Finding a good, cheap lunch has never been harder. Restaurants face the same inflation pressures as the rest of us. Luckily, our brain trust of people on social media helped us find some of the best deals in the area. Here are some ideas for the next time your stomach grumbles at noontime. All clock in under $10.
If a slice of pizza and a soda is a dream lunch for you, check out DiNico’s, 6627 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn or Cuzzo’s, 330 Madison St. in Oak Park. Both serve up large slices, ready to fold and go.
For some a burger and fries hits the spot for a cheap and filling midday meal. Mickey’s Ribs & Gyros, 525 N. Harlem Ave. in Oak Park, has got you covered. Michael’s Beef House, 6747 W. North Ave. in Oak Park, and Parky’s (with windows now fixed), 329 S. Harlem Ave. in Forest Park, are worthy options as well.
Sandwiches are a reliable option. Alpine Food Shop, 7538 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park, has a variety made to order. Jerusalem Café, 1030 W. Lake St. in Oak Park, has both sandwiches and platters that limbo under $10. Sawmilly, 35 E. Burlington St. in Riverside, can fill you up on a budget too. You can imagine you are in Paris at Lea French Street Food, 106 N. Marion St. in Oak Park.
If you are hankering for falafel and in Forest Park, Petra Falafel, 7314 Madison St., has got you covered. So does North Avenue Falafel, 6814 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park.
How about a salad to keep you in trim? Maya Del Sol, 144 S. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park, has got one that fits the bill. And Café Cubano, 113 N. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park, has two. Hemmingway’s Bistro, 211 N. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park, has a “petite” version that is on budget.
There are many other lunch specials around the area that tip the scale just above $10 but are still very good deals (I’m looking at you Sen Sushi, 814 S. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park).
There are also many “bites” that might not tide you over until supper but deserve a mention. Two empanadas at Mulata, 136 N. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park, stay under our budget. And a couple of sides from Passion Eats Express, 7103 W. North Ave. in Oak Park, will satisfy a soul food craving.
Enjoy!