Recipe

24 Must-Visit Chicago Restaurants from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

By Stephanie Marshall at Spoon University

Chicago is a city after any foodie’s heart, but it can be hard to find places that fit a college budget. We’ve compiled a list of restaurants featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” so you can enjoy all the tastiness without having to watch Guy go to Flavortown.

1. Hopleaf Bar

Average plate: $16
Dish to try: Duck reuben
http://hopleaf.com/

2. bopNgrill

Average plate: $8
Dish to try: Umami burger
http://bngrill.com/

3. Irazu

Average plate: $7
Dish to try: Chifrijo (fried pork layered with whole black beans, white rice, pico de gallo and topped with avocado)
http://irazuchicago.com/

4. Nana

Average plate: $12
Dish to try: Huevos rancheros
http://nanaorganic.com/

5. Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap

Average plate: $13
Dish to try: Eggplant parmigiana
http://www.tufanosrestaurant.com/

6. BIG & littles

Average plate: $4
Dish to try: Spicy beef short rib taco
http://www.bigandlittleschicago.com/

7. Chicago Brauhaus

Average plate: $18
Dish to try: Schweine schnitzel
http://www.chicagobrauhaus.com/

8. Paradise Pup

Average plate: $4
Dish to try: Char cheddar burger
No website

9. Chilam Balam

Average plate: $13
Dish to try: Flank steak
http://www.chilambalamchicago.com/

10. White Palace Grill

Average plate: $8
Dish to try: Biscuits and gravy
http://www.whitepalacegrill.com/

11. Smoque

Average plate: $11
Dish to try: Sliced brisket
http://smoquebbq.com/

12. Rex Italian Foods

Average plate: $7
Dish to try: Sicilian schiacciata
http://www.rexitalianfoods.com/

13. DMK Burger Bar

(In case you didn’t know, this is also coming to Evanston!)

Average plate: $9
Dish to try: Bison burger
http://dmkburgerbar.com/

14. Taste of Peru

Average plate: $18
Dish to try: Ceviche especial
http://tasteofperu.com/

15. Hackney’s

Average plate: $11
Dish to try: Pretzel burger or French fried onions
http://www.hackneysprintersrow.net/

16. 90 Miles Cuban Cafe

Average plate: $13
Dish to try: Fricase de puerco
http://90milescubancafe.com/

17. Glenn’s Diner

Average plate: $18
Dish to try: Catch of the day
http://www.glennsdiner.com/

18. Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria

Average plate: $13
Dish to try: Thin crust pizza
http://vitoandnicks.com/

19. Cemita’s Puebla

Average plate: $6
Dish to try: Carne asada cemita
http://www.cemitaspuebla.com/

20. Honky Tonk BBQ

Average plate: $10
Dish to try: Baby back ribs
http://honkytonkbbqchicago.com/

21. Tre Kronor

Average plate: $10
Dish to try: Vanilla and orange French toast
http://www.trekronorrestaurant.com/#/home

22. Garifuna Flava

Average plate: $11
Dish to try: Conch fritters
http://www.garifunaflava.com/

23. Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café

Average plate: $12
Dish to try: Chicken fried chicken
http://www.chuckscafe.com/Home.html

24. Kuma’s Corner

Average plate: $12
Dish to try: The Slayer
http://www.kumascorner.com/