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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Chicago

Cheap eats

Made for those who prioritize keeping their expenses low without sacrificing their ability to eat out regularly.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated April 2026
01
Reed's Local image 1
Reed's Local image 2
Reed's Local image 3
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Dive bar with punk rock charm offers cheap beer and shot specials. Cozy, community vibe with live local music and pinball machines. Attracts a queer-friendly crowd and keeps it authentic with a cash-only policy.

Divey, punk rocky bar with a cash-only policy offers cheap beer and shot specials. Prices for beers like Hamm's and handshake combos stay unbeatable.

People are saying

"The karaoke nights here are really lively and fun."

"It's a classic local dive bar with tons of charm."

"I found the beer to be cheap, especially the Hamm's and handshake combos."

Good to know

1

Karaoke nights are on Saturdays and Tuesdays, starting at 8pm.

2

Reed's Local is a cash-only bar; an ATM is available on-site.

3

Prices for drinks are welcoming, with beers starting around $4.

02
Kung Fu Pizza Bar image 1
Pizza restaurant

Ordering happens through a tiny walk-up window with nostalgic decor. Prices are hilariously cheap for quality pizza slices and deep dish. No indoor seating means quick, convenient service for those seeking value.

Pizza slices and deep dish pizzas come at a hilariously cheap price without sacrificing quality. You can grab good, cheap pizza right out of a window at Kung Fu Pizza Bar.

People are saying

"It's the perfect little late night pizza slice."

"The owner is so nice and a total pizza expert."

"I got really good, cheap pizza for a hilariously low price."

Good to know

1

The price for two slices and a soda is $5, plus tax.

2

Kung Fu Pizza Bar operates as a walk-up and take-out only establishment.

3

The establishment is open late at night for pizza cravings.

03
Connect Cell Repair image 1
Cell phone store

Small shop with quick service and affordable prices. Skilled techs fix phones and laptops fast. Focus stays on value and speed, making it a cheap choice for repairs.

Offers very cheap prices on phones like the 12 pro. Service is fast and affordable.

People are saying

"Omar fixed my phone quickly and I haven't had problems since."

"I found the service and prices to be really affordable."

"I found the repair service to be cheap and fast."

Good to know

1

My iPhone was repaired within 20 minutes.

2

Omar and his associates are skilled with all electronics.

3

They charge reasonable prices for their services.

04
Liar’s Club image 1

Classic dive bar with cheap drinks and a dark, gritty atmosphere. Loud, powerful live music fuels a vibrant punk scene. Tight layout offers space to dance without feeling cramped.

Cheap drinks include beer and shots. Prices stay low throughout the menu.

People are saying

"I found the live music here to be great and the vibes were rad."

"This bar's punk vibe is dark, gritty, and loud."

"The drinks here are cheap, especially the beer and shots."

Good to know

1

Liar’s Club is cash only, so bring cash for drinks.

2

Street parking is the only option available near Liar’s Club.

3

They host Kiss karaoke around Halloween every year.

05
Rainbo Club image 1

Classic dive bar with inexpensive drinks and a vintage interior creates a chill vibe. Lighting suits reading or laptop work, making it great for quiet time. Unique film photo booth adds character to this cash-only spot.

Drinks come at cheap prices here, especially the beer. The place offers a solid selection of affordable drinks.

People are saying

"It's a classic, authentic dive bar with an old school vibe."

"The drinks here are cheap and ice cold."

"The nightlife here has great drinks and music for a good price."

Good to know

1

Rainbo Club only accepts cash payments.

2

Rainbo Club does not serve food, but they have chips if asked.

3

The crowd at Rainbo Club is mostly artists and locals.

06
Big Joe's image 1

Dive bar offers cheap pitchers and affordable beer in a lively, quirky setting with turtle races. Crowd enjoys local charm and tasty pizza offerings for a fun, relaxed night out.

Cheap pitchers and affordable beer stand out here. Drinks consistently come at a low price.

People are saying

"You've gotta check out the Friday night turtle races at the bar."

"You have to check out the turtle races; they're a blast!"

"I found the drinks here to be cheap."

Good to know

1

Big Joe's is cash only; bring cash for drinks and food.

2

Turtle races happen every Friday night, offering a lively atmosphere.

3

Expect a fun and energetic vibe during the turtle races.

07
SKM Smoke image 1
Smoke shop

Shop offers wide selection of cigars, cigarettes, and weed at very cheap prices. Quality is best in area with a vibe like a hidden gem recently reopened.

Prices stay consistently cheap here. Pre-rolls and other items cost less than at many other stores.

People are saying

"I found the prices here to be really cheap."

Good to know

1

Prices are generally lower than other smoke shops in the area.

2

SKM Smoke offers a wide selection of cigars, cigarettes, and weed products.

3

The shop recently reopened after a long closure.

08
Sovereign Liquors image 1

Dive bar with strong drinks and cheap prices offers a chill vibe and the best jukebox in town. Seating is decent, and patrons can bring their own food. Bar is cash-only with no craft beer or cocktails.

Strong drinks come at a cheap price here. The beer selection also stays affordable throughout.

People are saying

"I found it to be a great, quintessential dive bar."

"I found it to be a quintessential dive bar."

"I found the beer to be cheap and strong."

Good to know

1

Sovereign Liquors does not serve food but allows customers to bring their own.

2

Sovereign Liquors is a cash-only bar.

3

There isn't a way to lock the bathroom door at Sovereign Liquors.

09
Sky Ride Tap image 1

Long bar with wood panel walls and neon signs sets a classic dive bar vibe. Drinks are cheap, offering great value on bottles and beer. Cash-only policy keeps it simple and authentic under the elevated train tracks.

Drinks come at a cheap price here, including both bottles and beer. The place offers great value for money on its beverages.

People are saying

"This classic Chicago dive bar has a great old-school vibe for beer."

"This dive bar only accepts cash, so come prepared."

"I found the drinks here to be cheap and offered great value."

Good to know

1

Sky Ride Tap accepts only cash, so come prepared.

2

There is no food menu; only chips and pretzels are available.

3

Beers can be purchased for to-go consumption.

10
DD Nail Supply ( Biggest in Chicago ) image 1

Beauty supply store shines with wide selection of nail and lash products at very cheap prices. Space feels welcoming and peaceful, perfect for nail care lovers. Clean, well-lit environment makes shopping easy and pleasant.

Prices stay consistently very cheap across a wide range of nail supplies. The store offers a big selection with affordable options for everything needed.

People are saying

"I thought the prices were great and affordable."

"I found parking was available and not an issue."

"I found the prices to be really cheap."

Good to know

1

DD Nail Supply offers a wide variety of nail and lash products.

2

Prices at DD Nail Supply are very affordable compared to other stores.

3

Parking is easy and accessible at DD Nail Supply.

11
Cole's Bar image 1

Narrow space blends dive bar vibes with live jam bands and local art. Wooden booths create a relaxed feel for a diverse, lively crowd. Affordable drinks, especially the house lager, keep energy authentic and budget-friendly.

Cheap drinks stand out here, especially the house lager which is both tasty and affordable compared to typical American beers.

People are saying

"It's a chill, friendly dive bar with pool tables and live music."

"I had a blast at the super funny comedy show."

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

Good to know

1

There is a $10 minimum for card payments, equivalent to two drinks.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere with frequent live events like comedy and music.

3

Open mic nights happen regularly, showcasing local talent.

12
Afghan House image 1
Restaurant

Cozy Afghan-style seating with floor cushions and warm lighting sets a welcoming mood. Prices stay very low, with chapli kabob at $12.99. Large windows offer lively street views, blending culture and affordability.

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."

"The chapli kebabs here are juicy, tender, and bursting with bold flavors."

"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.

13
Frank and Mary's Tavern image 1

Classic dive bar with fishing theme offers cheap drinks and a sunlit patio. Atmosphere stays cozy and relaxed, drawing an older crowd who enjoy sharing stories. Multiple TVs and a jukebox add to the lively yet low-key vibe.

Cheap drinks and cheap beers make this spot a go-to for locals. The bar keeps things simple with good service and a sunlit patio in warmer months.

People are saying

"It's a great old neighborhood bar with a cool dive feel."

"The beer here is great, and the bartender is super friendly."

"I loved drinking cheap beers with my friends here."

Good to know

1

Lunch is served from 11 AM to 2 PM on weekdays.

2

They host a Monday Night Foodball pop-up event.

3

Expect a rotating selection of local cooks at food pop-ups.

14
The Corner Bar image 1

Indoor-only dive bar offers cheap drinks like affordable beer and tall boys. Dog-friendly policy welcomes pets, adding to the cozy neighborhood vibe. Free popcorn and games like darts create a relaxed atmosphere with a fun local crowd.

Cheap drinks include affordable beer and tall boys. The bar welcomes dogs.

People are saying

"I found it to be a great, classic Chicago dive bar."

"They have darts, popcorn, and TouchTunes here."

"They offered cheap tall boys."

Good to know

1

The bar is dog friendly and encourages pets.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere, great for meeting new people.

3

The bar is an indoor-only establishment.

15
Bernice's Tavern image 1

Small, family-run dive bar with cheap drinks and a cash-only setup. Intimate atmosphere features live jazz music and a laid-back vibe. Friendly locals create a colorful community feel despite limited liquor and no food.

Offers very cheap drinks with a no frills local bar vibe.

People are saying

"The live music here makes the atmosphere really great."

"I found this dive bar to have the best people and atmosphere."

"I thought it was a spectacular dive bar."

Good to know

1

Bernice's Tavern is cash only; bring cash for drinks and games.

2

Bingo night, called 'Stingo', happens every Wednesday with fun prizes.

3

Live music performances occur regularly, enhancing the bar's lively atmosphere.

16
Max's Place image 1

Neighborhood dive bar offers cheap drinks and a dog-friendly patio. It welcomes the LGBTQ+ community with a friendly vibe. Music from a jukebox keeps the atmosphere lively yet relaxed.

Drinks come at a cheap price here. The spot keeps a dive bar feel with affordable options.

People are saying

"You can get a great selection of cold beers here."

"It's a classic dive bar with a very queer-friendly vibe."

"I found the drinks here to be cheap."

Good to know

1

Max's Place is LGBTQ+ friendly and owned.

2

The bar has the cheapest drink prices around town.

3

Credit cards are accepted, making payment easy.

17
Timber Lanes Bowling Alley image 1

Old school bowling alley with manual scoring and well-maintained wood lanes offers a nostalgic atmosphere. Friendly crowd enjoys cheap drinks like PBR and whiskey at the small bar. Cash-only keeps prices affordable for relaxed fun.

Cheap drinks and affordable prices make this bowling alley stand out. The lanes stay in great condition while keeping costs low.

People are saying

"It's a fun, old school bowling alley with a nostalgic atmosphere."

"It's a super chill atmosphere here."

"I loved the cheap drinks here."

Good to know

1

Timber Lanes is cash only, so bring cash for payments.

2

Parking at Timber Lanes can be limited, so arrive early.

3

They host bowling leagues throughout the year.

18
Brando's Lincoln Park image 1

Bar blends upscale karaoke with cheap drinks that taste great. Cozy, classy decor sets a fun mood. DJs and hosts keep energy high with live music and easy song queues.

Drinks come at a cheap price and taste great. Prices stand out as reasonable compared to most spots in the city.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are phenomenal, especially during karaoke."

"I found the happy hour deals here to be amazing."

"The drinks here are cheap and taste great."

Good to know

1

Karaoke is free, but tips for the DJ are appreciated.

2

Happy hour runs daily from 5 to 7 PM with discounted drinks.

3

There is no cover charge to enter the bar.

19
Redhot Ranch image 1
Hot dog restaurant

White fluorescent lighting brightens a casual dining room with nostalgic hot dog vibe and plenty of seating. Burgers and hot dogs offer cheap prices without losing classic Chicago flavor. Cash-only policy with an on-site ATM keeps transactions simple and old-school.

Burgers and hot dogs come at a cheap price with no pretentiousness. The food shows classic Chicago charm and rivals more expensive spots in quality.

People are saying

"These burgers are juicy and have great flavor."

"The burgers and fries here are a great late-night spot."

"I found the burgers here to be cheap and great."

Good to know

1

Redhot Ranch accepts only cash payments.

2

Meals cost less than $10, with burgers starting at $7.00 after tax.

3

Parking at Redhot Ranch could be tricky.

20
Northern Taste image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious setting blends modern vibes with traditional dining and ceramicware. Enjoy authentic Northeastern Chinese cuisine with generous portions at very cheap prices. Atmosphere feels like a family gathering with quiet energy and no background music.

Dishes come at very cheap prices without sacrificing quality. The food offers great value for the cost.

People are saying

"The food here is super affordable and delicious."

"I found the northern Chinese food here to be really authentic."

"I found the dishes here to be very cheap."

Good to know

1

The lunch specials are around $7, offering great value.

2

Portion sizes are generous, making it ideal for sharing.

3

They provide free bottled water with your meal.

21
Chiu Quon Bakery 超群茶餐廳 image 1

Small space with an outdated interior offers an authentic Cantonese bakery experience focused on homemade dim sum and Portuguese egg tarts. Atmosphere is calm, less lively than Chinatown, with cash-only and carry-out policies. Lines form slowly on weekends, reflecting steady local demand.

People are saying

"I found the baked goods to be affordable and of good quality."

"The Portuguese egg tarts from this bakery are light, flaky, and delicious."

"The food and baked goods here are really good and cheap."

Good to know

1

The bakery is cash-only, so bring cash when visiting.

2

Expect long lines during weekends, especially late morning.

3

The bakery is carry-out only with no indoor seating.

22
PROPER PIZZA CHICAGO image 1
Pizza restaurant

Modern diner offers cozy family seating and a lowkey vibe. Large, cheap pizza with fresh ingredients pairs well with good drinks. Cleanliness and comfort make it inviting for affordable meals.

Large, cheap pizza pairs with good drinks at this spot. It offers a nice vibe for those seeking affordable options.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I'd had in years."

"The front area feels like a cozy family room, perfect for relaxing."

"You can get cheap, good drinks and pizza here."

Good to know

1

They offer a walk-in deal of a slice plus a drink for $6.99.

2

Expect no wait times even on busy weekends.

3

The large slice and a pop cost about $7.

23
ALDI image 1
Supermarket

Supermarket offers wide variety of fresh and organic products at very low prices. Layout is efficient and space stays clean, making shopping quick and convenient. Quality food and affordable pet supplies stand out.

Prices stay consistently cheap across all products. Items remain fresh and convenient while keeping costs low.

People are saying

"I got great value for my money at this grocery store."

"I found the prices here to be really cheap and affordable."

"I found the food selection here to be great for the price."

Good to know

1

ALDI offers a wide variety of fresh produce at low prices.

2

Expect to find organic options at very economical prices.

3

The store layout is efficient, making shopping quick and easy.

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