Bon Appetit Names Best Places In Chicago For Cheap Eats (PHOTOS)

Posted: 08/31/2010 2:43 pm EDT Updated: 05/25/2011 5:30 pm EDT

You don't have to spend a fortune to eat well in Chicago, and while fine dining gems like Alinea keep winning awards, our cheap fare is getting some attention as well.

Bon Appétit magazine recently named Chicago's Purple Pig one of the "10 Best New Restaurants" in the U.S., and this week the magazine featured nine Chicago joints in a "cheap eats" roundup.

Check out Bon Appétit's Chicago-centric feature here. We rounded up the list-makers below.

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Bon Appetit's Picks For Best Cheap Eats In Chicago

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The patio at Big Star is notorious for 2+ hour waits, but there is a reason for that. Their cheap, delicious tacos wooed Bon Appetit, so much that they named it No. 1 on their "cheap eats" list. Big Star 1531 North Damen Ave. Chicago
So, you can't eat at Danny's. But you can drink on the cheap--and they never skimp on the liquor. A classic dive with a penchant for dance parties. Danny's Tavern 1951 West Dickens Ave.
Celebrity chef + affordable tortas + homemade churros = lines around the block. No. 3 on Bon Appetit's list. XOCO 449 North Clark St. Chicago
Bon Appetit ventured north of the city for truffle salt dusted fries, "ultra-creamy" milkshakes and tasty burgers on the cheap. Edzo’s Burger Shop 1571 Sherman Ave. Evanston
Takashi's tasty and affordable noodles earned it the No. 5 spot on Bon Appetit's list. Takashi 1952 North Damen Ave. Chicago
Urban Belly's cheap and delicious strip mall BYO charmed Bob Appetit...and the entire city. "Wrinkle beans" sound like a bad idea. They aren't, we swear. And the noodles...oh-so-good. No. 7 on the list. Urban Belly 3053 North California Ave. Chicago
Gene's--a Chicago institution--opened its second Polish deli in Lincoln Square last year. We love the "unpronounceable smoked meats and sausages," too. No. 8. Gene’s Sausage Shop at Delicatessen Meyer 4750 North Lincoln Ave. Chicago
Floriole's sandwiches, pastries and quiche earned them the No. 8 spot on Bon Appetit's list. Floriole Cafe & Bakery 1220 West Webster Ave. Chicago
The battle for best hot dog in Chicago will never stop, but Bon Appetit named Lincoln Park's Franks 'n' Dawgs their favorite in the city. They applaud Franks' "creativity, precise flavors, and attention to detail." Franks ‘n’ Dawgs 1863 North Clybourn Ave. Chicago