Recommendations on some good places with moderate prices for dinner?

Question

Central to Chicago city, what kind of prices and foods should one expect?
(FC7.21.10.06)

Abridged top ten Value restaurants of Chicago
- Café Iberico for authentic Spanish tapas and sangria with a dabble of baked goat cheese.
- Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop casual-style deep South dining great on fare with fried green tomatoes, blackened catfish fillet and jambalaya to boot.
- Ed Debevic's '50s-style roadside diner features Ed's Mom's Meatloaf and great burgers, with a free side dish of flurry insults.
- Giordano's, deep-dish pizza.
- Heaven on Seven for Cajun and Creole like catfish and bold flavoured Louisiana-style classics.
- Penny's Noodle Shop, "Thai for the American palate." Something for Friday.
- Pizzeria, deep-dish pies to best enjoyed on weekdays.
- Pizzeria Uno. THE, place for Chicago-style pizza; thin-crust and deep-dish pizza pies.
- Superdawg hot dog drive dangling gargantuan wiener mascots with rich malts shakes.
- Tuscany LITTLE ITALY. Northern Italian cozy eatery with wood-burned gourmet pizzas. Youthful hipsters. Um.

Answer 1

Here are the top ten value restaurants in Chicagoland:

Café Iberico 739 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60605-1706 · 312-573-1510

Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Available
Dress: BB: Business

Outdoor Dining: None
RIVER NORTH. This popular Spanish restaurant once had only four tables, but now it can seat more than 400 with ease. The house is usually packed, thanks to authentic tapas offerings and an upbeat, festive atmosphere. Have a fruity pitcher of sangria and order hot and cold appetizer-sized dishes like baked goat cheese, vegetarian Spanish omelets, chicken brochette with caramelized onions, or grilled octopus. A gourmet food shop lets you recreate your favorites when back at home. Reservations accepted for parties of six or more. Business casual attire. EL: Red Line to Chicago/State or Brown Line to Chicago

Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop
5225 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615-6306 · 773-363-4943

Dress: BC, CBC: Business Casual
C: Casual

Outdoor Dining: None
HYDE PARK. This restaurant offers casual-style Deep South fare in an authentic, down-home setting that includes old license plates, rusty aluminum signs, and even an old timey gas pump. The Southern menu includes such comfort food as fried green tomatoes, johnny cakes with honey butter, blackened catfish fillet, jambalaya, and, of course, well-stocked Louisana gumbo. Full bar.

Ed Debevic's 640 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610-3718 · 312-664-1707

Avg. Entrée: $$1 - $15
Dress: BC, CBC: Business Casual
C: Casual

Outdoor Dining: None
RIVER NORTH. A must for Chicago first-timers, Ed's is a true Windy City treasure. Reminiscent of a '50s-style roadside diner, the restaurant's retro decor and fun music are always a big hit with guests. After all, this is the place that once sold "Ed's Burp" tee-shirts! While the menu includes homestyle favorites like Ed's Mom's Meatloaf, chicken pot pie, and chicken-fried steak, regulars know that burgers are king here. Go for the always-reliable Ed's Blue Moon Burger or the Route 66, either of which tastes better with a bottle of Ed's Beer. And don't worry: As always, the flurry of insults is free!

Giordano's,
135 E Lake, Prudential Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606-1705 · 312-616-1200

User Rating: 9.8 / 10

Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Dress: BC, CBC: Business Casual
C: Casual

Outdoor Dining: None
DOWNTOWN. No trip to the Windy City is complete without sampling the distinctive deep-dish pizza. A great place to start is the Prudential Plaza location of this popular Chicago-style chain, whose spinach deep-dish has gained legendary status. If meat is your thing, go for the classic cheese pie topped with pepperoni, sausage, and fresh garlic. A variety of pasta and salad dishes is also available. When you head back home, you may get the craving for Giordano's. Don't fret: you can order frozen pizzas via their website! There is another location at 730 N Rush St (312-951-0747).


Heaven on Seven
111 N Wabash Ave, Garland Bldg, 7th fl, Chicago, IL 60602 · 312-263-6443

User Rating: 9.5 / 10

Avg. Entrée: $$1 - $15
Dress: CC: Casual

Outdoor Dining: None
THE LOOP. For Cajun and Creole favorites, you can't miss Heaven on Seven. Thanks to a location in a popular shopping area, it entices many locals to stop in for some of the zestiest gumbo this side of the Mason-Dixon. Or, try red beans and rice, jambalaya or a catfish po' boy. All the Louisiana-style classics are boldly flavored and expertly prepared. Choose your poison from the wall of fiery hot sauces if you're feeling brave. The huge menu also offers basic lunchtime fare like deli sandwiches and burgers if you aren't in the mood for spice. Either way, the place is full of color and bustling with activity. Cash only. Casual attire.

Penny's Noodle Shop - Oak Park
1130 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302 · 708-660-1300

User Rating: 10 / 10

Avg. Entrée: $$1 - $15
Outdoor Dining: None
OAK PARK. As you would expect, Penny's specialty is noodles! And she sells a lot of them to the hip crowd that packs her Sheffield Avenue location every night. Though the fare is admittedly, "Thai for the American palate," regulars swear the soups and pad Thai are some of the best in town – for a bargain price. Penny's is extremely popular, so expect to wait for a table, and bring your own liquor since Penny's doesn't have a license. EL: Red Line to Belmont

Pizzeria Due 619 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611-2713 · 312-943-2400

User Rating: 8 / 10

Reservations: Not Accepted
Dress: BC, CBC: Business Casual
C: Casual

Outdoor Dining: None
RIVER NORTH. Two true Chicago staples, Uno and Due serve up classic deep-dish pies. Expect a crowd at either of these sibling pizzerias, located in the River North area.

Pizzeria Uno
29 E Ohio, Chicago, IL 60611 · 312-321-1000

User Rating: 8 / 10

Reservations: Not Accepted
Dress: CC: Casual

Outdoor Dining: None
MAGNIFICENT MILE. THE place for Chicago-style pizza. Pizzeria Uno, while quintessentially American in theme and cuisine, deserves particular recognition for its fabulous thin-crust and deep-dish pizza pies, which send lunchtime crowds away full and happy. On the go? Check out their fabulous "Priority Lunches," which include everything from Chicken Spinoccoli (baked chicken and broccoli in pesto cream sauce) and classic Chicago pies to fish-and-chips and sirloin tips. If pizza isn't your bag, they also serve tasty sandwiches, burgers, and pastas.

Superdawg Drive-In
6363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646 · 773-763-0660

Reservations: Not Accepted
Dress: CC: Casual

Outdoor Dining:
NORTHWEST. Family-owned since 1948, this hot dog drive-in is a local institution, not only for its great menu but for its enormous, roof-top wiener mascots. An indoor dining room is available, but most folks take advantage of the retro carhop service. Hot dogs are the prize, nestled in poppy-seed buns and done up with relish, pickle spears, hot peppers, and pickled tomatoes. They come with hot, salt-sprinkled fries and make a great accompaniment to rich malts and shakes. Other possibilities: burgers, chicken breast sandwiches, Polish sausages, fish sandwiches, and ice cream. A kitschy classic that absolutely lives up to the hype.

Tuscany 1014 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607-4225 · 312-829-1990

Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: B, BCB: Business
BC: Business Casual

Outdoor Dining: None
LITTLE ITALY. For terrific Northern Italian cuisine, Tuscany offers an upscale option in the Little Italy section of town. This cozy eatery, which tends to get a little cramped at times, is as popular with youthful hipsters as it is with downtown suits. During those "brisk" Chicago winters, their wood-burned gourmet pizzas are positively heaven-sent. Not just for locals, Tuscany has treated such "tourists" as former President Clinton and former Vice President Al Gore. Traditional pasta dishes are also available. Dinner reservations are strongly suggested.

Enjoy!

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