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Best Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Restaurants in West Town

9 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

Our Top Pick
Kasia's Deli
Polish deli case plus made to order sandwiches with serious history.

Notable Picks

$ West Town Sandwiches
Kasia's Deli is a Ukrainian Village institution for Polish comfort food and made to order deli sandwiches alongside its famous pierogi. Lunch regulars mix hot plates with stacked ham or turkey sandwiches, relying on the counter for hearty, affordable meals that feel very neighborhood driven.
Must-Try Dishes: Old World Polish Ham Sandwich, Turkey Sandwich, Stuffed Cabbage
What makes it special: Polish deli case plus made to order sandwiches with serious history.
$ West Town Burgers
NADC runs a tight, two-item playbook—smash-style Wagyu burgers and fries—out of The Drop In’s Fulton River District bar. The focus on a single burger, late-night hours, and strong delivery presence make it a go-to when you want a quick, high-impact burger without extra decisions.
Must-Try Dishes: NADC Burger (Wagyu smash burger with jalapeño seeds), Loaded Fries with cheese, pickles, and jalapeños, PB&J Combo (burger, shot, and beer special)
What makes it special: A single-minded Wagyu smashburger shop tucked inside a neighborhood bar.
$ West Town Mexican, Tacos
Dona Naty's Tacos is a compact Ukrainian Village taqueria where counter-service carne asada and al pastor tacos anchor an affordable, no-frills menu. Regulars praise it for consistent flavor, house salsas, and weekend menudo at prices that still feel like a neighborhood deal. Seating is limited, but the steady stream of takeout and late-night orders shows how often locals rely on it.
Must-Try Dishes: Carne Asada Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos, Menudo (weekends)
What makes it special: A tight, counter-service taqueria delivering reliable tacos and menudo on a budget.
$$$ West Town Middle Eastern
Hummus Grill is a family-owned Mediterranean counter on Damen where shawarma wraps, mix grills, and vegetarian plates come with creamy hummus and fresh salads. It’s a neighborhood staple for quick takeout or casual meals when you want something filling but not overly heavy.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Shawarma Plate, House Mix Grill Plate, Beef and Lamb Shawarma Wrap
What makes it special: Family-run Mediterranean grill with big portions, creamy hummus, and salads.
$ West Town Mexican, Tacos
Taqueria Traspasada is a tiny late-night counter where al pastor, asada, and lengua tacos fly out to night-shift workers and bar crowds. It’s the classic East Village stop when you want no-fuss tacos on a paper plate after midnight.
Must-Try Dishes: Taco Al Pastor, Carne Asada Taco, Lengua Taco
What makes it special: Slim, counter-only shop turning out classic street-style tacos late into the night.

Worthy Picks

$ West Town
Cleo’s is a long-running Ukrainian Village soccer bar where jumbo wings and everyday drink specials keep it a go-to on a budget. Regulars treat Monday wing deals and late-night games as ritual, with baskets coming out fast from a compact but dependable kitchen.
Must-Try Dishes: Jumbo wings with honey habanero sauce, Jumbo buffalo wings with ranch or bleu cheese, Buffalo chicken pizza (Cleo's Favorite)
What makes it special: Soccer-focused neighborhood bar where jumbo wings and budget-friendly specials drive repeat visits.
$ West Town Pizza, Italian
Named Chicago's Best Pizza by the Tribune and Food & Wine, this family pizzeria perfects grandfather Fred Bartoli's deep-dish recipe with a buttery, crunchy crust and house-made spinach mix. The affordable slices and BYOB policy make it a neighborhood essential.
Must-Try Dishes: Spinach Deep Dish Pizza, Meat Lovers Pizza, Thin Crust Sausage
What makes it special: Award-winning deep dish using a perfected family recipe with signature spinach mix
$$ West Town Italian
This family-owned neighborhood institution has served Chicagoland since 1966, offering one of the most extensive Italian menus in the area alongside their signature thin-crust pizza. The sports bar atmosphere, generous portions, and nostalgic vibe make it a West Town anchor.
Must-Try Dishes: Thin Crust Pizza, Chicken Parmigiana, Fried Calamari
What makes it special: Nearly 60 years of family-owned Chicago Italian tradition with an enormous menu
7.7
$ West Town Chinese
Mon Lung is a longtime Ashland Avenue Chinese-American counter known for big portions, classic combination plates, and old-school takeout flavors. Locals lean on it for egg rolls, fried rice, and saucy standards when they want something familiar, fast, and reliably filling.
Must-Try Dishes: Egg Roll, Mongolian Beef, Sesame Chicken
What makes it special: Classic Chicago-style Chinese-American takeout with generous portions and combo specials.