Best cheap eats in Murray Hill

Tiffin Wallah

Photograph: Lizz Kuehl

Baoguette
There are salads and noodle dishes at this lauded Vietnamese café, but the banh mi ($5–$7), stuffed with pork, curried beef, chicken or catfish (along with many flavor-packed accoutrements), inspire raves. 61 Lexington Ave between 25th and 26th Sts (212-532-1133)

Carl’s Steaks
Mammoth cheese steaks are filled with succulent strips of chicken breast ($6.75) or slices of juicy sirloin ($6.75), packed into hero rolls and slathered with grilled onions and your choice of three cheeses (including our favorite, Cheez Whiz). 507 Third Ave between 34th and 35th Sts (212-696-5336, carlsteaks.com)

Jess Bakery
Don’t be fooled by the name: This sliver of a Chinese cake shop also serves up the best Chinese takeout in the vicinity. The orange-peel chicken, a cousin to General Tso’s, consists of bite-size morsels of poultry, breaded and left to soak in a thick, tangy sauce. The meal (which includes white rice) will set you back just $6; brown rice is an extra 50¢. 221 E 23rd St between Second and Third Aves (212-725-4788)

Murray Hill Diner
Cram into a retro booth or slump on a stool by the Formica counter and within minutes, you’ll find yourself eating from a Greek-influenced menu that’s mostly under $10; the service is incredibly speedy. Inhale piping-hot, buttery pancakes (a short stack is $5.25) while your date gobbles a simply prepared Mediterranean dinner (the generous $10.50 gyro platter comes with grilled beef or chicken, plus lettuce, tomato, feta, olives and crispy french fries). 222 Lexington Ave at 33rd St (212-686-6667)

Pongal
The menu is all kosher vegetarian, but the specialty is the crisp and spicy dosa ($7.95–$9.45), served with tongue-numbing sides: chili-infused coconut chutney and sambar, a peppery lentil soup. Try the filling Mysore masala ($8.45), a spiced crêpe wrapped around soft, warm potatoes and onions. 110 Lexington Ave between 27th and 28th Sts (212-696-9458, pongalnyc.com)

Tiffin Wallah
The spicy and sweet flavors of veg Indian cuisine are each given room to shine thanks to the eatery’s traditional plating style, which relies on ramekins and sectioned dishes. The mild chana saag (a curry of spinach, cream and chickpeas) comes with the curry on one side and white rice with peas on the other. 127 E 28th St between Park and Lexington Aves (212-685-7301, tiffinwallah.us)

Tina’s Cuban Cuisine
Sate a jumbo appetite with one of eight dinner specials ($9 each), like the tender, moist roasted pork or roast turkey with tomato and garlic sauce. Each is served with two sides—try the caramelized plantains. 179 Madison Ave between 33rd and 34th Sts (212-679-3500, tinascubancuisine.com)

Vezzo
Thanks to a sleek bar and rustic red-brick walls, this sit-down pizzeria doesn’t look like a bargain spot, but the six-slice plain personal pie (a cracker-thin crust covered with silky marinara and a light sprinkling of mozzarella) proves that it is one: The filling meal costs only $6.50. Basic toppings, such as handfuls of caramelized onions and fragrant fresh basil, start at $1 each; spicy pepperoni is $2. 178 Lexington Ave at 31st St (212-839-8300, vezzothincrust.com)

Waterfront Ale House
The highlight here is the hardwood-smoked BBQ. Feast on sandwiches of pulled chicken in garlicky mustard ($8.95), or pulled pig in a ketchup-and-vinegar barbecue sauce ($8.95). 540 Second Ave at 30th St (212-696-4104, waterfrontalehouse.com)

Astoria, Queens

Park Slope/Prospect Heights

Penn Station area

East Village

Long Island City, Queens

Murray Hill

Chinatown

Williamsburg, Brooklyn

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Best cheap eats in New York City
Everything under $10!