10 Best Affordable Restaurants In Chicago

Chicago isn’t just about iconic skyscrapers and buzzing nightlife, this city is also a food lover’s dream on a budget. With dozens of neighborhoods and hundreds of spots offering delicious meals under $5–$30 per person, you don’t need to spend much to eat well. Studies show that many casual and inexpensive restaurants in Chicago serve meals at prices considered affordable for everyday dining.

Are you hungry for a quality meal without sacrificing so much price? And you ask yourself:

• Where can I find great food in Chicago that doesn’t break the bank?
• Which spots serve tasty, filling meals on a student or young professional's budget?
• Which restaurants combine good food, friendly prices, and local flavor?
• How can I enjoy Chicago’s food scene without overspending on dining out?

This guide answers those questions. On this page, we showcase the best affordable restaurants in Chicago, each selected for quality, price, and atmosphere. You’ll discover tasty eats that match any budget. Whether you’re new to the city, a student, traveler, or living the roommate lifestyle with Platuni, these spots give you memorable meals without high bills.

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What is the Average Cost of Feeding in Restaurants in Chicago?

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay when you eat out in Chicago, from fast food and casual meals to more comfortable sit-down restaurants (2024–2025 estimates):

Typical Meal Costs in Chicago

• A meal at an inexpensive or casual restaurant: about US $25 per person (range roughly $18–$38).
• A fast-food combo meal (e.g. burger, fries, drink): around US $11–12.
• A three‑course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant: roughly US $100 total (so around US $50 per person).
• Typical casual-dining entrée (without extras) often ranges between US $15–25 depending on dish and venue.

These numbers show that eating out in Chicago can be quite flexible, you can enjoy meals cheaply or go for a more comfortable dining experience depending on your budget.

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What That Means for Average Monthly / Per-Person Spending

Your monthly cost for eating out heavily depends on how often you dine outside. Here’s a rough guide based on different habits:

• If you eat out occasionally (say, 1–2 times per week) at inexpensive or casual restaurants, you might spend around US $100–200 per month on food outside.
• If you dine out more often, mixing casual meals and occasional mid-range dinners: spending could easily reach US $200–400 per month (or more if drinks or extras are included).
• For roommates or housemates sharing meals, splitting bills can bring down individual costs, making eating out more affordable.

Of course, these estimates can change depending on how often you go out, what you order (drinks, desserts, shared dishes), and how many shared meals you do with friends or roommates.

How This Helps Platuni Users

If you use a shared‑living platform like Platuni, knowing average restaurant costs in Chicago helps you budget your meals and plan your lifestyle better.

• Living with roommates makes it easier to split meals or go out together, which reduces individual spending significantly.
• You can allocate more budget to housing or savings if you manage food costs wisely.
• Platuni helps connect you to compatible housemates, people who appreciate sharing meals or splitting costs, helping make eating out more social and cost-effective.

Whether you’re new in Chicago, relocating, or living a student/young‑professional life, having this meal cost data helps you plan your daily and monthly budget clearly and enjoy the city’s food scene without overspending.

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What Is the Most Famous Food in Chicago?

When people think of Chicago, one food comes to mind more than any other: Deep‑dish pizza. This thick, cheesy, hearty pizza, with a deep crust, layered cheese, sauce poured on top, and sometimes extra toppings, has become a culinary symbol for the city. Many food lovers consider deep‑dish pizza the signature dish of Chicago.

Other Iconic Foods Chicago Is Known For

Even though deep‑dish pizza takes the top spot, Chicago’s food scene is rich and diverse. Here are some of the other most famous foods the city is famous for:

• Chicago‑style hot dog, a steamed all‑beef frankfurter in a poppy‑seed bun loaded with mustard, chopped onions, sweet relish, tomato slices, sport peppers, a pickle spear, and celery salt (never ketchup). This hot dog style is a local institution and a must-try for visitors.
• Italian beef sandwich, thinly sliced seasoned beef, often soaked in seasoned broth or “gravy,” served on an Italian roll (sometimes dipped). This sandwich reflects Chicago’s immigrant heritage and hearty food tradition.
• Thin‑crust / tavern‑style pizza, while not as famous as deep dish, this simpler, crisp‑crusted pizza that remains a daily favorite among locals. It shows that Chicago’s pizza heritage isn’t only about thick crusts and heavy pies.

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10 Best Affordable Restaurants in Chicago

#1. Omarcito’s Latin Cafe

Omarcito’s Latin Café brings bold Latin American flavors to Chicago without draining your wallet. This spot is known for hearty sandwiches, stews, fried plantains, and dishes like ropa vieja, jibaritos or fish sandwiches, all served with warmth and friendly hospitality. Many meals cost around US $10–$20 per person, making it a top pick among affordable restaurants in Chicago.

Restaurant atmosphere is cozy and inviting, perfect for students, roommates, or friends looking for a relaxed, low‑cost meal. Taking the first step into the city or living with housemates? Omarcito’s offers hearty portions and good value, a helpful match for Platuni users on a budget.

• Location: 3801 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
• See Locations on Google Maps

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#2. Sinhá

Sinhá offers tastes from Brazil and remains a solid choice among the top affordable restaurants in Chicago for people craving different flavors without high cost. The eatery is listed among the best budget-friendly spots in the city for under‑the‑radar meals.

Sinhá suits anyone wanting hearty, exotic meals that stay kind to the wallet. Ideal for shared living situations, whether you live in a student flat or a roommate apartment, this kind of restaurant helps you enjoy good food while saving money together.

• Location: 2018 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
• See Locations on Google Maps

#3. La Chaparrita Taqueria

La Chaparrita Taqueria stands out as one of the most budget‑friendly taco joints in Chicago. Known for authentic Mexican tacos (including pastor, lengua, tripa, etc.), many tacos cost as little as US $2–4. This makes it a go-to for people who want satisfying meals without spending much, one of the frequent reasons La Chaparrita appears among the top affordable restaurants in Chicago.

Fast, casual, and straightforward, this spot works especially well if you're new to the city or living with roommates and don’t always want to cook. Quick tacos, low cost, and tasty flavors make La Chaparrita a favorite among people on a tight budget.

• Location: 2500 S Whipple St #4138, Chicago, IL 60623
• See Locations on Google Maps

#4. Tepalcates

Tepalcates is another solid choice for those hunting value. The restaurant offers Mexican‑style dishes at friendly prices, making it a useful option among affordable restaurants in Chicago when you want casual dining without overspending.

Ideal for relaxed dinners, Tepalcates gives you a simple, budget‑wise way to enjoy tasty food in the city. For roommates or first‑time renters using the Platuni lifestyle, Tepalcates helps you stretch your food budget while still eating well.

• Location: 2326 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States
• See Locations on Google Maps

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#5. Akahoshi Ramen

Akahoshi Ramen offers quality ramen bowls and dishes in a helpful price range, making it a great example of affordable restaurants in Chicago with flavor and value. This ramen house has earned acclaim for its food and remains a popular spot among locals, especially those who love cozy meals after work or classes.

The atmosphere and menu make Akahoshi appealing if you want a warm, filling meal that doesn’t hurt your budget. For roommates or young professionals using Platuni, this ramen spot offers a comforting, budget‑smart dinner option, perfect for nights when you want good food without overspending.

• Location: 2340 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
• See Locations on Google Maps

#6. Gina’s Chicken

Gina’s Chicken is a great spot for people who love crispy, tasty chicken without spending much. The restaurant serves fried chicken, wings, tenders, tacos, and simple sides that fill you up quickly. Many customers visit Gina’s because the food is fresh, flavorful, and very pocket-friendly. Most items start from about $3–$5, which makes it one of the true affordable restaurants in Chicago for daily meals.

The restaurant works perfectly for roommates, students, and young workers who want something fast and satisfying. Platuni users looking to save money while settling into the city will enjoy Gina’s generous portions and very low prices.

• Location: 7300 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
• See Locations on Google Maps

#7. Sultan's Market

Sultan’s Market is one of the most loved Middle Eastern restaurants in Chicago, offering meals that are both healthy and affordable. The menu includes falafel sandwiches, shawarma, hummus, lentil soup, and fresh salads. A falafel sandwich usually starts around $5–$7, which explains why Sultan’s Market consistently appears on lists of top affordable restaurants in Chicago.

The food portions are large and filling, so it’s perfect for people trying to eat well on a budget. Platuni users will find Sultan’s Market helpful when settling in with roommates, especially when sharing meals or buying healthy food at a low cost.

• Location: 2057 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
• See Locations on Google Maps

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#8. Taqueria El Milagros

Taqueria El Milagro is a favorite spot for Mexican food lovers looking for good prices and delicious flavors. Customers love their tacos, tamales, burritos, and tortillas made fresh every day. Tacos generally cost as low as $2–$3, making this restaurant a true example of affordable restaurants in Chicago where you can eat well even on a very tight budget.

This restaurant is perfect for roommates and newcomers adjusting to life in Chicago. Platuni users can easily fit El Milagro into their weekly food budget, especially when they want quick, authentic meals that feel homemade.

• Location: 3050 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60623
• See Locations on Google Maps

#9. Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles

Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles serves warm, comforting meals that combine sweet and savory flavors. The restaurant is known for fluffy waffles paired with crispy fried chicken, along with sides like mac & cheese, grits, and greens. Many dishes start around $10–$12, making it one of the standout affordable restaurants in Chicago for comfort-food lovers.

This place is perfect for roommates looking for a fun weekend breakfast or dinner outing. Platuni users who enjoy exploring the city will appreciate that they can enjoy a delicious soul-food meal without spending too much.

• Location: 3947 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653
• See Locations on Google Maps

#10. Crisp

Crisp is one of Chicago’s top spots for Korean-style fried chicken, famous for flavors like Seoul Sassy, BBQ, and spicy sauces. The restaurant also serves bowls, salads, and sandwiches. Wing orders usually start around $8–$10, which makes Crisp a strong choice among affordable restaurants in Chicago for people who want tasty food without a high cost.

Crisp works well for roommates and students who enjoy sharing meals or eating out after a long day. Platuni users looking for fresh, bold flavors will find Crisp’s prices reasonable and its portions generous.

• Location: 2940 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
• See Locations on Google Maps

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Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Restaurants in Chicago

Where can I find the cheapest food in Chicago?

You can find the cheapest meals in neighborhoods like Pilsen, Uptown, Rogers Park, Logan Square, and Little Village. These areas have many taco shops, chicken spots, bakeries, and street-food restaurants. Apps like Platuni help new city residents discover affordable restaurants in Chicago close to their home or shared apartment.

Are Chicago’s affordable restaurants safe and clean?

Most budget-friendly restaurants in Chicago follow city health and safety rules. Many small family-owned restaurants also maintain clean kitchens and fresh ingredients. Checking customer reviews, ratings, or Google Maps photos can help you feel more confident before you visit.

Do affordable restaurants in Chicago offer healthy food options?

Yes, many do. You can find healthy choices like salads, grilled chicken, hummus bowls, vegetarian plates, soups, and fresh wraps. Restaurants such as Sultan’s Market, Crisp, and other Mediterranean or Asian eateries offer tasty, low-cost meals that are both healthy and filling.

Which affordable restaurants in Chicago are good for groups or roommates?

Restaurants with large portions or shareable meals are great for roommates. Spots like Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles, Crisp, and Taqueria El Milagro offer big servings at low prices. These places help groups enjoy more food without spending too much. Platuni users exploring the city with housemates can save even more when they share meals.