The best patty around costs only $7. It’s a heroic griddled double cheeseburger: a lightly toasted bun full of freshly ground, crisp-edged, and somehow ungreasy beef sandwiched between layers of melting cheddar. 1571 Sherman Ave., Evanston, 847-864-3396; 2218 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Park, 773-697-9909
Among the dozens of cheap Indian eateries in town, this comfy BYO stands tall. An outsize order of gobi Manchurian—a plate of battered and spice-slicked cauliflower—is good enough to make you finish your vegetables. And you’ll use every last piece of naan to sop up the butter chicken’s lush, curry-soaked gravy. As well you should. … Read more
The cheery little shop’s take on this comfort food staple is perfectly satisfying for $9. But for $2 more, get it Buffalo-style—with a drizzle of housemade hot sauce and copious amounts of blue cheese—and it’s suddenly transcendent. 2051 N. California Ave., 773-276-8888
The addictive $12 tomato pie at this East Coast–style joint breaks pizza down to its basics: a pinch of cheese, great punchy tomato sauce, and a little oregano on a crunchy, charred crust. 711 W. Armitage Ave., Lincoln Park, 312-867-9111
The golden-crusted shrimp ($8.50 for a half pound) at this family-owned, cash-only South Side institution are no small fries—they’re juicy, crispy, and gone in a flash. 3259 E. 95th St., South Deering, 773-933-9855
The real extra-value meal: $2 gets you a freshly steamed pork-and-kimchi-stuffed wang mandoo that’s heftier (and tastier) than even the most supersize burgers. 3333 N. Kimball Ave., Avondale, 773-478-5566
Born from a beloved farmers’ market stand centered on the humble mushroom, this sunny café exudes feel-good charm. Fill up on simple plates (the best of which incorporate said shrooms), and—since you’ll have cash to spare—walk out with a bag of provisions from the impeccably curated grocery. ORDER: Fried stuffed mushrooms, $6 for 5; ravioli primavera, $11.99 … Read more
Ramen for $17—that’s cheap? Yes, considering what you get for the price. The housemade noodles soak up flavors like a sea sponge while retaining their slightly chewy texture. Choose a light, floral-like turkey consommé or a brooding black boar tonkotsu broth spiked with garlic, duck, and pork belly, and you’ve got a gourmet meal. ORDER: Tonkatsu ramen, … Read more
In this innocuous BYO, North Carolina native Joe Scroggs crafts the finest fried chicken around, a spicy and succulent bone-in beast that’s been buttermilk brined within an inch of its life. Equal care goes into the buttermilk biscuits and peppery cucumber slaw. Scare up a six-pack of Bud and you’ve got yourself a party. Order: Half … Read more
You want a platter of pulled pork—brined with 7-Up, garlic, brown sugar, and jalapeños—that comes with Texas toast, garlic rice, and a side of your choice for $12? Or a platter of brisket with fermented black bean paste that packs more umami per square inch than a dry-aged rib eye for $13? This one’s for … Read more
