It’s no secret Chicago is home to world-class eateries and renowned fine dining establishments, but this foodie city isn’t all glitz and glamour. The beauty of the food scene in Chicago is that finding a meal on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods are local shops offering delicious meals without breaking the bank. 

West Town

Courtesy of Nini's Deli

West Town is a foodie haven and there’s seemingly always something new to try. Among the new spots here, Nini’s Deli in the Noble Square area hits a home run with multi-ethnic appetizers like sliders, empanadas, and churros—all under $5. Cuban sandwiches and other larger plates are mostly under $10. Get an Instagram-worthy hibiscus lemonade to go with it. Head to Fatso’s Last Stand on Chicago Avenue for smash burgers than run less than $10 (many are less than $7) and $5-$7 hot “char” dogs made, of course, Chicago-style. The Wicker Park standby Sultan’s Market on North Avenue is the place to get falafel and shawarma plates for $10 and less, plus and a stocked salad bar. Cheap diner bonus: Sultan’s is BYOB. 

Little Italy

Courtesy of Conte Di Savoia

You can find the best delis in the city in Little Italy, which is home to a big population of students from the University of Chicago at Illinois. Open since 1948, Conte Di Savoia serves sandwiches and salads for less than $10, as well as an affordable selection of lunch meats and imported dry goods. There’s also a big selection of Italian wines. Carm’s Beef and Italian Ice is another long-standing establishment in operation since 1929, and there’s always a big line for frozen treats during hot summer nights. You can get cheap burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and even tacos and burritos here. But there’s more than just Italian food in the neighborhood: Try the gyro at Jubrano’s Greek and Mediterranean or get a torta and soup at Chilango Mexican Street Food.

Humboldt Park

Courtesy of 1492 Cuban Fusion

Humboldt Park’s thriving food scene is one of the city’s most diverse, with new and innovative eateries as well as classic standbys in the neighborhood. Feed is a cash-only BYOB spot with a menu of Southern-style chicken and sides in a casual space. Try the catfish sandwich and mac and cheese for $8.99. The more established Diana’s Food & Restaurant has counter service for Puerto Rican cuisine, like steak jibarito, in massive portions. It’s a small, bright blue spot that also has some grocery items. Located right on North Avenue, 1492 Cuban Fusion is a go-to community staple for a cuban coffee and sandwiches, which you can get for less than $10. Humboldt Haus Sandwich Bar is another must-visit. Grab a quick bite here after meandering through the park, which is right across the street. 

Pilsen

Courtesy of Feeding off the Rails

You may not think of Pilsen as a place for a stellar beef sandwich, but then you’ve not been to Fran’s Beef. It’s a small, family-owned spot along Blue Island Avenue from fresh doughnuts and coffee to beef and burgers you can get for under $10. Small Burger is another great spot for a quick bite, right off 18th Street in the thick of it. This small dive is no-frills and does it well. Just down the street is The Jibarito Shop, which is known for its namesake sandwich—you can get a full size steak one for $9.25—but also serves empanadas, yucca fries, and sweet plantains. Also on Pilsen’s main strip, Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant is, of course, known for its carnitas, which you get get by the (very generous) pound.

Hermosa

Courtesy of Rica Arepa

The far northwest neighborhood of Hermosa is home to a growing collection of ethnic cuisine, including Rica Arepa. Arepas, a Venezuelan and Colombian specialty, are having a bit of moment in Chicago, and Rica Arepa is the place to try this traditional sandwich. It’s a small unassuming spot with a few tables and must-try fresh juices. For tacos, head to Tacotlan on Fullerton Avenue for al pastor and chorizo tacos, which you can enjoy with a creamy Horchata. Hermosa has doughnuts, milkshakes, and other specialty desserts to crave any sweet tooth, as well as a hot dog combo for less than $8. You can get just about anything within reason at Mr. Gee’s— including burgers, salads, gyros, chicken, and pasta. 

Edgewater

Courtesy of Sauce and Brad Kitchen

Edgewater is the kind of neighborhood where you’ll encounter a wide variety of cuisine. Bibim Town serves up Korean dumplings, soondubu, and ddeokbokki. It’s a small grab-and-go spot with a fresh and modern interior and a couple tables. Opening this past February, Edgewater Tacos already has a reputation for its modern take on tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. Right on Bryn Mawr is Little Vietnam, a BYOB spot known for its pho, grilled pork bahn mi, and vermicelli rice bowls. Sauce and Bread Kitchen on Clark Street has breakfast and lunch all made with local ingredients daily. Try the pastries and a cup of Dark Matter Coffee to start the day.