Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Cheap food spots in the Loop

You have a budget to stick to and refuse to pay a premium for food that does not deliver on value.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Jimmy's Gyros & Grill image 1
Jimmy's Gyros & Grill image 2
Jimmy's Gyros & Grill image 3
View all
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.

Food here is consistently authentic Mediterranean cuisine made to perfection. The dishes deliver delicious flavors that stand out in the city.

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 food here is great and always fresh."

"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.

02
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.

Food offers amazing flavor at great prices under 10 dollars. Dishes come with delicious taste and consistent quality.

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."

"I thought the food here was amazing."

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.

03
Millennium Tacos & Dogs image 1
Hot dog restaurant

Underground hot dog spot inside a busy train station offers bold Polish sausage with expertly caramelized onions. Atmosphere is loud and bustling, fitting for a transit hub, with unbeatable prices downtown. No wait times and hidden location make it a convenient quick meal choice.

Massive portions of authentic Mexican fast food come with quick service and good quality. Breakfast options like burritos and BBQ add variety at a reasonable price.

Super cheap prices stand out here, especially for a downtown spot. The Chicago dog comes fast and offers a good, easy meal without breaking the bank.

People are saying

"I found the Chicago style hot dog to be the best downtown."

"I found the food here to be really good and amazing."

"I found a good, cheap meal that was tasty and inexpensive."

Good to know

1

Millennium Tacos & Dogs is located in an underground passage, making it a bit hard to find.

2

Hot dogs cost between $3.50 and $4.50, making it an affordable option.

3

The gyro costs $8.50, which is cheaper than many other places nearby.

04
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.

Food arrives hot and fresh with a fast turnover ensuring quick service. Portions are consistent and the spicy sauce adds a recommended kick.

People are saying

"The staff here are super friendly and welcoming."

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

"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.

05
Umi Sushi by Weight Chicago image 1

Small space with about 10 seats and a minimalist bar offers a calm, quiet atmosphere. Casual, fast-food vibe suits quick, affordable sushi meals. Self-service dispensers provide free sauces like spicy mayo and eel sauce, enhancing the simple setup.

Food tastes fresh and packs a lot of flavor. Sushi stands out as better than typical $15 Whole Foods sushi and works well for solo and to-go dining.

Charges by the pound make sushi here very cheap. Offers restaurant quality sushi at a low price, ideal for a quick lunch or dinner.

People are saying

"The sushi pieces here are huge and a great value."

"I was surprised at how cheap the sushi was for the huge portions."

"The food here is fresh, high quality, and super flavorful."

Good to know

1

Umi Sushi charges by weight, allowing you to try various sushi without ordering a whole roll.

2

Each tray weighs about 1 pound and costs around $15.

3

The prices are very affordable, with meals typically under $20.

06
Devil Dawgs on State image 1
Hot dog restaurant

Small, tightly packed hot dog spot with limited seating and a cozy interior. Loud, angsty house music fills the space, creating a lively, club-like atmosphere. Strong food and smoke aromas blend with a communal vibe popular among college students and tourists.

Food arrives quickly, often within 4 minutes, even when the place is packed. The menu offers a really nice variety with Chicago hotdogs and other options that are consistently delicious and excellent.

Offers cheap prices with Chicago style hot dogs that are both delicious and quick for a bite.

People are saying

"I loved the Chicago style hot dog; it was outstanding."

"The food here is fantastic and hot."

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

Good to know

1

Devil Dawgs on State doesn't accept cash payments; only credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

2

The seating area is limited, so be prepared for a wait during peak hours.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially around 5PM on Fridays.

07
Kong Dog image 1
Hot dog restaurant

Metal interior with Route 66 decor and a Kong dog mirror creates a cool atmosphere. Space includes counter seating and a few tables with a window view of a busy city street. Music and lighting contribute to a cozy vibe.

Amazing food stands out with consistently delicious hot dogs. Every visit delivers excellent flavor and great value for the quality offered.

Prices vary, with some items feeling cheap and others not matching the quality. Breadings add cost, making some dishes less affordable than expected.

People are saying

"I loved the crispy, golden corn dogs with juicy sausage."

"I found the food here to be pretty tasty and delicious."

"The food here is really cheap, especially for a quick bite."

Good to know

1

Prices for food items range from $5 to $15, depending on the selection.

2

The establishment has a 20% automatic gratuity added to all bills.

3

Cleanliness is an issue, with tables often sticky or greasy.

08
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.

Food here is consistently fantastic and excellent with a good variety of vegetarian options. Prices stay very cheap while maintaining great taste.

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."

"The deep dish pizza here is amazing and delicious."

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.

Discover more

Chicago Loop, Chicago

Area guide
Loading Map...