Sometimes you need a cheap, filling lunch that actually tastes good. Sam's Falafel, a small cart-turned-storefront in Union Square, delivers exactly that.

The Cart Legacy

Sam's started as a food cart and still maintains that no-nonsense approach. Order, get your food, move along. New York efficiency at its finest.

The Pita

Warm pita bread stuffed with:

• Fresh-fried falafel (6 pieces)
• Hummus
• Tahini
• Israeli salad (tomato, cucumber, onion)
• Hot sauce (optional but recommended)
• Pickled turnips

Flavor Notes

The falafel is the star – crispy exterior, fluffy herb-flecked interior. Made fresh throughout the day, so they're never sitting around getting soggy. The tahini is garlicky and loose, the hummus smooth and lemony.

The Value Proposition

For under $8, you get a filling meal that will keep you going through the afternoon. In a city where a sad desk salad costs $15, this is a revelation.

Room for Improvement

The pita could be fresher – it sometimes tastes a day old. And the operation can get chaotic during lunch rush. But these are minor complaints for the price.

Final Thoughts

Is this the best falafel in NYC? Probably not. But it might be the best value, and that counts for a lot.

Best for: Budget-conscious lunches near Union Square.