Best Cheap Eats Restaurants in Lakeview & Wrigleyville (60657)
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
DMK Burger Bar
Grass-fed gourmet burgers and standout fries anchored by a deep beer list.
Notable Picks
8.5
DMK Burger Bar is a long-running Lakeview burger spot where grass-fed patties, creative toppings, and serious fries anchor a casual gastropub feel. Locals lean on it for build-your-own burgers, Parmesan truffle fries, and a solid beer and cocktail list that stays reasonably priced for the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheese burger, Rambler burger, Parmesan truffle fries
What Makes it Special: Grass-fed gourmet burgers and standout fries anchored by a deep beer list.
8.4
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Brunch Bliss Spots
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Stella's Diner is a Lakeview East staple for big-plate breakfasts, bottomless coffee, and diner classics priced forgivingly for the city. Open since the 1960s, it’s the kind of place where regulars know the staff, portions run generous, and a single skillet or Reuben easily stretches into leftovers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stuffed French Toast, Corned Beef Hash Skillet, Reuben Sandwich
What Makes it Special: A 1960s neighborhood diner turning out oversized breakfasts and classic plates at still-reasonable prices.
#3
Chicken Hut
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Chicken Hut is a decades-old Broadway counter where charcoal-roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and pita anchor some of the most affordable full dinners in Lakeview. The menu is narrow, but the trade-off is consistently crispy skin, juicy meat, and plates that can easily feed two for the price of one entree elsewhere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole Chicken Dinner Special, Half Chicken with Two Sides, Quarter Dark with Pita and Potatoes
What Makes it Special: Cash-only rotisserie chicken plates with old-school pricing and portions that feel built for sharing.
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Joy's Noodles & Rice is a busy Thai standby in Lakeview East, known for sprawling menus of stir-fries, curries, and noodle dishes that keep prices just under typical neighborhood sit-down spots. It’s the kind of place where groups share plates of Pad Thai and curries at communal tables, often with a BYO bottle in tow.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Drunken Noodles
What Makes it Special: High-volume Thai spot where big noodle plates, curries, and BYO keep group dinners affordable.
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Penny's Noodle Shop has been serving Thai-inspired noodle bowls, curries, and spring rolls to Lakeview since the early 1990s, with most dishes landing comfortably in cheap-eats territory. The menu skews big on comforting broths and stir-fries, making it a reliable stop for quick, filling meals before or after Wrigley.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Hot Pepper Noodle, Thai Spring Rolls
What Makes it Special: Long-running noodle house where big bowls of Thai comfort food stay under typical neighborhood dinner prices.
8.0
Eggsperience Cafe is a bright, modern Lakeview brunch and lunch spot where omelets, pancakes, and salads are priced fairly given the portions and all-day crowds. With steady service, outdoor seating, and a broad menu, it functions as a dependable neighborhood option when you want a sit-down brunch without special-occasion pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meat Lover's Omelet, Greek Salad, Waffle with Greek Yogurt and Fruit
What Makes it Special: Contemporary brunch cafe with long hours, quick kitchen timing, and portions that justify a sit-down check.
Worthy Picks
#7
La Biznaga 2
7.9
La Biznaga 2 is a bright Lakeview taqueria where chips, salsas, and a long list of fillings support burritos, tacos, and plates in a relaxed dining room. With strong al pastor and asada burritos plus table service, it splits the difference between neighborhood sit-down and casual taco shop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Burrito, Asada Burrito, Abuela's Bistec Encebollado tacos
What Makes it Special: Colorful neighborhood taqueria where tacos and griddled burritos share the menu.