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Cheap soup

A bowl of soup that fits a tight budget without feeling like you are sacrificing the quality of the meal.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Afghan House image 1
Afghan House image 2
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Restaurant

Traditional Afghan-style seating with floor cushions and carpeted areas creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Warm lighting and authentic decor reflect Afghan culture, complemented by traditional music. The space welcomes groups with long tables and offers views of street activity through large windows.

A complimentary bowl of chicken soup starts the meal, featuring chicken and lamb with a strong black pepper flavor. Portions come generous and serve as a tasty, warming starter.

Prices stay very low with the chapli kabob at just $12.99. Food overall comes at a very cheap rate.

People are saying

"I found the Afghani food to be authentic and delicious."

"I got a complimentary chicken soup that was delicious."

"I thought the food here was very cheap."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of authentic Afghan dishes.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food served.

3

Seating can be limited during peak hours.

02
4 Seasons image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant with a simple, barebones dining area and authentic, home-cooked vibe. Atmosphere feels like eating in someone's kitchen, with rich flavors and cash or Zelle-only payment. Known for high-quality pho and banh mi that many consider the best in the city.

Soups here have excellent flavor and are very hearty. The pho noodle soup and the seafood-based Hu Tiu stand out for their authentic taste and filling portions.

Prices stay pretty cheap compared to other pho spots nearby. Food quality matches the low cost, making it a good value option.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here is authentic, fresh, and delicious."

"I thought the pho soup was so good and delicious."

"The food here is really good and quite cheap."

Good to know

1

Cash is the only accepted payment method; Zelle is also accepted.

2

Bring cash as cards are not accepted.

3

The portions served are very generous for the price.

03
Gorilla Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi restaurant with limited seating and a clean, simple decor featuring paper umbrellas on the walls. Atmosphere feels cozy but cramped, with a mix of quiet dining and loud music that can feel like a disco. Offers fresh sushi at great prices in a relaxed setting.

Rich, flavorful miso soup comes in generous servings and includes a spicy option that serves quickly. The soup pairs well with Unagi and suits cold days perfectly.

Prices stay very cheap while the sushi remains pretty good for what you pay. The menu offers delicious options without stretching your budget.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, creative, and absolutely delicious."

"I loved the spicy miso soup; it was rich and flavorful."

"I found the sushi here to be cheap and pretty good."

Good to know

1

Gorilla Sushi offers affordable sushi with a variety of traditional and fusion rolls.

2

Dine-in and carry-out options are available for convenience.

3

Parking can be an issue, so plan accordingly.

04
Gorilla Sushi Wicker Park image 1

Small sushi restaurant offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere with good music and real chopsticks enhancing the dining experience. The space feels cozy and welcoming, suited for quiet evenings or casual dates. Affordable prices pair with high-quality sushi to create a satisfying local spot.

Miso soup here stands out for its freshness and a spicy jalapeño kick in the spicy version. Some find it a bit watered down, but overall it offers a unique flavor worth trying.

Sushi comes at very cheap prices without sacrificing quality. Service is fast and the overall cost feels fair and affordable.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi was very affordable and of incredible quality."

"The sushi here is surprisingly cheap and delicious."

"I thought the miso soup was really good and fresh."

Good to know

1

Cash is required for purchases less than $15.

2

The prices for food are great at $4.49 per plate.

3

A $5 menu is available for select items.

05
AMMAN KABAB MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small restaurant inside a bustling international market offers a loud, friendly atmosphere with plenty of seating. The space feels compact yet lively, surrounded by grocery store activity. Known for affordable, fresh halal Mediterranean dishes, it stands out for excellent chicken shawarma and falafel.

Lentil Soup stands out for being affordable and fresh with a rich flavor. Vegetable soup also offers a delicious option, and sometimes soup comes free on the house.

Prices stay consistently cheap across the menu. Falafel stands out as both tasty and affordable, making it a solid choice.

People are saying

"I found the chicken shawarma wrap to be heavenly with lots of meat and garlic sauce."

"I found the lentil soup to be very delicious and affordable."

"The food here is super cheap and really tasty."

Good to know

1

On Taco Tuesday, the restaurant offers a buy 2 get 1 free deal.

2

One chicken shawarma wrap costs $7.99 and is filling.

3

Everything is halal, catering to dietary restrictions.

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.

Soups feature meat that falls off the bone, fresh dill, and herbs for a homemade taste. Options include dumpling soup, lamb soup, Manti, and beef varieties.

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 beef dumpling soup here is the best I've ever tasted."

"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
Lee's Wok image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small counter with several stools offers minimal seating, emphasizing pickup and delivery over dining in. Atmosphere feels unwelcoming and lacks ambiance. Known for huge portions, amazing prices, and authentic high-temperature wok cooking.

Egg drop soup stands out with a strong salty flavor and solid texture. Crab Rangoon offers a crispy, flavorful bite that complements the soup well.

Food comes with cheap prices and generous portion sizes. Meals taste good and cost little.

People are saying

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

"I thought the food was cheap and I got a large amount."

"The egg drop soup was very good, though a bit salty."

Good to know

1

Lee's Wok is primarily a pick-up or delivery place, not suitable for dining in.

2

Expect large portions for a reasonable price at Lee's Wok.

3

The website menu and the in-store menu are different.

08
Mickey's Gyros image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant with a newly remodeled, immaculately clean interior and fresh, never precooked meat. Energy feels amazing and lively, attracting those who appreciate generous portions and affordable prices. Gyros stand out as a signature offering, often praised for quality and size.

Homemade broccoli and cheese soup stands out with its rich flavor. The soup of the day often offers tasty variety. Sampling is available from the new owner.

Portions come fulfilling and prices stay cheap. Meals offer good value without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"You have to try the gyro plates; the gyro meat is so tasty."

"The new owner offered me soup to sample."

"The food here is so good and fresh."

Good to know

1

Mickey's Gyros offers generous portion sizes at reasonable prices.

2

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and well-maintained environment.

3

All meat served is fresh and not precooked.

09
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.

Free miso soup comes with meals. The staff is friendly and offers it generously.

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 cheap and delicious."

"They gave us free miso soup."

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.

10
Best Intentions image 1

Bar combines retro neighborhood vibe with a large hidden patio and video games. Atmosphere feels like a local pub with country and rock music, attracting a crowd mostly over 45 years old. Cocktails are creative and the setting mixes funky, nostalgic elements with consistent comfort.

Matzo ball soup stands out with its outrageous flavor and hearty quality. It pairs well with other dishes but shines on its own.

Drinks come at incredibly cheap prices, especially domestic draft beer. The menu offers a great variety, from cheap beer to high-end whiskey and proper cocktails.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best bar in the city."

"The beer and mixed drinks here are cheap."

"I thought the soup here was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The bar can get quite crowded, especially on weekends.

2

Seating is first come, first serve, so arrive early.

3

Parking in the area may be a little difficult.

11
Legend Dumpling + Bao image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space offers authentic flavors and a homey, cozy atmosphere with self-order kiosks and a self-serving sauce station. The vibe is casual and welcoming, attracting those seeking affordable, well-portioned Chinese dumplings and bao. Decor is simple but pleasant, enhancing the overall experience.

Soups feature tender black chicken and Korean ginseng, with options like seaweed and pork rib and vegetarian varieties. Rice noodles can be paired with any soup base, and prices stay reasonable given the quality.

Food comes with very cheap prices and large portions. Bao and other dishes offer solid value without skimping on quality.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings were the best part of the meal."

"I was so happy to find tasty vegan Bao Buns here."

"I thought the Taiwanese beef noodle soup was the best I had in Chicago."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $2.50 per hour using a mobile app.

2

A bathroom is available for paying customers only.

3

They offer a variety of vegetarian and pescatarian options.

12
Eto'o Modern Asian Cuisine image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Small, cozy space offers wide selection of Asian fusion dishes with huge portions suitable for sharing. Atmosphere feels cool and quiet, with reasonable prices matching the generous servings. Food blends traditional flavors with creative touches, featuring standout soups and curries.

Chicken Tom Kha Kai stands out as a top soup choice with a perfect balance of spice when requested. Other notable options include Tom Tha Kai and tofu seaweed soup, both complementing meals well.

Food comes at a cheap price and tastes good. Noodles use rehydrated dry variety, keeping costs low.

People are saying

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

"You get so much food here, it's a great value."

"I loved their chicken skewers and shrimp soup."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a wide selection of Asian fusion dishes.

2

Portions are large, making them suitable for sharing.

3

Takeout orders are packaged neatly and securely.

13
EL RINCON DE FABIO LLC image 1
Venezuelan restaurant

Small space filled with beautiful Venezuelan decor and a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Latin music plays softly, creating an awesome vibe that feels welcoming and pleasant. Outdoor patio offers a nice option for seating in good weather.

Sancocho offers a warm, brothy base filled with chunks of potato, beef, and chicken. The beef soup tastes homemade and captures a Venezuelan flavor.

Food comes in huge portions and costs very little. Specials offer solid, cheap bites but some dishes use cheap ingredients and have small portions.

People are saying

"I found the pabellón arepa to be delicious."

"I found the sancocho soup warm and satisfying."

"The food here is cheap, tasty, and has huge portions."

Good to know

1

Free drinks are offered after 5pm every day.

2

Enjoy free margaritas daily after 2:00 PM.

3

Free wine is available on Fridays.

14
Joong Boo Market Schaumburg image 1
Korean grocery store

Bright, clean space with wide aisles and a large fish and meat counter creates an inviting shopping environment. Loud music adds a nightclub-like energy, while a connected food court offers diverse dining options. Free samples and a point system enhance the experience for shoppers.

Fish cake udon soup features springy noodles and an umami broth with Narutomaki and plenty of fish cakes. Codfish soup stands out as excellent, while fish egg and kimchi soups lack depth and have sparse ingredients.

Many items come at very cheap prices here. The store stays clean and well-stocked with a variety of products.

People are saying

"This grocery store has a huge assortment of fresh Asian foods."

"The codfish soup was excellent, and the galbitang is recommended."

"I found so many items available at very cheap prices."

Good to know

1

During weekends or Fridays, they have samples around the store to try some of the food.

2

The grocery store is open from 8 am to 9 pm.

3

The parking lot has been expanded for better access.

15
Thai House Restaurant image 1
Thai restaurant

Small space with a cozy, intimate atmosphere and a homely feel. Interior shows quaint charm despite some clutter, creating a quiet dining experience. Offers large portions with a variety of vegan options.

Tom Yum soup stands out with strong flavor and consistent quality. The Tom Kha and coconut soups also receive positive attention, though soups come at a relatively high price.

Prices stay dirt cheap here. Food comes at a low cost and tastes decent for what you pay.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is fresh and delicious."

"I found the Tom Yum soup to be awesome."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a large variety of Thai and Chinese dishes.

2

Online ordering is easy to navigate through their website.

3

Vegan options are available for those with dietary restrictions.

16
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.

Miso soup comes very hot with small pieces of tofu. The soup pairs well with a salad dressed in ginger dressing that is flavorful enough to drink.

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 sushi was amazing for how cheap it was."

"The miso soup here is delicious with small pieces of tofu."

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.

17
Mr. Submarine image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop offers hefty 12-inch subs with excellent bread and a blend of white American cheddar and Swiss cheese. Atmosphere stays clean and inviting with a glass window showing the kitchen. Prices remain very reasonable, making it a popular spot for budget-friendly lunches.

Soups come with subs and drinks for around $10 to $12 after tax. The cream of chicken soup is a bit salty but still tasty. Both the chili and soup offer good flavor.

People are saying

"The staff here are super friendly and welcoming."

"You get a lot of food for the price, including soup."

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

Good to know

1

Prices for a sub, soup, and drink start at around $10 after tax.

2

Expect fast service even if the line looks long.

3

They accept Apple Pay and other mobile payment methods.

18
Yep Kitchen (AYCE Sushi & Hotpot )源记茶餐厅 image 1

Huge dining room with modern design and electronic tablet ordering creates a bright, clean, and efficient environment. Atmosphere feels family-friendly and lively, with cozy decor and pleasant music. Cantonese and sushi dishes offer authentic flavors that complement the warm vibe.

Wonton soup features perfectly cooked noodles and a mild but flavorful broth. Shrimp and pork wontons add a nice balance without overpowering the soup.

Food offers authentic flavors and is generally cheap and filling. However, some items or visits may not feel cheap.

People are saying

"The food here is beautifully prepared and bursting with flavor."

"The food here is so cheap and filling."

"The wonton soup here is perfect, rated 5 out of 5."

Good to know

1

Parking on the Clark Street lot can be validated at the restaurant.

2

Expect a 1-hour wait time for dim sum on busy days like Christmas.

3

Breakfast or lunch specials come with a free hot drink before 11 AM or after 2:30 PM.

19
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.

Miso soup comes free with the lunch special and pairs with cucumber salad. Sushi and soup share a similar temperature, which can make eating them together tricky.

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."

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

"I ordered the crab rangoon, and it's one of the best I've had."

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.

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