Photo courtesy of Aurelio’s
The South Loop is home to Roosevelt, Columbia, DePaul, Robert Morris University and John Marshall Law School so it’s chock full of cheap and good dining options to cater to all the students and bargain hunters.
Check each restaurant for days and hours of operation.
Amarit Thai & Sushi, 600 S. Dearborn, 312-939-1179. Most entrées less than $10-15. Join Ritual and get $10 free
Aurelios, 1212 S. Michigan, (312) 374-4459. I’ve had this pizza at the home-base in Homewood and it was delicious. They have a two-story rooftop per their website. Join Aurelio Rewards Get $2.50 Join Ritual and get $10 free
Cafecito 26 East Congress Parkway (312) 922 2233. Cubano’s on the cheap $8. Join Ritual and get $10 free
Devil Dawgs, 767 S State St, (312) 583-9100. A good Chicago hotdog and fries.
Epic Burger, 517 S State St, 312-913-1373. Burgers $6, fries for $2. Fresh and antibiotic-free. Sign up for rewards Get a free sandwich for every 10 purchased
Eleven City Diner, 1112 S. Wabash, 312-212-1112. Deli with breakfast all day. Matzo ball soup $8, omelette $13+, giant salads $16. Join Ritual and get $10 free
Flacos Tacos, 725 S Dearborn St, (312) 922-8226. Good tacos are around $3-6. Daily taco special.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, 805 S State St, (312) 786-1000. Delicious thin-crust pies, pasta dishes and the Malnati salad.
Lou Malnati’s thin-crust pizza. Yum!
Meli Cafe 500 S. Dearborn Street (312) 834-0500. Biscuits and gravy $9, Omelettes and bowls $13+.
Manny’s, 1141 S Jefferson St, (312) 939-2855. South Loop institution serving, cafeteria-style, Matzo ball soup for $8, enormous sandwiches for around $14, delicious potato latkes, and more.
Portillo’s, 520 W. Taylor St., 312-667-4560. Okay so this is a fast food chain but everything is good including their burgers, crinkle fries and garbage salad. And of course the Italian beef and Chicago-style hot dogs. Plus they have a drive-thru.
