North Carolina is packed with amazing places to eat, and you do not have to spend a fortune to enjoy a truly great meal. From cozy neighborhood spots to beloved local hangouts, the state has no shortage of charm and flavor.
Whether you are craving something crispy, saucy, or loaded with fresh toppings, budget-friendly dining is alive and well here. These 12 restaurants prove that a delicious, satisfying meal can still be had for under $13.
Lucali – Brooklyn, New York
There is a reason people wait hours outside Lucali without a single complaint. This Carroll Gardens gem has become legendary for its thin, perfectly charred pies topped with fresh ingredients and a sauce that tastes like it has been simmering all day.
Owner Mark Iacono started small, and the love he poured into every pizza still shows. Cash only, no slices, and no shortcuts make this one of Brooklyn’s most iconic pizza experiences under $13 a head.
Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop – Brooklyn, New York
Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop in Greenpoint brings a serious slice game to a neighborhood already full of pizza lovers. The crust hits that sweet spot between crispy and chewy, and the toppings are always fresh and generously applied.
What makes this place stand out is its creative rotating menu that keeps regulars coming back to try something new. A couple of slices and a drink will easily keep you under budget while leaving you completely satisfied.
L’industrie Pizzeria – Brooklyn, New York
Williamsburg’s L’industrie Pizzeria has earned a cult following for slices so good that food critics and everyday pizza fans agree on one thing: this place is the real deal. The burrata slice alone is worth crossing a borough for.
Prices stay refreshingly low, making it easy to grab a couple of standout slices without watching your wallet shrink. The no-fuss counter service keeps things moving fast, which is perfect when you are hungry and on the go.
Mama’s TOO! Pizzeria – New York, New York
Tucked along the Upper West Side, Mama’s TOO! has built a loyal crowd of locals who swear by its square slices and round pies. The crust has a satisfying crunch that gives way to a soft, airy interior loaded with quality toppings.
Founder Adam Elzer put serious thought into every ingredient, and the results speak for themselves. Grabbing a couple of slices here is one of Manhattan’s best cheap eats, coming in well under the $13 mark.
Scarr’s Pizza – New York, New York
Scarr’s Pizza on the Lower East Side looks like it was pulled straight from 1970s New York, and that nostalgic vibe is a big part of its charm. Owner Scarr Pimentel mills his own flour and sources quality ingredients, which shows in every single bite.
The slices are classic, unpretentious, and deeply satisfying. Old-school prices mean you can grab a slice and a soda and still have money left over, making Scarr’s a rare find in modern Manhattan.
Best Pizza – Brooklyn, New York
The name is bold, but Best Pizza in Williamsburg backs it up with honest, straightforward slices that remind you why New York pizza became famous in the first place. Owner Frank Pinello keeps the menu tight and the quality high.
There is something genuinely refreshing about a place that does not try to reinvent the wheel but simply perfects it. A slice or two here costs just a few dollars, making it one of Brooklyn’s most beloved and affordable stops for a quick, craveable meal.
Ops – Brooklyn, New York
Ops in Bushwick takes a more artisan approach to pizza, using naturally leavened dough and seasonal ingredients that change with what is fresh and local. The result is a lighter, more complex crust with flavors that feel thoughtfully crafted rather than mass-produced.
The cozy, unpretentious space adds to the experience without inflating the price. Lunch and early dinner options can keep your meal comfortably under $13, especially if you are going for a simple but beautifully executed slice or small pie.
Roberta’s – Brooklyn, New York
Roberta’s put Bushwick on the culinary map long before the neighborhood became trendy, and it has never lost its edge. The wood-fired oven produces blistered, chewy crusts topped with combinations that feel inventive without being gimmicky.
While a full pie can stretch a budget, sharing a pizza or ordering strategically at lunch keeps things affordable. The outdoor garden area and laid-back energy make every visit feel like a casual Brooklyn adventure worth every penny spent.
Speedy Romeo – Brooklyn, New York
Speedy Romeo in Clinton Hill brings a playful, American-influenced twist to wood-fired pizza that keeps every visit feeling exciting. The menu draws inspiration from classic Italian technique while throwing in unexpected flavor combinations that work surprisingly well together.
Happy hour and lunch specials are your best bet for keeping the bill under $13. The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to linger over a meal, and the approachable staff always make first-timers feel like regulars from the moment they walk in.
Denino’s Pizzeria & Tavern – Staten Island, New York
Since 1937, Denino’s has been a Staten Island institution that generations of New Yorkers have grown up eating at. The thin, crispy crust is unlike anything you will find in Manhattan or Brooklyn, and the atmosphere feels like stepping into a genuine neighborhood tavern from another era.
Prices at Denino’s remain remarkably reasonable for the quality and history on your plate. Splitting a small pie at lunch is an easy way to enjoy one of New York’s oldest pizza traditions without breaking your budget.
Joe & Pat’s Pizzeria – Staten Island, New York
Joe and Pat’s has been serving Staten Island since 1960, and its ultra-thin, cracker-crisp crust has developed a following that stretches well beyond the borough. The sauce is bright and tangy, and the cheese-to-crust ratio is something regulars have come to count on every single visit.
Few places in New York offer this much history and flavor at such wallet-friendly prices. A slice or a small individual pie lands comfortably under $13, making Joe and Pat’s a must-visit for any serious pizza explorer.
Emmy Squared Pizza – Brooklyn, New York
Emmy Squared brought Detroit-style pizza to Williamsburg and quickly won over a city that thought it had seen every pizza style imaginable. The thick, focaccia-like crust gets caramelized and crispy on the edges in a way that is genuinely addictive from the very first bite.
Lunch specials and individual slices make it possible to enjoy Emmy Squared’s bold flavors without spending a lot. The bright, modern dining room adds a polished touch that feels a step above your average slice shop without the price tag to match.