What is a good...?

Question

restaurant in Illinois that is elegant yet not very pricy.
a restaurant in which a 4 person family could eat in under $40

Answer 1

Pompei
1531 W Taylor
Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: [phone]

In a hurry but not wanting to scarf down a Big Mac and fries for the third time this week? Call ahead to Pompei for some gnocchi in marinara sauce or a chopped chicken salad, and it will be ready for pickup when you arrive. If you have more than 10 minutes to spare, come in and dine in Pompei's pleasant, bistro-like setting. You'll order your food at the counter, grab your silverware and select a table. Sit back and wait for your fresh and affordable food to be brought to you, piping hot and always delicious. Pompei specializes in handmade ravioli, hand cut pasta and ''pizzicottos,'' which are much like calzones with the good stuff spilling out. You can get traditional pizza, too -- stuffed or thin -- and there is a whole list of salads to choose from, like the traditional Caprese or the unique Mela Verde with field greens, Granny Smith apples, dried cherries, blue cheese and walnuts smothered in vinaigrette. Take it to an outside table in the summertime.

The Pasta Bowl
2434 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614

The Pasta Bowl has been a Lincoln Park staple for inexpensive Italian fare for years. But now with the addition of "The Other Side," it has an identically tight and cozy bar and grill, as well.

The menu at both interconnected sides of the restaurant is rich in quality pastas and sandwiches, usually prepared in 10 to 20 minutes. Young professionals in nearby apartment buildings flock to the Bowl for fresh bruschetta and Caprese salad. The classic Cappellini Pomodoro (angel hair with fresh tomato marinara, basil and mozzarella) is the favorite dish of many patrons. Farfalle Pollo (bow-tie pasta with chicken and both sun-dried and fresh tomatoes) comes in a close second. The Other Side offers hamburgers, Italian sandwiches, and martini and draft beer specials on weekends. Owners Greg Steack and Christian McDermott have also added a "Bona Vita" (good life) menu of pasta dishes prepared -- as always, by chefs right behind the bar -- without oil, butter or cheese and served in fat-free marinara.

Don't forget to leave your credit cards at home, because Pasta Bowl only accepts cash.


Cafe Iberico
737 N La Salle
Chicago, IL 60610
There's a certain something about tapas that inspires lively conversation -- at least, that's the conclusion you'll draw after a visit to boisterous Cafe Iberico. Clusters of friends congregate in the narrow entryway, and each of the larger dining rooms buzzes with constant energy and chatter. The wait can be long, especially on weekends, but like leisure-loving Spain, the atmosphere in Iberico makes downtime one of the best aspects of your evening. You'll have no trouble passing the time with a pitcher of the red or white sangria -- both arrive filled to the brim with blended liquors and freshly cut fruits.

Dining on tapas offers patrons an opportunity to try lots of foods, so even though Iberico offers paella and other main courses, go for the tapas. They're especially affordable here. Bring a group -- this place was made for them -- and order a mixture of hot and cold dishes. Try tortilla espanola, a standby served cold that combines eggs and potatoes into a surprisingly addictive dish. Baked goat cheese with bread and tomatoes is comfort food Mediterranean-style, and the Iberian ham with manchego cheese satisfies lovers of the salty meat, a Spanish favorite. Garlic complements grilled mushrooms and potato salad without overwhelming. If you have room, sample the creamy flan for dessert.

for more ideas go to
http://cityguide.aol.com/chicago/bestcheapeats

Answer 2

Your best bet would be some of the buffets in Chicago. We really enjoy Flat Top grill which has several locations. This is a stir fry bar, you choose your ingredients and they stir fry those ingredients for you. There is also the Red Apple which is a polish buffet. Chicago has a ton of ethnic restaurants also that are reasonable priced. You can also go to restaurants.com and they offer deals on gift certificates, which will help in making that forty dollars go farther. Also WLIT, WNUA, WLS and LOVE FM every week offer a different gift card for restaurants. A $50.00 gift card only cost $25.00. Good eating.

Answer 3

I would take a trip to Lincoln Park and walk around the zoo, its big and free. Restaurants near the zoo would be RJ Grunts, Rannali's (Italian), Chicago Pizza Grinders. All nice restaurants,,,, your looking at about $8+ per person not including drinks anywhere in chicago, downtown will obviously more expensive. Typically when my partner and I dine downtown on a typical afternoon we spend $30 for the two of us.

I just remembered Boston Blackies!!!!! Go there in River East and you can see the menu online. Best burgers and great atmosphere!

Answer 4

Portillo's
Lou Malnati's
Neither is "elegant" but both are good and within your price range.

Have fun!

Answer 5

you can go to fuego de chao its a really nice resturant and there is the cheese cake factory wich is located in old orchard and there is maggianos i love the spagehitti there hope this helps 50+ but the food is great not greese

Answer 6

grocery store a pound of lunch meat and a loaf of bread and a small bag of chips and a liter of pop and maybe just maybe you will have enough left over for dessert have fun

Answer 7

I suggest you try Asian restaurants. They often have lower prices than most others.

Answer 8

Grand Luxe its fabulous & affordable!!

Answer 9

McDonald's my friend, &40.00 for four people that's about it.