Located on Devon Avenue, near UIC, and in Lombard, Ghareeb Nawaz serves dependable Indian food at low, low prices. Most dishes on the extensive menu are less than seven dollars and diners have choices that include biryanis, curries, kebabs, and grilled specialties like frontier chicken and butter chicken. Portions are sizable so even if folks have a big appetite, they should leave fully satiated.

A few bucks are all diners need to enjoy Lebanese cooking at this Andersonville storefront. The menu is brief but filled with Middle Eastern staples like hummus, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, shawarma, and kebabs. The lentil soup is also ideal on a cold day.

Most people are familiar with pad Thai and pad see eiw but Immm Rice & Beyond dives into an area that’s less explored in Chicago: Thai street food. The chalkboard menu is full of intriguing dishes like tum puu pla rah (funky green papaya salad with preserved crab and preserved fish); kai loog kuey (fried hard-boiled eggs with crispy shallots and tamarind sauce); and khao moo grob (crispy pork belly rice). During lunch hours, diners can save money by opting for khao rad gang — traditional rice plates served with pre-prepared curries, stews, and stir-fried proteins. Online ordering is available here.

A sushi feast doesn’t always have to cost a pretty penny. At Lawrence Fish Market, sashimi, nigiri, and maki rolls are sold at astonishing low prices without sacrificing quality. The selection features everything from California and spicy tuna rolls to fatty tuna and uni. Call ahead to place an order.

Northwest Side residents know that the city’s best shish kabobs are at Mr D’s in Montclare. Owners Mike and Ann Antonopoulos marinate pork tenderloin in a special sauce, char it on the grill, and serve it with onions, tomatoes, and jus on a French roll. The similarly superb steak sandwich features thinly sliced rib eye and gravy. All orders come with perfectly crispy fries that are a paragon of the form.

Open until midnight, this no-frills joint is where many folks love to go for some late-night grease. The simple menu offers fried shrimp, Depression Dogs, and smashed burgers inspired by In-N-Out. They’re delicious at any hour of the day but even better after last call, especially when price is factored in. A second outpost is located in Lakeview.

Sultan’s Market is a Wicker Park essential that offers Middle Eastern cuisine at inexpensive prices. Have a light snack of hummus and baba ghanoush or devour sandwiches loaded with falafel, shawarma, and more. There's also a bountiful salad and hot bar and guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol. A second location is over in Lincoln Park.

Italian market and deli J.P. Graziano has been in operation since 1937 and is revered for its outstanding old-school subs. Each sandwich boasts fresh, quality meats and cheeses on D’Amato’s bread. The house specialty, “Mr. G,” features hot sopresatta, prosciutto, Genoa salami, and sharp provolone. Online ordering is available here.

Crispy, juicy carnitas have attracted Chicagoans to this Pilsen mainstay for four decades. The pork — cooked in rendered fat until it’s tender — is sold by the pound. From white and dark meat to ribs, stomach, skin, and even brain, every part of the pig can be had. Build tasty tacos with the warm tortillas, onions, cilantro, and salsa that come with each order and don’t forget to get some chicharrones too. On weekends, it’s extra busy so arrive early to avoid the long lines.

The flavors of the Pacific isles take center stage at Pilsen’s Aloha Wagon. The food-truck-turned-restaurant recently relocated to a new space but diners can still look forward to the same hearty lineup of Hawaiian plate lunches. There are favorites like a kalua pork plate that pairs pulled pork with grilled cabbage, and a loco moco plate featuring two beef patties, over easy eggs, and gravy. Other items include an “Aloha Burger” (grilled pineapple and teriyaki sauce), grilled fish tacos, Spam musubi, and Mexican pozole.

In the heart of Chinatown Square sits Chi Cafe, a reliable late-night spot for Chinese fare. On the menu are classics such as lo mein, fried rice, noodle soups, and a large variety of beef, chicken, pork, and seafood entrees. It can be overwhelming with so many items to choose from, but the sizzling beef tenderloin is always great. Online ordering is available here.

When the late-night munchies hit, visit this 24-hour South Side institution. The signature item is a juicy bone-in pork chop sandwich, dressed with mustard and grilled onions. Other greasy delights such as hot dogs, burgers, and Polish sausages round out the affordable menu.

This Louisiana-style seafood chain has locations in South Shore, Bronzeville, and the suburbs. The Hennessey wings are favorites, but the fish and fried shrimp dinners and the po’ boys are also stellar and affordable.

Jerk chicken is a wondrous dish when done properly and arguably the best version is coming out of this small kitchen on the southwest edge of the city. The birds are marinated overnight in an addictive sauce made from peppers, onions, celery, garlic, ginger, and a mix of spices. They’re then roasted in a barrel smoker over coals, resulting in smoky and flavorful pieces of white and dark meat. Diners can get the delectable chicken plus two sides for just $10 during lunchtime. The menu also features other Jamaican favorites like catfish, red snapper, curry goat, and oxtail. Online ordering is available here. A second St Bess Jerk outpost is located in Norwood Park.

Head to South Deering on the far South Side to experience this lauded Eater 38 establishment. The James Beard-honored roadside shack smokes its seafood on-site. Salmon, sable, sturgeon, and trout are just some of the fish options, while other popular items include fried shrimp and fried scallops battered using a secret family recipe. Bring cash and be prepared to eat on the curb or in the car as there’s no seating.