Did you realize that some restaurants accept EBT in New York? If you’re a recipient of SNAP benefits, you may have the opportunity to buy freshly prepared, hot meals from specific restaurants through the Restaurant Meals Program.
In this article, we will explore the specifics of this program, including who qualifies for it, how it operates, and which restaurants are involved in accepting SNAP payments for ready-to-eat meals.
About the Restaurant Meals Program
The Restaurant Meals Program is a special loophole that allows restaurants to accept EBT in New York. It’s is a component of the federal food stamps legislation, but it’s not mandatory for states to implement it. States have the freedom to decide whether they want to adopt this program or not. Certain states, such as California and Arizona, have long-standing versions of similar programs with many restaurants actively participating.
In New York, the Restaurant Meals Program is a fairly recent expansion. It is currently in a pilot phrase, so they are only testing it in a few areas.
Who is eligible?
In order to buy meals from restaurants that accept EBT in New York, each member of your household must satisfy at least one of the following conditions:
- Be at least 60 years old; OR
- Be permanently disabled and receiving disability benefits from a government program; OR
- Be homeless.
Please keep in mind that every individual listed on your SNAP account must meet at least one of these criteria. If even a single person does not meet the requirements, your household will not be eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program.
What does this program do?
If you are eligible, the Restaurant Meals Program will allow you to buy hot, prepared meals from restaurants that accept EBT payments. While SNAP benefits are typically designated for purchasing groceries, this program creates an exception so that you can buy restaurant-prepared dishes.
It’s important to note, though, that you still cannot utilize your SNAP benefits to buy alcohol, cigarettes, or non-food items through this program.
The program also ensures that you won’t be subject to taxes or tips on the meals you purchase with your EBT card. However, you cannot use the program to cover delivery fees. You have to use your card at the restaurant.
The New York program also includes a special benefit that gives you a 10% discount on your meal as well.
How does it work?
If you’re a recipient of SNAP benefits and meet the criteria for the Restaurant Meals Program, your caseworker will activate this option for you. If you believe you qualify but don’t see have access to it, you can reach out to your caseworker for assistance.
Once your eligibility is confirmed, all that’s left to do is take your EBT card to a restaurant that accepts EBT and swipe your card just like you would at a grocery store.
When you buy restaurant meals with your EBT card, you’ll receive a printed receipt displaying your remaining balance. If your card balance isn’t sufficient to cover the entire bill, it’s essential to inform the cashier before swiping your EBT card. This way, they can split the transaction between your EBT card and another payment method if needed.
These Restaurants Accept EBT in New York
There are several restaurants that accept EBT in New York through the Restaurant Meals Program. Here’s an overview.
New York City
There are restaurants that accept EBT in all five boroughs of New York City! The participating locations include:
Burger King
Burger King has numerous locations across NYC that accept EBT benefits, making it a convenient option for quick meals. Below are the locations organized by borough:
- Bronx: 3440 Jerome Avenue, 60 Metropolitan Oval
- Brooklyn: 3301 Ft. Hamilton Parkway, 417-21 Fulton Street, 971 Flatbush Avenue, 1297 Fulton Street, 1661 Linden Boulevard, 524 Fulton Street, 8516 5th Avenue (shared with Popeyes)
- Manhattan: 200 East 125th Street
- Queens: 6259 Fresh Pond Road
- Staten Island: 2363 Forest Avenue
Popeyes
Popeyes offers a wide selection of fried chicken and Southern-inspired meals. It has multiple locations across NYC that accept EBT benefits, including shared locations with Burger King.
- Bronx: 1600 Bruckner Boulevard, 1905 Story Avenue, 2176-A White Plains Road, 2751 Boston Road, 60 Metropolitan Oval
- Brooklyn: 624 Conduit Boulevard, 1465 Myrtle Avenue, 4930 Kings Highway, 709 Brighton Beach Avenue, 8516 5th Avenue (shared with Burger King)
- Queens: 164-17 Union Turnpike (shared with Burger King)
8 Bit Bites
8 Bit Bites is a growing chain offering a variety of creative menu options. Its locations are concentrated in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
- Brooklyn: 113 Bistro at 113 Court Street, 881 Bistro at 881 Lexington Avenue, Brain Food Deli & Salad Bar at 967 Bedford Avenue
- Manhattan: 197 Bistro at 197 7th Avenue, 77 2nd Avenue
Justino’s Pizzeria
Justino’s Pizzeria serves traditional and modern pizzas at multiple locations throughout Manhattan and Staten Island.
- Manhattan: 881 10th Avenue, 879 9th Avenue, 77 Pearl Street
- Staten Island: 89 Guyon Street
Other Restaurants
NYC also offers a variety of local restaurants that accept EBT benefits, providing diverse dining options across the boroughs.
Bronx
- Leche Y Miel Restaurant: 5761 Broadway
- Lins Home Chinese: 2461 University Avenue
- Pa’ Comer: 104 E. 165th Street
- Rocbody Fitness Café: 2960 Middletown Road
Brooklyn
- Blaze 718: 109-10 Guy R Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica
- IHOP: 1019 Surf Avenue
- Jam It Bistro: 367 Columbia Street
- Jalapeno Shack Coney Island: 3167 Coney Island Avenue
- Memphis Seoul: 569 Lincoln Place
- Ocean Eats: 865 4th Avenue
- Roseli Chinese Restaurant: 228 Duffield Street
- Tonel To Go: 1407 Flatbush Avenue
- iRestaurant: 5922 8th Avenue
Manhattan
- Jojo Duck: 131 Walker Street
- Lady Chow Kitchen: 171 Hester Street
- Ray’s Pizza Bar: 2048 Amsterdam Avenue
- Sapoara Restaurant: 2262 1st Avenue
- The Chubby Crab: 77 Chrystie Street
- Nomas Restaurant: 3855 10th Avenue
Rochester
In Monroe County, the city of Rochester has started a pilot program. It is not available in other areas of the county yet, but hopefully soon.
Kentucky Fried Chicken
KFC has multiple locations in the Rochester area:
- 2851 West Henrietta Road
- 3935 Dewey Avenue
- 3208 Chili Avenue
- 925 Ridge Road (Webster)
Gregorio’s Pizza
This local favorite is located at 1313 N Goodman Street.
Lakeside Haven Family Restaurant
A family-friendly dining option, located at 3212 Lake Avenue in Rochester.
Nin’s Restaurant
A cozy spot serving classic meals, located at 1049 Hudson Avenue.
Pomodoro Pizza, Wings & Pasta
Known for its pizza and pasta, this restaurant is located at 337 Genesee Street.
Relief Recap
If you’re looking for restaurants that accept EBT benefits, this guide organizes options across NYC and Rochester for easy reference. Whether you’re in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, or Rochester, there are plenty of dining options to choose from, including popular chains like Burger King, Popeyes, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and a variety of local favorites.
I wish the capital region (albany and troy etc) would allow this.
You’re not alone—many people in the Capital Region feel the same way. Hopefully, more counties will join the program in the future so more New Yorkers can benefit.
looking for restaurants in bronx not very far from 10465 area almost are located in the far south bronx
Thanks for your comment—there are a few Bronx options listed, but we know most are far from 10465. We’re always looking to update our lists, so we’ll keep an eye out for new spots closer to your area.