MyCheapNYC Restaurants: Vanessa's Dumplings

In New York City everything is expensive, so if you can cut costs anywhere then that can mean all the difference between next month's rent and your one way ticket out of town. The first thing on most people's lists to go is usually food. However, being a frugal foodie doesn't mean you have to sacrifice taste or quality. One of my favorite places to dine for less is Vanessa's Dumplings on Eldridge Street. Everything on the menu is under $5, and with treats like cabbage and pork dumplings, steaming hot and sour soup, and sesame pancakes for less than a one-trip metro card you really can't go wrong. The only catch? Seats are hard to come by and much coveted so be prepared to wait around, or send a friend in before you to scope out spots while you weight in line. However, if it's a nice day out why not enjoy another one of NYC's great cheap thrills- a nice walk around the Lower East Side.

Vanessa's Dumplings

118 Eldridge St
(between Grand St & Broome St)
New York, NY 10002
Neighborhood: Lower East Side

(212) 625-8008

Nearest Transit:

Grand St (B, D)

Bowery (J, M)

Delancey-Essex Sts (F, J, M, Z)