What are some good, inexpensive, local Chicago restaurants?

UPDATED:

Your budget isn't clear - i.e. your range for inexpensive. Yet here are some possibilities:

* For authentic, Chicago fast food (polish, hot dogs, burgers, and etc.), check out Jim's Original (http://www.jimsoriginal.com/jimsoriginal/Welcome.h... ) or Express Grill (http://www.centerstagechicago.com/restaurants/expr... ), both open 24/7. However, in a pinch, anything from the Portillo's chain of restaurants will do (http://www.portillos.com/ ). Also, Superdawg (http://www.superdawg.com/ ) and Robinson's Ribs (http://www.rib1.com/ ) are popular. For deep dish pizza, go to Pizzeria Uno or Due (http://www.unos.com/ ), Lou Malnati's (http://www.loumalnatis.com/ ), or Gino's East (http://www.ginoseast.com/ - can write on walls). Although not a restaurant, many people like to stop into a Garrett Popcorn (http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/ ).

Also, Billy Goat Tavern is pretty infamous. See http://www.billygoattavern.com/home.html .

* If you are planning a trip in late June or early July, you can get a taste of many Chicago restaurants at the Taste of Chicago Festival. See http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_d... .

* During the winter, you can eat at the Park Grill (http://www.parkgrillchicago.com/ ) at Millennium Park (http://www.millenniumpark.org/ - which is a key spot to explore) and ice skate. Also, nearby is Tavern at the Park (http://www.tavernatthepark.com/ ).

Beyond the above, Chicago's population is mix of many types of people. There are hundreds of restaurants, but here are some that you might want to check out.

* The Grand Lux Cafe (http://www.grandluxcafe.com/ )

It's the sister restaurant to the Cheesecake Factory. It has an opulent, yet fun decor. It's located above Ann Taylor on Michigan & Ontario. If you get window seating, you can look down on Michigan Avenue/Magnificent Mile.

* Lou Mitchell's, as it is a classic Chicago spot. Rub elbows with the locals and get some complimentary food items. See http://www.loumitchellsrestaurant.com/ . It's a few blocks from Union Station at 565 W Jackson Blvd.

* Another good place in the Financial District is Arturo Express (http://www.arturoexpress.com/aboutus.html at 122 S. Canal St. - basically Canal and Adams St.). They made the best tuna sandwich that I'd ever eaten. They serve fast, quality food at reasonable prices along with Chicagoan accents.

* Tapas is fun - getting a variety of usually Spanish food on small plates. Great for sharing in groups. One good spot is Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba (http://www.cafebabareeba.com/ ). Also, Emilio's is another tasty tapas adventure (http://emiliostapas.com/ ).

* You can try the vegetarian/vegan routes at The Chicago Diner (http://www.veggiediner.com/ ), Earwax Cafe (http://www.earwax-cafe.com/ ), and Soul Vegetarian East (http://www.centerstagechicago.com/restaurants/soul... ).

* There are plenty of interesting places to eat in Chinatown, plus it's pretty inexpensive compared to the rest of the city. Get out early (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., I think) and try some dim sum at any of these spots - http://chicago.citysearch.com/bestof/winners/2009/... . While many people argue about the authenticity of the food, the Phoenix (http://www.chinatownphoenix.com/ ) and Three Happiness (http://chicago.metromix.com/restaurants/chinese/th... ) are very popular. For more modern Asian food, but not necessarily cheap, see Dragonfly Mandarin (http://www.dragonflymandarin.com/ ).

* Russian Tea Time (http://chicago.metromix.com/restaurants/russian/ru... )

* Berghoff - (http://chicago.metromix.com/restaurants/austrian/b... ) - solid German food

* Zapatista (http://chicago.metromix.com/restaurants/mexican/za... ) is a great place for Mexican food in the South Loop. Nacional 27 is the place to eat, drink, and get your Latin dance on. See http://www.n27chicago.com/ . It's not cheap though. Cuatro (http://www.cuatro-chicago.com/ ) and Sangria (http://www.sangriachicago.com/ ) have similar vibes. You can eat at Chef Rick Bayless' restaurants - http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/ . If you want to eat cheaper, there are many more eating spots in the Pilsen neighborhood (http://www.urbanspoon.com/n/2/137/Chicago/Pilsen-r... ).

* Cafe Spiagga (http://chicago.metromix.com/restaurants/italian/ca... and http://www.spiaggiarestaurant.com/#/cafe/general-i... ) for Italian food.

* Some eclectic (or just different) spots would be...

- Blue Line Club Car (or now Lounge & Grill) in Bucktown/Wicker Park is fabulous. See http://bluelineloungeandgrill.com/ .

- Ed Debevic's has that 50's eatery feel. (http://www.eddebevics.com/ )

- Kitsch'n River North (comfort diverse food with a 70s decor - http://www.kitschn.com/ )

- Ethiopian Diamond (http://www.ethiopiandiamondcuisine.com/ - eat with your hands and make sure to try that honey drink!)

- iCream (http://www.icreamcafe.com/ ) in Bucktown/Wicker Park - They freeze the ice cream or yogurt on the spot with liquid nitrogen. Plus, there are interesting flavor combinations.

- For the soup lovers, there is the Bucktown Soup Cafe (http://www.bucktownsoupcafe.com/ )

- Geja's Cafe (http://www.gejascafe.com/ ) - fondue and live Flamenco music in Lincoln Park. Can be reasonably priced depending on what you order.

- Medici on 57th (http://www.medici57.com/ ) in Hyde Park. Enjoy good American food at reasonable prices in a nice artsy building.

- Get your fill of noodles at Penny's Noodle Shops (http://www.pennysnoodleshop.com/ , particularly the one in Wicker Park)

- Hamburger Mary's (http://www.hamburgermaryschicago.com/menu.php ) in Andersonville, for some unique burgers/sandwiches.

* In terms of Addison, see http://www.centerstagechicago.com/lifestyle/articl... . Also, you can check out Rockit Bar & Grill (http://www.rockitbarandgrill.com/ ).

* Polish bakeries -- you just missed the paczki craze. Even so, I'm sure you can get some leads on Polish spots here - http://www.centerstagechicago.com/restaurants/arti... .

Willies is a biker bar with attitude, great BBQ, and music. Out near the Navel base

I have to throw my opinion in here, Portillo's, since i have moved to Florida it is the one place i have had to go to every time i return to visit.If you find yourself out in Corn Country ie. Plano, Visit Uncle Lars pizza its great.

you could always go to out back steak house. they have good food and they also have a bar. they have all kinds of chicago foods to like the potatoes and french fries and also they can cook your steak the way you like it ( they cook it rear and others)