DineGuides

Cheap Eats in Loop

14 restaurants in Loop. Part of our Chicago Cheap Eats guide.

Chicken Planet
#1Cheap Eats

Chicken Planet

American·$$

This no-frills spot serves up some of the city's best grilled chicken, a local favorite for a reason. It's a casual, affordable lunch destination where the flavors are consistently on point.

🍽️88Food
💰95Value
👋85Service
✨65Vibe
💬

“I had the grilled half chicken, and it was amazing fresh, juicy, and full of flavor.”

💬

“I do recommend Chicken Planet as it's located to various businesses in downtown Chicago.”

💬

“This place really won me over. The first time that discovered it, there was hardly anyone inside”

Ideal for
Solo diningQuick lunchAffordable eats
Fare
#2Cheap Eats
6 photos

Fare

American·$$

FARE offers a vibrant, healthy escape with a menu focused on fresh, flavorful bowls and baked goods. The staff consistently provides warm, welcoming service, making it a go-to for quick, satisfying meals.

🍽️95Food
💰85Value
👋90Service
💬

“Really fast service which is perfect for work”

💬

“This has simplified my lunches. So fast and consistent”

💬

“Staff went above and beyond - super friendly”

Ideal for
Office workers seeking quick healthy lunchRepeat visitors prioritizing consistency and speedHealth-conscious diners valuing fresh ingredients
Sopraffina Marketcaffe
#3Cheap Eats

Sopraffina Marketcaffe

Italian·$$

This cafeteria-style Italian market offers a wide selection of fresh, flavorful sandwiches and salads, making it a reliable go-to for a quick and satisfying meal. The staff is friendly and efficient, ensuring a smooth ordering process even during busy lunch rushes.

🍽️92Food
💰85Value
👋78Service
✨75Vibe
💬

“Their sandwiches, made with fresh artisan breads, are packed with high-quality ingredients that bring out incredible flavors.”

💬

“It’s set up cafeteria-style: you order at the counter, food’s made fresh in front of you, and you pay when you’re done.”

💬

“I got bread with my meal (already eaten!) and everything hit the spot.”

Ideal for
Quick lunchSolo diningBreakfast
Russian Tea Time Restaurant
#4Cheap Eats
6 photos

Russian Tea Time Restaurant

Russian·$$
📍 77 E Adams St ↗

This elegant downtown spot transports diners with its authentic Russian cuisine and opulent atmosphere. It's a place where traditional dishes are served with meticulous care, making it ideal for both intimate dates and celebratory group gatherings.

🍽️95Food
💰88Value
👋92Service
💬

“Honestly, this place is amazing. We got the queen tea service with both savories and sweets for $69 and it was stellar.”

💬

“The food was delicious. Reminded me of the traditional dishes my grandma used to cook.”

💬

“Honestly had the most amazing experience. I went in on a whim with my bestie.”

Ideal for
Date nightGroup diningWeekend brunch
Wagyu House Chicago
#5Cheap Eats
6 photos

Wagyu House Chicago

Japanese·$$

This is the spot for high-quality, all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ and hot pot, where the wagyu beef melts in your mouth. Attentive servers guide you through the menu, making it a great choice for both special occasions and casual outings.

🍽️95Food
💰85Value
👋98Service
💬

“The quality of the meat truly stands out. Beautifully marbled cuts, impeccably fresh, and seasoned with a subtlety that lets the ingredients speak for themselves.”

💬

“Phil was a great and attentive waiter. He made sure we were always being helped and was quick to deliver.”

💬

“I’ve been a frequent visitor for a long time and always had great experiences with every server that they’ve all been consistently professional and friendly.”

Ideal for
Date nightFamilies with kidsGroup dining
Poke Burrito South Loop
#6Cheap Eats
6 photos

Poke Burrito South Loop

Seafood·$$

This South Loop spot serves up generous portions of fresh, customizable poke bowls and sushi burritos. It's a casual, family-friendly destination perfect for solo diners or groups looking for a quick and flavorful meal.

🍽️92Food
💰88Value
👋75Service
⏰70Wait
💬

“Took over 45 minutes for 4 people's orders”

💬

“You get price is unreal”

Ideal for
Downtown lunch rush (quick, fresh, affordable)Customizable bowl enthusiastsBudget-conscious sushi lovers
BellyBowl Kitchen & Boba Bar (Southloop)
#7Cheap Eats
6 photos

BellyBowl Kitchen & Boba Bar (Southloop)

Mixed/Fusion·$$

This South Loop spot offers generous portions of flavorful Asian-inspired dishes and a wide variety of boba teas. It's a casual, comfortable place perfect for a quick solo meal or a relaxed bite.

🍽️85Food
💰90Value
👋80Service
💬

“Ramen broth was the best I've ever had”

💬

“Calming music made it all the better”

💬

“Chill and attentive service, good location”

Ideal for
Budget-conscious diners wanting large portionsBoba tea enthusiasts seeking quality drinksQuick lunch near downtown/museum district
Luke's Italian Beef
#8Cheap Eats
5 photos

Luke's Italian Beef

American·$$

This no-frills Chicago joint serves up authentic Italian beef sandwiches that are messy in the best way possible. It's a casual spot perfect for a quick, satisfying bite, whether you're flying solo or with family.

🍽️88Food
💰85Value
👋85Service
🧹70Hygiene
💬

“Consistent spot for Italian Beefs and Chicago dogs”

💬

“It was fairly quiet, right before the lunch time busyness”

💬

“Service was quick, there was almost no waiting time”

Ideal for
First-time Chicago visitors seeking iconic sandwichesQuick downtown lunch near Willis TowerBeef and hot dog enthusiasts
Just Salad
#9Cheap Eats

Just Salad

American·$
📍 120 W Adams St ↗

This is the go-to spot for a quick, healthy lunch in the Loop, with a focus on fresh ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere. Staff members like Jonathan and Herbert are frequently highlighted for their excellent service, making each visit a positive interaction.

🍽️88Food
💰80Value
👋95Service
💬

“The food was delicious and Jonathan was really friendly and patient while I made my choice.”

💬

“The staff is incredible especially Daniela, she gave me great experience and had very good educate.”

💬

“And even when the line is long it only takes a few minutes to get a salad, wrap or shake”

Ideal for
Quick healthy lunchCasual meals
Brown Bag Seafood Co.
#10Cheap Eats

Brown Bag Seafood Co.

Seafood·$$

This fast-casual seafood spot offers a refreshing take on healthy eating with build-your-own bowls and fresh catches. The lobster roll is a standout, rivaling New England versions, and the truffle parmesan tots are worth trying side. It's a great option for a quick, satisfying meal with a pleasant, casual atmosphere.

🍽️88Food
💰85Value
👋80Service
🧹65Hygiene
💬

“The staff were great listeners with helping us choose which food items would work best for us!”

💬

“I ordered the lobster roll, and it genuinely rivals any lobster roll you’d find in New England - fresh, perfectly prepared, and loaded with flavor.”

💬

“Happy to have caught their happy hour today, 4-6pm. Got to try more of their dishes and all great!”

Ideal for
Happy hourHealth-conscious diningQuick lunch near Millennium Park
Gino’s East
#11Cheap Eats
6 photos

Gino’s East

Pizza·$

This Chicago institution serves up classic deep-dish pizza with a buttery crust and rich tomato sauce. It's a lively spot perfect for catching a game or a casual meal with friends and family.

🍽️92Food
💰80Value
👋88Service
💬

“If you're visiting Chi and staying on the loop, this is your perfect place for deep dish.”

💬

“Hannah was an amazing waitress very attentive to our needs and made excellent recommendations.”

💬

“This place was awesome. Perfect pub/restaurant. Food was phenomenal. Location great. Service outstanding.”

Ideal for
Date nightGroup diningFamilies with kids
Exchequer Restaurant & Pub
#12Cheap Eats

Exchequer Restaurant & Pub

American·$$

This Chicago institution feels like stepping back in time, with a speakeasy vibe that honors its mobster past. It's a spacious, casual pub that welcomes everyone from solo diners to large groups, offering a full bar and a menu with solid vegetarian options.

🍽️88Food
💰85Value
👋75Service
⏰65Wait
💬

“This is our third time going there and I still say they have the best pizza”

💬

“The restaurant is very clean and the food is delicious”

💬

“We were seated in about one minute, which was impressive”

Ideal for
Chicago tourists seeking iconic history and deep dish pizzaHistory enthusiasts interested in prohibition-era atmosphereWeekday lunch or early-evening diners avoiding peak crowds
Egg Tuck
#13Cheap Eats
6 photos

Egg Tuck

American·$

This spot transforms the humble egg sandwich into a decadent, flavor-packed meal. Expect fluffy eggs and buttery brioche, with loaded tots as a popular side. It's a casual, family-friendly counter-service spot that can get busy.

🍽️92Food
💰80Value
👋75Service
🛡️65Safety
💬

“These are some of the best breakfast sandwiches I have ever had!! The fluffy eggs, creamy & plentiful avacado all between a buttery brioche thick toast was perfect.”

💬

“This was the best egg sandwhich of my life, and I don't say that lightly!”

💬

“Very expensive but a delicious breakfast stop for some savory egg toast.”

Ideal for
Weekend brunchFamilies with kidsQuick breakfast
Elephant & Castle
#14Cheap Eats

Elephant & Castle

British·$
📍 111 W Adams St ↗

This casual British pub offers a lively atmosphere perfect for catching a game or enjoying a relaxed meal. It's a reliable spot for hearty comfort food and a wide selection of drinks, making it a go-to for both locals and visitors.

🍽️85Food
💰80Value
👋82Service
🔊65Noise
💬

“Absolutely loved Elephant & Castle! The chicken pot pie was incredibly flavorful - perfectly baked and full of comfort - and the house salad was fresh and delicious.”

💬

“Krista and Laura were around and clearly run things well. Super friendly, approachable, and everything just felt smooth without trying too hard.”

💬

“Been here on a couple of occasions and it was a well run establishment. Tonight however is a different story.”

Ideal for
Group diningWatching sportsCasual meals