NYC Foodie Reveals Where to Eat for $5 or Less: Hidden Gems You Won't Believe!

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!