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Best Chicago Cheap Eats


As the world economy slows down, we may want to tighten our belts, but we still need to fill our stomachs. Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in Chicago.

Check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.

Belly Shack Asian
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Belly Shack, Chicago, IL 1912 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
773-252-1414 | Menu
Located under the Blue Line tracks, this BYOB from Bill Kim hits head-on with full-flavored Latin and Asian notes. More...

Big Star Taqueria
13/20
1531 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
773-235-4039 | Menu
A buzzy whisky bar and taqueria from Paul Kahan in Wicker Park. More...

Billy Goat Tavern & Grill Burgers
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, Chicago, IL 430 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-222-1525 | Menu
If you thrive on loud talk, greasy food and cheap drinks with a side of history, this is your nirvana. More...

Del Seoul Korean
Quick Bite
2568 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-248-4227 | Menu
Korean tacos make their way to Chicago, with okay results. More...

Hot Doug's Hot Dogs
Quick Bite
3324 N. California St.
Chicago, IL 60618
773-279-9550 | Menu
Encased-meat stand --- serving hot dogs, too --- with irresistible fries cooked in duck fat. More...

Lillie's Q Barbecue
13/20
Dining Room at Lillie 1856 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
773-772-5500 | Menu
A serious barbecue chef brings tried and true family dishes and recipes to Bucktown. More...

Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli Deli
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Manny 1141 S. Jefferson St.
Chicago, IL 60607
312-939-2855 | Menu
This cafeteria-style delicatessen is an institution and a must-stop at lunch because the corned beef sandwich is darn good. More...

The Patio Barbecue
Quick Bite
Dining Room at The Patio, Bridgeview, IL 9100 S. Harlem Ave.
Bridgeview, IL 60455
708-598-2099 | Menu
Baby-back ribs star at this southwest suburban restaurant with numerous area outposts. More...

Penny's Noodle Shop Pan-Asian
12/20
Dining Room at Penny 3400 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
773-281-8222 | Menu
Popular, cost-conscious noodle joint that always delivers on what’s expected. More...

Potbelly Sandwich Shop Sandwiches
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Chicago, IL 2264 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-528-1405 | Menu
Packed-to-the-hilt toasted sandwich shop that blows Quizno's out of the water. More...

Smoque BBQ Barbecue
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Smoque BBQ, Chicago, IL 3800 N. Pulaski Rd.
Chicago, IL 60641
773-545-7427 | Menu
Come as you are---and bring the kids---to this down-home barbecue pit. More...

Sultan’s Market Middle Eastern
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Sultan’s Market, Chicago, IL 2521 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
312-638-9151 | Menu
The second installment of the beloved falafel joint enlivens Lincoln Park. More...

Urbanbelly Asian
15/20
Dining Room at Urbanbelly, Chicago, IL 3053 N. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
773-583-0500 | Menu
Topnotch Chicago chef styles accessible Asian dumplings and noodles with precision at this BYOB. More...

XOCO Mexican
Quick Bite
Dining Room at XOCO, Chicago, IL 449 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60654
312-334-3688 | Menu
Rick Bayless’ sister restaurant to adjacent Topolobampo and Frontera Grill is worth the wait in line. More...


Check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.

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