Highest-rated cheap eats in Elmira by diners

Americans spend a lot of money on eating out鈥攊n 2024, that totaled, or nearly 59% of all food spending. So, it's only natural to want the best bang for your restaurant dollar.

Value has become a key component of what diners look for when they eat out, with eyeing menus for value meals. At the same time, many diners also look for something new and exciting, hoping to sample new flavors or food with ingredients that are too expensive to make at home.

Many ethnic cuisines also provide a lot of value because they aren't as expensive to produce. Many Mexican dishes fall into this category because. Many Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Filipino, and Cambodian food, also rely on low-cost ingredients and simple food preparation techniques.

Food trucks and street food vendors also offer cheaper food, thanks to lower overhead costs. Their limited menus typically focus on one type of food, allowing them to simplify purchasing and pass the savings on in the form of lower prices.

compiled a list of the highest-rated cheap eats restaurants within 10 kilometers of the Elmira area using data from . Data is as of Aug. 8, 2025. Businesses were selected using Yelp's ranking system, which calculates an adjusted rating value that takes into account the number of ratings as well as the rating score itself. Only businesses with at least 20 reviews were considered, and a cost of "$" (out of 4) were considered. Also, in an effort to highlight independent businesses and local chains, those with more than five locations nationally, based on the Yelp data, were not included.

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Lin Buffet

1 / 17

#17. Lin Buffet

- Rating: 2.8/5 (41 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1020 Center St. Ste 10 Horseheads, New York
- Categories: Buffets, Chinese
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Pudgies Pizza

2 / 17

#16. Pudgies Pizza

- Rating: 2.8/5 (57 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 350 South Main St. Elmira, New York
- Categories: Pizza, Sandwiches, Chicken Wings
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Happy Family

3 / 17

#15. Happy Family

- Rating: 2.8/5 (20 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 103 South Main St. Elmira, New York
- Categories: Chinese, Sushi Bars
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Sugar & Spice Restaurant

4 / 17

#14. Sugar & Spice Restaurant

- Rating: 2.9/5 (26 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 300 Watkins Road Horseheads, New York
- Categories: New American
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Picnic Pizza

5 / 17

#13. Picnic Pizza

- Rating: 3.0/5 (27 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 516 Westinghouse Rdsuite Ste 516 Horseheads, New York
- Categories: Italian, Pizza
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Rico's Pizza

6 / 17

#12. Rico's Pizza

- Rating: 3.5/5 (24 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2162 Grand Central Ave. Horseheads, New York
- Categories: Pizza
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Horseheads Pudgies

7 / 17

#11. Horseheads Pudgies

- Rating: 3.6/5 (48 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 134 West Franklin St. Horseheads, New York
- Categories: Pizza
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Curly's Chicken House

8 / 17

#10. Curly's Chicken House

- Rating: 3.6/5 (53 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2100 Lake Road Elmira, New York
- Categories: Chicken Wings
-

Legends Bar & Grille

9 / 17

#9. Legends Bar & Grille

- Rating: 3.6/5 (34 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 229 Oakwood Ave. Elmira Heights, New York
- Categories: Caterers, American
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Maple Lawn Dairy and Restaurant

10 / 17

#8. Maple Lawn Dairy and Restaurant

- Rating: 3.7/5 (44 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3162 Lower Maple Ave. Elmira, New York
- Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Diners, Beer Bar
-

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Mooney's Sports Bar & Grill

11 / 17

#7. Mooney's Sports Bar & Grill

- Rating: 3.7/5 (78 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3300 Chambers Road Ste 5233 Horseheads, New York
- Categories: Sports Bars, American
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Vincenzo's Pizzeria

12 / 17

#6. Vincenzo's Pizzeria

- Rating: 3.8/5 (54 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 303 North Main St. Elmira, New York
- Categories: Pizza
-

Anne's Pancakes Natural & Vegetarian Foods

13 / 17

#5. Anne's Pancakes Natural & Vegetarian Foods

- Rating: 3.9/5 (37 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 114 South Main St. Elmira, New York
- Categories: Pancakes
-

The Diner

14 / 17

#4. The Diner

- Rating: 4.1/5 (78 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 59 Old Ithaca Road Horseheads, New York
- Categories: Diners
-

Anderson's Cozy Corner Restaurant

15 / 17

#3. Anderson's Cozy Corner Restaurant

- Rating: 4.3/5 (20 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 416 West Washington Ave. Elmira, New York
- Categories: Diners
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Turtle Leaf Cafe

16 / 17

#2. Turtle Leaf Cafe

- Rating: 4.3/5 (96 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 315 East Water St. Elmira, New York
- Categories: Juice Bars & Smoothies, Sandwiches, Cafes
-

M & M Red Hots

17 / 17

#1. M & M Red Hots

- Rating: 4.7/5 (32 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 212 Baldwin St. Elmira, New York
- Categories: Hot Dogs, Burgers, Coffee & Tea
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This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Jill Jaracz, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 388 metros.

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