Bad economy getting you down? The Spectator’s got you covered. We found four places where you can buy a meal for a dollar or less, without eating fast food.

Sheezaan: Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani
A television hangs on the wall playing Bollywood movies. Behind a glass case is an assortment of food, which is heated in the microwave upon ordering. Sheezaan’s one dollar offerings include samosas, nan and roti. A samosa is a deep fried savory appetizer, slightly similar to dumplings. According to the menu, Sheezaan has both chicken and vegetable samosas, though the former often sell out. Sheezaan’s samosas are filled with potatoes, carrots, lima beans and curry paste. The outside wrapper is soft, but with a slight crunch. Although perhaps too starchy, Sheezaan’s samosas are a filling snack on a budget. When asked why Sheezaan’s prices are so low, Mellal Ahmed, brother of Ohid Ahmed, who owns the restaurant, said, “Business is very slow. One dollar is cheaper.”
183 Church St. between Duane and Reade

China North Dumpling
From the street, China North Dumpling looks like a small and unassuming hole in the wall. Once inside, however, you can see the dumplings and other dim sum as they’re being made. Order the right thing and it’s soon clear that you’ve found an inexpensive culinary gem. “I go here three or four times a week, the dumplings taste great and they are the best deal at five for a dollar,” Jordan Trachtman, a freshman at New Explorations in Science and Technology High School, said. For just one dollar, the pork and chive dumplings are juicy, flavorful, and slightly sweet—so juicy, in fact that they may get a bit messy. The chive pancakes, also one dollar, are dry and rather bland. Other one dollar 
offerings include vegetable meat buns and spring rolls—while sesame pancakes are only 50 cents, and wonton soup is $1.25. On the whole, China North Dumpling makes for a cozy (albeit cramped) and delicious experience.
15 Essex Street between Grand and Hester

Kossar’s Bialys
After 65 years, Kossar’s is practically a landmark of the Lower East Side. Everything is handmade on premises, using the most traditional processes and the best ingredients. For such high quality, it’s astonishing that Kossar’s can still afford to charge only 90 cents each for Bialys and one dollar each for bagels, mini pletzels (onion disks), mini bulkas (rolls) and sesame sticks. While most bagels are made with brown sugar, according to kossarsbialys.com, Kossar’s uses “real malt to bring authenticity back to the bagel.” The main difference between a bagel and a bialy is the bialy’s rough finish and their lack of a hole. Instead, bialys are indented where the hole usually would be, and then topped with fresh onion paste in the center. Kossar’s proves that simple ingredients, when combined, can make for a delicious breakfast or lunch on the cheap.
367 Grand St. on the corner of Essex.

2 Bros Pizza
2 Bros Pizza looks like any other pizza shop with a long line. Although the pizza is good, it is not the only reason for this restaurant’s popularity. Enter to find mismatched stools and fake tiles and it’s clear that the line isn’t for the atmosphere either. Unlike other popular pizza places, every food item costs a dollar. As the restaurant’s name suggests, the main attraction is the pizza, which has the perfect ratio of crust, cheese and sauce. There is also fried chicken which is nicely spiced and not too greasy. As for sides, 2 Bros offers two different types of rice, French fries and sweet potatoes, all of which lack flavor. 2 Bros Pizza is often packed with students from nearby schools and anyone looking for a good deal.
601 Sixth Ave between 17 and 18 Street