Chicago Restaurant Week is one of the most exciting food events in the Windy City. Every year, top restaurants offer discounted prix-fixe menus so food lovers can try a variety of cuisines at lower prices. But if you’re on a budget, you might wonder: Where can I eat without spending too much? This guide will help you find the best budget-friendly deals during Chicago Restaurant Week, so you can enjoy great food without breaking the bank.
What Is Chicago Restaurant Week?
Chicago Restaurant Week is an annual event organized by Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism board. It usually runs for 17 days in January or February and features hundreds of restaurants across the city and suburbs. These restaurants offer special menus at fixed prices:
- $25 for brunch or lunch
- $42 or $59 for dinner
You can try everything from local diners to Michelin-starred spots—without paying full price.
Why Chicago Restaurant Week Is Great for Budget Foodies
If you love food but are watching your wallet, Chicago Restaurant Week is a golden opportunity. Here’s why:
- Affordable access to high-end restaurants
- Try new cuisines without financial risk
- Perfect for groups or date nights
- Great way to support local eateries
Now, let’s explore the best budget-friendly spots you should visit.
Top Budget-Friendly Restaurants to Try
1. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – Deep Dish Delight
You can’t leave Chicago without trying deep-dish pizza. Lou Malnati’s is offering a $25 lunch special with salad, pizza, and dessert. It’s perfect for sharing with a friend or partner.
Address: Multiple locations
Cuisine: Chicago-style pizza
Why it’s budget-friendly: Big portions, low cost
2. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! – Spanish Tapas on a Budget
Located in Lincoln Park, this spot serves Spanish tapas and sangria. Their $25 brunch deal includes several small plates and a dessert.
Address: 2024 N. Halsted St.
Cuisine: Spanish
Great pick for: Brunch lovers, small plate fans
3. Parlor Pizza Bar – Trendy and Tasty
Parlor Pizza Bar offers cool vibes and delicious pies. For $25, enjoy an appetizer, pizza, and cookie dessert.
Address: West Loop, River North, and Wicker Park
Cuisine: American/Italian fusion
Perfect for: Groups or casual outings
4. Lula Cafe – Farm-to-Table Magic
Lula Cafe in Logan Square is known for organic ingredients and seasonal dishes. Their $25 lunch menu is a steal.
Address: 2537 N Kedzie Blvd
Cuisine: American/Vegetarian-friendly
Pro tip: Great for healthy eaters on a budget
5. Revival Food Hall – Try Many Dishes in One Spot
Want options? Go to Revival Food Hall, where multiple vendors participate in Restaurant Week. You can mix and match different meals and still stay under budget.
Address: 125 S Clark St
Cuisine: Variety (Mexican, BBQ, Burgers, etc.)
Budget hack: Share dishes with friends
How to Find More Budget-Friendly Deals
Here are a few simple tips to find more affordable meals during Chicago Restaurant Week:
1. Use the Official Website
Go to and filter restaurants by price, neighborhood, and cuisine. You’ll find plenty of $25 lunch and brunch options.
2. Check Lunch Menus First
Lunch is always cheaper than dinner. If you’re on a budget, book lunch reservations instead of dinner.
3. Explore Neighborhoods Outside Downtown
Restaurants in areas like Pilsen, Logan Square, or Uptown often offer better value than downtown spots.
4. Go with Friends and Share
Share dishes or order different items from the prix-fixe menu to sample more for less.
Sample Itinerary for a Budget Foodie
Day 1
- Brunch at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! – $25
- Evening Walk at Millennium Park – Free
Day 2
- Lunch at Lula Cafe – $25
- Visit Lincoln Park Zoo – Free
Day 3
- Dinner at Parlor Pizza Bar – $42 (split with friend)
- Grab a coffee and walk the Riverwalk – Free
Things to Keep in Mind
- Reservations are essential. Most popular places fill up fast. Book early.
- Tip generously. Though the meal is discounted, your server works just as hard.
- Check what’s included. Some menus offer drinks, some don’t.
- Ask about substitutions. Many places allow dietary changes like vegetarian options.
Best Chicago Neighborhoods for Affordable Dining
1. Pilsen
Known for its Mexican food and art scene, Pilsen offers many underrated gems during Restaurant Week.
2. Logan Square
Trendy and creative, Logan Square’s spots like Lula Cafe serve locally sourced, budget-conscious meals.
3. Uptown
This diverse neighborhood is home to Vietnamese, Thai, and Ethiopian eateries, often at lower prices.
How to Make a Reservation
- Go to Choose Chicago
- Pick a restaurant you like
- Click “Reserve” and select your time
- Some use OpenTable or Resy – create an account if needed
- Confirm and show up hungry!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking only dinner: Lunch gives the same taste for less money.
- Not checking the menu: Some restaurants have very limited options.
- Going without a reservation: Long waits or no seating possible.
- Ignoring neighborhoods: Some of the best (and cheapest) meals are outside downtown.
About Chicago Restaurant Week on a Budget
Q1: Can I really eat at top restaurants for $25?
Yes! Many places offer lunch and brunch for $25. The portions are usually enough for one full meal.
Q2: Do I need to pay in advance?
No. You pay at the restaurant like normal, but prices are fixed for the menu.
Q3: Is tipping included in the Restaurant Week price?
No, you should tip based on the full value of the meal, not the discounted price.
Q4: Are drinks included in the prix-fixe menu?
Usually not. You’ll need to pay separately for drinks, unless stated otherwise.
Q5: Is it better to eat solo or with a group?
With a group, you can share more dishes and try more menu items. It’s also more fun!
