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New York City is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, offering everything from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. However, amidst this gastronomic paradise, there are establishments that capitalize on their iconic status or prime locations to charge tourists exorbitant prices for basic fare.
Savvy locals often steer clear of these spots, leaving unsuspecting visitors to foot the inflated bills. Here are twelve such places where tourists might find themselves paying triple for a simple meal.
Times Square Chain Restaurants are Overpriced and Underwhelming
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Times Square is a magnet for tourists, and its numerous chain restaurants take full advantage by charging premium prices for standard dishes. Establishments like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Planet Hollywood offer familiar menus but at significantly higher prices than their counterparts outside this bustling area.
Serendipity 3 Charges Exorbitant Prices for Simple Desserts
Famous for its frozen hot chocolate, Serendipity 3 draws crowds willing to pay steep prices for desserts that, according to some, don’t justify the cost. While the ambiance is charming, locals often view it as an overpriced tourist trap and prefer other dessert spots offering better value.
Little Italy Restaurants Offer Inflated Prices for Mediocre Italian Food
Many eateries in Little Italy cater predominantly to tourists, with menus boasting traditional Italian dishes at inflated prices. Locals often bypass this area, heading instead to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx for a more authentic and reasonably priced Italian dining experience.
Tavern on the Green Provides Scenic Views with Hefty Price Tags
Nestled in Central Park, Tavern on the Green offers a picturesque dining experience that comes at a premium. While the setting is undeniably beautiful, the cost of basic dishes is considerably higher than similar fare elsewhere, leading many locals to reserve visits for special occasions, if at all.
Nusr-Et Steakhouse Serves Overpriced Steaks with a Side of Showmanship
Owned by internet sensation “Salt Bae,” Nusr-Et Steakhouse is known for its theatrical presentations and sky-high prices. Reviews have criticized the restaurant for over-salted and overpriced dishes, making it a spot where tourists pay a premium for the experience rather than the food quality.
The Plaza Hotel’s Afternoon Tea is a Lavish Splurge
The Plaza Hotel’s Afternoon Tea is an iconic experience that comes with a steep price tag. While the setting exudes luxury, the cost of tea and pastries is significantly higher than other tea rooms in the city, leading locals to seek their afternoon indulgence elsewhere.
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Street Vendors Around Major Tourist Attractions Charge Premiums
Food carts near landmarks like the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building often hike up prices for basic items like hot dogs and pretzels. Tourists may find themselves paying triple the standard rate, while locals know to find better deals just a few blocks away.
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Rockefeller Center Restaurants Offer Pricey Menus for Captive Audiences
Dining options around Rockefeller Center often come with inflated prices, capitalizing on the area’s tourist density. Visitors might pay a premium for standard fare, whereas locals tend to dine in less touristy neighborhoods for better value.
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Central Park’s Boathouse Restaurant Combines Views with High Prices
The Loeb Boathouse in Central Park offers serene views and a tranquil dining experience, but this comes at a cost. Menu prices are notably higher than similar establishments, making it more of a tourist destination than a local haunt.
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Chelsea Market’s Popularity Leads to Overpriced Eateries
While Chelsea Market boasts a variety of food vendors, its popularity among tourists has led to higher prices. Locals often navigate to less crowded markets and food halls for diverse culinary options without the tourist mark-up.
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Katz’s Delicatessen Serves Iconic Sandwiches at a Premium
Katz’s Delicatessen is famed for its pastrami sandwiches, but these come with a hefty price tag. While the quality is renowned, the cost is considerably higher than other delis, leading some locals to opt for less touristy spots for their deli fix.
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Junior’s Cheesecake Times Square Charges More than Other Locations
Junior’s Cheesecake in Times Square is known for its classic New York cheesecake, but prices here are higher compared to its other locations. Tourists may not realize they’re paying a premium for the same slice that costs less elsewhere in the city.
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While New York City offers an unparalleled culinary landscape, certain establishments leverage their fame and location to charge tourists significantly more for basic food items. Locals, familiar with the city’s diverse offerings, often avoid these spots in favor of more authentic and reasonably priced alternatives. Visitors can benefit from venturing beyond the typical tourist zones to discover eateries that provide both quality and value.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Slash Your Bill (You’re Overpaying Without Them!)
Grocery shopping can quickly become one of the biggest expenses in any household, but with a few strategic adjustments, you can significantly reduce your spending without compromising on quality.
As a food expert, I’ve seen firsthand how small shifts in habits can lead to substantial savings. Here are 15 simple changes that can help you stretch your dollar further.
Read it here: 13+ Grocery Hacks That Instantly Slash Your Bill (You’re Overpaying Without Them!)
15 Common Restaurant Tricks That Make You Spend More Money
Did you know that the layout of a restaurant menu isn’t random? In fact, restaurants strategically place their most profitable dishes in what industry insiders call the “Golden Triangle” – the top right corner, middle, and top left corner of the menu – where your eyes naturally gravitate first.
From psychological pricing tactics to carefully crafted dish descriptions, restaurants employ dozens of subtle techniques to influence your dining choices and spending habits.
These strategic marketing approaches have been refined over decades of research and real-world testing, transforming the simple act of ordering into a carefully orchestrated experience.
Read it here: 15 Common Restaurant Tricks That Make You Spend More Money
Is Walmart+ Still Worth It in 2025? The Truth After 3 Years
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Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
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