New York

Have you heard the news? This nagging recession isn't going away anytime soon like we all hoped. So unless you're a banker or oil executive, you're probably on the look out for cheap eats in New York. And if you happen to work for an indie travel publisher, then this means you need to find really really really cheap eats. Up in East Harlem is one of our long time go-to spots for a hearty lunch. Each day brings a different line up of $6 specials like a chicken leg or oxtail stew with a heaping pile of yellow rice, red beans, and plantains. If you need to go cheaper try a ham and cheese sandwich for $3 or if you a few extra dollars lying around splurge on the lechon asado or pernil--both very tasty pork options. And if you can't make it at lunch time, no worries. They stay open until 2 am for all your Dominican fried food late-night cravings.

Photo:  Craig Nelson