Want a break from the typical dining hall foods? Spending your hard-earned money on quality food doesn't have to come with a hefty double digit price tag. If you are looking for some inexpensive food beyond the scope of McDonalds or Taco Bell, check out these cheap eats at Loyola. Here are 11 restaurants in Edgewater and Rogers Park that won't break your bank.
1. Ghareeb Nawaz
This 24/7 nook is across from Loyola's Hoyne soccer field which is perfect for pre or post-game meals. Ghareeb Nawaz by far takes the crown for best value given portion to price ratio. This Indo-Pakistani restaurant has the perfect dishes for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. The best part is that these portions make great leftovers when you don't feel like leaving your room.
2. Mariano's Edgewater
For only $7, you can get a complete meal of an entree and two sides. This northern Illinois grocer offers takeaway meals that have a variety of options that suit all kinds of dietary needs. Whats even better is that their portions are generous and could easily last you two meals.
3. Flacos Tacos
This casual taco joint offers a variety of meat and veggie burritos and tacos all under $10. Every week on "taco Tuesday" you can get the featured taco for only $1! Additionally, they have different specials like $5 featured burritos on Wednesdays and dinner plates for $9.95. All of their tortillas are 100% corn making them gluten free. Take that Taco Bell!
4. Cookies and Carnitas
Don’t underestimate these mighty tacos. Just one of these will fill you up. They offer both meat and vegetarian tacos, but if you're really feeling hungry, they also have a variety of sandwiches, pizzas, and even cookies that can be turned into ice cream sandwiches.
5. Aunty Joy's Jamaican Kitchen
This Jamaican restaurant offers a delicious and balanced plate of veggies, meats, and rice. This is the best comfort-tasting food when you’ve plowed through your prepared foods from home. They offer lunch specials starting at $6.49 and entrees starting at $8.99. Plus, if you really want to get cheap, show your Loyola ID and get 10% off any purchase.
6. Little Vietnam
This joint right off the Bryn Mawr stop offers a variety of vietnamese foods such as spring rolls, pho, and rice entrees. However, their banh mi’s are the stars. You can get an 8-inch sandwich for only $5 and wash it down with a thai iced tea for just $3.
7. Felice's Kitchen
Support your fellow Loyola Ramblers with this student run restaurant. They offer everything from classic pizzas like margherita and pepperoni to ambitious mash-ups like mac and cheese, BLT, and chicken parmesan. Follow their Instagram page to get notified with special deals (like BOGO pizza). You can get two squares of pizza for just $5, and if you’re feeling extra hungry, order some bombos for an additional $3.
8. Dak
At $9 for 5 pieces, this dish is pushing the envelope on price, but these wings are generous and hearty. The "dak sauce" is a finger-licking perfect blend of sweet and savory. Also, they don't serve just wings, they offer rice bowls and plates that are under $10 with scrumptious offers from Bulgogi to yummy marinated Tofu.
9. Nori Edgewater
This Chicago joint offers a variety of sushi ranging from classical rolls to wacky mash-ups and ambitious combinations, for a cheap price. On Mondays, they offer 50% off of signature maki rolls. How's that to kick off the week?
10. Bop N Grill
This asian inspired fast-casual restaurant has been featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and their delicious burgers and Kimchi Fries are priced at less than $10 each. On the weekends (Friday-Sunday,) you have to snag their famous cheesesteak egg rolls.
11. Blaze Pizza
This Cali-based pizza chain gives you a myriad of cheap food options at Loyola (just off of the Loyola red line.) It has options to suit everyone's liking. Depending on how much money you're willing to spend, you can go for the cheap side and get a $5 cheese pizza or for less than $9 you can put as many toppings as you want!
These are just a small handful of restaurants in the Loyola area that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Rogers Park is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Chicago and its food options demonstrate that. Get out of your comfort zone, support local businesses, and try something new!