25 Ways to Eat for Free in NYC

Where: Spain Restaurant (113 West 13 St.)
When: Anytime
How to Pull It Off: Order a sangria at the bar, and boom: free tapas. The small plates could easily serve as a light dinner, and are as varied as they are delicious. Sweet meatballs, fried potatoes, mussels, and ribs have all made their way into the complimentary rotation. And they're just a single drink away.

Where: Rodeo Bar (375 3rd Ave.)
When: Weekdays, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m
How to Pull It Off: Order a margarita, and they'll bring out the chips and spicy stuff. The peanuts will already be at the bar. Disposal of shells via the floor is encouraged, so go ahead and act like a slob.

Where: Bierkraft (191 5th Ave., Brooklyn)
When: Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
How to Pull It Off: Each week, Park Slope's Bierkraft holds a Tuesday tasting that includes free beer, cheeses and charcuterie (prosciutto, sausage, salami, and more). Perfect for nights when you can't stomach a hearty meal, but want something delicious. As opposed to Ramen.

Where: Curry & Tandoor Corner (369 Broome St.)
When: Anytime
How to Pull It Off: If you're craving veggie samosas, swing by this Nolita Indian spot and get a free appetizer (or drink) when you order. All you have to do is check in on foursquare, and you'll receive your curry in a hurry.

Where: The Mark Bar (1025 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn)
When: Weekends, starting at noon
How to Pull It Off: When you stumble out of bed Saturday morning, there's nothing better than a ball of carbs to calm your churning stomach. Head over to the Mark Bar, in Greenpoint, at noon and take advantage of their free bagel brunch, along with heavy discounts on pitchers of Bloody Mary pitchers.

Where: Cucina di Pesce (87 East 4th St.)
When: Weekdays, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
How to Pull It Off: Order a drink at the bar to partake in an order of fresh and steamy mussels marinara. Drinks and apps are also two-for-one at this time, so go wild.

Where: El Rio Grande (160 East 38th St.)
When: Anytime
How to Pull It Off: This one requires a little photo research on your end. Check-in with foursquare, and hunt down a picture of the El Rio Grande River. Show it to your server and get a free dessert. Chips and salsa are also complimentary, so you'll have a Mexican three course meal for nearly nothing. If tequila counts as your entree, that is.

Where: Subway (various locations)
When: Anytime
How to Pull It Off: Come for a sandwich or just to say hello to the guy working the counter. If it's your first time checking in on foursquare, show the person your phone and leave with a free soft cookie. Yes, it's that easy.

Where: 4th Avenue Pub (76 4th Ave., Brooklyn)
When: Anytime
How to Pull It Off: Come in for a beer and munch on the complimentary popcorn, freshly popped (in one of those old school popcorn machines, not a microwavable bag) and covered in Old Bay seasoning. Simple, yet seriously awesome.

Where: Lulu (113 Franklin St., Brooklyn)
When: Anytime you buy a drink
How to Pull It Off: First, you'll purchase a beer at this Greenpoint spot. Then you'll be handed a ticket good for a free personal pizza. Drink, repeat, and grub down as many times as necessary.

Where: Burp Castle (41 East 7th St.)
When: Monday and Wednesday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and every Sunday
How to Pull It Off: During those specific time slots, come by this East Village bar for fries from Pommes Frites and several dipping sauces. Supplies often run out before the happy hour ends, so get there early.

Where: Standings (43 East 7th St.)
When: Monday nights during football seasons for Atomic Wings; Fridays at 8 p.m. for pizza
How to Pull It Off: Just when you thought Monday Night Football coudn't get any better, Standings kicks it up a notch. In addition to their solid beer selection, the excellent sports bar also offers free Atomic Wings and pizza on select nights. Just show up, order a drink, and chow down!

Where: The Watering Hole (106 East 19th St.)
When: Monday to Friday, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
How to Pull It Off: Fries, wings, nachos, sliders—these are a few of our favorite things, especially when they're free. Come by and partake in the day's changing selection, free of charge. Makes you proud to be a New Yorker, doesn't it?

Where: Rudy's Bar & Grill (627 9th Ave.)
When: Anytime
How to Pull It Off: Buy a drink, and you'll receive a free hot dog, no questions asked. Yes, even if it's your eighth of the evening. No one will judge you in Hell's Kitchen.

Where: Centro Vinoteca (74 7th Ave. South)
When: Weekdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
How to Pull It Off: During happy hour, mention the free appetizer and get presented with a trio of small bites. Currently, the plate includes deviled eggs, zucchini Parmesan fritters, and bacon-wrapped, Gorgonzola-stuffed dates.

Where: The Thirsty Scholar (155 2nd Ave.)
When: Weekdays during happy hour, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
How to Pull It Off: Along with $4 well drinks and 20 oz. beers, happy hour at this East Village bar will also bless you with a hearty meal, completely gratis. Recent offerings have included penne with chicken, rice and beans, chicken wings, and even Shepherd's pie.

Where: Crocodile Lounge (325 East 14th St.)
When: Anytime
How to Pull It Off: Buying a drink—yes, any drink—will score you a personal pizza at the Crocolide Lounge. Tip the pizza guy and magically your pie will be made before the rest of the drunks waiting.

Where: Georgio's Pizzeria (20 Beaver St.)
When: Anytime
How to Pull It Off: Check in for the first time with foursquare and get a slice of cheese pizza, no strings attached.

Where: Terri (60 West 23rd St.)
When: Anytime
How to Pull It Off: Who knew fake meat could taste so damn good? Check into this organic vegetarian eatery on foursquare for the first time, and get any sandwich on the menu for free. Try the portobello pesto sandwich and you won't be disappointed. But then, how could you be? It didn't cost you a cent!