Food Finds Near Public Transportation

by Jennifer Olvera - Citysearch Contributor - 3,380 Reviews - 26 Lists

Updated: August 05, 2008

Forget your gas-guzzling vehicle and take public transportation to these fantastic food finds. You?ll be rewarded with flavorful--and, thankfully, affordable--finds.

Off the El and Bus

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Spoon Thai
    Read Reviews

    4608 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (map)

    Get off the Brown Line at Western and veer toward this popular Thai eatery during lunch, when a selection of two-course meals--think spring rolls and spicy beef basil--set you back a mere $4.95.

  2. 2 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Freddy's Pizzeria
    Read Reviews

    1600 S 61st Ave, Cicero, IL 60804 (map)

    Whether or not you have beaucoup bank, make the trip to this Italian corner store to enjoy the best sub ($5), gelato ($2.70) or slice ($3 with one topping) you'll ever have. Just hop aboard the Blue Line to Austin, grab bus 305 heading south to Roosevelt and walk four blocks south until you reach 16th Street.

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Aloha Eats
    Read Reviews

    2534 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

    This Hawaiian barbecue joint--a hop, skip and a jump from the Fullerton stop on the Brown, Purple and Red Lines--will fill you up in style. From bargain basement pricing on saimin soup (starting at $3.85) to hand hand rolls ($3.75) and katsu (a mere $5.25 for chicken), it's all-but-impossible to leave hungry.

  4. 4 Con Sabor Cubano
    Write a review

    2739 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (map)

    This authentic gem is just off the Brown Line's Chicago Rockwell stop--follow your nose to the garlicky goodness inside. The menu is full of cheap treats, including a Cuban burger for $4.75. Or, load up on $3 pork tamales and $2 empanadas.

  5. 5 3 Star Rating: Average Rockstar Dogs -- CLOSED
    Read Reviews

    801 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

    Dining can be fun, even when you're eating on the cheap. Need proof? Check out this West Town takeout spot complete with stripper pole, cheeky, band-themed hot dogs ($2 and up), and Merkt's cheese spread-topped tater tots mere steps from the Blue Line's Damen station.

  6. 6 3 Star Rating: Average Pasta Shoppe & Cafe
    Read Reviews

    116 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301 (map)

    Take the Green Line to Oak Park to indulge in homemade pastas, delish salads and super sweets--either on the patio or in the pleasant, casual dining room. Get your meal to-go and enjoy a picnic of by-the-pound antipasti and ciabatta sandwiches ($4.95 and up) in nearby Scoville Park.

  7. 7 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Sultan's Market
    Read Reviews

    2057 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (map)

    You'll find no shortage of yummy choices--from $2 meat pies and $3 baba ghanoush to a dynamite salad bar--at this wildly tasty Middle Eastern cafe and market nearby the CTA's 8, 22 and 36 stops.