Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Cheap salad spots in Illinois

A filling salad that fits a tight budget without making you feel like you are compromising on the ingredients.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Chicago Kabob House image 1
Chicago Kabob House image 2
Chicago Kabob House image 3
View all
Asian restaurant

Asian restaurant offers a cozy, comfortable atmosphere with clean, well-designed tables that provide privacy. The interior is beautiful and surprisingly cool, contrasting with an unremarkable exterior. The vibe suits family and friends gathering in a calm, quiet setting.

Salads here include a pickle salad and a majnuntol salad that stand out for their freshness. They pair well with dishes like beef kebab and chicken, adding a tasty, crisp element to the meal.

Food comes at very cheap prices while staying delicious. The place offers a phenomenal value for the cost.

People are saying

"The authentic kabobs are juicy, flavorful, and generously portioned."

"I found the food to be cheap and delicious."

"I'll be returning to this place for their salad."

Good to know

1

The prices at Chicago Kabob House are very affordable.

2

Portion sizes are somewhat small, often requiring a second order.

3

Everything is served a la carte, making it easy to customize your meal.

02
New Best Sub image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a casual dining atmosphere with a warm and welcoming vibe that feels like being part of a family. Decor reflects the neighborhood but contrasts with the high quality of food and prices. Energy ranges from calm and cozy to lively and energetic throughout the day.

Chicken salad stands out with tender chicken and fresh greens. Small side salads offer a nice, simple option alongside customizable salads.

Prices stay very cheap while portions come generous with every meal including fries and a drink.

People are saying

"I found the chicken wings here to be insane."

"You have to try the chicken salad; I loved it."

"The food here is so cheap, especially for how expensive things are these days."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open late and offers fresh food.

2

The restaurant is super affordable and includes fries and a drink with every order.

3

The portions are generous for the price.

03
Papa Ray's Pizza And Wings Naperville image 1

Takeout and delivery spot with a few rarely used outdoor tables offers a cozy atmosphere despite limited seating. Pizza features huge slices and thin crust, with spicy, flavorful wings complementing the menu. Affordable prices and convenient ordering through apps make it a solid choice for a quick, satisfying meal.

Salads come fresh and full with Newmanโ€™s Own dressing packs included. Family size options like the house salad for four and shareable chicken salad offer good portions at reasonable prices.

Prices stay consistently cheap here. Food comes out quick and is always good.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza was delicious."

"I found the food here to be good and cheap."

"I thought the salad here was the best."

Good to know

1

Papa Ray's primarily operates as a takeout and delivery restaurant.

2

The restaurant is open 7 days a week and closes at 10 pm, including holidays.

3

Delivery is available through Uber Eats and DoorDash.

04
Chicken Planet image 1
Chicken restaurant

Small, humble chicken spot with fast service and affordable prices. Atmosphere is casual and good for a quick, relaxed lunch. Known for juicy grilled chicken and spicy homemade salsa that stand out in a downtown setting.

Salads come simple and fresh here, often served alongside meals like half chicken. The potato salad stands out for being light and not too heavy.

Workers on lunch break find fast, cheap options here. The chicken stands out for being both affordable and well made.

People are saying

"I love their spicy salsa so much I could eat it every day."

"The grilled chicken here is so juicy and perfectly seasoned."

"The grilled chicken salad here is juicy and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Chicken Planet offers meals for under $10, making it budget-friendly.

2

The restaurant is open Monday through Friday only.

3

Expect to wait in line if you arrive right when they open.

05
Mira Sushi evanston image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a modern yet cozy vibe with comfortable seating and cute decor featuring figurines along the back wall. Soft music creates a peaceful atmosphere ideal for casual outings or dates. Ordering via tablet adds convenience to the dining experience.

Pepper tuna salad stands out with fresh, bold flavors. The sashimi salad offers a light, seafood-focused option. Seaweed salad has an unusual texture that might surprise some.

Prices stay around $21.99, making meals very cheap. Sushi offers a quick meal option that balances cost and quality well.

People are saying

"I found the sushi to be amazing and really fresh."

"The sushi here is so fresh and tasty."

"The sushi here is cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat lunch special costs $25, offering great value.

2

Weekend lunch prices increase to $31.99, but the menu remains the same.

3

Parking is easily accessible near the restaurant.

06
Faiza Chicago image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Space blends Central Asian decor with warm, cozy atmosphere and beautiful artwork. Staff contribute to a welcoming vibe with attentive service and thoughtful gestures. The setting invites relaxation and a sense of being transported to Asia.

Salads come in large portions and pack a spicy kick with peppers. Options like the Aslan and shakarap salads offer fresh, flavorful choices that complement the meal well.

Food costs stay low while portions come very generous. Prices keep meals affordable without skimping on quantity.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

"The salads here are large portions and incredibly delicious."

"The food is cheap and the portions are huge."

Good to know

1

Expect large portion sizes; sharing is common.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for tipping.

3

Parking is available on the street, but can be limited during busy times.

07
NYC HALAL EATS NILES image 1
Halal restaurant

Small halal restaurant with a clean, cool interior and large TV creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The vibe suits families and groups, with reasonable prices and generous portions. Frequent patrons benefit from a rewards system.

Mixed salads come with flavorful meats like chicken and lamb. You can customize the salad and it arrives cool alongside crispy breads and fries.

Food comes in super cheap portions that are both fast and tasty. Prices stay very low and fair throughout.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and filling."

"The mixed platter comes with chicken, lamb, salad, and fries."

"The food here is so delicious and cheap."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere during lunch and dinner hours.

3

The menu has a variety of options for quick meals or late-night snacks.

08
Aji Sushi image 1
Restaurant

Clean, modern interior with Japanese-style decor and cozy lighting creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Music plays on a loop, contributing to a relaxing vibe suitable for family meals or gatherings. Sushi offerings include fresh, high-quality fish with visually appealing presentations.

Lunch specials include free miso soup and salad. The salad often comes with crab rangoons and pairs well with various sushi rolls and nigiri.

Prices stay pretty cheap compared to other Japanese spots without cutting into the food quality. Portions come in generous sizes for the price, though the calamari uses frozen kind.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is so fresh and tasty."

"I thought the salad was delicious and fresh."

"The food here is pretty cheap for the amount you get."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat option includes appetizers, sashimi, nigiri, and dessert.

2

Lunch specials offer three rolls for $15.45, providing good value.

3

Expect a short wait time for food during busy hours.

09
Jimmy's Gyros & Grill image 1
Fast food restaurant

Tiny fast food spot blends Greek and American road culture with an open kitchen where staff prepare food in plain view. The atmosphere stays lively and welcoming, with chill music adding to the inviting vibe. Limited seating means most eat standing or take food to go.

Salads feature fresh, crisp vegetables with big chunks of tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. Greek salads include real Kalamata olives but sometimes have mostly lettuce with fewer tomatoes.

Prices stay cheap here, making it easy to grab greasy fast food without spending much. Food comes out quick and satisfies cravings on a budget.

People are saying

"I found the Greek food, especially the gyros, to be excellent."

"The Greek salad here has fresh, crisp vegetables and big chunks of feta."

"I thought the food here was cheap and yummy."

Good to know

1

Jimmy's Gyros & Grill offers a late night special.

2

The restaurant closes at 3am, making it a late-night option.

3

There is no bathroom available at the restaurant.

10
Kakashi Hibachi, Sushi & Ramen Express image 1

Restaurant interior retains 90s IHOP style with anime-themed decor and wall art that creates a lively, fun vibe. Atmosphere feels chill and relaxing with good music playing. Seating is organized with numbered tables, supporting a family-oriented environment.

Salads come with fresh ingredients and tasty ginger dressing that some even drink. They pair well with spring rolls and offer a healthy, light option at a good price.

Sushi rolls cost about $6 for 12 pieces, making them very cheap. Chinese food prices stay relatively cheap, but quality varies from good to sloppy.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and better than most options."

"The salad here is fresh and comes with a tasty ginger dressing."

"The sushi was amazing for how cheap it was."

Good to know

1

Lunch prices for hibachi meals are particularly low, making it a great deal.

2

The restaurant maintains a clean and welcoming environment for diners.

3

Sashimi is not available on the menu, so plan accordingly.

11
Art of Pizza on State Street image 1

Small space with limited seating and a walk-up counter offers deep dish pizza by the slice, a rare find. Atmosphere feels cozy and local, with a vibe that suits families and casual diners. The place gets crowded quickly, reflecting its popularity despite its modest size.

Salads range from amazing beet salad to almost tasteless vegetables. Dressings vary, with some tasting sour and others complementing the greens well.

Prices stay cheap across the menu, especially for pizza by the slice. Food fills you up without costing much.

People are saying

"The deep dish pizza here is amazing and worth every bite."

"I found the pizza here to be cheap and very filling."

"I thought the beet salad was amazing."

Good to know

1

Deep dish pizza by the slice is available, which is uncommon.

2

Slices cost between $4 and $6, making it economical.

3

The restaurant does not have a public restroom for customers.

12
Mr. Submarine image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop buzzes with high energy and a loud atmosphere that fills the space. Most people use the fast drive-thru, especially late at night when it stays open until 2am or 4am on weekends. Affordable prices and hearty, flavorful meals make it a popular spot for filling fast food.

Salads feature generous chicken portions and fresh fixings. Options include Greek salad, grilled chicken salad, and julienne salad, all with solid flavor and good variety.

Offers affordable food options like sandwiches and hotdogs. Serves as a reliable spot for cheap meals even late at night.

People are saying

"It's my go-to late night spot for good, cheap food."

"The salads here are amazing, especially the grilled chicken."

"I could feed two bands of people for $20 with their cheap subs."

Good to know

1

Mr. Submarine stays open until 4am on weekends.

2

Inside the restaurant closes early, leaving only the drive-thru open until 2am.

3

The drive-thru is fast, but the parking lot can be a disaster.

Discover more

Illinois

Area guide
Loading Map...