This is the unusual veg-centered spot where your carnivore friends will be happy to eat. Tofu wings with sweet and spicy Asian sauce give cheese sticks and Buffalo wings a run for their money. Curry fritters make great use of creamy potatoes, corn, and jalapeños, and the barbecued seitan (protein rich, chewy, and meat-like) tastes … Read more
There’s nothing like a great salad to make you feel all virtuous about your meal—and nothing like a crêpe oozing Nutella to remind you that you’re human. This unassuming café has both. Crêpes (sweet and savory) dominate the menu, and they’re delicate, lacy edged, and totally necessary. But the abundant, ultrafresh salads steal the show. … Read more
Get a map. Buy a GPS device. Make friends up north. Just find this fast-casual joint, because 20 bucks scores you a one-pound entrée of the freshest charbroiled Scottish salmon this side of Edinburgh. And the breaded codfish hoagie on a pretzel bun is stacked so tall you’ll get a TMJ disorder looking at it. … Read more
In this tiny suburban storefront, Kaew Saengsom turns out homey-as-can-be dishes of her motherland (Thailand) and neighboring Laos. From spunky som tum tang (cucumber salad) to savory beef pad tamin (beef stir-fry), you will encounter lemongrass, lime leaves, bamboo, turmeric, basil, and impressively spicy chilies. Embrace the tastes. ORDER (SERVES 4): Spring rolls, $3.95 for 4; … Read more
The rudimentary room is far from delightful, but maybe that’s why this nuanced food is so cheap. The first venture from a supremely gracious husband and wife (she clocked kitchen time at Spoon) has a regular menu and an elusive “by request” menu. Round up a few ravenous pals and dabble in both. ORDER (SERVES … Read more
Da la pi (clear noodle salads) are a delicacy of the Dongbei region of northeastern China. Northern City makes one with a bounty of slippery, wide mung bean noodles over cucumbers, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, cilantro, and pork in a sprightly vinegar sauce. Add a plate of celery dumplings, and you have the best $5 … Read more
To entice anyone uncertain about Senegalese eats, the trump card is peanut butter sauce. You will find it in the dish known as chicken mafé, which comforts in ways you didn’t even know you needed to be comforted. It’s rich, lush, and gone in an instant. Plus, Badara Diakhate and his wife, Paula Jones, make … Read more
Once just a popular food truck, the savory pie specialist set up this Bridgeport brick-and-mortar site (literally—it’s got exposed brick walls) last year so people could stuff themselves with golden-crusted pasties without being out in the elements. With winter looming, take note: There may be no heartier handheld meal than the food bomb stuffed with … Read more
This urban hangout, complete with brick walls, exposed ductwork, uncomfy wooden chairs, and beer cans on the wall arranged to spell “Reno,” delivers uncommonly good and cheap foodie food. The superfresh kale salad with bagel croutons somehow tastes smoky, and even two people can’t make a dent in it. It’s tough to choose between that … Read more
Seek out these worthy versions of Chicago’s quintessential cheap meal, all ordered with the works.
