Chicago’s culinary scene explodes with flavor, offering everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to iconic deep-dish pizza. But enjoying the best of Chicago’s food doesn’t have to require a fortune. Whether you’re a student pinching pennies, a tourist exploring the city, or a local searching for budget-friendly options, this guide is your passport to delicious, affordable meals across the Windy City. We’ll explore neighborhood gems, highlight specific food types that won’t break the bank, and share insider strategies for scoring great food deals. Get ready to eat well without emptying your wallet!
This guide offers a carefully curated selection of spots where you can find truly satisfying meals at prices that won’t make your jaw drop. We’ll venture into diverse neighborhoods, uncover hidden culinary treasures, and prove that you can experience the breadth and depth of Chicago’s food culture without maxing out your credit card. This guide is valuable because it saves you time and money, introduces you to diverse cuisines, and helps you discover truly unique and memorable food experiences that are often overlooked in mainstream tourist guides.
Defining “Cheap” in the Chicago Context
Before diving in, let’s define what we mean by “cheap” in the context of Chicago’s bustling food scene. For the purposes of this guide, we’ll consider “cheap” to mean roughly under fifteen dollars per person for a full meal, or items priced under ten dollars. That said, we prioritize more than just price. “Cheap” isn’t about compromising on quality. It’s about finding exceptional value. We’re looking for places where you get generous portions, delicious flavors, and maybe even a bit of atmosphere, all without blowing your budget. This guide prioritizes taste, ambiance, and the overall quality of the food experience alongside affordability.
Neighborhood Gems: Exploring Affordable Culinary Corners
Chicago’s neighborhoods are the heart and soul of its food scene. Each boasts unique culinary traditions and hidden gems offering incredible value. Let’s explore some of the best:
Pilsen: A Taste of Mexico and Beyond
Pilsen, a vibrant neighborhood with a rich Mexican heritage, offers a fantastic array of affordable eateries. Beyond its celebrated Mexican food scene, Pilsen also boasts unique Czech influenced restaurants.
Don Pedro Carnitas: This beloved spot is a Pilsen institution, renowned for its incredibly flavorful carnitas. Order by the pound and assemble your own tacos, or grab a hearty carnitas torta. Prices are incredibly reasonable, and the quality is consistently top-notch. The aroma alone is worth the trip. Don Pedro Carnitas is located at West Twenty-Eighth Street.
Dusek’s Board & Beer: While a bit more upscale than some of the other options on this list, Dusek’s offers amazing value during happy hour. Their wood-fired pizzas and elevated pub fare are both delicious and relatively affordable, especially when shared. The ambiance is great, and it’s a fantastic spot for a casual night out. You can find Dusek’s Board & Beer on West Eighteenth Street.
Chinatown: A Culinary Journey Through Asia
Chicago’s Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest in the United States. It’s a haven for delicious and affordable Asian cuisine, from steaming bowls of noodles to flavorful dumplings.
QXY Dumplings: QXY Dumplings is a no-frills spot famous for its incredible selection of handmade dumplings. They’re juicy, flavorful, and incredibly cheap. Order a variety to share, and don’t forget the dipping sauces. The fast service and satisfying portions make it a perfect lunch or dinner option. QXY Dumplings is located on South Archer Avenue.
Lao Beijing: For a slightly more formal experience, Lao Beijing offers delicious and affordable Northern Chinese cuisine. Their Peking duck is a showstopper, and their noodle dishes are consistently excellent. While it’s a popular spot, prices remain reasonable, especially for the quality of the food. Find Lao Beijing on South Wentworth Avenue.
Little Village: Authentic Mexican Flavors
Little Village, also known as “La Villita,” is a vibrant Mexican neighborhood brimming with authentic flavors and affordable eats. From street tacos to hearty stews, Little Village offers a true taste of Mexico without breaking the bank.
Taqueria Los Comales: This popular taqueria chain has several locations throughout the city, but its Little Village location on West Twenty-Sixth Street feels particularly authentic. Their tacos are incredibly flavorful and cheap, and their al pastor is a must-try. The atmosphere is lively, and the service is quick and efficient.
Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan: Specializing in birria, a flavorful goat stew, this spot is a true hidden gem. The birria is slow-cooked until tender and served with tortillas, onions, cilantro, and lime. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cold Chicago day. Find Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan on West Twenty-Sixth Street.
Devon Avenue: A Symphony of Indian and Pakistani Flavors
Devon Avenue is a vibrant hub for Indian and Pakistani cuisine, offering a diverse array of flavorful and affordable options. From aromatic curries to savory kebabs, Devon Avenue is a culinary adventure for budget-conscious eaters.
Khan BBQ: This popular spot is renowned for its succulent grilled meats, including kebabs, tikkas, and biryanis. The portions are generous, the prices are incredibly reasonable, and the flavors are bursting with spices. Khan BBQ is located on North Western Avenue.
Udupi Palace: For vegetarian Indian cuisine, Udupi Palace is a must-visit. They offer a wide variety of dosas, uttapams, and other South Indian specialties, all at incredibly affordable prices. The food is consistently delicious, and the service is friendly and efficient. Udupi Palace can be found on North Devon Avenue.
Specific Food Types: Affordable Delights Across the City
Beyond neighborhood explorations, let’s focus on specific food types where you can consistently find affordable options in Chicago.
Pizza: Slice of Heaven Without the Hefty Price Tag
Chicago is famous for its pizza, but enjoying a slice of heaven doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet. While deep-dish gets all the attention, other styles offer great value.
Piece Brewery and Pizzeria: While not strictly “cheap,” Piece offers generous portions of New Haven-style pizza at reasonable prices. Their pizzas are thin-crust, coal-fired, and incredibly flavorful. Grab a slice or share a whole pie with friends. They have a location on North Milwaukee Avenue.
Chicago’s Pizza: Offering a variety of pizzas at an affordable price, Chicago’s Pizza is a staple for those who want good pizza without the fuss. Their locations can be found throughout the city.
Tacos: Authentic Flavors on a Budget
Chicago’s taco scene is thriving, with countless taquerias offering delicious and affordable options. From street tacos to gourmet creations, there’s a taco for every taste and budget.
Antique Taco: While a bit more upscale, Antique Taco offers unique and flavorful tacos at reasonable prices. Their menu features creative combinations and high-quality ingredients. It’s a great option for a slightly more elevated taco experience without breaking the bank. Antique Taco is located on North Milwaukee Avenue.
Velvet Taco: Offering a variety of global-inspired tacos, Velvet Taco is a trendy spot that brings unique flavors to the table. Velvet Taco has locations all across the city.
Sandwiches & Deli: Satisfying and Affordable Bites
Chicago’s sandwich scene is diverse and delicious, offering everything from classic Italian subs to gourmet creations.
J.P. Graziano Grocery Co.: This old-school Italian deli is a Chicago institution, renowned for its incredible sandwiches. Their subs are piled high with meats, cheeses, and vegetables, and their prices are incredibly reasonable. Be prepared for a line, but it’s well worth the wait. J.P. Graziano Grocery Co. is located on West Randolph Street.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop: This Chicago-based chain offers a wide variety of toasted sandwiches at affordable prices. It’s a great option for a quick and satisfying lunch. Potbelly Sandwich Shop locations can be found all across the city.
Hot Dogs: A Chicago Tradition Without the Frills
No trip to Chicago is complete without trying a classic Chicago-style hot dog. Luckily, you can enjoy this iconic treat without spending a fortune.
Superdawg Drive-In: This classic drive-in serves up delicious Chicago-style hot dogs at reasonable prices. Their hot dogs are topped with all the traditional fixings, including mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, sport peppers, and celery salt. It’s a nostalgic and satisfying experience. Superdawg Drive-In is located on North Milwaukee Avenue.
Portillo’s Hot Dogs: Another Chicago institution, Portillo’s offers a variety of Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and other classic fare at affordable prices. It’s a great option for a quick and casual meal. Portillo’s has multiple locations throughout the city.
Cheap Eats Strategies: Insider Tips for Saving Money
Beyond specific restaurants, there are several strategies you can use to score great food deals in Chicago:
Happy Hour Deals: Many Chicago restaurants offer exceptional happy hour deals on food and drinks. Look for places with discounted appetizers, pizzas, and other snacks.
Lunch Specials: Take advantage of affordable lunch menus. Many restaurants offer smaller portions or discounted prices during lunchtime.
Street Food and Food Trucks: Explore Chicago’s vibrant street food scene. Food trucks and street vendors often offer delicious and affordable meals.
Ethnic Grocery Stores: Don’t overlook ethnic grocery stores. Many have prepared food sections with very affordable and authentic cuisine. You can often find delicious and filling meals for a fraction of the price of a restaurant.
BYOB Restaurants: Bring your own booze to BYOB restaurants and save money on drinks. Chicago has a thriving BYOB scene, with restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines.
Conclusion: Enjoying Chicago’s Food Scene on a Budget
Chicago’s culinary scene is world-class, and you don’t need a world-class budget to enjoy it. From neighborhood gems to specific food types, and with smart strategies for saving money, you can explore the city’s diverse flavors without breaking the bank. Get out there and explore the restaurants and flavors highlighted in this guide and discover your own hidden culinary gems! Share your favorite cheap eats in Chicago in the comments below – we’re always looking for new recommendations!
Chicago is a city that rewards exploration. With a little planning and an adventurous spirit, you can enjoy a world-class culinary experience without emptying your wallet. So, go ahead, indulge in the delicious and affordable delights that Chicago has to offer. Happy eating!
