The Best Cheap Eats in Chicago

The Windy City has a long history of culinary excellence, and not just for the deep-dish pizza. From molecular gastronomy to barbecue, there are countless options for memorable meals all over the city—and many of them are just as affordable as they are delicious. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. You’ll find everything from neighborhood gems to rustic Italian spots, buzzy sushi bars to airy brasseries—all vetted by the types of tastemakers who know the best spots around the city. Impress your friends and family and score a table; we wish we could join you.

The OpenTable Team

20 Restaurants

Updated October 01, 2021

Restaurants:	Quartino, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba, SUSHI-SAN…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Italian, Tapas / Small Plates, Japanese…
Neighborhoods:	River North (Chicago), Lincoln Park, Chicago…

Quartino

$$$$

Italian

River North (Chicago)

4.7

9530 reviews

White subway tile, rustic tables and chairs, and a deli counter to display the house-made smoked meats welcome you to Quartino. This authentic Italian restaurant serves gourmet flavors on small plates, so you can enjoy several plates for the cost of a traditional entree. Build your own meat and cheese platter with the incredible selection of house-made and imported favorites. Fresh, handmade pasta is also on the menu. Order a few plates to share and enjoy the energetic and trendy atmosphere without digging into your savings.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

$$$$

Tapas / Small Plates

Lincoln Park

4.8

8104 reviews

Traditional Spanish tapas make an entrance at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. This restaurant was one of the first to enter the Chicago scene with small plates on the menu. As the food offerings have evolved, the restaurant has added pintxos (single bite snacks) to the already extensive selection of tapas. With small plates and bite-sized snacks on the menu, you can enjoy cheap eats in Chicago at any time of day. Order several plates to make up a meal and enjoy a variety of flavors. Even the entree-sized portions of paella are affordable, for a trendy and delicious meal at family restaurant prices.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

SUSHI-SAN

$$$$

Japanese

Chicago

4.7

794 reviews

With techno beats setting up a lively and energetic atmosphere, Sushi San dining is an experience. The drinks get rave reviews; from the sake bombs to the incredible selection of Japanese whiskeys, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The all-day menu serves a variety of small plates like tako taco, a Sushi San specialty. Crispy and light tempura and grilled meat and fish are affordable options, where you decide on the size. Choose smaller portions for a more affordable final bill at one of the best cheap Chicago restaurants.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

HUB 51

$$$$

American

River North (Chicago)

4.6

5320 reviews

Industrial and modern decor elements combine in Hub 51, a contemporary American restaurant in River North. On the menu, flavors take a world tour with everything from an ahi tuna poke to a tuna and Thai basil sushi roll. Sandwiches and tacos with a gourmet touch are a big part of the menu, so you can enjoy a cheap place to eat without sacrificing on flavor. The casual atmosphere is decidedly unpretentious for a relaxed evening in a friendly and warm eatery.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Nonnina

$$$$

Italian

River North (Chicago)

4.6

2456 reviews

The phrase "just like Grandma used to make" takes on new meaning at upscale Italian eatery Nonnina. With a recipe that comes from family and a decor that is retro-chic, dining here is like eating with family. The menu is full of affordable selections and deliciously tender bites of fresh, house-made pasta that come topped with a variety of sauce options. From the pappardelle duck ragu to the maccheroni and meatballs, the food is a scrumptious nod to homestyle Italian raised to a gourmet level and offered at an affordable price. For some of the best cheap eats in Chicago, put in a takeout order and enjoy your Nonnina's meal at home.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Le Colonial - Chicago

$$$$

Vietnamese

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4.8

6726 reviews

Upscale, vintage elegance from the 1920s is the theme at Le Colonial, a restaurant serving a fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors. While it is difficult to find truly elegant restaurants that qualify as cheap eats, Le Colonial manages to take the title with a menu that includes both vegetarian and gluten-free options at affordable price points. From filet mignon to aromatic pho dishes, the menu is an interesting blend of traditional French cooking methods and Vietnamese flavors.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

RPM Italian

$$$$

Italian

Chicago

4.6

10958 reviews

The contemporary monochromatic decor in RPM Italian offers an upscale background to the star of the show — the food. A delightful menu full of Italian classics offers affordable gourmet meals that includes upgraded options like the lobster caprese or black truffle beef tartare. House-made pasta plates are an affordable main dish like the cavatelli pork and beef ragu or the short rib bolognese. For diners not on a budget, the steak and chops or fish menu offer some higher ticket culinary delights. With everything combined, you can enjoy a very affordable meal or splurge on a special occasion.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Brass Tack

$$$$

American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4.5

427 reviews

Dark leather seats, shining tile floors, and brass accents at the bar all bring to mind 1920s Paris at the Margeaux Brasserie. While a full meal at this classic French restaurant might not make the cheap eats list, the happy hour menu certainly does. A fun selection of food like the smoked trout rillette or duck wings a L'Orange make this miniature menu one to enjoy from 4-6 p.m. Try the Monday's at Margeaux menu for another option that makes the cheap eats list. This prix fixe menu includes three courses at a very affordable fixed price.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

View Experiences

il Porcellino

$$$$

Italian

River North (Chicago)

4.7

3435 reviews

Rustic Italian is the decor in il Porcellino, from the replica bronze pig statue by the door to the empty fiaschi bottles that line the ceiling. The menu offers some of the best cheap eats in Chicago with a price list that is well below the average for River North. If you're going as a group of four or more, you can select from the family-style dinner menu at a fixed price per head. You'll get a salad course, two appetizers, two pasta courses, and two mains, all for a lot less than you might expect. Save a little room for dessert. It comes out to the dining room on a wheeled cart so you can make a selection and enjoy.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago

$$$$

Seafood

River North (Chicago)

4.8

13141 reviews

Shaw's Crab House is actually two restaurants in one. If you want upscale dining in an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, head to the main dining room. For an unpretentious and casual experience, hit the oyster bar. Both offer seasonal, fresh seafood from around the world, prepared with a straightforward respect for the ingredients. For cheap eats at Shaw's, go with a group and grab a platter. Designed to serve four or more people, these towering plates of shellfish includes everything from oysters Rockefeller to lobster tails.

$$$$

Mexican

Pilsen

4.7

589 reviews

Our perspective is coming soon. In the meantime, please enjoy the restaurant’s description: Located in Chicago’s vibrant and historically significant pilsen neighborhood, la luna stays true to the communities cultural, ever-evolving roots and offers a place for both locals and visitors alike to enjoy traditional Mexican recipes in a creative space that pays homage to the diverse, artistic vibe of the neighborhood. situated in a prime location on 18th and racine, la luna’s interior is reminiscent of the spirit of the community, featuring exposed brick, living walls of greenery and an open kitchen that invites guests to enjoy a front row seat to the culinary experience. a bifold garage door opens up to 18th street, merging the indoor and outdoor space and allowing patrons to take in the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood while enjoying their locally-inspired meal. the intimate, downstairs lounge features a mezcal bar, shuffleboard and antique board games; creating the perfect atmosphere to unwind and enjoy cocktails and conversation with family and friends.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

North Pond

$$$$

American

Lincoln Park

4.9

4177 reviews

North Pond, a fine dining restaurant serving American cuisine, boasts a lovely Lincoln Park location. The arts & crafts-style dining room matches the fun and whimsical approach to food. This eatery pops up on this cheap places to eat list because of the very affordable seasonal tasting menu. When you choose the prixe fixe option, you get a generous selection of menu items at a very good price for gourmet food. With plates like a yuzu crab and fennel sweetbreads, you'll be in for a delectable dinner that includes five small courses.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Chicago

The Best Cheap Eats