Summary:
Marco Lombardi, a reformed gambler, is a street foodie who finds the best cheap eats in NYC.
He highlights mom-and-pop restaurants, saying they're the engine of the city.
Lombardi's mission is to showcase these hidden gems and help people who can't afford expensive restaurants.
He recommends five spots with deals under $5, including the Tacos Al Gusto cart in Corona Plaza, Elsa La Reina de Chicharron in Inwood, Wah Fung No. 1 in Chinatown, Color World in Harlem, and 20 Gram Cafe at Jubilee Marketplace in Greenpoint.
Lombardi believes that cheap eats don't mean poor quality, and he champions the long-standing mom-and-pop restaurants in NYC.
NYC's Culinary Dollar Store: Where to Find Delicious Cheap Eats
Marco Lombardi, a reformed gambler turned street foodie, has made it his mission to find the best cheap eats in NYC. He's a human truffle hound for bargain bites, uncovering back-alley banquets for as little as $5.
**"I always say the mom-and-pops are the engine to our city," Lombardi told NewYorkNews.com. "Without them, New York City would not be the same. We all can’t afford a $20 sandwich."
Lombardi's mission is to showcase these hidden gems and help "people who can’t afford these super expensive spots." He's battling against the rising food prices in NYC, where even a dollar pizza isn't a dollar anymore.
Lombardi's Top 5 Cheap Eats
Here are Lombardi's five favorite spots for under $5:
1. Tacos Al Gusto Cart: This non-descript cart in Corona Plaza has maintained its prices, including the five tacos for $5 deal, throughout the pandemic. Lombardi's favorite is the tacos al pastor, with cilantro, pineapple, and the option to add your own sauces.
2. Elsa La Reina de Chicharron: This Dominican depot in Inwood serves up a lunch special of tender stewed chicken with rice and beans that tastes like a home-cooked meal, according to Lombardi.
3. Wah Fung No. 1: This Chinatown standby is known for its $5 char siu bowls, with juicy pork rashers in a hefty portion. Lines often stretch around the block for this delicious deal.
4. Color World: This Harlem staple serves up Jamaican staples for a steal, including oxtail, rasta pasta, and its city-renowned jerk chicken.
5. 20 Gram Café at Jubilee Marketplace: This Greenpoint cafe serves up an elevated White Castle burger slider for just $2.55. Lombardi describes it as a "wait a second…who the hell is back there making it?" type of burger.
Don't Let Cheap Eats Fool You
Lombardi is adamant that the "cheap eats" label doesn't mean poor quality.
**"When I think of cheap eats, I honestly think of New York City in the ’90s," he says. "It’s a grandmother trying to make ends meet for their family. These restaurants have been around for 25 to 30 years. Why should they change the price … don’t fix what’s not broken."
So next time you're looking for a delicious and affordable meal in NYC, check out these hidden gems!
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