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The Best Cheap Eats in Chicago

The OpenTable Team

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 the Tastemaker 19. 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.

19 Restaurants

Updated January 14, 2020

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

For 2 people today

Party Size

For 2

Date

Today

Time

7:00 PM

Quartino

$$$$·Italian·

River North (Chicago)

9,277 reviews

Good for Groups
Good for a Date
Authentic

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 fla…Read more

91% recommended

Most Booked in Chicago / Illinois

Table for 2 today

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

$$$$·Tapas / Small Plates·

Lincoln Park

6,343 reviews

Tapas
Good for a Date
Fun

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…Read more

94% recommended

Tapas / Small Plates in Chicago / Illinois

Table for 2 today

SUSHI-SAN

$$$$·Japanese·

River North (Chicago)

751 reviews

Good for a Date
Creative Cuisine
Hot Spot

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 J…Read more

89% recommended

Japanese in Chicago

Table for 2 today

HUB 51

$$$$·American·

River North (Chicago)

4,897 reviews

Casual
Fun
Good for a Date

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 p…Read more

92% recommended

Table for 2 today

Nonnina

$$$$·Italian·

River North (Chicago)

1,501 reviews

Authentic
Good for a Date
Romantic

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…Read more

92% recommended

Table for 2 today

Le Colonial - Chicago

$$$$·Vietnamese·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4,847 reviews

Creative Cuisine
Good for a Date
Special Occasion

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 re…Read more

96% recommended

There aren’t any available tables for 2 today at 7:00 pm

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RPM Italian

$$$$·Italian·

River North (Chicago)

11,346 reviews

Good for a Date
Special Occasion
Good for Anniversaries

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 go…Read more

94% recommended

Most Booked in Chicago / Illinois

Table for 2 today

Naoki

$$$$·Japanese·

Lincoln Park

559 reviews

Romantic
Creative Cuisine
Special Occasion

Chef Naoki Nakashima opened his self-named restaurant to share Japanese flavors with a contemporary crowd. The casual decor inspires conversation, making Naoki's a sushi spot where…Read more

100% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

Margeaux Brasserie - Waldorf Astoria

$$$$·French·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

876 reviews

Special Occasion
Good for a Date
Good for Anniversaries

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 m…Read more

Most Booked 1000-Point Tables in Chicago / Illinois

Table for 2 today

il Porcellino

$$$$·Italian·

River North (Chicago)

2,135 reviews

Good for a Date
Romantic
Special Occasion

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 ch…Read more

94% recommended

Table for 2 today

Shaw's Crab House - Chicago

$$$$·Seafood·

River North (Chicago)

11,203 reviews

Special Occasion
Good for Anniversaries
Good for a Date

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 …Read more

95% recommended

Seafood in Chicago / Illinois

Table for 2 today

Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Chicago

$$$$·Seafood·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4,817 reviews

Good for a Date
Special Occasion
Business Meals

The sea theme at Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House is on display from the moment you enter. From sailing ships and hanging fish to water-inspired art, it all says one thing—get ready fo…Read more

90% recommended

Seafood in Chicago / Illinois

Table for 2 today

Mon Ami Gabi

$$$$·French·

Lincoln Park

4,998 reviews

Neighborhood Gem
Good for a Date
Special Occasion

Enjoy classic French cuisine served in a traditional bistro at Mon Ami Gabi. This warmly welcoming eatery serves rich, time-honored flavors at an affordable price. From the escargo…Read more

99% recommended

French in Chicago / Illinois

Table for 2 today

Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar

$$$$·Pizzeria·

Lincoln Park

976 reviews

Casual
Good for a Date
Kid-friendly

Stella Barra Pizzeria may be in Chicago, but don't expect deep dish pies here. This artisanal pizza house upgrades a basic dish into a gourmet experience. Starters include crispy c…Read more

83% recommended

Pizzeria in Chicago / Illinois

Table for 2 today

Chicago Cut Steakhouse

$$$$·Steakhouse·

River North (Chicago)

7,201 reviews

Special Occasion
Scenic View
Good for a Date

Step into a new take on an American classic when you dine at Chicago Cut Steakhouse. A dry-aging room on site lets you enjoy some of the best steaks you'll ever eat. This steak hou…Read more

85% recommended

Table for 2 today

North Pond

$$$$·American·

Lincoln Park

3,435 reviews

Special Occasion
Good for Anniversaries
Romantic

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 …Read more

98% recommended

American in Chicago

There aren’t any available tables for 2 today at 7:00 pm

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RPM Steak

$$$$·Steak·

River North (Chicago)

5,004 reviews

Special Occasion
Good for a Date
Good for Anniversaries

RPM Steak, located in one of Chicago's premier neighborhoods, River North, serves up classic steak house dishes. While the dinner menu is never called cheap, you can enjoy an affor…Read more

91% recommended

Steak in Chicago / Illinois

There aren’t any available tables for 2 today at 7:00 pm

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Blackbird

$$$$·Contemporary American·

West Loop

4,475 reviews

Fit for Foodies
Special Occasion
Hot Spot

Approachable fine dining is the theme at James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Kahan's signature restaurant, Blackbird. Farm fresh ingredients and simple executions are the norm for …Read more

91% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

The Publican

$$$$·American·

West Loop

6,083 reviews

An homage to a traditional beer hall, the decor in The Publican features wooden furniture and interesting light fixtures. The 100-seater banquet table is the star of the room and o…Read more

Not available on OpenTable

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