Chicago, Illinois, a world-class city renowned for its iconic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and deep-dish pizza, also boasts an incredibly rich and diverse food landscape. Beyond the famous tourist traps and high-end restaurants, the Windy City is packed with legendary local eateries serving up fantastic, budget-friendly bites. We've combed through beloved institutions and hidden gems, along with customer reviews, to bring you a curated list of 10 must-try dishes, all for under $10, that will satisfy your cravings and introduce you to the authentic, hearty flavors of Chicago.

1. Classic Chicago-Style Hot Dog from Gene & Jude's

  • Restaurant: Gene & Jude's

  • Description: A perfectly steamed hot dog, topped with mustard, relish, onions, sport peppers, tomato, and a pickle spear, all on a poppy seed bun. Served with a mound of fresh-cut fries. (No ketchup allowed!)

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Gene & Jude's is a legendary, no-frills hot dog stand just outside the city, famous for its authentic Chicago dog and rule against ketchup. Yelp and Quora reviewers consistently hail it as "Hands down the best" and "A REAL Chicago place." Many praise the "best fries EVER" that come piled on top. It's a quintessential, delicious, and incredibly affordable Chicago experience.

  • Price: ~$4-$5 (for a classic dog with fries)

  • Location: 2720 River Rd, River Grove, IL 60171 (just outside Chicago)

2. Italian Beef Sandwich from Al's #1 Italian Beef

  • Restaurant: Al's #1 Italian Beef

  • Description: Thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef, piled high on a long Italian roll, often dipped in its own cooking juices (gravy) and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Al's #1 Italian Beef is a Chicago institution, considered by many to be the birthplace of the iconic Italian beef sandwich. Yelp reviewers consistently praise the "juicy, flavorful beef" and the "perfectly soaked bread." It's described as "a true Chicago classic" and an essential taste of the city's culinary heritage. While some versions can be pricier, a regular beef sandwich often falls just under $10.

  • Price: ~$9-$10 (for a regular beef sandwich)

  • Location: Multiple locations in Chicago (e.g., 1079 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607)

3. A La Carte Taco from Big Star

  • Restaurant: Big Star (Wicker Park)

  • Description: A single, gourmet street-style taco featuring innovative fillings like al pastor, carnitas, or panza, topped with fresh ingredients on a corn tortilla.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Big Star is a wildly popular Wicker Park spot known for its vibrant atmosphere, extensive whiskey list, and, most importantly, its delicious tacos. Yelp reviewers frequently crown them as "the best tacos in Chicago," highlighting their "fresh ingredients" and "vibrant flavors." While dining in can be a full experience, ordering 2-3 à la carte tacos is a perfect, affordable way to savor their renowned flavors.

  • Price: ~$3.50-$4.50 per taco

  • Location: 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

4. Falafel Sandwich from Sultan's Market

  • Restaurant: Sultan's Market

  • Description: Crispy falafel patties, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce, all tucked into warm pita bread.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Sultan's Market is a beloved local Middle Eastern deli and market with a reputation for excellent falafel. Yelp and Reddit reviewers rave that their "falafel sandwich is fantastic" and highlight the "crispy falafel" and "great sauce." It's a satisfying, flavorful, and incredibly budget-friendly option that consistently draws praise.

  • Price: ~$7-$8

  • Location: 2057 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

5. Pierogi (Small Order) from Kasia's Deli

  • Restaurant: Kasia's Deli

  • Description: A small order of traditional Polish dumplings, filled with savory potatoes and cheese, often served with sautéed onions or sour cream.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Kasia's Deli is a local treasure in the Polish Triangle, known for its authentic Eastern European delights, especially its pierogi. Yelp and Reddit reviewers universally praise them as "the best pierogi in Chicago" and say they "taste like grandma used to make." A small order offers a perfect, comforting, and inexpensive taste of Chicago's rich Polish heritage.

  • Price: ~$7-$8 (for a small order, typically 6-8 pierogi)

  • Location: 2101 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

6. Single Donut from Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken

  • Restaurant: Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken

  • Description: A single, handcrafted donut in a variety of unique and classic flavors, known for its rich texture and quality ingredients.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken has multiple locations but remains a beloved local spot for gourmet donuts and fried chicken. Their donuts are particularly popular. Yelp reviewers enthusiastically call their donuts "fantastic" and often choose them over other famous donut shops, praising their "old fashioned" as a go-to. It's a delightful, affordable treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.

  • Price: ~$3-$4 per donut

  • Location: Multiple locations in Chicago (e.g., 233 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611)

7. Drip Coffee from Dark Matter Coffee

  • Restaurant: Dark Matter Coffee

  • Description: A meticulously brewed cup of high-quality, locally roasted drip coffee, known for its bold and distinct flavor profiles.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Dark Matter Coffee is a highly respected local roaster in Chicago, celebrated for its unique approach to sourcing and roasting beans. Yelp and Reddit reviewers consistently state that "Dark Matter's drip is untouchable in terms of quality" and express their love for all their coffees. It's the perfect spot for a powerful, flavorful, and affordable caffeine fix that represents Chicago's serious coffee scene.

  • Price: ~$3.50-$4.50 (for a drip coffee)

  • Location: Multiple locations in Chicago (e.g., 2521 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622)

8. Empanada from Lito's Empanadas

  • Restaurant: Lito's Empanadas

  • Description: A savory, handmade Argentinian empanada with various fillings like beef, chicken, or spinach, baked to a golden crisp.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Lito's Empanadas is a well-regarded local spot specializing in delicious Argentinian empanadas. Yelp reviewers consistently praise their empanadas, noting that "The prices are affordable as well!" and finding the small shop "nice and cozy." It's a perfect, flavorful, and budget-friendly snack or light meal that brings a taste of Argentina to Chicago.

  • Price: ~$3-$4 per empanada

  • Location: 2566 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

9. Thin Crust Pizza Slice from Bartoli's Pizzeria

  • Restaurant: Bartoli's Pizzeria

  • Description: A classic thin crust pizza slice with perfectly melted cheese and a savory tomato sauce.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: While Chicago is famous for deep dish, Bartoli's Pizzeria offers excellent thin-crust pizza, including by the slice, making it an affordable option from a local favorite. SliceLife.com listings show their slices within budget. Yelp reviewers consistently praise the "great crust" and "flavorful sauce" of their pizzas. It's a reliable and delicious choice for a quick and authentic Chicago pizza experience that isn't deep dish.

  • Price: ~$3.50-$4.50 per slice

  • Location: Multiple locations in Chicago (e.g., 1955 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613)

10. Fresh Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon) from Tank Noodle

  • Restaurant: Tank Noodle

  • Description: Two fresh, non-fried spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, rice vermicelli, and fresh vegetables, served with a savory peanut dipping sauce.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Tank Noodle is a long-standing and highly popular Vietnamese restaurant in Uptown's "Little Vietnam" neighborhood. While their pho bowls can be larger and pricier, their fresh spring rolls are a delicious and affordable appetizer. Yelp reviewers frequently praise the "freshness" of the ingredients and the "tasty peanut sauce." It's a light, flavorful, and budget-friendly introduction to their extensive menu.

  • Price: ~$7-$8 (for an order of two)

  • Location: 4953 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Chicago's dynamic food scene proves that incredible flavors don't have to come with a hefty price tag, especially when you dive into its amazing local establishments. From iconic hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches to authentic pierogi and innovative fusion tacos, these ten dishes under $10 offer a fantastic way to explore the city's diverse and locally-driven culinary landscape. So, whether you're a long-time resident or just passing through, make sure to savor these delicious and affordable bites that showcase Chicago's unique charm!

Price Comparison Table

Dish Restaurant Price (Approx.) Location
Classic Chicago-Style Hot Dog Gene & Jude's $4-$5 2720 River Rd, River Grove, IL 60171
Italian Beef Sandwich Al's #1 Italian Beef $9-$10 Multiple locations (e.g., 1079 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607)
A La Carte Taco Big Star $3.50-$4.50 per 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Falafel Sandwich Sultan's Market $7-$8 2057 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Pierogi (Small Order) Kasia's Deli $7-$8 2101 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Single Donut Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken $3-$4 Multiple locations in Chicago
Drip Coffee Dark Matter Coffee $3.50-$4.50 Multiple locations in Chicago
Empanada Lito's Empanadas $3-$4 per 2566 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Thin Crust Pizza Slice Bartoli's Pizzeria $3.50-$4.50 Multiple locations in Chicago
Fresh Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon) Tank Noodle $7-$8 (for order of two) 4953 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640