We call this feature “Cheap Eats,” but don’t be fooled: The meals described below may not cost you a week’s salary, but their simple, satisfying, down-home tastiness makes them worth their weight in gold. We profile 19 eateries with dishes that run the gamut from comfort food favorites like hot dogs and mac ’n cheese to ethnic specialties. (A bowl of African waakye, anyone?) So be sure to bring your appetite — but you can leave the credit card at home.
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Mexicali Blue, New Paltz
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Mexicali Blue, New Paltz
By Rosemary O’Connor
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Fiesta Mexicana, Brewster
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Fiesta Mexicana, Brewster
By Melissa Esposito
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The Spot, Hopewell Junction
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: The Spot, Hopewell Junction
By Rosemary O’Connor
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Mix N Mac, Middletown
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Mix N Mac, Middletown
By Melissa Esposito
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Billy Joe’s RibWorks, Newburgh
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Billy Joe’s RibWorks, Newburgh
By Melissa Esposito
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American Burger, Mac and Cheese Company, Carmel
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: American Burger, Mac and Cheese Company, Carmel
By Melissa Esposito
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Cheryl’s Fried Fish and Soul Food, Middletown
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Cheryl’s Fried Fish and Soul Food, Middletown
By Melissa Esposito
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Safari African Restaurant, Poughkeepsie
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Safari African Restaurant, Poughkeepsie
By Rosemary O’Connor
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Garden Café, Woodstock
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Garden Café, Woodstock
By Melissa Esposito
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Noshi’s Coney Island, Poughkeepsie
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Noshi’s Coney Island, Poughkeepsie
By Melissa Esposito
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Kosiner Brothers Organic Hot Dog Cart, New Paltz
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Kosiner Brothers Organic Hot Dog Cart, New Paltz
By Melissa Esposito
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Coney Island Café, Middletown
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Coney Island Café, Middletown
By Melissa Esposito
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Soul Dog, Poughkeepsie
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Soul Dog, Poughkeepsie
By Melissa Esposito
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Big W’s Roadside Bar-B-Q, Wingdale
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Big W’s Roadside Bar-B-Q, Wingdale
By Melissa Esposito
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Janet’s Jerk Stop, Poughkeepsie
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Janet’s Jerk Stop, Poughkeepsie
By Melissa Esposito
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Rambler’s Rest, Monroe
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Rambler’s Rest, Monroe
By Rosemary O’Connor
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Toro, Fishkill
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Toro, Fishkill
By Melissa Esposito
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Phil-Asian Foods, Poughkeepsie
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Phil-Asian Foods, Poughkeepsie
By Melissa Esposito
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BJ’s Restaurant, Beacon
Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: BJ’s Restaurant, Beacon
By Jennifer Leba
