The 10 Best Cheap Eats in Astoria

Astoria is certainly not lacking in restaurant options, but your wallet might not appreciate it if you eat out every day. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the neighborhood’s tastiest menu items that won’t break the bank. 

Spanakopita at Cafe Boulis Cafe Boulis is a neighborhood institution; you can find regulars sipping on frappé beneath the cafe’s inviting blue-and-white marquee at all hours of the day. Boulis offers all kinds of delicious goodies wrapped in flaky filo dough, but nothing can beat this flavorful spinach pie at only $4.50. And while you’re grabbing a piece, you may as well pick up a few of Boulis’s world-famous loukoumades ($4 for 6 pieces, $8 for 12, and $15 for 24)!

30-15 31st Ave. | 718.806.1014 | @cafeboulis

Souvlaki at King Souvlaki If you’re feeling carnivorous, you can cross the street from Cafe Boulis to visit the Astoria location of this beloved food truck chain. Whether it be early in the morning or late at night, there’s always a line at King Souvlaki, but don’t let that deter you. The line always moves fast, and it’s always worth waiting; after all, the pita sandwiches are only $8-$9.

31st St. and 31st Ave. | 917.416.1189 | @kingsouvlaki

Bánh Mì at District Saigon District Saigon is the perfect place to warm up in the winter with a menu chock-full of hearty soups and spicy curries. You can’t go wrong with this Vietnamese smorgasbord, but our value pick is the Bánh Mì Sandwich, which maxes out at $9. With the perfect mix of savory meats and tangy fish sauce, this is not a sandwich to be underestimated or overlooked.

37-15 Broadway Ave. | 718.956.0007 | @district_saigon

Artisan Sandwiches at Queens Bake House Queens Bake House has an impressive selection of desserts and baked goods, but those are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this Broadway storefront. For only $9.95, customers can purchase a truly one-of-a-kind sandwich: The Queens Bully, featuring marinated grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, greens and roasted relish between two halves of a fresh-baked croissant. Do yourself a favor and try one – you deserve it.

33-04 Broadway Ave. 718.433.9585 @queensbakehouse

Burgers at Drunken Chicken This Korean restaurant has been serving up scrumptious chicken wings since 2016, but only recently branched out into the burger business, and with great success. At $6.99, the restaurant’s Signature OG Burger is bursting with both value and smoky flavor, and its Truffle Mac Attack Burger is available for only $8.99 for anyone who feels like really spoiling themselves.

25-30 Broadway Ave. | 929.522.0171 | @drunkenchickenastorianyc

Brazilian food by the pound at Point Brazil Some of the best value in New York City’s dining scene is tucked into an assuming storefront in eastern Astoria. Owned and founded by a pair of sisters, Point Brazil serves a buffet of simple yet flavorful Brazilian cuisine for only $5.99/lb. – you read that right. (Well, it’s $6.99 if you want barbecue meats, but still.) Drop by and load up a container!

38-01 31st Ave. | 718.278.1934 @pointbrazilnyc

Breakfast sandwiches at Compton’s For many New Yorkers, the bacon (or sausage,) egg and cheese sandwich is something perfect – something holy. If so, then Compton’s is a temple. The breakfast sandwich at Compton’s is proof that simplicity is best, with a perfect balance of salt, oil and rich, eggy goodness that makes your mouth want to dance a happy jig. Best of all, it’s only $7.

30-02 14th St. | 917.745.0573 | @comptons.nyc

Steak tacos at Orale!! Tacos!! Formerly a fan-favorite food truck in Manhattan, this hole-in-the-wall taqueria’s enthusiastic name fits the boisterous flavor of its tacos. Orale hawks its tacos for as little as $3.50 a piece; the steak taco goes for $3.99, cheap enough to make a filling two-taco meal for well under $10. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone if you get three.)

23-23 30th Ave. | 718.545.1212

A fully loaded bagel at Brooklyn Bagel Don’t let the name fool you – this popular bagel store has three locations in Astoria, with enough demand to keep all of them busy on a weekend morning. Brooklyn Bagel has a truly stunning variety of custom cream cheese varieties, including weekly specials like pecan pie and salted caramel. But you can’t beat the classic toasted bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon which goes for only $7.85. 35-09 Ditmars Blvd. 718.932.8280

35-05 Broadway Ave. 718.204.0141 36-14 30th Ave. 718.777.1121 @bkbagelny

Lunch specials at Osaka Japanese Cuisine Sushi is usually a relatively pricey option, that is, for those unfortunate souls who don’t live near Osaka. This hidden gem of a sushi spot has several value-tastic lunch specials priced at $9.95, including a lunch box containing a California roll, soup, salad and your choice of several enticing entrees. Fish is brain food, so make the smart choice by ordering from Osaka!

25-24 Broadway Ave. | 718.777.2662