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Taco in a Bag
Taco in a Bag
Marc Much

Chicago Cheap Eats 2015: 13 Great New Affordable Restaurants, Mapped

by Daniel Gerzina
2 comments / new
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Taco in a Bag
| Marc Much
by Daniel Gerzina
2 comments / new

Chicago eating enthusiasts have seen a plethora of great new restaurants open in the last 12 months, although many are on the pricey side. But many new standout options can fill your belly on the cheap, serving a range of intriguing foods at breakfast, late night, and times in between that you can afford with just a couple bills that you found in your wallet. These 13 are some of the best.

EDIT NOTE: Berrista was originally included in this map but has been removed due to it being "closed for the summer."

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Furious Spoon

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Chicago's ramen craze has an affordable, late-night version with in-house noodles via chef Shin Thompson's antique ramen machine. Prices start at $7.25 for a filling bowl. [Photo: Marc Much]

1571 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-8445
(773) 687-8445

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Nando's Peri-Peri

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The famous South African chicken chain opened two Chicago locations in short order, with more on the way. Flame-grilled chicken meals with one side and sauces begin at $7.25. [Photo courtesy of Nando's Peri-Peri]

953 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 488-3062
(312) 488-3062

Also featured in:

Baker Miller

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The noteworthy bakery cafe from former Bang Bang Pie co-owners has a variety of affordable items that employ house-milled grains. Try the unique version of oatmeal or savory hand pies ($6) at breakfast, while most lunch and dinner items cost between $9-11. Pastries are even more affordable. [Photo: Nick Fochtman]

4610 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
312-208-5639
312-208-5639

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Good Stuff Eatery

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Former Top Cheftant Spike Mendelsohn's fast casual spot has plenty of delicious burgers, starting at $6.50. Look for more locations soon. [Photo courtesy of Good Stuff Eatery]

22 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 854-3027
(312) 854-3027

Taco In a Bag

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The fun walking taco spot from two competitive eaters transforms chips and a variety of toppings into filling, affordable meals (starting at $7) until the wee hours. Salads and doughnut holes ($5) round out the menu. [Photo: Marc Much]

4603 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 250-2437
(773) 250-2437

Also featured in:

Hot "G" Dog

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Former Hot Doug's cooks serve takes on Hot Doug's specialty hot dogs and sausages in Uptown, complete with duck fat fries. It's easy to make a full meal while embracing your Hot Doug's nostalgia for under $10. [Photo: Facebook]

5009 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 209-3360
(773) 209-3360

Also featured in:

The Corned Beef Factory

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This adorable shop with limited seating sells delicious sandwiches using meats straight from the attached factory near Fulton Market. Spend $10 or $11 for a corned beef, pastrami, or Reuben, while hot dogs ($5) and Italian beefs ($9) are also available. [Photo: Facebook]

1009 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 666-0050
(312) 666-0050

Thank You

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Soak up Paul McGee's acclaimed tiki drinks with grub from Lost Lake's attached Chinese restaurant. All items cost between $3-11. Carry it out, get delivery, or bring it to the bar. [Photo: Sarah Joyce]

3152 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 961-7475
(773) 961-7475

Puesto Sandwich Stand

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An adorable and tasty new Latin cafe, Puesto Sandwich Stand is a anomaly in Wrigleyville. Fill your belly with a variety of Latin foodstuffs at all three meals on the very cheap, including many arepas (stuffed corn cake; $4), sandwiches, soups, sweets, and coffee drinks. [Photo courtesy of Puesto Sandwich Stand]

3349 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 661-2490
(773) 661-2490

Luella’s Southern Kitchen

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This new Southern eatery in Lincoln Square serves some tasty items from a pedigreed chef for cheap in a fast-casual environment. Try the Southern Benedict at brunch (braised Slagel Farms pork, poached farm eggs, Crystal hollandaise, buttermilk biscuit; $11) or grab some gumbo for $7. [Photo: Ashok Selvam]

4609 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 961-8196
(773) 961-8196

Also featured in:

Jerk. Modern Jamaican Grill

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The noteworthy food truck finally opened its full restaurant and attached coffee shop, serving jerk meats, sliders, patties, and yucca fries at affordable prices. [Photo: Anthony Tahlier]

811 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 763-2870
(312) 763-2870

Q-Tine

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Fill your belly until very late in Logan Square at Q-Tine, which serves barbecue and poutine from an indoor airstream. Smoked meats start at $6.99, while portion prices of the Canadian delicacy start at $5.99. [Photo: Marc Much]

2339 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 227-5100
(773) 227-5100

Just Salad

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The New York-based salad chain landed in the Loop, offering cheap healthy meals downtown. [Photo courtesy of Just Salad]

20 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
(866) 673-3757
(866) 673-3757

Also featured in:

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Furious Spoon

1571 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Chicago's ramen craze has an affordable, late-night version with in-house noodles via chef Shin Thompson's antique ramen machine. Prices start at $7.25 for a filling bowl. [Photo: Marc Much]

1571 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-8445
(773) 687-8445

Nando's Peri-Peri

953 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

The famous South African chicken chain opened two Chicago locations in short order, with more on the way. Flame-grilled chicken meals with one side and sauces begin at $7.25. [Photo courtesy of Nando's Peri-Peri]

953 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 488-3062
(312) 488-3062

Baker Miller

4610 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

The noteworthy bakery cafe from former Bang Bang Pie co-owners has a variety of affordable items that employ house-milled grains. Try the unique version of oatmeal or savory hand pies ($6) at breakfast, while most lunch and dinner items cost between $9-11. Pastries are even more affordable. [Photo: Nick Fochtman]

4610 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
312-208-5639
312-208-5639

Good Stuff Eatery

22 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Former Top Cheftant Spike Mendelsohn's fast casual spot has plenty of delicious burgers, starting at $6.50. Look for more locations soon. [Photo courtesy of Good Stuff Eatery]

22 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 854-3027
(312) 854-3027

Taco In a Bag

4603 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

The fun walking taco spot from two competitive eaters transforms chips and a variety of toppings into filling, affordable meals (starting at $7) until the wee hours. Salads and doughnut holes ($5) round out the menu. [Photo: Marc Much]

4603 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 250-2437
(773) 250-2437

Hot "G" Dog

5009 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Former Hot Doug's cooks serve takes on Hot Doug's specialty hot dogs and sausages in Uptown, complete with duck fat fries. It's easy to make a full meal while embracing your Hot Doug's nostalgia for under $10. [Photo: Facebook]

5009 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 209-3360
(773) 209-3360

The Corned Beef Factory

1009 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60607

This adorable shop with limited seating sells delicious sandwiches using meats straight from the attached factory near Fulton Market. Spend $10 or $11 for a corned beef, pastrami, or Reuben, while hot dogs ($5) and Italian beefs ($9) are also available. [Photo: Facebook]

1009 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 666-0050
(312) 666-0050

Thank You

3152 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Soak up Paul McGee's acclaimed tiki drinks with grub from Lost Lake's attached Chinese restaurant. All items cost between $3-11. Carry it out, get delivery, or bring it to the bar. [Photo: Sarah Joyce]

3152 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 961-7475
(773) 961-7475

Puesto Sandwich Stand

3349 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

An adorable and tasty new Latin cafe, Puesto Sandwich Stand is a anomaly in Wrigleyville. Fill your belly with a variety of Latin foodstuffs at all three meals on the very cheap, including many arepas (stuffed corn cake; $4), sandwiches, soups, sweets, and coffee drinks. [Photo courtesy of Puesto Sandwich Stand]

3349 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 661-2490
(773) 661-2490

Luella’s Southern Kitchen

4609 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

This new Southern eatery in Lincoln Square serves some tasty items from a pedigreed chef for cheap in a fast-casual environment. Try the Southern Benedict at brunch (braised Slagel Farms pork, poached farm eggs, Crystal hollandaise, buttermilk biscuit; $11) or grab some gumbo for $7. [Photo: Ashok Selvam]

4609 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 961-8196
(773) 961-8196

Jerk. Modern Jamaican Grill

811 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

The noteworthy food truck finally opened its full restaurant and attached coffee shop, serving jerk meats, sliders, patties, and yucca fries at affordable prices. [Photo: Anthony Tahlier]

811 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 763-2870
(312) 763-2870

Q-Tine

2339 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Fill your belly until very late in Logan Square at Q-Tine, which serves barbecue and poutine from an indoor airstream. Smoked meats start at $6.99, while portion prices of the Canadian delicacy start at $5.99. [Photo: Marc Much]

2339 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 227-5100
(773) 227-5100

Just Salad

20 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604

The New York-based salad chain landed in the Loop, offering cheap healthy meals downtown. [Photo courtesy of Just Salad]

20 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
(866) 673-3757
(866) 673-3757

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