Best Meals Under 7 dollars.

I have been living in Chicago for nearly a year. I have two weeks left before leaving town to try a number of top notch local places. I want to emphasize a willingness to travel and a very strict budget. I would appreciate any advice. I am located in Bucktown

Welcome, Brooklyn Foodie!

The best place to start for your quest is to review the Great Neighborhood Restaurants thread found here. Members of this forum have found these restaurants to be particularly notable. Many will provide options for you under $7. Browse through the list and related threads to get some ideas. I'm certain others will post with their specific recommendations.

There's a thread about cheap meals, under $5, but I can't seem to figure out how to search for it (5 or $5 is not searchable). Anyone remember something they posted in it that would help us find it?

Here's "lunch under $5":

viewtopic.php?p=31525#p31525

Some of this is out of date, but $7 is a pretty reasonable target.

Spring World is suggestion #1 for me.

I searched for 'meals, under, dollars,' and scrolled down to find the thread.

I could have sworn there was also a under $10 thread? maybe not.

Crabbby Kim's Bikini Bar does half price, half pound burgers cooked to order on Thursdays. Eat in only, no carry outs. They're using fresh made patties cooked perfectly on an open flame grill. Fries (which are included in the price) are standard institutional variety, but also cooked exactly right. Kim's may lack the creative culinary flair of Kuma's Corner, but it also lacks the $10+ price tag per burger. Could be the best burger buy in the city.

Unless you're a total prude, don't get hung up on the "bikini bar" aspect. Crabbby Kim's is really a sports bar where the eyes are focused more on the big screen TVs rather than the sole scantily clad waitress working behind the bar. In case you're wondering, all the cooking is done by a fully clothed, very sanitary dude.

Buddy

Crabbby Kim's
3655 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 404-8156

BuddyRoadhouse wrote:Crabbby Kim's Bikini Bar does half price, half pound burgers cooked to order on Thursdays. Eat in only, no carry outs. They're using fresh made patties cooked perfectly on an open flame grill. Fries (which are included in the price) are standard institutional variety, but also cooked exactly right. Kim's may lack the creative culinary flair of Kuma's Corner, but it also lacks the $10+ price tag per burger. Could be the best burger buy in the city.

Unless you're a total prude, don't get hung up on the "bikini bar" aspect. Crabbby Kim's is really a sports bar where the eyes are focused more on the big screen TVs rather than the sole scantily clad waitress working behind the bar. In case you're wondering, all the cooking is done by a fully clothed, very sanitary dude.

Buddy

Crabbby Kim's
3655 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 404-8156

Ive passed by this place a few times and always wondered about it. Do they serve crab?

BuddyRoadhouse wrote:Crabbby Kim's Bikini Bar does half price, half pound burgers cooked to order on Thursdays. Eat in only, no carry outs. They're using fresh made patties cooked perfectly on an open flame grill. Fries (which are included in the price) are standard institutional variety, but also cooked exactly right. Kim's may lack the creative culinary flair of Kuma's Corner, but it also lacks the $10+ price tag per burger. Could be the best burger buy in the city.

Unless you're a total prude, don't get hung up on the "bikini bar" aspect. Crabbby Kim's is really a sports bar where the eyes are focused more on the big screen TVs rather than the sole scantily clad waitress working behind the bar. In case you're wondering, all the cooking is done by a fully clothed, very sanitary dude.

Buddy

Crabbby Kim's
3655 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 404-8156

They have TV's there?

All kidding aside... A lot of the Latino places will fill the bill.

Most notably (and within an easy bus ride)...

Cemitas Puebla (don't be thrown off by the name change)
Borinquen Restaurant (surprised to see there was not a dedicated thread)

Don't forget the infamous Mixed Media Burger at Custom House! viewtopic.php?f=14&t=22428&hilit=custom+house

If Chicago"land" fits the bill, then Pita Inn's $3.95 lunch special would be in the top 10 of many ppl's lists, I'd bet.

jimswside, although it would be easy to follow the path of immature jokes (my usual M.O.) prompted by the notion of serving crab in a bikini bar, I'll take the humorless tack and just say, no they do not serve crab. They serve a full menu of pub grub, with a different half priced special each night of the week. As mentioned, Thursdays are burger night. An $8, half pound cheeseburger with all the trimmings, including fries, is only four bucks!

Panther in the Den, to put it as tactfully as possible, not every woman who wears a bikini should; witness the average public beach on the Mediterranean as proof (This is of course true of many men in Speedos as well). Let's just say that some nights the TVs are more of a focal point than others.

Buddy

buddy,

thanks like I said I have driven by many times, and was curious, not curious enough to ever go in(now its even more doubtfull I will ever go there, unless I want the wife after me with a rolling pin or frying pan).

Panther in the Den wrote:All kidding aside... A lot of the Latino places will fill the bill.

Most notably (and within an easy bus ride)...

Cemitas Puebla (don't be thrown off by the name change)
Borinquen Restaurant (surprised to see there was not a dedicated thread)

I second the Cemita's rec. ALthough the Cemita Atomica is $9...

You can still get the milanesa, or one of the other Cemita's, and they are also good, although I have to say I prefer their pork offerings over the carne asada that I have had there.

Or you can order a few tacos arabes.

Polish sausage ($3.25) + Pork chop sandwich ($3.55) at Jim's Original, 1250 S. Union. Each comes with fries. Make sure to ask for hot peppers. Oh, and the pork chop is bone-in so consider yourself forewarned.

Italian sub at Bari Foods, 1120 W Grand. $6 for the 12 inch, 9 inch is cheaper. Good quality meats and cheeses on fresh-baked bread from D'Amatos next door. Good hot giardiniere.

Does Crabby Kim's still look like it was constructed during a plywood blow-out sale? I went there once when it first opened - you could rent an xbox on a big screen - hilarious. Had no intention of trying the food, but hey, you guys have made a case.

A dog from jimmy's shouldn't be missed if you're just northeast in Bucktown. This may be one of the cheaper meals and it's not too much further than Cemitas. So good.

Jimmy's Red Hots
4000 W Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60651

A small combo (Sausage links and rib tips) at Honey 1 is $9. I know, you said $7, but it's worth the extra $2 splurge, trust me. The combo at Honey one is nothing short of a work of art. If you're really looking for that cheaper option, you can go with the mini combo at $7.

Honey 1 BBQ
2241 N. Western
Chgo, il

Cheeseburgers from Muskie's are decently priced at under $4 if i recall. I'm a huge fan of the place not only for the food but because the people are amazingly nice and it's a rare type of place nowadays. Little to no love for Muskie's on LTH though.

Muskie's
2878 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL

jimswside wrote:buddy,

thanks like I said I have driven by many times, and was curious, not curious enough to ever go in(now its even more doubtfull I will ever go there, unless I want the wife after me with a rolling pin or frying pan).

Bring the little woman along! Plenty of couples in there. Just keep your eyes on that hockey game on the flat screen and don't let 'em wander.

Buddy

i think this would've been missed on the $5 thread... but i'd vote for an Italian sub from bari. add marinated eggplant, a must!

Gyros Paratha at Ghareeb Nawaz - pure bliss only 3.99

2032 W Devon Ave
Chicago, IL 60659


Chicken Biryani at Bismillah - a mere 5 dollars, comes with complimentary home-made coriander chutney.

6301 N Ridge Ave
Chicago - (773) 973-5602


Spicy Chicken Roll or Seekh Kabob Roll from Lahore Grill - I think 5 bucks a pop. You can get them with Paratha or Nan. Loaded with fresh onions and spicy as all hell. And 24 hours - there truly is an Allah.

2116 W Devon Ave
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 761-4919

Hong Kong style roasted pig over rice ($5) at Sun Wah Bbq

Sun Wah Bbq
1132-34 W. Argyle St

I think bar specials, while not exactly beacons of Chicago's culinary landscape, can be some of the most extreme values of neighborhood eating. But then again, my immediate neighborhood right now is Wrigleyville so take that for what it is...
It seems like every bar has a burger night, but my favorite so far would be Dark Horse. Went for the first time this past Monday. A looser, hand formed patty, probably 6-8 oz, was cooked exactly to medium rare. Good meaty taste without being underseasoned and a nice crust on the outside. The bun was probably the biggest deficiency of the meal-- it's pretty light and fluffy and so could have been sturdier, since the meat is juicy (a good thing) the bun just didn't hold optimal integrity (though it didn't crumble either). Tater Tots and I go way back, but I really appreciated that they offered green beans as a side option. They were, without a doubt, the best green beans I've ordered at a bar . Actually, pretty tasty--visible char marks (roasting, grilling, I don't know) and a nice bit of snap still left, plus they gave me a ton.
No matter how cheap, burger night at a bar, or any food in general, is not worth it if it's bad. This was a good burger and lot of tasty green beans for $1. Unbeatable. I reached deep and added a slice of cheddar for an extra $.50. They also offer bacon, sauteed onions, and sauteed mushrooms for $.50 a piece. My glass of 312 was $4.25.
I'd also like to note that I was impressed with the service. It was early and mostly empty, but our waitress seemed kind and genuine and struck up a conversation, instead of the dismissive, hurried service I've encountered on other cheap special nights at other bars (Waterhouse comes to mind). It seems she's mastered the concept that if you know the bill is going to be low, maybe you can make up some lost tips by being personable and competent. Revolutionary!
I ate half my cheeseburger and left a bunch of green beans as well, but when I asked for a box I was told that they weren't supposed to do that on dollar burger night but that she would make an exception "this one time". I thought this was a pretty ridiculous policy, though I can understand their rationale I guess. Since I got the box it really didn't matter, but it is something to be aware of in the future, for sure.
Dark Horse Tap & Grille
3443 N. Sheffield
Chicago, IL
773-248-4400
http://www.darkhorsechicago.com/index.htm

skess wrote:but when I asked for a box I was told that they weren't supposed to do that on dollar burger night but that she would make an exception "this one time". I thought this was a pretty ridiculous policy, though I can understand their rationale I guess. Since I got the box it really didn't matter, but it is something to be aware of in the future, for sure.

This is actually almost universal for big food specials - and having worked in a bar where specials like this exist - it makes complete sense. You wouldn't believe the amount of people that come in and try and just clean house by ordering massive, massive amounts of food to take home. Seeing as you were probably a decent manored customer that wasn't trying to rip off a special, i'm sure thats why you got a box. But, honestly, some people just don't have any tact.

BuddyRoadhouse wrote:Crabbby Kim's Bikini Bar does half price, half pound burgers cooked to order on Thursdays. Eat in only, no carry outs... Could be the best burger buy in the city.

I might say the same about Cobra Lounge. 1/2 price burgers on Mondays, 1/2 lb. or so, $4 or $4.50. Good char flavor and very juicy, they tend to be a bit salty for my taste, but I still enjoy them. They come with fries or tots, I get the tots, and they don't skimp on them. A great bargain, and great even at regular price. They have good pub fare in general, with food and drink specials daily. The ambiance and staff may seem imposing to some, but people there are friendly, though the music, (hardcore punk and metal), may grate on the nerves for some. On second thought, the specials may be good for takeout as well.

Hot dog fries and drink at Hot Doug's is about $5.

Fantastic fries.

If you don't know about Hot Doug's, then you have not been around here long.

A few of my favorites in my neighborhood clocking in under $7(without tax/tip)
$7.00 - 50 wings and a coke
.10 wings on Mondays
Wingfest 2007 champions

$6.75 - All you can eat Spaghetti w/ garlic bread and a Miller Light Pint
$3.99 All you can eat Spaghetti w/ garlic bread, $2.75 domestic pints on Tuesdays

$6.75 - 1/2lb burger w/ fries, cup chili, Goose Island Matilda pint
$2.50 1/2 burger w/ fries, .50 buffalo chili, $3.75 import pints on Wednesdays
Wild Goose Bar
4265 North Lincoln Avenue
773.281.7112

$2.95 - #4. Grilled Pork Banh Mi(Vietnamese Sub Sammich)- Thit Nuong lemongrass grilled pork
Nhu Lan
2612 W Lawrence Ave
Chicago 60625


$4.00 - 1/2lb burger, Miller Lite Pint
$2 1/2lb angus burger & $2 domestic pints on Mondays

$7.00 - All you can eat BBQ & Hot Wings, Pitcher of Miller Lite
Free wings 4-7pm, $7 domestic pitchers on Tuesdays

$3.50 - All you can eat Wings, bottle of Heineken
Free wings 3-6pm, $3.50 Heineken bottles on Fridays
Celtic Crown Public House
4301 N. Western
773.588.1110

$5.50 - 2 carne asada tacos w/ onion, cilantro and a bottle of coke
Taqueria El Asadero
2213 W Montrose Avenue
773.583.5563

$6.75 - Blue Cheese Burger w/ fries, Coke
Buy One Entree, Get One Free on Mondays
4337 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
773.935.2255

$7.00 - Negihama Maki, California Maki w/ no roe (14 total pieces)
1/2 price select sushi weeday lunch & 1:30-6:00 weekends
Tank Sushi
4514 N. Lincoln
773.769.2600

$6.50 - Lechon Sandwich: (Roast pork) Romaine lettuce, grilled onions, sweet plantain, garlic sauce
90 Miles Cuban Cafe
3101 N. Clybourn
773.248.CUBA

I'll second Dark Horse's Burger Mondays as a tasty deal. On my last visit to Crabby Kim's, I was repulsed when I heard my friends were going to tempt fate and eat there. However, I was quite suprised by how good the burger looked and a bite confirmed it's deliciousness. It was also nice to see a clothed individual handling the kitchen area.

Thanks for the great list! There are a few I am definitely going to visit.

Separated things out mostly for my use.

mkess wrote:A few of my favorites in my neighborhood clocking in under $7(without tax/tip)

$7.00 - 50 wings and a coke
.10 wings on Mondays
Wingfest 2007 champions

$6.75 - All you can eat Spaghetti w/ garlic bread and a Miller Light Pint
$3.99 All you can eat Spaghetti w/ garlic bread, $2.75 domestic pints on Tuesdays

$6.75 - 1/2lb burger w/ fries, cup chili, Goose Island Matilda pint
$2.50 1/2 burger w/ fries, .50 buffalo chili, $3.75 import pints on Wednesdays

Wild Goose Bar
4265 North Lincoln Avenue
773.281.7112

mkess wrote:$2.95 - #4. Grilled Pork Banh Mi(Vietnamese Sub Sammich)- Thit Nuong lemongrass grilled pork

Nhu Lan
2612 W Lawrence Ave
Chicago 60625

mkess wrote:$4.00 - 1/2lb burger, Miller Lite Pint
$2 1/2lb Angus burger & $2 domestic pints on Mondays

$7.00 - All you can eat BBQ & Hot Wings, Pitcher of Miller Lite
Free wings 4-7pm, $7 domestic pitchers on Tuesdays

$3.50 - All you can eat Wings, bottle of Heineken
Free wings 3-6pm, $3.50 Heineken bottles on Fridays

Celtic Crown Public House
4301 N. Western
773.588.1110

mkess wrote:$5.50 - 2 carne asada tacos w/ onion, cilantro and a bottle of coke

Taqueria El Asadero
2213 W Montrose Avenue
773.583.5563

mkess wrote:$6.75 - Blue Cheese Burger w/ fries, Coke
Buy One Entree, Get One Free on Mondays

Jury's
4337 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
773.935.2255

mkess wrote:$7.00 - Negihama Maki, California Maki w/ no roe (14 total pieces)
1/2 price select sushi weeday lunch & 1:30-6:00 weekends

Tank Sushi
4514 N. Lincoln
773.769.2600

mkess wrote:$6.50 - Lechon Sandwich: (Roast pork) Romaine lettuce, grilled onions, sweet plantain, garlic sauce

90 Miles Cuban Cafe
3101 N. Clybourn
773.248.CUBA

mkess wrote:$6.75 - 1/2lb burger w/ fries, cup chili, Goose Island Matilda pint

Wow, isn't a pint of Matilda usually like $5 or 6 by itsself?

The weekday lunch special at Spring World in Chinatown is still 2 dishes, soup, and rice for $3.95, and still the best lunch deal in town IMO. Enough left over for a pastry at the bakery 2 doors down.

Closer to Bucktown: the nice family at the universally overlooked Taqueria Super Burrito (corner of Western & LeMoyne, open until 1 am!!) will serve you up two fresh gorditas with the meat of your choice, rice & beans for 6 and change. I haven't had better gorditas outside of the "Maxwell St" Market, and their homemade red salsa is different and excellent. Two chicken enchilladas and a sope would also make a good lunch.

Or a jibarito at any of several Puerto Rican restaurants on Division Street - the one that had held down North & Campbell for 20+ years is gone, unfortunately.

I'd like to hear other suggestions, especially in the Humboldt / Logan Square area....

I am a fan of the chaat at King Sweets on Devon Avenue, which I find to be far better than Sukhadia's.

Samosa chaat rings in at under $5, and it's very good.
Bhel puri is around $4. The portion is huge.

King Sweets
2308 W. Devon
Chicago, IL

I'm pasting in something I wrote earlier about Sandwich Works in Skokie:
The meatball sub from Sandwich Works on Touhy is an especially fine example of the genre, with rich, moist meatballs nestling under a mantle of thinly-sliced provolone in a hearty tomato sauce. The bun is lightly toasted and nicely crusty.

I inquired and learned that beef (and only beef) is combined with breadcrumbs, garlic, onions, and spices before being shaped and pan-fried. To me, this method is far superior to stewing them in sauce.

As others have noted, the classic, American-style potato salad is well seasoned and neither too acidic nor too sweet.

The sub and potato salad cost around $8, if I remember correctly.

Sandwich Works
4718 W. Touhy
Lincolnwood IL
847-676-4000

Near me, in Ukrainian Village, is Fiore's Deli on Oakley, not far from you. You can get a good meatball sandwich or large Italian sausage sandwich for $5. Order with hot peppers. Great deal for an overlooked little place. Also the subs are good and inexpensive as well.