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One of the best things about Chicago's diverse culinary scene is finding an under the radar international establishment where the portions are generous, the service is warm, the food is the real deal and the value is high. Check out this list of 18 BYOs without corkage fees and make sure to pick up your libation of choice before heading out for some affordable global cuisine.
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16 Great International BYO Restaurants in Chicago That Won't Dent Your Wallet
Enjoy foods from around the world for cheap and bring your booze too.
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Taste of Peru
Cesar Izquierdo brought a piece of his homeland to Chicago in 1998 and is still serving coastal Peruvian staples today. The extensive menu has a heavy emphasis on seafood and grilled meats thanks to out-of-the-ordinary marinades and sauces. Don't forget a bottle of pisco; they make sour mix in house and by the pitcher.
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Isla Pilipina
Perhaps the the best Filipino restaurant in Chicago is tucked inside a Lincoln Square strip mall. Try the adobo chicken and pancit for a taste of the Philippines, and feel free to bring booze with you.
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Caro Mio
Italian cuisine is extremely common in America, but Caro Mio transports guests back to the old country with warm service, huge portions of house-made pastas and a cozy dining space.
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Tango Sur
Known for large steaks smothered in chimichurri and a no-corkage fee BYO policy, Tango Sur is a Lakeview neighborhood Argentinian gem. With seafood, pasta and vegetarian options, everyone can get their Tango on.
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Cafe Orchid
Dishes such as mussaka, ezme and iskender give diners a BYO ethnic treat. A charming Turkish restaurant with locations in Wrigleyville and Park Ridge, Cafe Orchid also delights guests with kebobs and vegetarian dishes.
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Royal Indian Grill
When the owners of Lincoln Park's Indian Grill moved to Lakeview, they also altered their names to inject a bit more majesty. The tasty garlic naans are the perfect ways to transport their chicken tikka masala into your mouth.
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Urban Vegan
Vegan Thai is what you get at both of the North Side Urban Vegan locations. It's an extreme value with savory homemade curries, salads, entrees, rice and noodle dishes. So good, it’s easy to forget the meat.
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Rickshaw Republic
Peddling Asian street food in a stationary Lincoln Park storefront, Rickshaw Republic is a great place to go with a group and share a bunch of plates. Try the rice table for an authentic taste of Indonesia.
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Simply It
Among the mile-long menu of bargain Vietnamese cuisine that’s suitable for all diets, the house dumplings, avocado wonton, pho and steamed ravioli are standouts. Simply put, you can’t go wrong with Simply It.
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Serai
In a city that lacks many options for Malaysian cuisine, this new Logan Square restaurant delivers.
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O'Cha Thai
A small, yet stylish, Bucktown gem featuring a $7.95 lunch special during the week. The green papaya salad and drunken noodle entrée are not to be missed.
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Coast Sushi Bar
Sushi, sashimi and maki in a dimly-lit, chic environment. Though Coast has three Chicagoland locations, the Bucktown one is the only BYO.
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90 Miles Cuban Cafe
No need to wait for open travel to Cuba to experience the cuisine. Get the real deal right here in Chicagoland with three 90 Mile Cuban Café’s to choose from. Each location features paella and flamenco dancing every Tuesday and in Logan Square the four-seasons patio is suitable for al fresco dining year round.
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Irazu
With plenty of covered outdoor seating and a bright-colored decor, you just might forget you’re in Bucktown. Pick from many Costa Rican favorites: burritos, empanadas, sandwiches, seafood, shakes, juices, as well as a ton of vegetarian options.
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Sultan's Market
A bustling-yet-tiny restaurant and market featuring traditional Middle Eastern sandwiches, platters, spreads and sides with two Chicago locations. Hit up the popular steam table and salad bar for a real feast at $5.99/lb. When it’s warm, head to the Wicker Park location for outdoor dining—and bring some beer or wine.
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Yuzu Sushi and Robata Grill
The tart citrus fruit’s namesake makes a cameo on the artistically prepared Japanese sushi and robata grill menu. Eating at this West Town haunt is an experience not to be missed.
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