by Rachel Brougham

Created on: April 05, 2009   Last Updated: April 27, 2009

In a city known for its diverse cuisine and exceptional restaurants, you could expect to pay a small fortune for a good meal in New York City. But that doesn't have to be the case there are a number of small eateries around the city that offer a taste of the Big Apple without the big price tag.

Pizza, it's a New York City staple and there are plenty of pies to choose from. For an authentic Italian pie, head to Una Pizza Napoletana in the East Village. Owner Anthony Mangieri only serves four types of pie marinara, margherita, bianca and one with cherry tomatoes. The crust is puffy and fragrant, and if the line outside the joint will tell you anything, it's that customers know this is the place for pizza. Una Pizza Napoletana is located at 349 E. 12th St. They're open from Thursday-Sunday from 5pm until the dough runs out! To find out more, visit their webiste at

www.unapizza.com.

"Fast food, made to order," those are words you usually don't hear in the same sentence. But at Shake Shack, a popular burger chain with three NYC locations, that's exactly what you'll get. From mouthwatering burgers, hotdogs and fries to shakes, floats and sundaes, this joint is not only pleasing to the palatte, but to the wallet as well. You can even enjoy beer and wine in a desginated area. Other locations on the Upper West Side and in Flusing are just as tasty. The original Shake Shack is located at Madison Ave. at 23rd St. and is open 7 days a week. For more information, www.shakeshacknyc.com.

For more than 60 years, William Greenberg Jr. Desserts has been serving up delicious baked goods on the Upper West Side. They're known for a NYC staple the Black and White cookie. The bakery will even let you choose icing colors when placing a special order. New Yorkers vote this as the best Black and White cookie in the city, year after year. 1100 Madison Ave. Open 7 days a week. www.wmgreenbergdesserts.com.

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