Remember the days when you can order a hamburger at a restaurant and not pay $27?
Because I view my position as your “Food Guy” as both a serious job and a civic obligation, we’re introducing a new semi-recurring segment this week: Great dishes you can find around Chicago for $12 and under.
On the docket this week: From Indian street food to upscale Chicago hot dogs to New York-style pizza.
Multiple locations throughout Chicagoland
Eggholic is a Chicago success story: Founded in 2017, cousins Bhagyesh and Lay Patel wanted a fast-casual restaurant serving Indian street foods. In less than a decade, there are two dozen locations in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
In Chicago, there are three locations — Niles, Schaumburg, Chicago’s West Town—and a ghost kitchen in Hyde Park. I loved the Bombay-style sandwiches — double-decker paninis, griddled crisp, in an assortment of styles.
I ordered the one with cubes of paneer cheese dressed in a savory “masala” sauce ($10.99). I really enjoyed the egg wrap, which features fluffy egg omelet and cheese wrapped inside crisp roti bread ($6.99).
756 E. 111th St., Chicago
Not far from the historic Pullman district on the Far South Side is Lexington Betty Smokehouse, where chef Dominique Leach serves up some impressive barbecue.
But what I came for is her “Wagyu steak dogs”—thick, juicy, savory frankfurters served up classic Chicago-style ($10), and a Mexican version with pico de gallo, avocados, and pickled jalapenos ($9).
Vienna Beef: You have serious competition.
1133 Greenleaf Ave., Wilmette
In a city where tavern-style and deep-dish rule, it’s somewhat rare to find a shop with New York-style pizza — you know, a crisp-chewy crust and orange pepperoni oil that drips down the foldable slices?
Pizza By Sal is from the team behind Pomeroy, Sophia Steak, and Jackman & Co., and their New York pies are satisfying, especially the ability to order single slices from the counter ($4.50–$5.50).
Pepperoni is the classic New York treatment, but I really enjoyed the mushroom pizza with ricotta and garlic.
100 E. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights
My favorite food court in Chicago — mainly because it serves a variety of Japanese food, but also because there’s many dishes under $12 here.
I’ll highlight two: Mugimaru serves udon, the thick, slippery, chewy noodles. One of their dishes is called Ontama Beef Bukkake ($10.55), essentially udon in broth with beef slices and a poached egg. Adding tempura crunchies and scallions are a must.
Across the way at Toritetsu, where grilled chicken skewers yakitori are a specialty, their karaage don ($10.50) is five pieces of fried chicken thighs served on steamed rice. And it even comes with miso soup.