Best Cheap Eats?

Well, well, well! Bon Appetite magazine (September 2010 issue) has decided that Chicago has the best cheap eats in the country! I'm always proud to hear when Chicago gets a "Best Of" award/write-up. But when I actually read the article about the places they chose, I was disappointed. Of the nine places they picked, eight are all located on the North side. The ninth is located in Evanston, IL. I'm sure one considers “cheap eats” relative to where they live. It's not so cheap if you have to drive or (YIKES!) take public transportation across town and back for the bargain. If you're interested, you can view the article at http://www.bonappetit.com/magazine/2010/09/chicago_cheap_eats There is also a map showing the general location of each place. Meanwhile, here's the short list:

Big Star, Mexican, 1531 North Damen Avenue, 773-235-4039; bigstarchicago.com (Wicker Park)
Danny's, Bar Food, 1951 West Dickens Avenue; 773-489-6457 (Wrigleyville)
Xoco, Mexican, 449 North Clark Street; 312-334-3688; xocochicago.com (River North)
Edzo's Burger Shop, Burgers, 1571 Sherman Avenue, Evanston; 847-864-3396; edzos.com
Takashi, Japanese, 1952 North Damen Avenue; 773-772-6170; (Bucktown)
Urban Belly, Chinese, 3053 North California Avenue; 773-583-0500; urbanbellychicago.com (Irving Park/Avondale)
Gene's Sausage Shop at Delicatessen Meyer, Polish Deli, 4750 North Lincoln Avenue; 773-728-7243; genessausage.com (Lincoln Square)
Floriole Cafe & Bakery, Pastries/Sandwiches, 1220 West Webster Avenue; 773-883-1313; floriole.com (Lincoln Park)
Franks 'n' Dawgs, Hot Dogs, 1863 North Clybourn Avenue; 312-281-5187; franksndawgs.com (Lincoln Park)

I'm sure every neighborhood in Chicago has at least one or two places for “cheap eats” (good food and good service at reasonable prices) and a band of local patrons/supporters who can vouch for them and sing their praises!

So let's hear it, Local Chicago Experts! What's the best place in YOUR neighborhood and/or your favorite place outside your neighborhood for the best cheap eats in Chicago? (And do they deliver downtown?)

I'll start. There aren't many “cheap eats” places in the immediate downtown area – beyond fast food joints like Subway, McDonald's, Jimmy Johns, Chipotle, etc. Most restaurants cater to the tourist/business traveler's budget – that means PRICEY. However, I've heard about/come across a few that are good and fairly cheap for what you get.

Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli, Sandwiches, 1141 South Jefferson Street, 312- 939-2855; http://www.mannysdeli.com/ (West Loop)

Lou Mitchell's, Breakfast/Lunch, 565 W Jackson Blvd, 312-939-3111, http://www.loumitchellsrestaurant.com/ (West Loop)

Ina's Restaurant, Breakfast/Lunch, 1235 West Randolph St., 312-226-8227, http://www.breakfastqueen.com (West Loop)

Bon Appetite indeed!