I take the 7 express to Main St. to buy insanely cheap and stoopid fresh produce in Flushing. Then I treat myself to a Bahn Mi (Vietnamese sandwich on baguette) which is the tastiest treat you can get for $2.50.

Similarly, I’d die without the life-saving $2 falafel served by my handsome “food cart dude” on 30th street & Broadway in Astoria.

When I need lobster and shrimp (plucked from their window tanks) I head down to Kam Chueh on Bowery. Three people can chow down on a pound of shrimp, a veggie dish and a 3-lb lobster for like $25pp (including beer!). Ton of food.

Two words: Salvation Army.

You like empanadas? Try mama’s Empanada’s across from the newly-swanked out Queens Center Mall, or Papa’s Empanadas on Steinway St. in Astoria. They’re little fried patties of goodness for like $1 apiece.

And Caracas arepas bar on east 7th streret is. to. Die.

Andy: I’m glad to hear that you’re a bargain shopper, too! I used to be addicted to video games when I was younger. But, I was old school: Atari & Nintendo, none of the new stuff. ;)

Sid: I love that phrase, “rock on with your cheap self.” :) We should go discount shopping together! Either that or go for a weekday mani / pedi / margaritas special. :)

I love Filene’s basement and DSW, as you know. But there are other discount delights to be had in this world…such as at Value City, a super-discount value department store chain in the mid-Atlantic states. And for all the trips I take, I spend very little on my travel. My second-to-last trip to Chicago was 4 nights 4* hotel plus air; I got that package for about $500, thanks to my discount internet travel deal crusing at travelocity, hotwire, expedia, lastminute….

And I like target, too. I’m also a big fan of the mani/pedi combo weekday package that costs less than $25, which you can find all over NYC.

For eats, I love Crif Dogs. You can get two plain dogs and a PBR for $6 plus tax.

And then there’s the subway. An extravaganza of sights, smells and sounds for only $2 per ride!

I like Amazon’s used goods, and, of course, there’s Ebay. Oh, and to Nerd Girl’s comment (points up), the Vietnamese soup noodle place is likely called “Pho [something something],” pho (pronounced “fuh”) being the Vietnamese word for that dish.

And I like a bargain as much as you do, Stolie.

When I lived in *the* small town there was a cafeteria that you could visit – full plate – double helping of meat – 3 veggie sides, bread, dessert and tea for 6 bucks! It was really good also. Sadly I must also report that the place was sold and is currently being renovated… sigh…..

And now that I think about it there is a Bakery in Irving, Texas called Argentina Bakery – on Beltline across from the mall. Everything there is AWESOME (wicked) as they say up north. Prices are relatively inexpensive some of the cookies range from 20 cents to 50 cents a piece.

Nerd Girl: OMG, I love sticking Empanadas in my mouth!!! Empanadas are possible the world’s most perfect food. Few things taste as good as warm, wheat flour, baked, beef Empanadas. God bless the Mexican man (or woman) who discovered them … BTW, I’ll let you know if I’m ever in L.A. again; I haven’t been there since 2001.

Elenor: Vera Wang for $25?!?!?! That’s amazing!!!! And, that’s great that you’re coming to New York for a weekend. It is a city filled with endless possibilities; at any given moment, there are a million things to do. Don’t forget to pick up a Village Voice or a Time Out when you’re here.

Tonito Bandito: Grandpa’s Attic? Very cute. :)

AWE: Tater Tots. YUM! I’ve only been to Tennessee 2 or 3 times but, believe it or not, I’ve even been to Graceland!! :) It was great … About “Off the Wagon”, I’ve never been but with prices like that I should definitely go!

Hanuman: Some carne restaurants offer vegan and vegetarian options; some vegan & vegetarian restaurants offer carne options. It’s all about inclusion! ;) Soy Luck Club got big ups from a this vegan.

Lola: I love rice!!! Chinese food rocks. :) And that shop Willow & Rags sounds good, by the way.

Mitch: I’ll keep my eyes peeled for your post about free things in Vancouver! Who knows, I might actually make the journey north to Canada in the foreseeable future. Albeit it to Montreal, not Vancouver.

noInk: Believe it or not, I’ve been to Utah. I went to Salt Lake a few years ago and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s very beautiful and serene. My group even found a few underground / naughty places to party. Mormons. They’re really *bad* when no one is watching. ;)

Darwin: Call me a weirdo, but I really *love* the smell of used books and the stores that sell them. :) … Ah, the lovely Sainsbury’s. I shopped there when I was a Study Abroad student in England many years ago.

Pegs: I MISS STANLEY’S!!! Also, further on Ashland (a little south and west of Stanley’s), there is a tiny little Mexican grocery store that has equally great deals.

I admit I’m usually too lazy to go bargain shopping, I’d rather just pay the price and avoid the hassle…

I’d be awful with the Chinese Mafia!