Look in your wallet. Right now. Do it.
Do you have cash in yours? We don't. Because plastic rules this city. But you should really consider carrying cash at all times.
One of the best ways to save some money in your bank account is to take out some cash at your bank's ATM (don't get charged your own money to use your own money) and visit a cash-only eatery in NYC.
NYC has some seriously excellent cash-only spots that keep prices low due to the absence of merchant credit card surcharges.
Some people really hate cash-only spots. It can be a hassle, and no one wants to carry around bits of paper that may get stolen or lost, but these cash-only spots are definitely worth the extra trip to the bank.
1. Pates Et Traditions (52 Havemeyer Street - Brooklyn)
jadeteoh It's La Poulet Citron Chicken, onion, honey, lemon, Swiss and rosemary crepe! Best crepe I've ever had!
Want a quaint, cute little French place that makes you feel like you're back in your grandmother's kitchen but eating incredible French food that your Italian grandmother never quite could master? Try Pates Et Traditions.
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Essentially, you cannot leave this spot without having one of their crepes. It really doesn't matter which one; they're all incredible. But if we had to choose (do we have to?) we'd recommend "La Bergere," which comes with goat cheese, swiss fig, honey, caramelized onions, and rosemary. C'est manifique!
2. The Boil (139 Chrystie Street)
This creole spot on the Lower East Side is bangin'. We mean that in a good way. Just don't order anything at the fire spicy level, unless you want to spend the rest of your day with numb lips. Instead, try the catfish basket which comes with cajun fries.
Don't like catfish? The raw bar is incredibly tempting, delicious, and fresh. They also have insanely delicious lobster rolls, that will make you feel like it's not 28˚F outside, but the middle of summer.
3. Saigon Shack (114 Macdougal Street)
yongbane The weather is pho-reezing. Dat clean broth doe. I could use some right now. Pho real. #fatlyfe #먹스타그램 #foodie #food #nyclife #nyc #nyu #pho #broth #beef #noodles #spicy #ricenoodles #delicious #warm #freezing
Have you heard of the Saigon Shack? No? Have you been living under a rock? Because this place is pretty incredible. Remember that it's cash-only... along with the rest of the places on this list- hence the title.
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Try the pho. Literally any pho. They're served with a side of bean sprouts, jalapeños, basil, lime/lemon, and topped with scallions, cilantro and onions. Still don't know which one to try? Get the Saigon Shack Pho, which comes with thinly sliced beef, beef balls, and house brisket.
4. House of Small Wonder (77 North 6th Street - Brooklyn)
carineralexis I'd be perfectly happy if I could eat croissant French toast everyday. #vscocam #brunch #BrunchAdventuresofNatandCarine
Looking for a meal where you almost feel removed from the concrete jungle? Try House of Small Wonder, where they literally have a tree growing in the center of the restaurant. Apart from the greenery, the skylights and openness are a sight for sore eyes for city people who love the outdoors.
We recommend visiting House of Small Wonder for brunch, which is served all day. Try the croissant french toast, which is basically exactly what it sounds like: two pieces of croissants battered and cooked and served with maple syrup, whipped cream, and fruit.
,5. Malatesta Trattoria (649 Washington Street)
Do you like Italian food? Of course you do. That means you need to check out Malatesta Trattoria. Their restaurant is incredibly authentic, complete with handwritten menus and colorful mismatched plates.
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Start with the grilled calamari that is served with arugula. It's a fresh, light way to start off this meal.
Then try the spinach gnocchi. It's absolutely out of this world. Housemade and served with a gorgonzola cream sauce, it's the only dish you must have while at Malatesta Trattoria.
6. Petite Crevette (144 Union Street - Brooklyn)
homecooked31 Seafood delight #lobster #mussels #sincerite #sauvignonblanc #mothersdaydinner #petitecrevette #downtown #brooklyn #amazingfood
This spot is small, so make sure to get there early (they don't take reservations). It's also BYOB, but the corkage fee is only $5, and it sometimes gets waived. You'll forget all of the details as soon as you bit into some of their fresh, delicious seafood.
Start off with the fried oysters served with tartar sauce or the seafood chowder, which does have tomatoes and vegetables, but is hearty and delicious on a cold NYC day. Then order the cioppino with lobster, shrimp and mussels or the mustard crusted salmon. You won't be disappointed.
7. Clinton Street Baking Company (4 Clinton Street)
You've probably heard of Clinton Street Baking Company before, because they basically have some of the best pancakes in the city. You have to wait for breakfast or brunch because their brunch is that good.
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Not a breakfast lover (who are you?) try the market fish tacos, which are served with the catch of the day, ensuring some fresh fish. We also love the fried chicken and waffles with fried chicken smothered with a honey-tobasco sauce served on a Belgian vanilla buttermilk waffle with a side of maple butter.
8. Mamoun's Falafel (119 MacDougal Street)
Do you like falafels? Have you ever even had a falafel? No, you haven't had a falafel until you've eaten at Mamoun's Falafel in Greenwich Village. Their falafels come with the option of a spicy sauce, which you shouldn't have unless you really like the spice.
While you're there, make sure you grab some shawarma, or lamb or chicken seasoned with their blend of spices that are cooked on a rotisserie and served in a pita. Make sure you save room for some baklava dessert.
Check Out 7 Struggles of Never Carrying Cash in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]