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THE JOY OF LIVING
ON LESS IN NEW YORK
A GUIDE TO FINE TIMES AT LOW COST
UPTOWN
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The best inspiration you can receive in New York comes at the price of just $1. The Metropolitan Museum operates on a suggested donation scale, so you can choose how much to pay for your visit. Upon striking it big, I promise to pay back my monthly visits unpaid fees. Until then, thank you Met. Visit the rooftop garden for premium vantage points open until 11/1.
Dough Loco
Upper East Side's haven for happiness. Cake donuts for $2.50.
The Boathouse Café
Until the white tablecloth and dull conversation trend dies, drop by the Boathouse Café, grab a burger for $20 less than the restaraunt, climb over the beautiful bedrock in the Rambles, and enjoy waterside dining at it's finest.
Earl's Beer + Cheese
Neighborhood hangout welcome to all with a bomb taco, foie gras special and boozy cheese.
Food Universe
Locate the bruised fruit section for $1 bundles of fruit with dimples due to perpetual smiling. Look out for other bruised fruit citywide.
MIDTOWN
The Metropolitan Opera
No night makes one feel more polished than an evening at the opera and no art form is more pontificated by the strength of the human spirit than the opera. Voices bellow, stages swell, and tears well beneath the grandeur of crystal chandeliers. It doesn't take more than $25 to get a ticket. Create a login at metopera.org and enter for a rush ticket starting at noon on days there is a show that evening.
Esposito's Meat Market
The tastiest sausage in Hell's Kitchen, and that's quite the accomplishment given the assortment on the street. Esposito's has been around since 1932 specializing in the freshest cuts of meat available. Their customer service is unparalleled and the true butcher experience is one to be treasured. Prices vary, quality constant, happiness infinte.
International Grocery
Compliment your meat with ingredients for home cooking: spices, grains, rice, flour, potatoes, olives, olive oil, nuts, dried fruit, cheese, coffee, all in bulk sold at bargain prices.
This Greek grocery carries authentic food with the quality and price food should have. Spinach pie for $4, baklava, Halva, dates, hummus, feta.
Support local business.
DOWNTOWN
NYC Recreation Centers
Beat gentrification: use New York public facilities. NYC Rec Centers have 15 locations in Manhattan alone, making workout options plentiful. Gyms are kept in great condition with nearly every machine you'd need, phenomenal pools, historical buildings, free classes and rates at:
$25 ANNUALLY
(for youth and seniors, $150/yr for adults 25-61).
New York Public Library
Enhance your already brilliant mind. Rent DVDs, check out books, study beneath the splendid ceilings of the Stephen Schwarzmann historic library, research numerous periodicals, visit historical buildings and do all of it for free at the expense of your tax dollars. Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card.
Fruit Stands
Scattered throughout New York you are bound to find good price on produce. Be friendly for extra discount.
Meatball Shop
Best meaty balls in Chelsea. Many locations throughout the city. $8 for 4 balls.
The Donut Pub
Donut and coffee for $3.10. Cronut for the trendy.
Corner Bistro
The best bacon burger in New York for $9.75. Killer unpretentious ambience.
Integral Yoga
Offers one free class per week and one class for $5. Natural market next door with abundance of fresh.
Julius'
A queer alternative to the bistro burger, for $5.95. Equally delicious.
Magnolia Bakery
Is it worth the wait for a $1 cookie? You tell me.
Cowgirl
$5 margarita happy hour at a West Village classic with kickin' cowboy flair.
Ready-to-Eat
Homemade food in the West Village, fresh salads and side dishes, sandwiches go half-price after 5PM.
Sidewalk
Inhabiting the East Village for 30 years, with live entertainment nightly. Monday Open Mic no cover.
Taïm
Mediterranean dishes and falafel that will leave you stuffed for under $10.
Cooper's
Monday night is dollar taco night. Commence fiesta.
Papaya Dog
If quality is not important, you might actually enjoy it.
Panna II
On 1st Ave in the East Village there is a tiny and vibrant strip of Indian restaraunts that will always provide for a fine time. It's also BYO so inhibitions are insignificant.
Lifethyme
Organic market in the West Village with a variety of supplements and a salad bar. The bar goes half-price one hour before close.
Recycle-A-Bicycle
Less waste, more exercise, better world. Parts, repairs and new bikes for sale.
Horman's Best Pickles
Pickles on the street soaking in briney barrels, is always a must.
Optical 88
Eyeglass repairs done right.
Patagonia
Free community yoga Sundays 10:30am and Wednesdays 7:30pm.
Chinatown
It has everything.
HAVE A GREAT TIME
NO MATTER THE PRICE
IT'S ALL ABOUT GOING OUT THERE TO FIND IT
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