El Rancho Catracho
Honduran Baleadas & Carne Asada — Jackson Street
People drive from Dallas, Texas and Valley Stream just to eat here — that tells you everything. Authentic Honduran baleadas (soft flour tortillas loaded with refried beans, cheese, and cream), a carne asada platter described as "one of the best things I've ever had," and a Plato Típico stacked with grilled meat, fried plantains, rice, and beans. Generous portions at prices that feel like a secret. Big portions, pumping music, ample parking.
Jamaican Dutch Pot
Jerk Chicken Packed to the Brim — Extremely Good Price
One reviewer put it best: ordered a medium jerk chicken platter with rice, and "the sweet lady working the store packed my medium size box to the BRIM. I was shaking with excitement." Jerk chicken, rice and peas, and Caribbean sides at prices that still feel honest. One of the most-mentioned Jamaican spots on Uber Eats for Hempstead. Two people eating full jerk platters land comfortably under $20. First-time Jamaican food experience? Start here.
Long Island Soul Food Restaurant
Southern Soul Food & Caribbean — Franklin Street
Community staple on Franklin Street mixing genuine Southern soul food with Caribbean flavors — the two culinary traditions that define much of Hempstead's residential heart. Fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, alongside Caribbean comfort plates. "Affordable prices and well portioned meals" straight from the restaurant's own description, which rarely proves wrong. Two people eating a full soul food plate each land right at $20.
La Fonda Deli
Salvadoran Pupusas & Tamales
"The best pupusas I have ever tasted." That's the word on this Salvadoran deli, consistently praised for fresh masa, deeply flavorful fillings (cheese, refried beans, chicharrón), and a welcoming staff. Tamales, stewed chicken, and daily specials round it out. Busy enough that parking is sometimes hard to find — a reliable tell. Two people eating pupusas and a plate each land well under $20. Authentic, fresh, fast.
Hollywood Deli
Central American Fresh Deli, Pupusas & Homemade Juices
"LOVE LOVE LOVE." Fresh pupusas made to order, homemade juices including a legendary coconut milk, and a housemade hot sauce so good regulars stop in just to buy bottles of it. Fresh ingredients, kind staff, and prices that bring people back every other week. One reviewer's routine: stop in for a coconut milk and pupusas, then next door to the attached fruit stand for fresh juice and smoothies. Two people eating well here = $12–15.
Be-Bob Bagel Shop
New York Bagels & Deli Sandwiches — Main & Front Street
A "hidden gem" on Main and Front Street in the heart of Hempstead. Wide variety of fresh bagels with different toppings, a salad bar, and an impressive selection of deli sandwiches. The only proper New York bagel experience in the Village, and priced the way bagels should be. Two people eating full bagel sandwiches with a coffee land well under $20. Simple, satisfying, and quintessentially New York in the middle of a neighborhood most visitors walk right past.
No. 1 Great Wall
Chinese Food — Above Average, Unbeatable Prices
"The food was above average. Very well cooked and tasty." Hempstead's reliable Chinese option where reviewers note the food quality deserves better surroundings — the classic compliment that means the kitchen is serious. Two people eating fried rice, lo mein, and a shared protein plate come in well under $20. The Long Island Chinese takeout tradition done properly. Order in person or for takeout — the value is consistent either way.
Gonzo's Mexican Grill
Authentic Mexican — Dine-In, Takeout & Delivery
Hempstead's go-to Mexican grill serving authentic tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and combination plates at prices that reflect the neighborhood's working-class values. Dine-in, takeout, and delivery available. Two people ordering tacos and a burrito to share land well under $20. In a neighborhood filled with Central American food, the specifically Mexican options here fill a distinct niche — carne asada, pollo asado, al pastor done right.
Kebab King Mahal
Middle Eastern, South Asian & Desi Cuisine — West Hempstead
West Hempstead spot serving a wide variety of Middle Eastern, South Asian (Desi), and Chinese cuisine under one roof — an only-on-Long-Island combination that somehow works. Kebabs, biryani, and Pakistani/Indian staples at prices reflecting the neighborhood. Two people eating a full kebab plate with rice and naan land well under $20. One of the more unique dining combinations anywhere on the 2for20 map. The desi-Chinese hybrid menu is especially worth exploring.
Singas Pizza
Long Island NY-Style Pizza Slices
Long Island pizza institution with a Hempstead location. Classic NY-style pizza by the slice at classic NY prices — the kind of pie that reminds you why the rest of the country can't quite replicate it. Thin crust, proper char, fresh toppings. Two people eating 2–3 slices each land at $12–18. The reliable option when you want a no-argument, no-decision, no-regret meal. Uber Eats' recommended affordable pick for Hempstead delivery.
La Costa Restaurant
Authentic South American Cuisine — Unbeatable Prices
Hempstead's South American representative — authentic Latin plates at what LongIsland.com specifically describes as "unbeatable prices." Reviewers praise the generous portions piled higher than neighboring restaurants at the same price point. "I paid only $11.50 for my lunch. It should be a sin to charge these wonderful prices." Two people eating full South American plates with rice, beans, and protein land well under $20. Consistently a go-to for locals who know.
💡 Hempstead Pro Tip: Most of the best cheap eats in Hempstead cluster within a few blocks of Main Street and the surrounding streets in the Village. Jackson Street (El Rancho Catracho), Franklin Street (Long Island Soul Food), and the Main/Front Street corridor (Be-Bob Bagel, Hollywood Deli) are all walkable from each other. This is a cash-forward neighborhood — many spots prefer it, and some require it. West Hempstead adds Kebab King Mahal for a different experience a short drive away. Park once, eat multiple times.
These chain deals work anywhere in the country, including Hempstead.
Applebee's
2 Entrees + Appetizer
One shareable appetizer + two full-size entrées. Fiesta Lime Chicken, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Boneless Wings & more. Available dine-in, takeout & delivery.
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