Cheap eats in or around Downtown Chicago

Question

Where are your favorite places… preferably $10ish or less, and walking distance???

Answer

Chicago has a great selection of affordable places to eat, especially around downtown. Here are some of the best options for delicious food that won't break the bank, all in or near the downtown area and under $10 per meal:

Portillo's - Famous for its Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches. You can grab a hot dog or a small beef sandwich for around $5-8, making it a perfect quick and budget-friendly meal.
Garrett Popcorn Shops - For a quick snack, Garrett's offers delicious Chicago-style popcorn (cheese and caramel mix) starting at about $5 for a small bag. It's a great option for a snack on the go.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - While a full deep-dish pizza is more expensive, you can get a personal-sized pizza for around $9-10. It’s a great intro to Chicago’s iconic deep dish without spending a lot.
Ai Pad Thai - Located in the Loop, Ai Pad Thai offers some tasty and affordable Thai dishes. You can get a filling portion of pad Thai for about $8-10, and it's just a short walk from most downtown spots.
SuperDawg Drive-In - Located a bit north of downtown, this retro-style drive-in offers classic Chicago hot dogs, burgers, and fries for around $5-8. The food is iconic, and you can enjoy it at one of their vintage car stalls.
Franks ‘n Dawgs - A great spot for gourmet hot dogs in River North. Prices vary, but you can find some of their hot dog options for about $6-9, and they offer a variety of creative toppings.
The Pasta Bowl - Located near the South Loop, this small spot serves delicious pasta dishes starting at about $7-9. It’s perfect for a quick and filling meal in the downtown area.
Pequod’s Pizza - Another great option for deep-dish pizza in Chicago, though it's a bit farther from downtown, in Lincoln Park. You can get personal sizes for about $9-10, offering a unique twist on the classic deep dish.
Shake Shack - If you're in the mood for a quick burger and fries, Shake Shack’s Chicago location offers delicious ShackBurgers starting at $6-7, with fries for about $3-4. It's a great fast-casual spot near the River North area.
David's Cafe - This local cafe in the Loop offers sandwiches, soups, and salads in the $7-9 range. It's a cozy spot perfect for lunch or a quick break from sightseeing.

All of these spots are within walking distance of downtown and offer great meals without costing too much. If you're craving something quick, these options will fill you up without hitting your wallet too hard!