Chicago is a working-class food city at heart. From Italian beef stands to Polish delis, the city's best cheap eats reflect its immigrant neighborhoods and blue-collar heritage. Here's how to eat incredibly well in Chicago without spending a fortune.
Italian Beef Stands
Chicago's signature sandwich: thin-sliced beef, giardiniera, and optional sweet peppers, dipped in jus.
Johnnie's Beef
Many say it's the best in Chicago. The Italian ice is also legendary. No seating.
Al's #1 Italian Beef
The original since 1938. Order it "dipped" for the full experience.
Mr. Beef
Made famous by "The Bear." Same great beef, now with longer lines.
Portillo's
Chain but consistently good. Also great for Chicago dogs and chocolate cake.
Chicago Hot Dogs
A Chicago dog is an art form: Vienna beef, mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt. Never ketchup.
Gene & Jude's
Depression dog style: just mustard, onions, relish, and sport peppers. Fries on top.
Superdawg
Iconic drive-in with giant hot dog statues. Classic Chicago experience.
Jim's Original
Maxwell Street Polish sausage with grilled onions. Open 24 hours.
Devil Dawgs
Great Chicago dogs near the university. Cheap, fast, perfect for students.
Pilsen: Mexican Food
Chicago's vibrant Mexican neighborhood has some of the best cheap tacos in the Midwest.
Taqueria Los Comales
No-frills taqueria with excellent street tacos. Cash preferred.
Birrieria Zaragoza
Some of the best birria in Chicago. Consommé is perfect for dipping.
Carnitas Uruapan
Carnitas by the pound. Get a mixed plate with all the parts.
5 Rabanitos
Elevated Oaxacan food at reasonable prices. The mole is incredible.
Chinatown
Chicago's Chinatown has excellent, affordable dim sum and noodle houses.
Lao Sze Chuan
Sichuan specialties. Tony Hu's dry chili chicken is famous. Share dishes.
Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings
Hand-pulled noodles and dumplings. The lamb noodles are outstanding.
MingHin Cuisine
Excellent dim sum, especially on weekdays. Cart service on weekends.
More Budget Gems
Jibaritos y Mas
The jibarito: a sandwich with fried plantains instead of bread. Chicago original.
Ricobene's
The breaded steak sandwich is legendary. Massive, cheap, delicious.
Sultan's Market
Middle Eastern grocery with cheap, fresh falafel and shawarma plates.
Kasia's Deli
Polish deli with pierogis, stuffed cabbage, and Polish sausage. Old school.
Chicago Budget Eating Tips
- Neighborhood gems: The best cheap eats are outside downtown
- Combo meals: Italian beef spots often have combo deals
- Devon Avenue: Excellent cheap Indian and Pakistani food
- Argyle Street: Vietnamese pho and banh mi for under $12
- Lunch specials: Many restaurants have cheaper lunch portions
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