Feasts for the Frugal

by Chelsea Trembly - Citysearch Editor - 20 Reviews - 3 Lists

Updated: October 23, 2008

Economic recession got your piggy bank in a pinch? No worries, it's not necessary to bend your budget to eat out on the town. These Chicagoans know where to find cheap eats in a city full of expensive cuisine. But your sophisticated palate won't suffer-- the styles of these Chicago restaurants circle the globe: from the Middle East to Middle America.

On this page:Ramone H. -- Gold Coast, Pam K. -- Roscoe Village, Ruby J. -- Wicker Park, Jared M. -- Wicker Park.

Ramone H. -- Gold Coast

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder
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    2121 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

    This Gold Coast pie parlor offers a "quaint, quiet and cheap" alternative to the classic downtown scene: big, loud and expensive.

Pam K. -- Roscoe Village

  1. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended Artopolis Bakery & Cafe
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    306 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661 (map)

    A cafeteria-style Greek restaurant that's "one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago" and is perfect for those seeking "quality and ease" in their cheap meal.

Ruby J. -- Wicker Park

  1. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Vienna Beef Factory Store & Deli
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    2501 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (map)

    This cafeteria-style hot dog haven "offers more variety" than other cheap restaurants 'round town. (And definitely more variety than the carts on the corner.)

Jared M. -- Wicker Park

  1. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Sultan's Market
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    2057 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (map)

    Jared "never really cared for falafels" until he ate at this Middle Eastern deli where the "delicious and cheap" menu has everyone salvating on the dollar.