With three locations: 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 satisfied. Also, for a laugh, check out their social media; it’s unclear if the musings are sanctioned by the restaurant or just a super fan.

After operating out of farmers markets and a ghost kitchen for several years, owners Steven Jarczyk and Daniela Vitale landed a brick-and-mortar home in Edgewater for their business this summer. The pair sling Sicilian-style street foods like arancini filled with beef ragu, saffron risotto, and mozzarella; a Chicago muffuletta sandwich (mortadella, hot capicola, salami, provolone, giardiniera relish); and slices of sfincione — thick-crust Sicilian pizza. Customers can also grab a coffee, hand-pressed limonata, or jars of house-made marinara sauce to go.

Jerk chicken is a wondrous dish when done properly and arguably the best version is coming out of this small kitchen in Norwood Park. 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. A second outpost is located in Burbank.

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 skimping on quality. The selection features everything from California and spicy tuna rolls to fatty tuna and uni.

Friendly service and home-style Filipino cooking are the hallmarks of this Albany Park restaurant. The menu highlights breakfast and pancit bowls, as well as traditional dishes like chicken adobo, lechon, and kare-kare. Can’t decide? The staff is more than happy to offer samples. And a combo plate, with two entrees and a side of rice, is just $13.99.

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. A 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.

A Chicago original, the jibarito was first introduced at the late Borinquen Restaurant in the ’90s by restaurateur Juan Figueroa. Today, the Puerto Rican sandwich can be found on menus all over town. The classic recipe calls for thinly-sliced steak, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and garlic aioli in between two planks of fried plantains, but Jibaritos Y Mas also offers proteins like chicken, roasted pork, octopus, and shrimp. Additional outposts are located in Lincoln Park and Dunning.

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. Additional outposts are located in Lincoln Park and Logan Square.

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.

Affordable dining is a relative thing. When it comes to a burger, $40 may seem excessive, but for a three-course prix fixe fine-dining meal, it’s a steal. The cooks and servers are all students at Kendall College and the menus vary, depending on who’s the kitchen. Diners can count on a mix of classics — vichyssoise, steak al forno, pan-seared salmon — along with newly-invented specials. Wine and beer pairings are also available.

An iconic stand that dates back to 1939, Jim's claims to be the originator of the Maxwell Street Polish. Diners can get juicy and delicious Polish sausages, pork chop sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, and more — plus free fries with every order — as late as 1 a.m. A second location is on its way in Bucktown — close to the Lakeview and Avondale boundaries on Elston.

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 dishes to choose from, but the sizzling beef tenderloin is always great. A second location recently opened in Northalsted, near Lakeview.

One of Chicago’s best taquerias is housed inside a small corner store in Little Village. La Chaparrita specializes in tacos de fritangas, or “fried tacos.” Popular in Mexico City, they’re filled with ingredients like longaniza, suadero, and tripa, which are cooked in a circular metal grill called a charola.

Lem’s has been smoking exceptional rib tips in Chicago for seven decades. The tender pieces of meat are cooked in a customized aquarium smoker and smothered in a tangy, vinegar-based barbecue sauce. Roll up those sleeves and prepare to get messy in the best way, but expect to wait first as long lines are common.

Head to South Deering on the far South Side to experience this lauded eatery. 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.