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Eat cheap

Everybody has a favorite restaurant. But what everybody wants to know is: Where do you go for a meal on the cheap? Here are some of our favorite places where you can eat well, and not break the bank.

MANHATTAN

Tartine. So, everybody knows about this place. But that doesn't mean it isn't a bargain. Yes, you'll have to wait. Yes, the service can be a little brusque. And, yes, the tables are tiny and it gets noisy. But, consider: sauteed lemon chicken with salad and french fries ($15.95). Desserts? How does a classic tarte tatin ($6) strike you? At lunchtime, the crowds are usually a little less dense, but forget weekend brunch. Oh, and did we mention that you save on drinks? It's strictly BYOB. (253 west 11th Street; 212-229-2611)

Amy Ruth. Friendly and relaxed, the restaurant has a loyal following. With good reason: Home-style cooking rarely gets this good. A hefty portion of fbarbecue chicken is $11.95. Smothered pork chops are also $11.95 and the ribs go for $13.95. Whatever you order, though, don't miss the peach cobbler, at $4.50. (113 West 116th Street; 212-280-8779)

Nam This small storefront in Tribeca is a far cry from formica counters and fluorescent lights. The crowd is hip, decor is sophisticated, and the Vietnamese food perfectly prepared. You can put together a meal of salads and starters: Try grilled shrimp with sugar cane ($8), papaya salad with shrimp and dried beef ($8), or grilled ribs with peaniuts ($8). Recommended main courses include roast chicken ($12) or caramelized shrimp ($14). (110 Reade Street; 212-267-1777)

BROOKLYN

Chip Shop There's no explaining English tastes. To an American weaned on Mickey D's crisp shoestrings, the fries here are soggy. But the fish ($9.50) is moist with a crunchy coating. Other good bets: bangers and mash (sausage and mashed potatoes, $9.50) or Welsh rarebit (good and gooey--an open-faced grilled cheese with tomatoes, spiced up with mustard, $8). Desserts? The fried Twinkies are beyond the pale. But for a chocoholic, the deep-fried candy bars ($3) are a wonder: a crisp outer coating with a sweet molten center. Who knew? (383 Fifth Avenue; 718-832-7701)

QUEENS

Tandoor. The centerpiece of the menu here is, naturally, the tandoori dishes: Well-prepared tandoori chicken is $12.95. But there are also plenty of vegetarian dishes (which start at $10), plus lamb curry ($12.95) or fish curry ($13.95). The samosas -- without which no meal is complete -- are three bucks, and the breads are $2.50. (95-25 Queens Boulevard, Rego Park; 718-997-6800)

STATEN ISLAND

Adobe Blues When the locals are looking for a place to relax over a casual meal, they often head for this simple, unpretentious place. Main courses include a chicken-studded Mexican salad ($12), a combination plate of enchiladas, tamale and tacos ($16) and fajitas, which go for $14-$16. In the bar, there's a selection of 200 or so beers to choose from (plus margaritas, of course). (63 Lafayette Avenue ; 718-720-2583)