As we all know, New York City is one of the most expensive cities to live in in the world. But somehow, many of us (most of us) find ways to survive on meager budgets. One person, in particular, who has become an expert in cheap fun is “Broke-Ass Stuart.” He has a fabulous website devoted to getting by in NYC and San Francisco “on the cheap.” He’s also written guides to living cheaply for each city (and yes, he would like you to buy them, here).
We decided to ask BAS’s witty NYC writing team for their favorite spots on the Lower East Side. They came up with some gems:
My favorite bar in the LES has got to be St. Jerome’s. I feel like I could go in there wearing anything, essentially, kick back with a super cheap Bud Light, and T.Rex. It’s the kind of place where I can go and not feel all “hassled” by the “man” about maybe sitting improperly in the booths or something. Also, my name might be Jim Anchower. No one rides the storm out like that hombre.
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Drinking on the street is one of the few areas in which I truly excel, and for years El Sombrero provided me with the tools I needed to be a winner. A to-go cup margarita and a bench in Sara Roosevelt Park make for a delightfully budget-friendly happy hour. I don’t know if they do the go cups anymore, but you can still get drunk for cheap inside and cushion the blow with a giant plate of tacos.
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Fact: Deep down inside my soul lives a fat girl – and I love her. That’s why whenever I venture from my place in Harlem to the LES, it’s for a very good reason: Candy. But not just any candy… every candy! Economy Candy has the largest selection of packaged and bulk candy I’ve ever seen. And it’s affordable, too! (Are you taking notes, Dylan?) My absolute fave is Bonkers. Brings back so many tasty memories. Seriously, my mouth just watered thinking about it. God bless that fat girl.
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I’m terrified of bridges, but I’ve taught myself to man up so I can bike into Manhattan. Spitting out onto Delancy Street off the Williamsburg Bridge makes me feel like I can kick anything’s ass. Then I remind myself not to head butt random objects, even though I’m wearing a helmet.
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Most of my old LES haunts are now shuttered, but one of the few last standing rock bars left is Manitoba’s. While most other neighborhoods spots get overtaken on the weekends, this place always has the same mix of riff raff I’ve grown to love. There’s always plenty of celebratory drunk band members celebrating another successful show. And I always make a point to head downstairs for a vigorous game of air hockey. It gets pretty ugly.
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I’ve never met a cholesterol bomb on Grand St. that I didn’t like. This is especially true at Doughnut Plant, where the crème brûlée doughnut might actually be better than sex. Just kidding: nothing is, but the doughnuts at this spot are dangerously close. At $2 – $3 a pop, they aren’t as cheap as Krispy Kreme, but they ARE cheaper than a hooker and will still make you feel so very filthy good.
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By the way, I’ve had the distinct honor of being asked to be a “Broke-Ass of the Week” on the B.A. website. Look for that soon!
