Affordable Things to Do in NYC, From Soup Counters to Cinema

3.8 (161)

Tue – Thu, 11:00 – 23:00; Fri – Sat, 11:00 – 00:00 (+1); Sun, 12:00 – 22:30

990 Thomas S Boyland St

Free delivery to nearby homes and workplaces keeps Tailai Kitchen a convenience pick for Brooklyn Chinese takeout. Regulars point to accurate orders and friendly service, while reviews on food quality stay mixed. Find it at 990 Thomas S Boyland Street, closed Mondays.

4.8 (52)

Mon – Fri, 11:30 – 18:00

88 Essex St Stall 51

Inside Essex Market, Chomps-Élysées ladles four slow-cooked soups a day, from coconut chickpea to sweet potato, and lets diners sample or mix flavors in one bowl. Quiche, fresh focaccia, and gluten-free cornbread sit alongside vegan-friendly recipes, weekdays 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

5.0 (5)

Mon – Tue, 07:00 – 16:00; Wed – Sun, 07:00 – 18:00

49-09 Northern Blvd

The former crew of Manhattan's Star on 18 now runs OG Diner LIC on Northern Boulevard in Long Island City. Classic breakfast specials and diner staples arrive in generous, affordable portions, service is fast, owner Betty is called sweet and welcoming, and free parking sits on site.

3.7 (1,689)

Mon – Sun, 11:00 – 00:00 (+1)

1170 Coney Island Avenue

A three-screen Brooklyn cinema on Coney Island Avenue, Kent Theater pairs digital projection, RealD 3D, and Dolby Digital sound with a lobby of classic arcade games. It appeared in The Purple Rose of Cairo and When They See Us, and Wednesday seats cost 6 dollars.