This evening I was  enjoying the plentiful flavors of the East Village with a friend of mine. We were talking about shooting a cooking pilot (details of which I won’t discuss now, cause you will steal it!) and it got me thinking…about all the NYC cheap eats articles and how I have yet to add my list of great cheap eats in NYC to the interweb.

So without any further a do, this is my first list of Stacey Eats: East Village Style.

11 B Express (147 Avenue B ( @ East 11th St. ) Best Calzone  $4.50, cause once in awhile it’s okay to indulge in doughy cheesy heaven. Besides that’s what the gym is for right?

2 Brother’s Pizza $1.00 a slice! 2 slices and a soda for 2.75. This pizza is far better than the stale pizza across the street. Get a whole pie for $8.00! Although this place is flooded with high school kids and NYU students, once you taste the cheesey goodness, and the extra cash in your pocket you won’t mind the kids so much.

Mark: Burger Beer Wine, a slider (with or without bacon) $2.00/ $2.75 wine $5.00 fries $3.00.

“The burger itself was tender, perfectly cooked to a bright pink on the inside, loosely packed, and enveloped in the perfect squishy potato bun.” They also are known for a Guinness Milkshake but honestly, I was so excited about the burger that I didn’t look at anything listed on the menu after burger. There is always a next time!

Caracas (93 1/2 7st) All Empanadas and Arepas under $8.00. If you have the spare cash, I highly recommend the Yoyos as a “side kick” (fried sweet plantain balls stuffed with white cheese). AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS.

Cafe Himalaya ( 78 East 1st St) Entrees 7.99 or less, meat and vegetarian options.  This place is small and has a real homey feel. Like Grandma, small, cozy and you get to walk through the kitchen to use the bathroom.

Rafiki Street Cart. Now if you find yourself on the corner of Broadway and 8th St and don’t  mind “street meat”. I recommend the chicken and rice platter for 4.50. I also recommend that you have no big plans for the rest of the day cause Rafiki will probably slow you down.

FOR DESSERT

A big favorite of most is Momofuko Milk Bar, although they have some very very interesting desserts, like STUFFING ICE CREAM, if I am in the mood for a sweet treat, I’d head in the direction of Black Hound Bakery, (little tip if you’re too full to buy a cake or a cup of moose, they always have samples!

Then there is Chickalcious, If we’re sticking to the “cheap eats” avoid the dessert bar although their tasting menu isn’t too pricey ($14.00 tasting menu), you can save calories and a few bucks by hitting up the store front across the street. My favorite is their Red Velvet cup cake (1.75, far cheaper and better than CRUMBS or MAGNOLIA).

Finally, I’d like to recommend Saint’s Alp Tea House, as they have 100 different types of teas! Their known for their bubble teas but I had the Butterscotch Milk Tea that really was the perfect end to a good evening of food and friends.

The End. (for now)