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
Photo courtesy of hopleaf.com
Average plate: $16
Dish to try: Duck reuben
http://hopleaf.com/
2. bopNgrill
Photo courtesy of bngrill.com
Average plate: $8
Dish to try: Umami burger
http://bngrill.com/
3. Irazu
Photo courtesy of rachelleb.com
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
Photo courtesy of nanaorganic.com
Average plate: $12
Dish to try: Huevos rancheros
http://nanaorganic.com/
5. Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap
Photo courtesy of dinersdriveinsdiveslocations.com
Average plate: $13
Dish to try: Eggplant parmigiana
http://www.tufanosrestaurant.com/
6. BIG & littles
Photo courtesy of chicago.seriouseats.com
Average plate: $4
Dish to try: Spicy beef short rib taco
http://www.bigandlittleschicago.com/
7. Chicago Brauhaus
Photo courtesy of dinersdriveinsdiveslocations.com
Average plate: $18
Dish to try: Schweine schnitzel
http://www.chicagobrauhaus.com/
8. Paradise Pup
Photo courtesy of roadfood.com
Average plate: $4
Dish to try: Char cheddar burger
No website
9. Chilam Balam
Courtesy of kitchit.com
Average plate: $13
Dish to try: Flank steak
http://www.chilambalamchicago.com/
10. White Palace Grill
Photo courtesy of dinersdriveinsdiveslocations.com
Average plate: $8
Dish to try: Biscuits and gravy
http://www.whitepalacegrill.com/
11. Smoque
Photo courtesy of urbanspoon.com
Average plate: $11
Dish to try: Sliced brisket
http://smoquebbq.com/
12. Rex Italian Foods
Photo courtesy of seamless.com
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!)
Photo courtesy of dmkrestaurants.com
Average plate: $9
Dish to try: Bison burger
http://dmkburgerbar.com/
14. Taste of Peru
Photo courtesy of 417mag.com
Average plate: $18
Dish to try: Ceviche especial
http://tasteofperu.com/
15. Hackney’s
Photo courtesy of chicago.seriouseats.com
Average plate: $11
Dish to try: Pretzel burger or French fried onions
http://www.hackneysprintersrow.net/
16. 90 Miles Cuban Cafe
Photo courtesy of 90milescubancafe.com
Average plate: $13
Dish to try: Fricase de puerco
http://90milescubancafe.com/
17. Glenn’s Diner
Photo courtesy of chicagogluttons.com
Average plate: $18
Dish to try: Catch of the day
http://www.glennsdiner.com/
18. Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria
Photo courtesy of chicagoseriouseats.com
Average plate: $13
Dish to try: Thin crust pizza
http://vitoandnicks.com/
19. Cemita’s Puebla
Photo courtesy of brodaily.com
Average plate: $6
Dish to try: Carne asada cemita
http://www.cemitaspuebla.com/
20. Honky Tonk BBQ
Photo courtesy of honkytonkbbqchicago.com
Average plate: $10
Dish to try: Baby back ribs
http://honkytonkbbqchicago.com/
21. Tre Kronor
Photo courtesy of urbaninsider.com
Average plate: $10
Dish to try: Vanilla and orange French toast
http://www.trekronorrestaurant.com/#/home
22. Garifuna Flava
Photo courtesy of chicago.seriouseats.com
Average plate: $11
Dish to try: Conch fritters
http://www.garifunaflava.com/
23. Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café
Photo courtesy of dinersdriveinsdiveslocations.com
Average plate: $12
Dish to try: Chicken fried chicken
http://www.chuckscafe.com/Home.html
24. Kuma’s Corner
Photo courtesy of flickr.com
Average plate: $12
Dish to try: The Slayer
http://www.kumascorner.com/
Graphic by Spoon University