Best Cheat Meals in New York City

Your ultimate guide to guilt-free indulgence in New York City

156789
Total Reviews
4.6
Avg Rating
$ - $$$$
Price Range
25
Cuisines

Top Cheat Meal Spots

Katz's Delicatessen

(25678 reviews)
$$
Deli

Iconic deli known for massive pastrami sandwiches. The When Harry Met Sally table is marked.

Deli Historic Iconic Sandwiches
205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
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Levain Bakery

(15432 reviews)
$$
Bakery

Home of NYC's most famous cookies. Each weighs 6oz and is worth every calorie.

Bakery Cookies Worth the Wait Upper West Side
167 W 74th St, New York, NY 10023
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Grimaldi's

(18765 reviews)
$$
Pizza

Brooklyn institution known for coal-fired pizzas. The Margherita is a classic must-try.

Pizza Brooklyn Historic Coal Oven
1 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
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Junior's

(12345 reviews)
$$
American

Home of NYC's most famous cheesecake. The Original is still the best.

Cheesecake Diner Iconic Dessert
386 Flatbush Ave Ext, Brooklyn, NY 11201
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Peter Luger Steak House

(8765 reviews)
$$$$
Steakhouse

Legendary steakhouse serving dry-aged porterhouse since 1887. Cash only.

Steakhouse Historic Special Occasion Cash Only
178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
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Magnolia Bakery

(9876 reviews)
$$
Bakery

Famous for their banana pudding and cupcakes. Featured in Sex and the City.

Bakery Desserts Famous Tourist Favorite
401 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
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Russ & Daughters

(7654 reviews)
$$$
Jewish

Century-old appetizing store famous for bagels and lox. The Super Heebster is legendary.

Jewish Bagels Historic Lower East Side
179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
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Black Tap

(11234 reviews)
$$
American

Known for over-the-top CrazyShake milkshakes and craft burgers.

Burgers Milkshakes Instagram Famous Worth the Wait
529 Broome St, New York, NY 10013
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Local Tips for New York City

Subway Strategy

Use the subway to hit multiple food spots across boroughs - just avoid rush hour!

Timing is Everything

Many popular spots (like Levain and Grimaldi's) are best visited during off-peak hours.

Cash is King

Some iconic spots (like Peter Luger) are cash only - come prepared!

Borough Hopping

Don't limit yourself to Manhattan - some of the best food is in Brooklyn and Queens.

Food Crawls

Try the Lower East Side food crawl: Katz's, Russ & Daughters, and Economy Candy.