Travelers can eat as well as the locals in New York - and save some cash - by stepping off the main avenues to discover affordable places with character to grab a bite.

Just because you're a tourist, it doesn't mean you have to settle for tourist traps. In the midst of New York City's busiest sightseeing areas, right around the corner from the overpriced chain restaurants and dismal hot dog stands, distinctive eateries catering to natives and in-the-know visitors hide in plain sight.

This dining guide will help you find interesting spots to eat like a real New Yorker near the city's most visited sights.