Cheap Eats: Affordable and Inexpensive Restaurants and Places to Eat in the Hudson Valley

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.
 

Mexicali Blue, New Paltz

Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Mexicali Blue, New Paltz
By Rosemary O’Connor

Fiesta Mexicana, Brewster

Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Fiesta Mexicana, Brewster
By Melissa Esposito

The Spot, Hopewell Junction

Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: The Spot, Hopewell Junction
By Rosemary O’Connor

Mix N Mac, Middletown

Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Mix N Mac, Middletown
By Melissa Esposito

Billy Joe’s RibWorks, Newburgh

Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Billy Joe’s RibWorks, Newburgh
By Melissa Esposito

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

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

Safari African Restaurant, Poughkeepsie

Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Safari African Restaurant, Poughkeepsie
By Rosemary O’Connor

Garden Café, Woodstock

Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Garden Café, Woodstock
By Melissa Esposito

Noshi’s Coney Island, Poughkeepsie

Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Noshi’s Coney Island, Poughkeepsie
By Melissa Esposito

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

Coney Island Café, Middletown

Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Coney Island Café, Middletown
By Melissa Esposito

Soul Dog, Poughkeepsie

Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Soul Dog, Poughkeepsie
By Melissa Esposito

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

Janet’s Jerk Stop, Poughkeepsie

Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Janet’s Jerk Stop, Poughkeepsie
By Melissa Esposito

Rambler’s Rest, Monroe

Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Rambler’s Rest, Monroe
By Rosemary O’Connor

Toro, Fishkill

Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Toro, Fishkill
By Melissa Esposito

Phil-Asian Foods, Poughkeepsie

Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: Phil-Asian Foods, Poughkeepsie
By Melissa Esposito

BJ’s Restaurant, Beacon

Best place to eat on the cheap in 2012: BJ’s Restaurant, Beacon
By Jennifer Leba