a special place. If I were to compare, Gotham Burger and its cowboy wild west themed menu, it beats some of the most popular burger chains in the west side of the United States, (yeah, you know...the one with animal fries). I had the fried pickles "Frickles" and their signature burger the "Gotham Smash". All the flavors come together with their house sauces and their jalapeños on their burger. I went to their Lower East Side joint but they have another one on Greenpoint as well. It's a local joint, and they make quality food. Go get it!

Gotham Burger Social Club, NYC, Lower East Side

Mei Lai Wah Bakery: Chow Down in Chinatown

When it comes to tradition, the chinese culture always shines. Nestled in the colorful streets of Chinatown lies Mei Lai Wah Bakery, a lowkey establishment that receives thousands of people for their famous delights. Their trademark pork pinnaple buns are mouthwatering, they're soft, warm and fluffy, with an extra kick on the inside. Their tasty items are at a very affordable price, making it the best combination of eating tasty without breaking the bank. It's traditional, tasty, and very unique. Give it a shot, you won't regret it.

Halal Guys: The Original Boys from the Block

The Halal Guys are a must if you're in the city. The story behind their concept started with a Muslim cab driver looking for a Halal food joint and since then they have been a cornerstone of Arab grub. Their combo platter (gyro and chicken) along with their famous white sauce on rice, just hits the spot every time. They are located in the corner of West 53rd Street and Sixth Avenue, although they have become popular over the years and have expanded their food stands, now including a restaurant. They aren't the best in the world but their Arab style has been conquering the late night and rush hour munchies for years for a reason. The lines are long, but it's totally worth it. It's gooood.

Any 99¢ Pizza Spot: The Cheapest Pizza is the Best Pizza.

The real ones know, the best pizza in NYC won't get you broke. I know it might sound crazy but I guarantee that these slices could compete with any pizza in the city. They're not made from the fanciest ingredients, you don't get to sit down and eat, the grease it's all over your fingers, but ain't that the beauty of it? There are no specific locations, just pick a random 99¢ pizza place and let me know what you think about spending less than $10 on a good two-slice pepperoni and soda combo.

787 Coffee: Puerto Rican Coquito Coffee? Yes, Please!

This farm-to-cup coffee place is a reminiscence to Puerto Rican culture. Famous for its fresh and authentic flavor, 787 Coffee is slowly becoming the "it" coffee place to be. From whiskey infused coffee to traditional Puerto Rican coquito coffee, very cool merch for sale and groovy vibes, it is surely a place to be once in the city. They have various locations, ranging from Puerto Rico, Texas, New Jersey, and continuously expanding. They have been recognized by coffee excellence standards and aficionados, like, for example, Bad Bunny, who once in a while drops by for a cup of Joe.

Tacos #1: Tastiest Food I've Tried since Mexico.

Let's put things in perspective, if you don't like tacos, I'm nacho friend. Tacos #1 offers a very unique flavor. They have a delicious menu, from tacos al pastor to horchata. The best part about it is that it is Mexican food by Mexicans. On my last NYC trip, I visited the Chelsea Market, but I'm sure they have a lot of other spots in the city. Honestly, it's the place that most reminded me of my days in Mexico. It's delicious, affordable, and, rest assured, your belly will appreciate it.

Katz's Delicatessen: The King of the Sandwich.

There's no denying it, Katz's Delicatessen has been around the food cornerstone for quite some time; in fact, it's NYC's oldest deli. Appearing in movies like When Harry Met Sally and Across the Universe, Katz has been internationally recognized and loved by New Yorkers. Its undesputed pastrami on rye sandwich is just massive and out of this world, juicy and flavorful till the last bite. The experience of being on a long line and getting to see the cutter prepare your sub is sublime. The setting is very reminessence of classic NYC delis. And go with an appetite, they don't slack on the portions.

The holy grail of pastrami, Katz's Deli NYC.

Joe's Pizza: Peter Parker's Pizza Job.

Joe Pozzuoli brought this concept from Naples, Italy, "the birthplace of pizza" to New York City around 1975, and since then it has been recognized for its variety and the classic pizza place vibe it gives out. Joe's Pizza really hit it off when the movie Spiderman 2 came out, and Joe's Pizza was Peter Parker' s first job before joining The Daily Bugle. In my honest opinion, Joe's Pizza is a quick check on the box when in NYC, you should try it out at least once. There are a lot of great pizza spots in NYC, and this isn't the best one, but it is good. It kind of became a touristy place, but the occasional New Yorker does stop by and grabs a slice.

Magnolia Bakery: A Delicious Classic

Magnolia Bakery is one of those chic places where you run off to get that special treat to ease off the heaviness of your day. So many options to indulge in, so many classics to try. If you asked me, I would say ,go for the banana pudding in less than a heart beat. They have expanded quite broadly over the years, not only in NYC, but all around the world; they even have stores in India, Qatar, The Philippines, Chicago, California, etc. I can recall visiting one of their locations in Dubai, so you have plenty of chances to try them out. They offer both, a party and a personal treat. They have delivery options worldwide aswell. Enjoy!