Tess Rose Lampert is a New York City-based writer, beverage educator, and lover of savings. With over a decade in the alcoholic beverage industry, she strives to enhance consumers' everyday experiences with food and beverage through dynamic and interactive writings, educational seminars, and events.
The Windy City has a well-deserved reputation as one of the top foodie-friendly cities in America. From Chicago's patented hot dogs and pizza to authentic international cuisine, there's a wide spectrum of flavors to uncover. Those who know where to go can sample some of the city's best gustatory offerings on the cheap.
1118 W. Fullerton Ave.
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Phone: (773) 472-4873
Web: brankossandwichshop.com
This "mom-and-pop sandwich shop" offers a variety of hot dogs, hamburgers, and sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. The cash-only establishment has been known to feed DePaul University students with empty wallets and let them pay later.
1865 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Neighborhood: Bucktown
Phone: (773) 252-5687
Web: irazuchicago.com
For Central American specialties, including the greasy and delicious pepito sandwich, head to this Costa Rican spot. Try a trio of steak or chicken tacos for $6, and don't miss a side of sweet plantains for $3.
1927 W. North Ave.
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Phone: (773) 772-4422
Web: piecechicago.com
Visit this pizzeria to consume thin-crust pies and a variety of microbrews, catch a game, or grab the mic for Saturday-night live-band karaoke. Personal pizzas start at $7.95 daily at lunch and large, tempting sandwiches such as the meatball sub go for $8.95.
3257 N. Broadway
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Phone: (773) 327-8330
Web: joysnoodlesandrice.com
This is the spot for good Thai food at bargain prices in Boystown. Monday through Friday, customers can order a $6.95 lunch special that includes an entree (such as pad Thai or drunken noodles) and a choice of spring rolls, baby egg rolls, cucumber salad, or crab Rangoon.
2642 N. Lincoln Ave.
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Phone: (773) 871-1600
Web: racineplumbingchicago.com
This neighborhood sports bar serves up classic American fare for humble prices. Enjoy one of the many half-pound burgers for $10 any day of the week. Tasty classics such as mac and cheese for $6 round out the menu.
2534 N. Clark St.
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Phone: (773) 935-6828
Web: alohaeats.com
Try authentic and uniquely Hawaiian fare such as Spam musubi -- hand-rolled rice, Japanese seaweed, and teriyaki sauce -- for about $5. Combination plates that come with meat, rice, and macaroni salad start around $10.
2521 N. Halsted St.
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Phone: (773) 348-0072
Web: https://www.psbangkok.com/
This restaurant offers a variety of traditional dishes such as curries. The low prices include a sampling of dumplings for $6, soups starting at $4, and pad Thai for $7.95.
3021 N. Broadway
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Phone: (773) 857-6500
Web: flubadubchub.com
People love this place for oversize sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs that come with a side of fries. Highlights include the Esposito, which combines Italian sausage with marinara on French bread for about $8.50, and the Coney, a house-made chili dog for $6.50.
950 W. Diversey Pkwy
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Phone: (773) 281-8448
Web: pennysnoodleshop.com
Large bowls of noodles, vegetables, and soup are available for $5 to $11, and the pad Thai should not be missed. The variety of inexpensive Thai food on offer is delicious, fast, and filling. Two other locations serve Wicker Park/Bucktown and Oak Park.
3650 N. Ashland Ave.
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Phone: (773) 929-7687
Web: capnemos.com
This shop boasts that its sub sandwiches contain more meat than bread, and toppings include the Captain's Secret Sauce. Half sandwiches cost $5.89, and a cup of fresh soup of the day goes for $1.99.
2622 N. Clark St.
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Phone: (773) 477-7444
Web: wienercircle.net
Known for late-night grub and banter between employees and patrons, this fast-food spot specializes in Chicago-style hot dogs and some of the best cheese fries in town. The dogs start at $3.59 and sides at $2.69.
2207 N. Clybourn Ave.
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Phone: (773) 327-1512
Web: pequodspizza.com
Pizza lovers can enjoy a $4.95 lunch special: a 7-inch cheese pizza and a fountain drink. Half-orders of pasta provide a money-saving option for light eaters. Other cheap menu items include garlic bread for $3.15 and soup of the day for $3.75.
1501 E. 53rd St.
Neighborhood: Hyde Park
Phone: (773) 324-7777
Web: pizzacapri.com
From hearty sandwiches to thin-crust pizza made with fresh ingredients, this spot offers a slew of reasonably priced dishes. Value-driven favorites include homemade hummus for $8, sandwiches that come with chips for $8.95, and house-made soups for $5.95. There's also a Lincoln Park location at 1733 N. Halsted.
1172 E. 55th St.
Neighborhood: Hyde Park
Phone: (773) 643-5516
Web: josephsittler.org/jimmys
Known to regulars as Jimmy's, this cozy local pub has been around since the 1950s. The menu offers inexpensive grub including hamburgers for $3, cheeseburgers for $3.50, and classic, loaded, all-beef Chicago dogs for $4.
1518 E. 53rd St.
Neighborhood: South Side
Phone: (773) 667-0647
Web: valoisrestaurant.com
This long-standing restaurant has been serving quick, cheap eats for decades. There is often a long line, which says something about the quality and value of the food. Try the patty melt for $3.75 or grab a chef salad for $3.95.
5500 S. Cornell Ave.
Neighborhood: Hyde Park
Phone: (773) 363-3800
Web: morrysdeli.com
Morry's is known locally as a hidden gem with better prices than other delis around. (The owner's daughter is personal finance expert Suze Orman.) The sandwich shop serves staples such as pastrami and corned beef, as well as a breakfast sandwiches starting at $4.50.
2120 S. Canal St.
Neighborhood: South Side
Phone: (312) 225-2113
Web: lawrencesfisheries.net
This crowded seafood joint is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, to satisfy 3 a.m. fried-shrimp cravings. A half-order of fish chips goes for $5.15 and the food is prepared fresh daily.
2129 S. China Place
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Phone: (312) 326-2088
Web: kenkee.com
This Chinese restaurant is known for reasonably priced, authentic dishes including a variety of congee (rice porridges) for $5.50. Grab a snack such as an egg roll for $2.25 or some fried dough fritters for $2.25.
1372 E. 53rd St.
Neighborhood: Hyde Park
Phone: (773) 288-5353
Web: nathanschicago.net
In addition to the items expected at a hot dog stand, customers will find Jamaican specialties including beef patties for $2.89. Authentic fried plantains are $2.89, providing a perfect complement to almost anything else on the menu.
67 E. Cermak Road
Neighborhood: Near South Side
Phone: (312) 794-5900
Web: brandipizza.com
Customers have a choice of stuffed, deep-dish or cheaper thin-crust pizza starting at $11.99 for a 10-inch small. The restaurant also offers a variety of sandwiches for $7 to $9. An $8.99 pasta dinner offers a choice of pasta and sauce and includes bread and butter.
140 N. Halsted St.
Neighborhood: West Side
Phone: (312) 491-8500
Web: jubileejuice.com
Indulge in a healthy alternative to fast food with natural smoothies, charbroiled dishes, and grilled food. Some of the best deals on offer include sandwiches for $7.95 and entree salads such as the BBQ Baja for $7.50.
907 W. Belmont Ave.
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Phone: (773) 525-7900
Web: phillysbest.com
Philadelphia transplants started this restaurant, which has expanded to three other locations and serves an acclaimed Philly cheesesteak sandwich. The 8-inch goes for $8.49. Or, try an oven-baked grinder with ingredients such as chicken, cheese, and bacon heated along with the bread.
111 S. Morgan St.
Neighborhood: West Loop
Phone: (312) 850-0234
Web: morganstreetcafe.com
Employees call customers by name at this small coffee/sandwich shop. A wide range of made-to-order sandwiches, including a Rueben and Mediterranean veggie, cost less than $9.
16 S. Western Ave.
Neighborhood: West Side
Phone: (312) 226-5094
Web: moonssandwichshopchicago.com
Moon's offers tasty and reasonably priced food for breakfast and lunch. The diner is known for its corned beef dinner platter, which includes corn, potatoes, salad, and bread for just under $12.65. Notable breakfast deals include French toast for $4.10 and a two-egg breakfast with choice of side and toast for $5.05.
5412 W. Madison St.
Neighborhood: Austin
Phone: (773) 261-2316
Web: macarthursrestaurant.com
This popular spot welcomes diners with a family atmosphere and low prices. The menu changes daily and includes dishes such as meatloaf, pork spare ribs, fried chicken, and other soul food. All dinners come with two sides and most cost $6.99 to $11.99.
1120 W. Grand Ave.
Neighborhood: Near West Side
Phone: (312) 666-0730
Web: bariitaliansubs.com
This Italian grocery/deli, named for a town in Italy, is known for oversize subs and people lining up hungrily to get them. Nine-inch sandwiches start at $5; foot-longs sell for $6.75 and up.
2803 W. Chicago Ave.
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park
Phone: (773) 489-4600
Web: feedrestaurantchicago.com
For Southern comfort food such as pulled pork and fried catfish, this casual restaurant is a locally loved low-key place. Nightly specials include chicken and sausage gumbo on Mondays and pork chop night on Tuesdays, as well as staples such as a half chicken for $8.49. Sides, including fried okra and collard greens, are $2.19 or three for $5.49.
601 W. Adams St.
Neighborhood: Near West Side
Phone: (312) 559-2333
Web: alsbeef.com
For an authentic and delicious Italian beef sandwich, this place is tough to beat. It has earned many awards over the decades as it's grown from a small beef stand into a multi-state franchise. This location has a bigger, cheaper menu than the original (on Taylor Street in Little Italy). Regular 6-inch beef sandwiches go for $6.35 and a 4-inch Little Al is $4.99.
2343 W. Taylor St.
Neighborhood: West Side
Phone: (312) 243-3439
Web: babapita.com
This Mediterranean restaurant serves fresh and healthy Lebanese cuisine. Sandwiches start at $7, and the menu includes a range of fresh veggie-forward appetizers such as lentil soup for $3.
141 W. Jackson Blvd.
Neighborhood: The Loop
Phone: (312) 427-3443
Web: cerescafechicago.com
This neighborhood favorite is well loved for honest comfort food at low prices. Budget-friendly breakfasts include corned beef hash for $8.99 and eggs with potatoes, toast, or fresh fruit for $5.85. The savings continue into lunch and dinner with daily special platters such as filet of sole and Greek chicken, which include soup and salad or potato for less than $12.
333 W. Wacker Dr.
Neighborhood: The Loop
Phone: (312) 634-1134
Web: surfgoodwins.com
The many unique breakfast sandwiches here cost around $6. Specialties include the Venice, which combines chunky peanut butter with bacon, banana, and honey on Texas toast, and the Los Olivos tortilla wrap with chorizo, cilantro, pepper jack cheese, avocado, and pico de gallo.
177 W. Van Buren St.
Neighborhood: The Loop
Phone: (312) 360-1409
Web: chickenplanetchicago.com
Tasty, cheap lunch options -- most based around chicken -- keep college students and others on tight budgets coming back. A typical meal includes a half chicken with grilled pita bread, a side and a drink for $5.92. Add a side salad for less than $2.
175 W. Jackson Blvd.
Neighborhood: The Loop
Phone: (312) 334-6395
Web: wowbao.com
For a lunchtime break that doesn't consist of a sandwich, this cheap downtown Chicago restaurant (with five other locations, including a food truck) offers an array of Asian dishes including pot stickers and, of course, bao. They cost $1.99 apiece or $11.69 for six, and pot stickers come in five- or eight-piece portions for less than $1 per dumpling.
169 N. Wells St.
Neighborhood: The Loop
Phone: (312) 263-9305
Web: pierogiheaven.com
For a substantial portion at an insubstantial price, order a pierogi platter, starting at $6.28 for six pieces. The borscht is another favorite here, available in a cup for $2.24 or a hearty bowl with meat dumplings for $4.71. A special of stuffed cabbage with meat comes with mashed potatoes and mushroom or tomato sauce for $11.35.
26 E. Congress Pkwy
Neighborhood: South Loop
Phone: (312) 922-2233
Web: cafecitochicago.com
Get authentic Cuban sandwiches for less than $7, with an option to add chips and a 16-ounce drink for $1.99. The menu also boasts a variety of platters, such as ropa vieja and pollo chimichurri, which come with rice, beans, and plantains for less than $11. Another Cafecito is located at 7 N. Wells.
29 N. Upper Wacker Dr.
Neighborhood: The Loop
Phone: (312) 920-0077
Web: tacofresco.com
This casual restaurant serves fresh Mexican food at reasonable prices at six downtown and suburban locations. Order tacos a la carte for $1.95 to $2.75 apiece, depending on the filling, or in a combo, which includes two tacos, beans, rice, and a can of pop for $6.45. Other wallet-friendly menu items: $5.25 burritos, $2.50 tostadas, and $1.95 soups.
