Cheap Eats
By Peter Behle, Chicago Senior Editor
Cheap restaurants are everywhere. Great ones are not. Let our critics do the legwork for you.
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Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen
1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL
Legendary cafeteria serves up deli-style dishes like corned beef sandwiches. -
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. -
MacArthur's
5412 W Madison St, Chicago, IL
Generous portions of soul food at a nice price make this cafeteria a West Side favorite. -
Local Option
1102 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL
Cozy bar and seafood-focused sandwich shop fills with laid-back Lincoln Parkers. -
Nick's Pit Stop
2011 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL
Bucktown takeout favorite serves up charbroiled chicken to a bustling lunch and dinner crowd. -
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. -
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. -
Silver Cloud Bar & Grill
1700 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL
Good, comfortable food and atmosphere make for cozy Bucktown dining. -
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. -
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.
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Pompei Bakery
2955 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL
Young professionals pack this casual spot for homemade Italian specialties at reasonable prices. -
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. -
D'Agostino's Wrigleyville
1351 W Addison St, Chicago, IL
Great pizza, low prices and cozy atmosphere make this a classic Wrigleyville hangout. -
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.
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Amarind's
6822 W North Ave, Chicago, IL
Savor the colors and flavors of exquisite Thai cuisine at truly delectable prices. -
Penny's Noodle Shop
950 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL
Bold, Asian flavors and bargain prices make this neighborhood joint hot with the locals. -
Joy's Noodles & Rice
3257 N Broadway, Chicago, IL
Fat, thin, crispy--noodles come however you like at this comfortable Lakeview storefront. -
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.
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Maiz
1041 N California Ave, Chicago, IL
Casual Humboldt Park restaurant spotlights authentic flavors from the streets and marketplaces of Mexico City. -
Cafe Salsa
9932 W 55TH St, Countryside, IL
This comfy cantina serves excellent Mexican food and a margarita that'll knock your sombrero off. -
La Pasadita Restaurant
1140 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL
A prime after-hours destination draws night owls with tongue tacos and killer veggie burritos. -
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. -
Irazu
1865 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
This casual Costa Rican counter appeals to Bucktown veggie lovers and meat-eaters alike. -
Nuevo Leon Restaurant
1515 W 18th St, Chicago, IL
Dig into truly authentic Mexican food at this casual diner, a local favorite since 1962. -
Lalo's Mexican Restaurant
1960 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL
The food is no-nonsense and the margaritas mean business at this Mexican chain.
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Bistrot Margot
1437-39 N Wells St, Chicago, IL
Cozy Old Town bistro packs 'em in with appealing, reasonably priced French fare. -
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. -
Le Bouchon
1958 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL
Classic French cuisine at great prices make this bistro one of Bucktown's best restaurants.

