Brooklyn is a haven for food lovers, especially those on a budget. The borough’s diverse culinary scene offers a treasure trove of affordable yet mouthwatering dining options. From classic New York-style pizza to authentic international cuisines, Brooklyn’s cheap eats are as rich in flavour as they are in character. This guide showcases ten standout budget-friendly restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience that won’t empty your wallet. Whether you’re craving tacos, falafel, or a hearty roast beef sandwich, there’s something here for everyone.
Table of contents
1. Joe’s Pizza
Joe’s Pizza is a quintessential Brooklyn pizzeria, serving authentic New York-style pizza for decades. This cheap restaurant in Brooklyn is a no-frills, casual eatery that perfectly captures the heart and soul of the Brooklyn pizza scene. With its warm and inviting vibe, Joe’s is a favourite among both locals and tourists. The walls are adorned with vintage photos, giving you a sense of its storied history.
The speciality here is their classic cheese pizza, which features a perfectly crispy crust, gooey mozzarella, and a tangy tomato sauce that’s made in-house. Beyond the classic, their pepperoni slices and white pizza are highly recommended. The garlic knots are another fan favourite and a must-try for anyone visiting for the first time. Despite its fame, Joe’s remains budget-friendly, making it a great choice for a quick and satisfying bite.
| Feature | Details |
| Cuisine | New York-style Pizza |
| Ambience | Casual and Nostalgic |
| Must-try Dishes | Cheese Pizza, Garlic Knots |
2. Tacos El Bronco
Tacos El Bronco is a vibrant Mexican eatery located in Brooklyn, known for serving some of the most authentic and flavourful tacos in the borough. The restaurant’s lively and colourful interiors reflect its Mexican heritage, creating a cheerful atmosphere that’s perfect for a casual meal. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing food from their food truck, Tacos El Bronco consistently delivers quality and taste.
The speciality of this cheap restaurant in Brooklyn lies in their variety of tacos, with al pastor, carne asada, and lengua being standout options. The tacos are served on soft corn tortillas, topped with fresh onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Other menu highlights include their quesadillas and tamales. Affordable prices and generous portions make this a beloved spot for Brooklynites on a budget.
| Feature | Details |
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Ambience | Lively and Colourful |
| Must-try Dishes | Al Pastor Tacos, Quesadillas |
3. Crown Fried Chicken
Crown Fried Chicken is a staple in Brooklyn’s fast-food scene, offering a quick and budget-friendly option for fried chicken lovers. The restaurant has a straightforward, no-fuss interior, focusing instead on consistently delivering flavourful meals. It’s a favourite late-night spot, thanks to its extended hours and hearty menu.
The crispy fried chicken is the highlight here, seasoned to perfection and fried until golden brown. Their chicken sandwiches and wings are also popular choices. For sides, you can’t go wrong with their seasoned fries or mashed potatoes with gravy. Crown Fried Chicken’s affordability and generous portions ensure you’ll leave both satisfied and with money still in your wallet.
| Feature | Details |
| Cuisine | Fast Food, Fried Chicken |
| Ambience | Casual and Functional |
| Must-try Dishes | Fried Chicken, Chicken Sandwich |
4. Roll N Roaster
Roll N Roaster has been a Brooklyn institution since the 1970s, offering a unique menu centred around roast beef sandwiches. The retro diner-style interior provides a nostalgic feel, complete with bright orange booths and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for families or anyone looking to enjoy a classic meal without breaking the bank.
The speciality here is their roast beef sandwich, served on a soft roll and best enjoyed with a side of their famous cheese fries. Their menu also includes burgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches, making it a versatile choice for different tastes. Don’t forget to try the creamy milkshakes at this cheap restaurant in Brooklyn to complete your meal.
| Feature | Details |
| Cuisine | American, Roast Beef |
| Ambience | Retro Diner |
| Must-try Dishes | Roast Beef Sandwich, Cheese Fries |
5. Los Hermanos Taqueria
Los Hermanos Taqueria is a hidden gem in Brooklyn, celebrated for its fresh, handmade tortillas and authentic Mexican flavours. The eatery has a relaxed, laid-back vibe, with its small yet charming space offering a welcoming environment for a casual meal.
Their tacos are the star of the show, with fillings like chorizo, carnitas, and barbacoa stealing the spotlight. Each taco is crafted with care, using fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Other popular dishes include their tostadas and sopes, both of which showcase the same dedication to quality and flavour. Los Hermanos Taqueria is a budget-friendly haven for Mexican food enthusiasts.
| Feature | Details |
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Ambience | Relaxed and Casual |
| Must-try Dishes | Chorizo Tacos, Sopes |
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6. John’s Deli
John’s Deli is a classic Brooklyn delicatessen known for its hearty Italian-American sandwiches and old-school charm. The interior is simple and unpretentious, allowing the focus to remain on the food. This family-run cheap restaurant in Brooklyn has been serving the community for decades, earning a loyal following.
The speciality here is the roast beef sandwich, served hot with a generous helping of gravy. Their heroes, like the chicken parmigiana and meatball subs, are equally noteworthy. Portions are large, and the quality of the ingredients shines through in every bite. Affordable and satisfying, John’s Deli is a must-visit for sandwich lovers.
| Feature | Details |
| Cuisine | Italian-American Deli |
| Ambience | Classic and Unpretentious |
| Must-try Dishes | Roast Beef Sandwich, Meatball Sub |
7. Mamoun’s Falafel
Mamoun’s Falafel is a popular spot for Middle Eastern cuisine, offering delicious and affordable meals in a casual setting. The restaurant’s minimalist interior is offset by the rich, aromatic flavours of the dishes served. It’s a great option for a quick and flavourful meal.
The falafel sandwiches are the highlight, made with crispy, perfectly seasoned falafel balls, fresh veggies, and creamy tahini sauce. Other favourite menu items include their shawarma platters and lentil soup. Vegetarian-friendly and budget-conscious, Mamoun’s Falafel is a top pick for those seeking healthy and flavourful eats.
| Feature | Details |
| Cuisine | Middle Eastern |
| Ambience | Casual and Minimalist |
| Must-try Dishes | Falafel Sandwich, Shawarma Platter |
8. Woops! BakeShop
Woops! BakeShop is a cosy bakery and café known for its artisanal pastries and inviting atmosphere. The interiors are charming, with a mix of rustic and modern elements that make it a great spot to unwind.
The speciality here is their macarons, which come in a variety of creative flavours, from pistachio to rose. They also offer an assortment of pastries, sandwiches, and speciality coffee drinks. Perfect for a light meal or a sweet treat, Woops! BakeShop provides a delightful and affordable dining experience.
| Feature | Details |
| Cuisine | Bakery and Cafe |
| Ambience | Cosy and Charming |
| Must-try Dishes | Macarons, Pastries |
9. L&B Spumoni Gardens
L&B Spumoni Gardens is a legendary Brooklyn pizzeria and Italian eatery, famed for its Sicilian-style pizza and homemade spumoni. This cheap restaurant in Brooklyn has a casual and family-friendly vibe, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. You can have some of the best cuisines in New York at this place.
Their thick, square Sicilian pizza is a must-try, featuring a fluffy crust, rich tomato sauce, and generous cheese. The spumoni, a tri-coloured Italian ice cream, is the perfect way to end your meal. With its affordable prices and hearty portions, L&B Spumoni Gardens is a favourite for family dinners and casual outings.
| Feature | Details |
| Cuisine | Italian, Pizza |
| Ambience | Family-friendly |
| Must-try Dishes | Sicilian Pizza, Spumoni |
10. Thanh Da
Thanh Da is a hidden gem in Brooklyn’s vibrant Vietnamese food scene, known for its authentic flavours and wallet-friendly prices. The modest and cosy interior reflects its focus on quality food rather than decor, making it a go-to spot for casual dining.
The speciality here is their banh mi sandwiches, which are packed with flavourful fillings like grilled pork and pate, served on a perfectly crispy baguette. Their pho is also highly recommended, with a rich and aromatic broth. Thanh Da’s affordability and generous portions make it a favourite among locals.
| Feature | Details |
| Cuisine | Vietnamese |
| Ambience | Modest and Cosy |
| Must-try Dishes | Banh Mi, Pho |
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FAQs
Most of these restaurants have a price range of USD 10–USD 20 per person, making them affordable options for budget-friendly dining in Brooklyn.
Yes, several of these restaurants, such as Mamoun’s Falafel and Woops! BakeShop offers vegetarian options. Even non-vegetarian-focused spots typically have meat-free dishes or sides.
Most of them provide takeout, and many also offer delivery through platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub. Be sure to check individual websites or apps for availability.
Yes, restaurants like L&B Spumoni Gardens, Roll N Roaster, and Crown Fried Chicken are particularly family-friendly with casual, welcoming atmospheres.
For a quick bite, Joe’s Pizza, Crown Fried Chicken, and Tacos El Bronco are excellent choices due to their fast service and casual dining setups.
Yes, spots like Mamoun’s Falafel cater to gluten-free and vegan preferences. However, it’s recommended to confirm directly with the restaurant about specific dietary needs.
Reservations are generally not required, as most of these spots operate on a casual, walk-in basis. However, for larger groups, it’s wise to call ahead.
Woops! BakeShop and L&B Spumoni Gardens stand out for their desserts, with Woops! offering artisanal pastries and L&B serving their famous spumoni ice cream.
Most of these establishments accept credit cards, but some smaller or more traditional spots like Los Hermanos Taqueria may prefer cash. It’s always good to have some cash on hand.
Yes, all these restaurants are located in Brooklyn and are accessible via subway, bus, or other public transportation options. Check specific routes for the nearest stops.
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