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Eat cheap in NYC

Newsday Staff Writer

Everybody has a favorite restaurant. But what everybody wants to know is: Where do you go for a meal on the cheap? Here are ten places where you can eat well, and not break the bank.

MANHATTAN

Kitchen22. Here and at the uptown sibling, Kitchen 82, uber-chef Charlie Palmer produces a three-course meal for $25. Typical main courses might include a choice of salmon with celery root puree, roast chicken with gnocchi or pork loin with red cabbage. For dessert, the best bet is the double chocolate pudding. (36 E 22nd Street; 212-228-4399)

Tartine. So, everybody knows about this place. But that doesn't mean it isn't a bargain. Yes, you'll have to wait. Yes, the service can be a little brusque. And, yes, the tables are tiny and it gets noisy. But, consider: sauteed lemon chicken with salad and french fries ($15.95); citrus-y grilled salmon ($16.95). Desserts? How does a classic tarte tatin ($6) strike you? At lunchtime, the crowds are usually a little less dense, but forget weekend brunch. Oh, and did we mention that you save on drinks? It's strictly BYOB. (259 west 11th Street; 212-229-2611)

Amy Ruth. Friendly and relaxed, the restaurant has a loyal following. With good reason: Home-style cooking rarely gets this good. A hefty portion of fried chicken (with two sides) is $11.95. Smothered pork chops are $10.95 and fried catfish is $13.95. Whatever you order, though, don't miss the peach cobbler, a bargain at $3.50. (113 West 116th Street; 212-280-8779)

Nam This small storefront in Tribeca is a far cry from formica counters and fluorescent lights. The crowd is hip, decor is sophisticated, and the Vietnamese food perfectly prepared. You can put together a meal of salads and starters: Try grilled shrimp with sugar cane ($8), papaya salad with shrimp and dried beef ($8), or grilled ribs with peaniuts ($8). Recommended main courses include roast chicken ($12) or caramelized shrimp ($14). (110 Reade Street; 212-267-1777)

Gumbo Cafe. Chef Dexter Stewart has brought a down-home New Orleans vibe to the Upper West Side, with his tiny (14 seats) cafe. But good things come in small packages, as they used to say, and main courses like jambalaya ($9), gumbo ($10), and shrimp creole ($12) are as delicious as they are suthentic. Sides, which go for $2.50, include cole slaw, candied yams, and collard greens. Desserts include a trio of pies: lemon merengue, sweet potato, and pecan ($5.50). (950 Columbus Avenue; 212-222-2378)

BROOKLYN

Schnack. As simple as it gets. Sliders -- here known as schnackies -- go for 99 cents a pop. Hot dogs are a buck. The Cuban sandwich, complete with designer bacon, is $5.50. There are hot plates like fish and chips ($7.50) or grilled chicken skewers ($8.25). For dessert, try the beer shake with chicory stout and ice cream, which will set you back about four bucks. (122 Union Street; 718-855-2879)

Chip Shop There's no explaining English tastes. To an American weaned on Mickey D's crisp shoestrings, the fries here are soggy. But the fish ($9.50) is moist with a crunchy coating. Other good bets: bangers and mash (sausage and mashed potatoes, $9.50) or Welsh rarebit (good and gooey--an open-faced grilled cheese with tomatoes, spiced up with mustard, $8). Desserts? The fried Twinkies are beyond the pale. But for a chocoholic, the deep-fried candy bars ($3) are a wonder: a crisp outer coating with a sweet molten center. Who knew? (383 Fifth Avenue; 718-832-7701)

Lentos Fans call the pizza here among the best in the city, with a thin crust, fresh-tasting tomato sauce, and just enough cheese ($9 for the large pie). Besides the pie, there are pastas (which start at $7). Main courses like fish, chicken, veal, and baked clams that also have their admirers. (7001 Third Avenue; 718-745-9197)

QUEENS

Tandoor. The centerpiece of the menu here is, naturally, the tandoori dishes: Well-prepared tandoori chicken is $12.95. But there are also plenty of vegetarian dishes (which start at $10), plus lamb curry ($12.95) or fish curry ($13.95). The samosas -- without which no meal is complete -- are three bucks, and the breads are $2.50. (95-25 Queens Boulevard, Rego Park; 718-997-6800)

STATEN ISLAND

Adobe Blues When the locals are looking for a place to relax over a casual meal, they often head for this simple, unpretentious place. Main courses include a chicken-studded Mexican salad ($10), a combination plate of enchiladas, tamale and tacos ($13) and fajitas, which go for $14-$16. In the bar, there's a selection of 200 or so beers to choose from (plus margaritas, of course). (63 Lafayette Avenue ; 718-720-2583)