Lunch for a Buck: Today is LivingSocial's $1 Lunch Deal Day in New York City

LivingSocial introduced its first Instant Deals program in its hometown Washington, D.C., in mid-April. Now, the Instant program—in which special offers must be purchased and used that day only, typically within a three-hour time window—is expanding to its second city, New York. Instant Deals are expected to be available nationally by the end of the year.

As for today (Wednesday, June in NYC, the Instant Deals can be purchased now, with the eating and drinking commencing at 11 a.m. The restaurants participating include Otarian ($1 for $12 to spend on lunch), Prime Burger ($1 for $20, max two certificates per table), and La Mangeoire ($1 for $50, one certificate per table). Dessert is available too: The 888 8th Avenue location of Heavenly Delights is offering two small cups of ice cream for (of course) $1.