Cheap Out in New York
Eight great ways to experience New York City without compromising your budget.
Free Weekday Fun
Rock & Roll Karaoke at Arlene’s Grocery, Lower East Side
Arlene’s Monday night program is a far cry from your usual barroom belter. In fact, it involves a live band whose repertoire ranges from Oasis to Dio with some karaoke classics thrown in for good measure. Since you don’t have to pay at the door, you might be enticed to buy a few extra beers and subject the crowd to your interpretation of “Teenage Kicks.” It’s a good idea so long as you’re prepared to sell it. The event’s website plainly states that the band takes its “performing’ responsibilities seriously,” which means that participants should do the same. This reporter’s holding out until the band learns some Morrissey.
River Flicks at Hudson River Park, West Side
2008 is River Flicks’ Summer of Music. The free-of-charge film series hosts rock pastiches and movie musicals on Wednesday evenings, screening the likes of Purple Rain and Saturday Night Fever. If Prince and Travolta don’t entice you to visit the far West Side, there’s always the Friday Kid Flicks series at Pier 46. The latter notably features E.T. and the Goonies, and both events offer free popcorn. What’s more, the series screen the films in the out-of-doors, so viewers can enjoy their park environs to the fullest.
The Best Dive Bars
The Continental, East Village
The geniuses behind Manhattan’s most straightforward dive self-promote with a top 10 list of “Reasons to drink at the Continental.” The two best reasons, as any of their patrons would agree, are their never-ending deal of five shots for $10 and the fact that Iggy Pop drank there. Pretty enticing stuff, especially considering that their prices never rise above $5 a drink and they’ve been known to offer $1.50 PBRs. Located right around the corner from busy St. Mark’s (and some top-notch cheap falafel), the Continental is the perfect end to your night.
The Trash Bar, Williamsburg
The Trash Bar is friendly and limitlessly charming, especially if you enjoy Pabst, free tater tots, and the occasional game of Big Buck Hunter. Its happy hours are an unbeatable deal, offering two-for-one draughts and wells in addition to blessed PBR. Plus, if you’re there for the nightly live music in the bar’s back room, you’ll also enjoy an open bar from 8 to 9pm. Trash is an anchor of cheap in an increasingly pricey neighborhood. Of course, if we’re being open and honest, you’ll admit that you were sold at “free tater tots.”
Cheap Food in Manhattan
Dojo, Nolita
Although this once-glorious establishment lost its East Village location over numerous health code violations, its NYU-adjacent site still embraces the cheap. Its extensive menu of Japanese-inspired and vegetarian-friendly items is ideal fare for the perpetually broke, namely those who can’t be arsed over NYC’s standards of cleanliness. It’s a testament to Dojo that the only menu items over the $10 price point are pitchers of draught beer, and most meals will run you around $5. Though these facts may do little to whet your appetite, rest assured that the food is always unique and delicious. The cold tofu, soy burger, and Dojo Dressing make for one of the best lunches in town.
Gray’s Papaya, West Side
Gray’s is home to the Recession Special: $3.50 for two hot dogs and a drink. The popular chain has 3 West Side locations, all offering exceptional non-alcoholic fruit beverages like piña coladas and coconut champagne. Gray’s hot dogs inspire doglike devotion in some omnivorous New Yorkers, and because of their frequent pop culture mentions have become a tourist favorite. And, to sway the politically-minded hot dog-eater, the Times reports that Gray’s Papaya has endorsed Barack Obama for President.
Free Live Music
McCarren Park Pool Parties, Greenpoint
This storied series is in its last summer at McCarren Park, though hosts JellyNYC hope to move it to another location. Regardless, it’s worth experiencing the parties in their proper pool before the city renovates and repurposes the venue. This year’s festivities include dodgeball tournaments, Brooklyn Brewery kiosks, and an impressive list of participating bands. If you act quickly, you can still catch the Liars, King Khan and the Shrines, the Black Lips, and MGMT.
Summer Stage, Central Park
Hosting several major events each week, the Summer Stage is the most fruitful of free concert series. This summer’s epic set includes Jill Scott, Wyclef Jean, the National, Battles, and Sharon Jones, whose band the Dap Kings are also Amy Winehouse’s erstwhile backers. Unlike some of the city’s more niche-specific events, the Summer Stage and the City Parks Foundation aim to present a broad range of musicians to their “global city.” They also offer the city’s greenest, most bucolic setting in which to witness rock & roll. Visitors will want to peruse Central Park’s lake and Bethesda Fountain before heading to Rumsey Playfield for their choice show.
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Categories: Travel Info
