Highest-rated cheap eats in Chicago, according to Tripadvisor
With the advent of Big Data, it's easier than ever to quantify what people like around the globe. And when it comes to food—particularly easy, cheap eats—Americans have very specific opinions. Dining brands in U.S. have a long and storied history, and whether they're fast food, fast-casual, high-end, or super cheap, American restaurants offer something for almost everyone.
Stacker compiled a list of the highest rated restaurants in Chicago that are listed as "cheap eats" on Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor rankings factor in the average rating and number of reviews. Some restaurants on the list may have recently closed. Easy, inexpensive options here run the gamut of cuisine, service options, and styles. The restaurants on this list are chock-full of variety, mixing ethnicities, food regions, and cultures into steaming melting pots of deliciousness.
Anyone reading the list will surely see some favorite eateries and classic go-to restaurants. Keep reading to see if any of your favorite cheap eateries made the list.
#30. Murphy's Bleachers
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Bar
- Address: 3655 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60613-4303
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#29. Mariano's
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (5.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Specialty Food Market, American
- Address: 333 E Benton Pl Ste 206 Unit 2519, Chicago, IL 60601-7411
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#28. Corner Bakery Cafe
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American
- Address: 35 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603-5642
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#27. Shake Shack
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American
- Address: 66 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611-2702
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#26. Corner Bakery Cafe
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, Cafe
- Address: 224 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60604-2505
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#25. Corner Bakery Cafe
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American
- Address: 360 N Michigan Ave (Entrance on Wacker Drive), Chicago, IL 60601-3814
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#24. Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Dessert, American
- Address: 2051 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647-3968
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#23. Chicago French Market
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, French
- Address: 131 N Clinton St Between Washington and Randolph, Chicago, IL 60661-1506
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#22. Corner Bakery Cafe
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American
- Address: 676 N. St. Clair, Chicago, IL 60611
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#21. Stan's Donuts & Coffee
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Bakeries, American
- Address: 259 E Erie St Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60611-2987
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#20. Al's #1 Italian Beef
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (3.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American
- Address: 548 N Wells St Wells Street And Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60654-7119
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#19. Shake Shack
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American
- Address: 12 S Michigan Ave Chicago Athletic Association, Chicago, IL 60603-3300
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#18. Epic Burger
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American
- Address: 517 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605-1616
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#17. Goddess and the Baker, Wabash
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Coffee & Tea, American
- Address: 33 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603-3073
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#16. Superdawg Drive-In
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Fast Food
- Address: 6363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646-3726
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#15. Devil Dawgs
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American
- Address: 767 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605-2108
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#14. Pittsfield Cafe
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Cafe
- Address: 55 E Washington St Ste 183 Lobby, Chicago, IL 60602-2103
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#13. Sprinkles Chicago
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Bakeries, American
- Address: 50 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611-1420
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#12. Portillo's Hot Dogs
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American
- Address: 100 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654-3710
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#11. Big Star
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Mexican, Southwestern
- Address: 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622-1906
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#10. Garrett Popcorn Shops
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Dessert
- Address: 625 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611-3110
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#9. Stan's Donuts and Coffee
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Bakeries, American
- Address: 1560 N Damen Ave 1560 North Damen, Chicago, IL 60622-1942
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#8. Cafecito
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, Latin
- Address: 26 E Congress Pkwy Ste 1, Chicago, IL 60605-1236
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#7. Intelligentsia Coffee
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Coffee & Tea, Cafe
- Address: 53 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601-7503
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#6. Velvet Taco
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, Mexican
- Address: 1110 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#5. Firecakes Donuts
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Bakeries, American
- Address: 68 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654-5604
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#4. Bongiorno's Italian Deli and Pizzeria
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Italian, Pizza
- Address: 405 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611-3591
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#3. Molly's Cupcakes
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Bakeries, American
- Address: 2536 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614-1712
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#2. Doughnut Vault
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Bakeries, American
- Address: 401 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60654-4902
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#1. Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken - Streeterville
- Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Bakeries, American
- Address: 233 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611-2926
- Read more on Tripadvisor