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By Peter Behle, Chicago Senior Editor

 Shutterstock
Shutterstock
Cheap restaurants are everywhere. Great ones are not. Let our critics do the legwork for you.

Cheap American Food

  1. Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

    1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL
    Legendary cafeteria serves up deli-style dishes like corned beef sandwiches.

  2. Aloha Eats (formerly Aloha Grill Hawaiian BBQ)

    2534 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
    Authentic, meat-heavy plate lunches transport diners to the Hawaiian islands at this casual Lincoln Park restaurant.

  3. MacArthur's

    5412 W Madison St, Chicago, IL
    Generous portions of soul food at a nice price make this cafeteria a West Side favorite.

  4. Local Option

    1102 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL
    Cozy bar and seafood-focused sandwich shop fills with laid-back Lincoln Parkers.

  5. Nick's Pit Stop

    2011 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL
    Bucktown takeout favorite serves up charbroiled chicken to a bustling lunch and dinner crowd.

  6. Russell's Barbecue

    1621 N Thatcher Ave, Elmwood Park, IL
    After 70 years, this Elmwood Park classic still serves up barbecue to the locals in a friendly, unadorned setting.

  7. Stanley's

    1970 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
    The beer is cold, mac and cheese gooey, and the apple pie amazing at this Lincoln Park country kitchen.

  8. Silver Cloud Bar & Grill

    1700 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL
    Good, comfortable food and atmosphere make for cozy Bucktown dining.

  9. Take Five

    3747 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL
    Southport sports bar one-ups Wrigleyville competitors with amazingly cheap eats and an appliance store full of televisions.

  10. Twisted Spoke

    501 N Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL
    Pub grub and biker-bar atmosphere draw tattooed punks and yuppies alike to this irreverent River West hangout.

Cheap Italian Food

  1. Pompei Bakery

    2955 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL
    Young professionals pack this casual spot for homemade Italian specialties at reasonable prices.

  2. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

    439 N Wells St, Chicago, IL
    Whether you crave deep dish or thin crust, this comfortable, casual pizza joint serves up some of the best in town.

  3. D'Agostino's Wrigleyville

    1351 W Addison St, Chicago, IL
    Great pizza, low prices and cozy atmosphere make this a classic Wrigleyville hangout.

  4. Home Run Inn Pizzeria

    4254 W 31st St, Chicago, IL
    Some of the best pizza in town is served up at this low-key South Side hangout.

Cheap Asian Food

  1. Amarind's

    6822 W North Ave, Chicago, IL
    Savor the colors and flavors of exquisite Thai cuisine at truly delectable prices.

  2. Penny's Noodle Shop

    950 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL
    Bold, Asian flavors and bargain prices make this neighborhood joint hot with the locals.

  3. Joy's Noodles & Rice

    3257 N Broadway, Chicago, IL
    Fat, thin, crispy--noodles come however you like at this comfortable Lakeview storefront.

  4. Happy Chef Dim Sum House

    2164 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL
    This reliable spot just off Chinatown Square lures diners with its affordable menu of Cantonese classics.

Cheap Mexican Food

  1. Maiz

    1041 N California Ave, Chicago, IL
    Casual Humboldt Park restaurant spotlights authentic flavors from the streets and marketplaces of Mexico City.

  2. Cafe Salsa

    9932 W 55TH St, Countryside, IL
    This comfy cantina serves excellent Mexican food and a margarita that'll knock your sombrero off.

  3. La Pasadita Restaurant

    1140 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL
    A prime after-hours destination draws night owls with tongue tacos and killer veggie burritos.

  4. La Bamba

    2557 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
    Giant burritos attract a post-bar, pre-hangover crowd to this come-as-you-are Mexican joint.

  5. Irazu

    1865 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
    This casual Costa Rican counter appeals to Bucktown veggie lovers and meat-eaters alike.

  6. Nuevo Leon Restaurant

    1515 W 18th St, Chicago, IL
    Dig into truly authentic Mexican food at this casual diner, a local favorite since 1962.

  7. Lalo's Mexican Restaurant

    1960 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL
    The food is no-nonsense and the margaritas mean business at this Mexican chain.

Cheap French Food

  1. Bistrot Margot

    1437-39 N Wells St, Chicago, IL
    Cozy Old Town bistro packs 'em in with appealing, reasonably priced French fare.

  2. Red Rooster Wine Bar & Cafe

    2100 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
    A rustic setting and simple, inexpensive French fare make this a great cheap-date place.

  3. Le Bouchon

    1958 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL
    Classic French cuisine at great prices make this bistro one of Bucktown's best restaurants.

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