Budget Meals in Chicago

Browse popular tours and discover 43 tips recommended by our locals

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.

The Wormhole Coffee

Budget Meals 6 5

Coffee Made for Nerds

The Wormhole Coffee

6

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 ›

Margie's Candies

Budget Meals 6 2

Ice Cream Lovers or Haters

Margie's Candies

6

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 ›

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 ›

Bang Bang Pie Shop

Budget Meals 6 3

My Charming Pie Place

Bang Bang Pie Shop

6

This place is especially sweet when you get a chance to sit in one of their picnic tables outside on a sunny and breezy day and fall in love with the people Infront of you. Everything is relaxed and happy and the food is delicious. Read more ›

Water Tower Place

A mall with a variety of shops...

Water Tower Place

6

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 ›

Dusek's

Budget Meals 7 1

Classy Delectable Brunch

Dusek's

7

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 ›

Local Experience

Chicago Loop Interior Architecture Walking Tour

Chicago Loop Interior Architecture Walking Tour

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

28 USD

Duration

2 h

Languages

English

City Winery Chicago Riverwalk

Lively, scenic, city hangout

City Winery Chicago Riverwalk

12

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 ›

Tank Noodle

Budget Meals 5 1

Vietnamese Food Here

Tank Noodle

5

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 ›

The Signature Lounge

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 ›

Pequod's Pizza

Local Chicago deep dish pizza

Pequod's Pizza

13

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 ›

Become an influencer!

Add tips for your city ›

Olive Mediterranean Grill

Budget Meals 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 ›

Molly's Cupcakes

Budget Meals 4 1

I Want Cupcakes Mom!

Molly's Cupcakes

4

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 ›

Asado Coffee Roasters

Budget Meals 3 2

Marry Me Coffee Spot

Asado Coffee Roasters

3

It resembles a European cafe in the urban, American, downtown Chicago. The coffee is high quality and roasted by one of the Midwests more famous roasters, Jason. I hear people purposely book to watch him roast coffee. Wow can't wait to meet him. This place only meant to bring special people to. Read more ›

Local Experience

Best Architecture Walking Tour for Design Lovers

Best Architecture Walking Tour for Design Lovers

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

25 USD

Duration

1.5 h

Languages

English

Gaslight Coffee Roasters

Food & Supplies 4 3

Hip, shabby-chic coffeehouse

Gaslight Coffee Roasters

4

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 ›

The Merchandise Mart

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 ›

Publican Quality Meats

Food & Supplies 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 ›

La Brasa Roja

Budget Meals 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 ›

Isla Pilipina

Budget Meals 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 ›

Sun Wah

Budget Meals 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 ›

BIG & little's

Budget Meals 4 2

fast, fresh comfort food

BIG & little's

4

i personally come here for tacos and truffle fries. their poke tacos are fresh and flavorful, and i am a total sucker for their samurai taco. everything is cooked to order, so you know you're not getting stale, recycled food! Read more ›

Local Experience

Walking Tour of Chicago’s Historical Bars

Walking Tour of Chicago’s Historical Bars

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

Two Birds One Stone

Budget Meals 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 ›

Kawayan

Budget Meals 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 ›

Hoanh Long Restaurant

Budget Meals 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 ›

Little Lamb

Budget Meals 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 ›

Jeri's Grill

Budget Meals 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 ›

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 ›

Qing Xiang Yuan Dumpling

Budget Meals 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 ›

Local Experience

UnHighlights Tour of the Art Institute of Chicago

UnHighlights Tour of the Art Institute of Chicago

NEW!

See the Art Institute of Chicago in a whole new light with our highly interactive, subversive, fun, non-traditional museum tour!

Prices from

59 USD

Duration

2 h

Languages

English

Uncle Mike's Place

Budget Meals 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 ›

Julius Meinl Coffee House

Budget Meals 1 2

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 ›

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 ›

Become an influencer!

Add tips for your city ›

Metropolis Coffee Company

Budget Meals 1 0

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 ›

Pot Sticker House - Traditional Mandarin Cuisine

Budget Meals 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 ›

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 ›

Seven Treasures Cantonese

Budget Meals 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 ›

Local Experience

Old Polonia and Wicker Park Walking Tour with Food

Old Polonia and Wicker Park Walking Tour with Food

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

49 USD

Duration

2.5 h

Languages

English

Ryo Sushi

Budget Meals 0 0

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 ›

Coalfire Pizza

Budget Meals 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 ›

Furama

Budget Meals 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 ›

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 ›

The Halal Guys Chicago

Budget Meals 1 0

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 ›

San Soo Gab San

Budget Meals 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 ›

La Chaparrita Taqueria

Budget Meals 0 1

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 ›

Annapurna Fast Foods

Budget Meals 0 0

India Town Favorite

Annapurna Fast Foods

0

It's good great Indian "Snacks," the Indian cafeteria like food, the home cooked meal quality, and it is affordable. It is a great stop to satisfy your craving for spicy food the way Indians really want it and it fills you up. Read more ›

Manolo's Taqueria

Budget Meals 0 0

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 ›

Restaurants & Cafés in popular destinations

Amsterdam

Amsterdam

89 restaurants & cafés

Barcelona

Barcelona

82 restaurants & cafés

Berlin

Berlin

219 restaurants & cafés

Brussels

Brussels

101 restaurants & cafés

Budapest

Budapest

80 restaurants & cafés

Copenhagen

Copenhagen

83 restaurants & cafés

Istanbul

Istanbul

114 restaurants & cafés

London

London

123 restaurants & cafés

Los Angeles

Los Angeles

62 restaurants & cafés

Madrid

Madrid

78 restaurants & cafés

Milan

Milan

76 restaurants & cafés

Moscow

Moscow

139 restaurants & cafés

Munich

Munich

109 restaurants & cafés

New York

New York

116 restaurants & cafés

Paris

Paris

143 restaurants & cafés

Prague

Prague

164 restaurants & cafés

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro

57 restaurants & cafés

Rome

Rome

81 restaurants & cafés

Vienna

Vienna

120 restaurants & cafés

Warsaw

Warsaw

73 restaurants & cafés