Dinning in Chicago on a budget?

Question

Where are Chicago's best bets for eating close to downtown? We'll be seeing the sites downtown and need some ideas of where to eat that's close by but still affordable. Please let me know your thoughts:) I don't want to miss out on any of the great places either, so if you have a few other ideas that are bit more spendy still let me know.

Answer 1

In Chicago you will find the best dining bargains and best food in the areas outside of downtown. Most of the restaurants downtown are geared towards business people (on expense accounts) and tourist so prices are higher than at neighborhood restaurants.

Many of Chicago's best restaurants bargains are in the ethnic enclaves and neighborhoods. This is a great way to get to see the city that most tourist don't see while enjoying some great food. Public Transportation is cheap (should run $2 each way w/out connections) or you and your friends can share a cab ride.

Some great neighborhoods for affordable dining:

Andersonville - Cool old Swedish neighborhood that now has a large Middle Eastern and gay population. Rezas on Clark is a great Middle Eastern restaurant. Ann Sathers is a Swedish cafe that has amazing cinnamon rolls.

Greek Town - Very close to downtown has several great Greek restaurants including Roditty's and Greek Islands.

Little Italy - Also close to downtown has lot's of great options including Rosales.

Devon Avenue- Has several great Indian and Pakistani restaurants.

Lincoln Square- Has several German restaurants and cafes including the Chicago Brauhaus which has live German music.

Metromix (www.metromix.com) is an invaluable resource to Chicago restaurants; you can search by categories such as food type and budget. The Restaurant.com site www.restaurant.com is also a great way to get amazing deals at Chicago restaurants but make sure to read the fine print on the offers (they often exclude weekends etc.)
I hope that you have a great visit to my hometown!

Answer 2

While you are in downtown Chicago, a couple of the cheaper things you need to try for the full experience are Chicago style hot dogs. There are plenty little shops as you walk around where you can find them. Also try Giardano's (I might have spelled that wrong!) They have some of the best Chicago style pizza! They have a stuffed pizza that is more like a pie... cheese and toppings in the middle and sauce on top! That is within walking distance from Michigan Ave. as well.

For a more pricey meal, if you like prime rib, try Lawry's. It is really nice and has atmosphere. The only real main course option is prime rib, but it is to die for!

Answer 3

Try "Go Roma" www.goroma.net
they have really good Italian food and you are served rather quickly. You can take it out or sit inside or outside. Same basic idea as Fazoli's (if you know what that is?) but the food is 100% better and not nearly expensive as a normal sit-down restaurant in Chicago. And they are rarely very crowded.
You could also try the Cheesecake Factory although they did to get pretty busy. The portions there are rahter large so you could split an entree and share dessert.

Answer 4

You definately have to go to Lou Mitchell's a block from Union Station. You can see the mayor and lots of big wigs eating there. The food is great and NOT expensive. I love their double yolk egg skillet dishes. $5 per person.

Chicago has lots of pizza. I prefer Giordanos but lots like Pizza Uno or Pizza Duo which are downtown.

Au Bon Pain www.aubonpain.com
122 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, 60603 - [phone]

Au Bon Pain www.aubonpain.com
350 N Wells St # 114, Chicago, 60654 - [phone]

Au Bon Pain www.aubonpain.com
200 E Randolph St, Chicago, 60601 - [phone]

I have lunch at these when I am downtown. Reasonable prices.

Portillos Hot Dogs
100 W Ontario St
Chicago, IL 60610
[phone]
I haven't eaten at the one downtown but I frequently eat at the suburb locations. More expensive than Burger King, or McDonalds but much tastier food.

Answer 5

Here are four "real Chicago" places to eat. I have eaten many times in all four. They are downtown and easily accessible. In fact, you can see the sights and visit all four.
The first three are inexpensive, but have good food and are unique(in no particular order):
Ed Debevic's is a bit of 1950's retro with "interesting" wait staffers; maybe rude is a better word-but that's part of the atmosphere.
Billy Goat's Tavern is a must, even just for a cold one. It's under the street, but any local can point you to it.
Boston Blackie's is another great tavern with super burgers and more..
Harry Caray's is bit expensive, compared to the first three places, but what is more Chicago than the restaurant of the late Cubbies announcer? "And a one, and a two, Take me out to the ball game..." Lots of sports stuff and very good food. The bar is lot of fun!
Have great time - Chicago is super!

Answer 6

The upscale food court in Water Tower Place (the mall) on the Mag Mile has plenty of reasonable choices; my favorite is the all-you-can-eat soup place there. Or stroll over to Rush Street to explore some very popular, moderate-to-expensive Chicago eateries - for a very special meal, try Le Colonial.

Answer 7

Go to this website and spend $5 to get $25 gift certificates for any of the places on the list. It is broken down into areas of the Chicago metro area. Be sure to read any conditions prior to purchasing. They are totally legitimate however. http://www.restaurant.com/search-map-region.asp?PageSize=10&Page=1&VicinitySearchLevel=REGION&StateID=64&SearchID=&DistrictID=0&RegionID=50&rgid=50&nv=1&rn=IL

Enter the discount code SALE at checkout and hit the recalculate total button to get the half off price.

You get to print your $25 certificates right away on your printer. Most are good for one year.

You might have to use www.mapquest.com to see a better map of where places are located in relation to places you'll be visiting.

Answer 8

in downtown, some places to check out are:
- Italian Village - there are three restaurants; go with the one downstairs / on lowest level - food is the same but prices are better
- Heaven on Seven - 7th floor of Garland Bldg off Wabash - cajun; lunch only - best cajun in town and very reasonable...expect a short wait right at lunch hour
- Wishbone - southern cooking at 1001 W. Washington Blvd west of loop and 3300 N. Lincoln Ave. - just north of Belmont in Lakeview; both excellent for moderate priced, almost home cooking (if your Mom grew up in North Carolina!)
- almost anywhere in Greek Town - few blocks west of loop on Halstad; 800 west; try Greek Islands or Santorri's...both good but so are others
- also be sure to try Chinatown; short red line / L trip from loop south...large number of reasonably prices spots

enjoy....

Answer 9

I would eat at like a fast-food restaurant downtown but there's plenty of cheap/fancy restaurants downtown Chicago.

Answer 10

Pita House in Schaumburg. Great middle eastern cuisine for under $10.