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The Best Cheap Eats in Chicago

The OpenTable Team

The Windy City has a long history of culinary excellence, and not just for the deep-dish pizza. From molecular gastronomy to barbecue, there are countless options for memorable meals all over the city—and many of them are just as affordable as they are delicious. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. You’ll find everything from neighborhood gems to rustic Italian spots, buzzy sushi bars to airy brasseries—all vetted by the types of tastemakers who know the best spots around the city. Impress your friends and family and score a table; we wish we could join you.

20 Restaurants

Updated February 26, 2020

Restaurants:	Quartino, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba, SUSHI-SAN…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Italian, Tapas / Small Plates, Japanese…
Neighborhoods:	River North (Chicago), Lincoln Park…

Quartino

$$$$·Italian·

River North (Chicago)

9,368 reviews

Group Bookings
Good for a Date
Casual

White subway tile, rustic tables and chairs, and a deli counter to display the house-made smoked meats welcome you to Quartino. This authentic Italian restaurant serves gourmet fla…Read more

91% recommended

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Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

$$$$·Tapas / Small Plates·

Lincoln Park

6,435 reviews

Tapas
Good for a Date
Group Bookings

Traditional Spanish tapas make an entrance at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. This restaurant was one of the first to enter the Chicago scene with small plates on the menu. As the food offerings…Read more

96% recommended

Tapas / Small Plates in Chicago / Illinois

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SUSHI-SAN

$$$$·Japanese·

River North (Chicago)

794 reviews

Good for a Date
Fun
Creative Cuisine

With techno beats setting up a lively and energetic atmosphere, Sushi San dining is an experience. The drinks get rave reviews; from the sake bombs to the incredible selection of J…Read more

93% recommended

Japanese in Chicago

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HUB 51

$$$$·American·

River North (Chicago)

4,943 reviews

Casual
Good for a Date
Fun

Industrial and modern decor elements combine in Hub 51, a contemporary American restaurant in River North. On the menu, flavors take a world tour with everything from an ahi tuna p…Read more

92% recommended

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Nonnina

$$$$·Italian·

River North (Chicago)

1,544 reviews

Good for a Date
Authentic
Romance

The phrase “just like Grandma used to make” takes on new meaning at upscale Italian eatery Nonnina. With a recipe that comes from family and a decor that is retro-chic, dining here…Read more

92% recommended

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Le Colonial - Chicago

$$$$·Vietnamese·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4,973 reviews

Good for a Date
Special Occasions
Creative Cuisine

Upscale, vintage elegance from the 1920s is the theme at Le Colonial, a restaurant serving a fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors. While it is difficult to find truly elegant re…Read more

94% recommended

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RPM Italian

$$$$·Italian·

River North (Chicago)

11,492 reviews

Good for a Date
Special Occasions
Good for Anniversaries

The contemporary monochromatic decor in RPM Italian offers an upscale background to the star of the show — the food. A delightful menu full of Italian classics offers affordable go…Read more

93% recommended

Italian in Chicago

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Margeaux Brasserie - Waldorf Astoria

$$$$·French·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

930 reviews

Special Occasions
Good for a Date
Romance

Dark leather seats, shining tile floors, and brass accents at the bar all bring to mind 1920s Paris at the Margeaux Brasserie. While a full meal at this classic French restaurant m…Read more

84% recommended

French in Chicago

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il Porcellino

$$$$·Italian·

River North (Chicago)

2,210 reviews

Good for a Date
Special Occasions
Romance

Rustic Italian is the decor in il Porcellino, from the replica bronze pig statue by the door to the empty fiaschi bottles that line the ceiling. The menu offers some of the best ch…Read more

94% recommended

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Shaw's Crab House - Chicago

$$$$·Seafood·

River North (Chicago)

11,369 reviews

Special Occasions
Good for a Date
Good for Anniversaries

Shaw's Crab House is actually two restaurants in one. If you want upscale dining in an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, head to the main dining room. For an unpretentious and …Read more

94% recommended

Seafood in Chicago

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Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Chicago

$$$$·Seafood·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4,878 reviews

Special Occasions
Good for a Date
Good for Birthdays

The sea theme at Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House is on display from the moment you enter. From sailing ships and hanging fish to water-inspired art, it all says one thing—get ready fo…Read more

92% recommended

Seafood in Chicago

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Mon Ami Gabi

$$$$·French·

Lincoln Park

5,081 reviews

Good for a Date
Special Occasions
Neighbourhood Gem

Enjoy classic French cuisine served in a traditional bistro at Mon Ami Gabi. This warmly welcoming eatery serves rich, time-honored flavors at an affordable price. From the escargo…Read more

97% recommended

French in Chicago / Illinois

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Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar - Chicago

$$$$·Pizzeria·

Lincoln Park

1,008 reviews

Casual
Good for a Date
Fun

Stella Barra Pizzeria may be in Chicago, but don't expect deep dish pies here. This artisanal pizza house upgrades a basic dish into a gourmet experience. Starters include crispy c…Read more

91% recommended

Pizzeria in Chicago

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Chicago Cut Steakhouse

$$$$·Steakhouse·

River North (Chicago)

7,281 reviews

Special Occasions
Waterfront
Scenic View

Step into a new take on an American classic when you dine at Chicago Cut Steakhouse. A dry-aging room on site lets you enjoy some of the best steaks you'll ever eat. This steak hou…Read more

87% recommended

Most Booked in Chicago / Illinois

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La Luna

$$$$·Mexican·

Pilsen

84 reviews

Fun
Good for a Date
Happy Hour

Our perspective is coming soon. In the meantime, please enjoy the restaurant’s description: Located in Chicago’s vibrant and historically significant pilsen neighborhood, la luna s…Read more

92% recommended

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North Pond

$$$$·American·

Lincoln Park

3,469 reviews

Special Occasions
Romance
Good for Anniversaries

North Pond, a fine dining restaurant serving American cuisine, boasts a lovely Lincoln Park location. The arts & crafts-style dining room matches the fun and whimsical approach to …Read more

96% recommended

American in Chicago / Illinois

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RPM Steak

$$$$·Steak·

River North (Chicago)

5,120 reviews

Special Occasions
Good for a Date
Good for Anniversaries

RPM Steak, located in one of Chicago's premier neighborhoods, River North, serves up classic steak house dishes. While the dinner menu is never called cheap, you can enjoy an affor…Read more

93% recommended

Steak in Chicago

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Blackbird

$$$$·Contemporary American·

West Loop

4,476 reviews

Fit for Foodies
Special Occasions
Hot Spot

Approachable fine dining is the theme at James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Kahan's signature restaurant, Blackbird. Farm fresh ingredients and simple executions are the norm for …Read more

91% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

The Publican

$$$$·American·

West Loop

6,083 reviews

Fit for Foodies
Group Bookings
Good for Birthdays

An homage to a traditional beer hall, the decor in The Publican features wooden furniture and interesting light fixtures. The 100-seater banquet table is the star of the room and o…Read more

100% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

Naoki

$$$$·Japanese·

Lincoln Park

559 reviews

Special Occasions
Good for a Date
Creative Cuisine

Chef Naoki Nakashima opened his self-named restaurant to share Japanese flavors with a contemporary crowd. The casual decor inspires conversation, making Naoki's a sushi spot where…Read more

97% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

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