We aren't huge advocates for you to go here most nights, but if you want to splurge with your $5, spend them at Essex on Thursday night. Oysters are $1 from 6pm-10pm and … they are plump, briny, and served chilled with all the right accouterments.
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With a $2 per pint special and a large selection of beers on tap, Mug's is a popular spot both with the blue collar workers and the hipsters living in Williamsburg. They … also host a monthly Homebrew Meeting for all local beer enthusiasts.
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Ferry tickets just slip over our budget at $6. But it's too cold for that shit anyway, no matter how romantic it may be. Luckily the PATH train is still $1.50. That takes … you all the way to scenic Hoboken, the Williamsburg for artists who have kids instead of expensive tapered jeans. You'll still have $3.50 left to stop at Carlo's City Hall Bake Shop, a favorite of hometown boy Frank Sinatra and his fire chief dad.
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This is kind of New York 101 but it can't go without being mentioned. The Strand is Mecca for cheap used books in New York. Try your luck at the 99 cent racks outside … (good luck), but you can also find some good bargains on the towering shelves inside. [link]

The city abounds with cheap halal stands. Fiery, greasy, and thoroughly addictive, these stands make working in an office worth it. However, you can't just go to any … cart. This midtown cart is notoriously good. Go at 3 am and there will be a line at least an hour long. Most people are ordering two plates, one to eat right away and one to bring home to Brooklyn or the LES to eat tomorrow. With soda it's $5 exactly.
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The suggested donation at the city's behemoth museum is $20. But we've never really cared because we don't know anyone who doesn't pay drastically less than the posted … fee. We suggest donating $1 and going 5 times a week.
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Still the best deal in town, Gray's Papaya offers two dogs and a soda for only $2.75.
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Hidden away on an unassuming block on Avenue C (on the Puerto Rican side not the B&T bar hopping side) and demarcated by only a blue light and a bouncer at the door, … NuBlu is a hip music venue and bar. They feature video, minimalist electonica, and an energetic dance happy crowd. They specialize in Brazilian music, a population that has perfected the art of being poor and happy. Cover is $5 if you come before 10 pm.
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