Budget Meals in Chicago

43 tips by 7 locals

Ask locals about Chicago ›

Chicago is one of the culinary capitals of the United States. From high-brow chef restaurants like Charlie Trotter's to grungy hole-in-the-wall decades old joints like Jim's Original, Chicago has it all. Saying Chicago loves its d...Open the full description

Chicago is one of the culinary capitals of the United States. From high-brow chef restaurants like Charlie Trotter's to grungy hole-in-the-wall decades old joints like Jim's Original, Chicago has it all. Saying Chicago loves its deep dish pizza and ketchup-less Chicago-style hot dogs would be an understatement, but one can't ignore the less nationally known local specialties. Namely, Italian beef, Greek gyros (introduced to the States via Chicago), Puerto Rican jibaritos, to name a few. The long history of immigrant communities in places like Little Italy, Chinatown, Pilsen, Little India, and Polishtown, Chicago is a potpourri of ethnic cuisine. Seek and you shall find.

City Winery Chicago Riverwalk

Restaurants 11 3

Lively, scenic, city hangout

City Winery Chicago Riverwalk

11

This place is new and hopping! There are other places to eat along the Riverwalk but I would defiantly recommend the City Winery as the new cool kid on the block. If you want to see and be seen this is where you should go. Read more ›

by Allison

Ask Allison

Pequod's Pizza

Restaurants 11 0

Local Chicago deep dish pizza

Pequod's Pizza

11

It isn't one of the famous deep dish joints. It's also been around for ages and totally low key. They also put their own spin on the deep dish by carmelizing the crust with cheese. It's a great pizza joint disguised as a sports bar that's open until 2 am. There are also plenty of screens inside playing the latest sports game. Read more ›

by Wesley

Ask Wesley

The Signature Lounge

Restaurants 8 2

Hancock's View Wins Over Willis's

The Signature Lounge

8

The view from Hancock's tower is dynamic since it is located close to the lake and along Magnificent Mile. The view is what makes this Lounge. If you go I would plan on having lunch/dinner somewhere else. For locals its a space for celebrations and anniversaries. Read more ›

by Allison

Ask Allison

Dusek's

Restaurants 6 1

Classy Delectable Brunch

Dusek's

6

Locals love this place because it is a well kept secret for now. Many substandard brunch places can have waits up to 3 hours may good ones longer. The wait at this place is almost negligible but the food is outstanding. The atmosphere is so chill and it arguably has one of the best Eggs Benedict ever. Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Lottie's Pub

TV's Chicago Fire Bar

Lottie's Pub

5

There are two bars most people who immigrate to Chicago Love... Monks.. (and we've written of Monk's) and Lottie's. It is so local! So local and what better validation than getting featured in TV's Chicago Fire. Okay so it's gotten bit touristy since then, however it still retains the same character it boasts of since the 1920's. I'll tell you more Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Sun Wah

Restaurants 5 3

Asian BBQ - you read that right

Sun Wah

5

Sun Wah is a Chicago institution. I hadn't even lived in Chicago yet when my dad started taking me here when I would visit from LA. It seems that everyone loves this place -- it's not just me! Come to this BYOB place on a given night, and there's usually a line of people waiting to get seated. It's that good. Read more ›

by Marianne

Ask Marianne

Local Experience

Old Polonia and Wicker Park Walking Tour with Food

Old Polonia and Wicker Park Walking Tour with Food

(0)

We will explore the past and present of the people, architecture, and foods of these vibrant and changing neighborhoods of Noble Square and Wicker Park.

Prices from

52 USD

Duration

2.5 h

Languages

English

Margie's Candies

Ice Cream Lovers or Haters

Margie's Candies

5

Picture 1921 Ice Cream Parlor that hasn't drastically changed since 1921. They are one of the longest small business operators that are still going strong to this day. Their fudge is killer. Their ice cream is very well balanced. For someone like me who doesn't enjoy sweets I go gaga for this place. Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Water Tower Place

Restaurants 5 0

A mall with a variety of shops...

Water Tower Place

5

This will quench your thirst for your visit to the "Mall". Come here for your clothing shopping needs. You'll find stores like Ann Taylor, American Eagle Outfitters, Fossil, Lacoste, Hollister Co., Victoria's Secret, and many more. Check the directory for more info: http://www.shopwatertower.com/directory Read more ›

by Allison

Ask Allison

The Wormhole Coffee

Coffee Made for Nerds

The Wormhole Coffee

5

The coffee is located in the heart of hip neighborhood called Wicker Park. It's a good place to hunker down for some good Wifi. You will know you're there when you see the "Back to The Future" car parked inside a coffee shop. Read more ›

by Allison

Ask Allison

Bang Bang Pie Shop

My Charming Pie Place

Bang Bang Pie Shop

4

Bang Bang pie is popular among the core of locals. If you ask the average Chicagoan off the street chances are they won't know of this precious pie place. But when you arrive, you'd be surprised to see the line twirl around the block. Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Become an influencer!

Add tips for your city ›

BIG & little's

Restaurants 4 2

fast, fresh comfort food

BIG & little's

4

this great "hole in the wall" serves up great flavors in a really unpretentious setting. their original take on tacos and their flavorful sandwiches usually has a line snaking out the door, and now with multiple locations, you can get your fix in different neighborhoods! Read more ›

by Marianne

Ask Marianne

Tank Noodle

Restaurants 4 1

Vietnamese Food Here

Tank Noodle

4

Well I can be rather biased but I think we all are to some degree and that's why people are interested. They want to see what is so great about this Vietnamese restaurant with several types of Pho (hot noodles meat veggies and broth) and authentic spices and basil leaves on you plate while you break a fried egg over deeply marinated grilled beef Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Isla Pilipina

Restaurants 4 2

Deep Fried Chicken?

Isla Pilipina

4

They are famous for delicious Filipino food that caters to the mainstream and even the Filipino-Americans in town. They have been featured several times on several Food TV shows as having the best fried pork knuckles and fried crispy chicken. Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Local Experience

Best Architecture Walking Tour for Design Lovers

Best Architecture Walking Tour for Design Lovers

(0)

This fun and creative Chicago architecture walking tour puts architecture in context of the arts and pop culture. (Walking distance: 0.5 mile)

Prices from

22 USD

Duration

1.5 h

Languages

English

Publican Quality Meats

Restaurants 4 2

Great butcher shop & deli

Publican Quality Meats

4

PQM is true to it's name and provides quality meets to those who seek it out. The deli is located across from it's sister restaurant called The Publican. The deli has a much more casual feel than it's sister restaurant but matches the creativity and tastiness approach to their meals. Read more ›

by Allison

Ask Allison

Olive Mediterranean Grill

Restaurants 3 1

A Quick Eat - Come Back To My Life Olive

Olive Mediterranean Grill

3

Upon moving to the loop there was one quick eat I craved for on a daily basis. Olive. A spot many in the loop also craved for besides the tasty tempting competitions close by. Their food is fresh. If you like mediterranean/ethnic, this place is very well balanced and I can't wait for it to open its doors downtown. Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Asado Coffee Roasters

Marry Me Coffee Spot

Asado Coffee Roasters

3

Ooo not enough locals know about it yet but those that do just find reasons to walk by this charming alley. Yes I said it, a charming alley. This coffee shop is smushed in between two other downtown Chicago establishments and the only thing brightening it up are the lanterns hanging crisscrossed above and the huge lit coffee sign. Very romantic! Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Molly's Cupcakes

I Want Cupcakes Mom!

Molly's Cupcakes

3

From New York, LA, DC, cities with their famous center-filled cupcake places making waves and opening stores across the country, there is one local bakery in Chicago that locals who have left always come back to and that is Molly's. Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Gaslight Coffee Roasters

Hip, shabby-chic coffeehouse

Gaslight Coffee Roasters

3

When you want to go to a good hipster coffee shop you come to Gaslight Coffee Roasters. These guys aren't the snobby kind of hipsters though they take their work seriously. You will be welcomed into their space with a friendly atmosphere with a nerdy edge. Read more ›

by Allison

Ask Allison

The Merchandise Mart

Restaurants 3 0

Interior design hub - visit Neocon

The Merchandise Mart

3

Every year their is a large event held at the Merchandise Mart called NeoCon, The event is North America's largest design exposition and conference for commercial interiors. Locals that are in the design profession make sure to get involved and attend the event . The event is usually in June so visit the Merch then! Read more ›

by Allison

Ask Allison

La Brasa Roja

Restaurants 2 2

Evil Chicken

La Brasa Roja

2

First off this place is cheap, a good budget place. More importantly the Chicken is so addicting you will end up wanting to finish an entire one just by yourself. You will begin to crave it day and night. You'll want to come back to Chicago just to have this grilled Chicken. Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Local Experience

Chicago Loop Interior Architecture Walking Tour

Chicago Loop Interior Architecture Walking Tour

(4)

Step inside magnificent lobbies, corridors and the underground Pedway passages on an in-depth Chicago interior architecture tour. The total walking distance is 0.5 miles.

Prices from

26 USD

Duration

2 h

Languages

English

Town Hall Pub

Drinking in your friend's basement

Town Hall Pub

2

This place is prefect for a beer at a good price and seeing a live comedy skit or music. When you walk in the door you walk past windows full of desserts and jello shots. I recommend trying the pudding shot! Town Hall Pub is not your normal bar in Boystown. Read more ›

by Allison

Ask Allison

State Street Shopping

A bustling st. with many clothing shops

State Street Shopping

2

State Street is the place to go shopping when you want mainstream looks at a reasonable price. You have H&M, Old Navy Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Target, DSW, Nordstrom Rack and many more with a short distance from one another. Basically a one stop shopping spot. Read more ›

by Allison

Ask Allison

Julius Meinl Coffee House

Best coffee in Chicago

Julius Meinl Coffee House

1

Just outside of the central loop and certainly worth the journey out of the tourist area you will find Julius Meinl right in the heart of the Southport Corridor. This charming European transplant is the only location outside of Europe for this group. Great coffee, pastries made by European trained pastry chefs are sure to delight. Read more ›

by Cody

Ask Cody

Jeri's Grill

Restaurants 1 1

Real fun!

Jeri's Grill

1

24/7 diner with greasy spoon feel. Super cheap, super satisfying, always a good option. Try the black cow milkshake for a fun root beer float taste experience. The patty melt also comes highly recommended. Watch out, it is cash only, but boy do they have a ATM or what. Read more ›

by Noah

Ask Noah

Little Lamb

Restaurants 1 0

Hot Pot Series, My Personal Favorite

Little Lamb

1

I've been telling you about Elins favorite spots, she has her two other Hot Pot places, and Granted she introduced this place to me, when we debacle over The best Hot Pot Little Lamb is my winner. Their split broth, the sauces (all about the sauces) and their Lamb is also very good quality. I also like their plum juice better. Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Qing Xiang Yuan Dumpling

Restaurants 1 0

Maratong Adventure

Qing Xiang Yuan Dumpling

1

Elin!!! Yes another Elin recommended spot. My foodie roommate from Shang-Hai knows of the most authentic places in Chinatown. She does whine about a lot of them saying "its NOT as good as home!" However this place she claims hits the spot Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Two Birds One Stone

Restaurants 1 0

Legit Hot Pot ... Legit

Two Birds One Stone

1

Another Elin (My roommate from Shanghai) recommendation. What can get more local than a Chicago Shang-Hainese mentioning the "best" hot pot place she's ever tried. Her words. This place is ridiculously good, however I do have another favorite I will write about next. But again, she's the foodie from China, Im Filipino Indian. Listen to Elin on this Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Local Experience

Walking Tour of Chicago’s Historical Bars

Walking Tour of Chicago’s Historical Bars

(2)

Join us for a historical Chicago pub crawl with an educational twist! You’ll explore the city’s entertainment history and learn about prohibition, jazz, theatre, vices and social clubs, all while staying mostly indoors.

Prices from

41 USD

Duration

2.5 h

Languages

English

Kawayan

Restaurants 1 1

My version of comfort food

Kawayan

1

This no-frills place offers some of the best Filipino food in the area, and it's so clear that it's made with love and the full flavors that we know and love when it comes to our dishes. It's tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown but worth the trek! Read more ›

by Marianne

Ask Marianne

Hoanh Long Restaurant

Restaurants 1 0

wanna pho?

Hoanh Long Restaurant

1

this place always has people in it, and for good reason. their pho broth is one of the more flavorful (yet not super heavy or oily) ones that i've had (and I've had a lot of pho). aside from pho, the rice dishes are amazing (pork chop with honey sausage over rice, anyone?). Read more ›

by Marianne

Ask Marianne

Uncle Mike's Place

Restaurants 1 0

Filipino Brunch

Uncle Mike's Place

1

Great place if you are up and hungry at 5 in the morning. Their coffee is roasted and brewed very well. I know, Im pretty impressed with my coffee tasting skills. The have huge plates and it's a chance to enjoy filipino breakfast which is what most of the Asian population miss about Asia, the breakfast. Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Become an influencer!

Add tips for your city ›

The Halal Guys Chicago

Hah! The Halal Guys Came To Chicago

The Halal Guys Chicago

1

These guys opened all of 24 hours ago and already they are drawing a crowd of foodies and locals and tourists who know of them from New York City. Okay so maybe not Chicagoan in origin but definitely a Chicago MUST EAT now. If we are worthy enough of a city to get the most favored food stand in NYC then this Ups Chicago as a city. Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Metropolis Coffee Company

For Strict Coffee Lovers

Metropolis Coffee Company

1

A world renowned coffee shop, and winner of several coffee awards, this place has mastered the coffee culture in the United States. Their cups are rich well blended and what coffee should be, or what you learn coffee should be. Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Seven Treasures Cantonese

Restaurants 1 1

Chinatown's Legendary 554

Seven Treasures Cantonese

1

If earning a slot in urban dictionary for numbers "554" isn't enough to spark interest, I don't know what is. This place like many Chinese restaurants used to number their items as they had more than one variety of the same thing. One particular item number, 554 became the most ordered item. It is so basic and extraordinary at the same time. Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Coalfire Pizza

Restaurants 1 1

Chicago Auhh Real Pizza

Coalfire Pizza

1

If you come and visit Chicago you'll automatically want to try the deep dish pizza. However and I can confidently speak for many local Chicagoans (I don't mean suburbanites but actual Chicagoans) you won't find many of us downing the inch a half thick dough. We instead find places like Coalfire where we can back for seconds and thirds. Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Skylark

Dark, good food, photo booth dive bar

Skylark

1

This bar is for true hipsters. It's location is in an area where there isn't much else so it is a magnet for fun. You can't beat the Skylark's prices. There is a good craft beer selection and the tater tots are super popular. Read more ›

by Allison

Ask Allison

Drumbar

Great cocktails with a view

Drumbar

1

When we want to feel fancy and feel like we are going to an "exclusive club" we come here. Both the roof top area and the interior setting are tastefully decorated. And the bartenders make great cocktails. This is one of the best bars by the Magnificent Mile. Read more ›

by Allison

Ask Allison

Ryo Sushi

Loop Sushi a Quick Eat

Ryo Sushi

0

If you work in the loop or touring Michigan Avenue or just live in the area and needing something quick and trendy for a quick eat this is a good stop... In my case I was on a 3 day juice fast and the only solid food allowed were raw ones. Curse you juice fast! Anyway This place was definitely a cozy problem solver Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Pot Sticker House - Traditional Mandarin Cuisine

Restaurants 0 1

My Favorite Northern Chinese Breakfast

Pot Sticker House - Traditional Mandarin Cuisine

0

Locals don't know of this place! At least not most locals. This is a well kept homey resto among the Chinese Chicagoans. While it has been rated top by Trip Advisor, Yelp, The Hungry Hound, most people don't seem to venture out here.But if you are seeking novelty, adventure and authenticity in your breakfast you'll hail Lyft and go that extra mile Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Furama

Restaurants 0 0

Sunday Dimsum

Furama

0

Ever have someone who tells you they know where to get the best Dimsum that makes you feel so good inside but you can only get it one day of the week within a few hours window and at a specific place? That's the situation here. Usually when the process has these loops the food experience becomes all the more exciting. Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

San Soo Gab San

Restaurants 0 0

Korean Barbecue With A Vengeance

San Soo Gab San

0

This place once heavily populated by the local Korean American clientele now has expanded into more mainstream foodies. Thats a good thing (it isn't always - but in this case it is) An uber-ride a way this place is great for late night cravings, warm soup that hits the spot and to satiate your Korean grilling phase. Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Annapurna Fast Foods

Restaurants 0 0

India Town Favorite

Annapurna Fast Foods

0

Why Indians in Chicago love this place should be the question. It is cheap, high quality and authentic. Many places on Devon street are already generally authentic but Annapurna takes it to a fresher more genuine level. I was introduced to this place by my Gujarati friend, and mind you I am half Indian as well, and this place was surprisingly GOOD Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

Manolo's Taqueria

The Closest Taste To Mexico

Manolo's Taqueria

0

They are known as the Best King of Tacos. I never exaggerate when I write and say that these guys really have their food down. They are among dozens of other street food vendors during the Sunday Maxwell Market but they make the tastiest and freshest batch of quesadillas and tacos from scratch while you wait. Read more ›

by Shana

Ask Shana

La Chaparrita Taqueria

Best Tacos In Chicago

La Chaparrita Taqueria

0

Way off the beaten path for most Chicagoans this local taco joint is legendary in the community where it operates. Nationally acclaimed chefs have mentioned this as a place that has the best tacos in Chicago. Mix that in with great prices and you have a winner. Read more ›

by Jonathan

Ask Jonathan

Restaurants & Cafés in popular destinations

Amsterdam

87 restaurants & cafés

Barcelona

76 restaurants & cafés

Berlin

216 restaurants & cafés

Brussels

99 restaurants & cafés

Budapest

78 restaurants & cafés

Copenhagen

81 restaurants & cafés

Istanbul

102 restaurants & cafés

London

120 restaurants & cafés

Los Angeles

60 restaurants & cafés

Madrid

77 restaurants & cafés

Milan

75 restaurants & cafés

Moscow

138 restaurants & cafés

Munich

109 restaurants & cafés

New York

115 restaurants & cafés

Paris

140 restaurants & cafés

Prague

161 restaurants & cafés

Rio de Janeiro

54 restaurants & cafés

Rome

78 restaurants & cafés

Vienna

118 restaurants & cafés

Warsaw

69 restaurants & cafés