Budget Beef: 10 Cheap Steaks For Cheapskates in Chicago

Satisfy that beefy urge without spending all your cheddar.

by Ashok Selvam@Shokdiesel Jul 14, 2015, 11:03am CDT

View as Map

Ronny's Original Chicago Steak House

| Yelp

by Ashok Selvam@Shokdiesel Jul 14, 2015, 11:03am CDT

Steak might not be what diners first think of when "cheap eats" come to mind. But Chicago's a steak town, as the Midwest hub makes an attractive place for folks to negotiate business deals at one of the city many expensive steakhouses, as carnivores can appreciate the wonder of a tender, dry-aged prime piece of meat. But thankfully, Chicago has plenty of remedies for those times diners crave a good steak but don't want to max out their credit cards.

So, in honor of Eater's Cheap Eats Week, here are a few places in Chicago where customers can find a steak that won't break the bank. There are different cuts and styles, and the only rule was limiting the prices to $20. Is that "cheap" in the purest notion? Nope, but when compared to Chicago Cut Steakhouse's $64 bone-in prime rib, there's quite a steep difference. Listed in alphabetical order, and as all always, share any of your favorites in the comments.

Athenian Room

Copy Link

This well-known Lincoln Park neighborhood restaurant has been a haven for residents wanting to escape the post-college nightlife that enshrouds the area. The Greek skirt steak Alexandros Style is a great value at $14. [Photo: Facebook]

807 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

(773) 348-5155

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Café des Architectes

Copy Link

This might be cheating. But nestled in the Sofitel, Café des Architectes serves a flat iron steak salad with red onion jam, soubise vinaigrette and white cheddar. That will do the trick to scratch that red meat itch for $20. Yes, the rest of the meal will be pricey, but at least the steak salad is reasonable. [Photo: Facebook]

20 E Chestnut St, Chicago, IL 60611

(312) 324-4063

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Colletti's

Copy Link

This Jefferson Park joint's been around since 1946, and caters to a family-friendly environment. The Steak Churrasco is prepared Mexican style, using skirt steak, and at $16.95 you'll be a happy camper. [Photo: Facebook]

5707 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60646

(773) 775-5144

Visit Website

El Nandu Restaurant

Copy Link

This Argentinian gem has a variety of steaks, but for $19.95, the carne asado al parilla is a great bet that comes with a choice of yellow rice, fries, or mashed potatoes. [Photo: Facebook]

2731 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

(773) 278-0900

Visit Website

La Brasa Roja

Copy Link

There are three locations for Brasa Roja, the family-owned Colombian restaurant chain. Their New York Strip clocks in at $13.95, while a ribeye costs $10.95. And they come with rice and plantains. [Photo: Facebook]

3125 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

(773) 866-2252

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Las Tablas Colombian Steakhouse

Copy Link

The carne asada at this Colombian steakhouse is delightful for $18 and one of the most flavorful steaks in the city. [Photo: Facebook]

2942 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

(773) 871-2414

Visit Website

Machu Picchu Restaurant

Copy Link

The bistec a lo pobre is a sensational Peruvian deal for $17. [Photo: Facebook]

3856 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

(773) 472-0471

Visit Website

Also featured in:

35 Essential Buford Highway Restaurants to Know

Mon Ami Gabi

Copy Link

The hangar steak, when prepared correctly, is a delightful cut of meat for those on a budget, and at $19.95 served with fries, the hangar steak at Mon Ami Gabi delivers. [Photo: Facebook]

2300 N Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614

(773) 348-8886

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Ronny's Original Chicago Steak House

Copy Link

Can you beat $8.99 for an 8-ounce steak, baked potato, garlic bread and salad? No. You cannot. This isn't aged-prime meat, but it's satisfying. They cook almost everything well-done, so order one step lower than your preferences, and you'll be OK. [Photo: Yelp]

100 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

(312) 346-9488

Visit Website

Uncle Mike's Place

Copy Link

They brag about the marinated skirt steak at Uncle Mike's Place in West Town, a Filipino-American joint that serves some inspired breakfasts. The 12-ounce skirt steak costs $16.95, and comes with eggs, hash browns and toast. [Photo: Facebook]

1700 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

(312) 226-5318

Visit Website