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What Are the Best Cheap Places to Eat in Long Island for Kids & Families?

Reasonable prices and fast service make Williston Townhouse Diner a winner for a family meal out. Photo by the author

1. Williston Townhouse Diner — Williston Park

This local diner offers great comfort food and prices to keep your family well-fed and on budget! My kids are fans of the grilled cheese and the speedy service. Insider tip: Try one of this diner's yummy milkshakes with your meal or take one to go for a treat at home. 

2. California Pizza Kitchen — Huntington Station

My kids always love a meal out at CPK, and we love the price of the kids' meals. The kids' curly mac 'n' cheese is a favorite for us, and at $7.99 it's a great deal with a good-sized portion. Kids can also choose an individual pizza with a variety of choices from regular, pepperoni, or Hawaiian. Insider tip: Kids will be delighted with the brownie dessert at this spot, and parents will love the budget-friendly price!  

3. Out Of The Park Burgers — Central Islip

Burgers, wings, empanadas, hot dogs, and fries are some of the most popular items at this local spot. A majority of the menu items come in under $10, and the options will please kids and adults alike. Insider tip: There is some outdoor seating, if you can nab a table, or you will have to take your order to go.

A kids' meal costs less than $10 at Tony's Tacos. Photo courtesy of Tony's Tacos

4. Tony's Tacos — Garden City 

Kids can enjoy a cheese quesadilla or chicken nuggets for under $10 at this trendy spot. Parents can enjoy an adult cocktail with their meal, and there is outdoor seating during the nice weather. Insider tip: This spot can get crowded around dinner hours, so try to head over a little earlier if you have little ones and don't want to wait for a table.

5. Olive Garden — Various Locations

This chain is popular for families and offers budget-friendly kids' meals for under $10 that usually include a side and a drink. Kids also love the unlimited breadsticks that come along with the adult meals. Parents love the prices and variety of options on the menu, so even picky little eaters will find something to eat. Insider tip: These restaurants often get very crowded around dinnertime, especially on the weekends, so plan ahead and try to beat the rush at an off-hour. 

6. Schmear Bagel & Cafe — Port Washington 

This neighborhood favorite has awesome bagels and bakery goods the whole family will love. It is counter service, but there are also tables in the cafe to sit, or you can take it to go. My kids and I are big fans of the bagels and scones for breakfast or even lunch. Insider tip: Breakfast time on the weekends can be busy, so plan accordingly. 

The International House of Pancakes has lots of locations with low-cost options for every meal. Photo by the author

7. IHOP — Various Long Island Locations

IHOP offers a great kids' menu with meal options well under $10. From pancakes to chicken strips, kids can find breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices they will enjoy on the children's menu. Some locations also offer kids-eat-free promotions. Insider tip: Call your local IHOP to confirm it is participating in any nationwide promotions you see before you go. 

8. Your Mothers House Kitchen & Bar — Garden City Park

This local spot offers kids younger than 10 to eat FREE with the purchase of an adult entree all day on Tuesdays. Kids' menu items include grilled cheese, corn dogs, popcorn shrimp, pizza, mac and cheese, mini burgers, chicken tenders, and more. Insider tip: Go early with little ones for dinner, as it can get crowded later on in the night. 

9. Funchos — West Hampton Beach, Riverhead

This place is a true favorite of locals and has some of the best Mexican food we have ever had. The kids' menu offers tacos or quesadillas. Insider tip: We like to order a guacamole and chips to share. It is always a delicious shareable treat! 

10. Sip 'N Soda — Southampton

A visit to this charming ice cream shop is a fun blast into the past, as it has been a staple in Southampton since the 1950s. The shop serves budget-friendly breakfast and lunch options the whole family will enjoy. Folks can enjoy a BLT or grilled cheese for under $10. Insider tip: Remember to leave room for some of this spot's delicious, homemade ice cream for dessert. 

A trip out East is a little easier on the wallet with a stop at Main Road Biscuit Co. Photo by the author

10. Main Road Biscuit Co. — Jamesport 

My kids absolutely love this North Fork gem and ask to go whenever we are out East. The eatery doesn't have a designated kids' menu, but my kids split an order of chocolate chip pancakes, which are huge and are some of the best pancakes we have ever had! Insider tip: This spot has cute seating indoors and a charming covered patio area out back. Do not leave without trying the biscuits! 

12. Pizza Village — Montauk

My family always makes a stop at Pizza Village when we visit Montauk. The pizza is the best, and the prices keep us happy and on budget. Insider tip: If your little ones don't like pizza or are extra hungry from the beach, try the chicken tenders appetizer! My kids gobble them up. 

Which Cheap Local Spots Are Hidden Gems (and Worth the Trip?)

13. All American Burger Drive-In — Massapequa

This hidden gem has been a favorite of locals since the 1960s. Old-fashioned, original recipes for their famous burgers. There are also fish filet sandwiches, all-beef hot dogs, and more served up at the most affordable prices you will see anywhere these days! There is limited seating outdoors; it's wise to plan to eat drive-in style in your car or take it to go. 

14. Bonanza's 1897 — Oyster Bay

Bonanza's stand has been serving locals for more than a century, and it is truly a hidden gem in the community. The family-run fast-food spot is most famous for its hot dogs and Italian ices, but it offers other bites as well. There is outdoor seating, and be sure to leave room for the dessert! 

15. Slo-Jack's Drive-In — Hampton Bays

Grab a seat outside and enjoy a budget-friendly, nostalgic meal at this local Hamptons burger joint. Families can enjoy burgers from the grill or share some nachos and appetizers before treating everyone to a soft-serve ice cream dessert. This iconic place also offers mini-golf fun. Try to plan a visit during an off-hour, especially during peak summer months out East. 

Are There Any Cheap Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near Major Attractions?

Yes! Out Of The Park Burgers is right near Fairfield Properties Ballpark, where the Long Island Ducks play, and it's a great option for food before or after catching a game. Roundhouse Pizza near the Long Island Aquarium is a good option to share a salad and pizza with the family after a sealife-inspired afternoon. 

What Should Families Order to Stay Under $10

• Share entrees, sides, or appetizers. 
• Try lunch specials instead of dinner options. 
• Look for kid menus or local-only deals. 
• Avoid add-ons when you can and stick to just the meals. 

Which Popular Restaurants Aren't Worth It (And Why)?

Fast food chain restaurants are often not worth the hype. Wendy's or Taco Bell can seem like a cheap option, but can end up costing quite a bit of money once you add everything up for a family. Kids' meal portions can be small and leave kids still asking for more food! 

Insider Tips for Eating Out Cheap with Kids 

• Go early to beat the dinner rush. 
• Bring refillable water bottles. 
• Take advantage of kids-eat-free restaurant nights. 
• Visit food markets or farmers' markets for a variety of options. 
• Food trucks are a great, affordable meal option for the family. 
• Check out local restaurants on social media for flash deals and promos. 

Cheap Eats in Long Island FAQ

Q. What are the best cheap restaurants in Long Island for families?
A. Families can stay on budget at various places across Long Island, like IHOP, California Pizza Kitchen, local diners, pizza places, and some local burger joints. 

Q. Where can kids eat free or cheaply in Long Island?
A.  Kids can eat cheaply or free at many spots in Long Island. We highlighted several spots like diners, casual fast food restaurants, and cafes above. You can also check out our list of restaurants where kids eat free on Long Island for even more options. 

Q. What kind of food can families get for under $10 in Long Island?
A.  Families can often get burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, tacos, and diner food options for under $10. Some restaurants offer affordable pasta dishes for kids, and local cafes are a great choice for bagels and baked goods. 

Q. Are there good, cheap restaurants near the Hamptons?
A.  Yes, there are several good and affordable restaurants near the Hamptons, like Funchos and Sip 'N Soda. 

Q. How can families save money when eating out in Long Island?
A.  Families can have kids share an entree, order extra sides to share, and bring water bottles for the kids to avoid ordering additional drinks.