Best Inexpensive Chicago Restaurants

Diners in the city of big shoulders generally find big prices on the menus of many favorite eating spots. Though these upscale restaurants serve delectable cuisine, it often comes at a higher price. Low menu prices don't necessarily mean poor quality; many restaurants in Chicago offer delicious food at reasonable prices.

It takes just a little ingenuity to find a new favorite place to eat without having to cash in your 401K. Whether it's traditional Italian fare or exotic Cuban cuisine you’re after, you can find an inexpensive restaurant to please any palate in Chicago.

Caribbean- Calypso Cafe
5211 S. Harper Ave.
(773) 955-0229

Located in the Hyde Park Chicago neighborhood, this inexpensive restaurant serves jerk-seasoned cuisine in a warm atmosphere. Everyone from families to couples to University of Chicago students frequent this inexpensive restaurant and feast on Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken and tomato conch chowder. This Chicago restaurant is decorated with tropical décor and has cozy, intimate booths for two. Try the key lime pie for dessert.

Average Entree: $8-$15

Chinese- Chen's Chinese & Sushi
3506 N. Clark St.
(773) 248-8721

Located in Wrigleyville, this inexpensive restaurant offers Asian food at reasonable prices. It is a simple, modern space with a small lounge and even a sushi bar. It's stylish, trendy and affordable, with specials offered Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. With specials like $3 sake bombs, $2 Salt 'n' Pepper chicken wings and ½ price wine bottles, diners are sure to get a big bang for their buck.

Average Entree: $12-$20

Cuban- Cafe Bolero
2252 N. Western Ave.
(773) 227-9000

This inexpensive restaurant offers some of the most authentic Cuban food in Chicago. Though it has a diner-esque décor, the restaurant is still romantic, with low lighting, a blue-lit bar and an open kitchen. A cozy bar located in the back of the restaurant has exposed brick and hardwood floors, where they feature live music Tuesday through Friday. They boast a great wine list with recommended food pairings; most wine selections are $5-$7. Cafe Bolero serves tapas, as well as entrees, sandwiches and vegetarian options. Most of their dishes come with rice, beans and fried plantains. One thing this restaurant has that many others don't: free parking at Mid-America bank just north of this inexpensive restaurant.

Average Entree: under $8

French- Red Rooster Wine Bar & Cafe
2100 N. Halsted St.
(773) 929-7660

With its rustic country charm, this dark and tiny inexpensive restaurant serves simple French classics at very low prices–so low you might do a double-take. Very few entrees exceed $15 with appetizers such as mussels only $6 and escargot only $7. Their wine list offers reasonably priced wines, most of which are French, around $5-$6 per glass and $20-$35 per bottle.  Specialties include duck a l'orange, baked brie and crème brulee. For a romantic date, bring your sweetie here any day Sunday through Wednesday to indulge in a 3-course meal complete with a bottle of wine for only $48 total.

Average Entree: $8-$15

German- Chicago Brauhaus
4732 N. Lincoln Ave.
(773) 784-4444

Located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago, this inexpensive restaurant's waitstaff wears traditional Bavarian garb and serves delicious German food and beer. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, with tables pushed close together, a full bar and even a small dance floor. Every night and all day on weekends, a live band plays a variety of music, including old-time German tunes. Specialties include hearty dishes like beef roulade, Wiener schnitzel and the Brauhaus special: smoked pork loin, two sausages, potatoes and sauerkraut. This inexpensive restaurant also serves a variety of draft beer like Spaten, Stiegl and Bitburger.

Average Entree: $8-$15

Greek- Athenian Room
807 W. Webster Ave.
(773) 348-5155

This inexpensive Lincoln Park diner is popular among DePaul students because of its low prices and good food. It offers a slew of salads and gyro variations, as well as kebobs and other entrees. It doesn't serve alcohol, but it can be purchased at the adjoining grocery store and brought in. The atmosphere is comfortable and modest; cell phones and smoking are not permitted. This inexpensive restaurant serves large portions, and the regulars here usually get their own coffee. If you have any gold coins lying around, bring them in; this restaurant accepts them as a form of payment.

Average Entree: $4-$11

Indian- Indian Garden
2546 W. Devon Ave.
(773) 338-2929

With three locations in Chicago, Indian Garden serves traditional dishes from Northern India and Pakistan. The house specialty is Kadhai Gosht, a mildly spicy lamb dish cooked with tomato, onion and garlic. This relatively inexpensive restaurant also offers vegetarian options, like tandoor sabzi, a combination platter of marinated vegetables roasted in a tandoor oven.  Their delicious lunch buffet is a great spot to stop in for a cheap lunch.

Average Entree: $8-$15

Italian- Ristorante Angelina
3561 W. Broadway
(773) 935-5933

The winner of the Best Inexpensive Date Restaurant award in 2001 from CitySearch.com, this inexpensive restaurant serves traditional Northern Italian fare. The menu here changes twice yearly, making sure to use the freshest seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is extremely romantic with an intimate setting lit by chandelier and candlelight. For great savings, come on a Wednesday, which is neighborhood night. Locals living in zip codes 60657 and 60614 get a 25% discount on the entire bill, including cocktails and wine.

Average Entree: $8-$15

Mexican- Ceasar's Tacos
316 N. Clark St.
(773) 248-2835

Many recognize this inexpensive restaurant from the pink neon sign advertising their delicious “killer margaritas.” Serving traditional Mexican food like tacos, burritos and enchiladas, Cesar’s also has healthier options like the veggie burrito. Their great margaritas and casual atmosphere make this a great place to eat and drink for little money.

Average Entree: $8-$15

Thai- Dao Thai Restaurant
230 E. Ohio
(312) 337-0000

This inexpensive restaurant is close to many major hotels in Chicago. Their dishes are reasonably priced and freshly made. They are especially known for their excellent noodle dishes like their large portioned pad Thai, as well as traditional curries and tom yum soup. The décor is sleek and modern, with traditional raised-platform seating in part of the restaurant. The raised platform tables are always first to go, so make sure to reserve one in advance.

Average Entree: most under $8