Cheap Chicago West Side Restaurants

Ja's offers Jamaican favorites, like a jerk chicken dinner that comes with rice and beans, two sides and Jamaican bread for less than $10. Some of the traditional Jamaican sides include Black Eyed Peas and Plantains.

Known for their coffee, this friendly spot offers many other items such as fresh-baked pastries, oatmeal, soups and gourmet sandwiches. Stop by on Wednesday night for game night, and the winner gets a free dessert or drink.

For salads, fresh sandwiches, veggie burgers, fries, smoothies and more, this spot is a good place for cheap, vegetarian food. And, if you need to stock up on vitamins and spices, you can do that while you're here, too!

Where else can you buy a burger and purchase a guitar during the same stop? The cafe is in the middle of the store and offers burgers, sandwiches and a $3 foot-long hotdog. So, satiate your inner Hendrix, or just your appetite!

Free doughnuts and milk duds greet you when you step into this Chicago institution, which has been serving up omelettes and wafles for more than 85 years. Although they're known for their breakfast, they have a great lunch, as well.

Indulge in a healthy alternative to fast food with natural smoothies, charbroiled dishes and grilled food. Add a large fry and drink to your meal for $3.50. Start your day with some fresh-squeezed juices -- make your own mix that can include choices such as apple, orange, broccoli and carrot juice.

For a unique sandwich, try an oven-baked grinder wherein the bread and all ingredients (such as chicken, ranch dressing, cheese and bacon) are baked together. Philly transplants started this restaurant and are very proud of their acclaimed Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich -- small will cost you about $5.

A small coffee/sandwich shop where the employees usually call you by name, Morgan Street Cafe makes your sandwiches to order. After ordering from a variety of sandwich offerings, ask for the combo deal and get chips and a can of soda for an extra $1.50.

Moon's offers reasonable and tasty items from morning to night. They're known for their corned beef, or you can try one of the daily specials, like the meatloaf sandwich for about $5. If you get in for breakfast, you can start with an egg sandwich for just over $2.

This popular spot welcomes diners with a family atmosphere and great prices. The menu changes daily and includes dishes like meatloaf, pork spare ribs, fried chicken and other soul food items. A dinner and two sides will cost you $6.99.

This Italian grocery/deli is known for its oversized subs and for people lining up hungrily to get them! Nine-inch subs start at $4.25, or you can get a foot-long for $5.50 and up. Bari is the name of a town in Italy, and the authenticity of this place just begins there.

Chavas serves Mexican food that is quick and reasonably priced. While you're waiting for your meal, they offer you chips and salsa to keep the stomach growling at bay. Get a burrito dinner with rice and beans for about $8.

For Southern comfort food like pulled pork and fried catfish, this casual restaurant is your low-key place. Nightly specials include Chicken & Sausage Gumbo and Pork Chop Night. Sides, including fried okra and collard greens, are Southern favorites that can be had for $1.79.

Known, not surprisingly, for their gyros, this spot serves up good food fast and cheap. You can get other sandwiches here, like a burger for just $2. Meal specials are rotated weekly. They're open 24 hours, so you can satiate your late-night (or early morning) cravings.

For an authentic and delicious Italian beef sandwich, this place can't be beat. Starting as a small beef stand and growing into a franchise, this spot has earned many awards over the decades. Regular 6-inch beef sandwiches are $5.50 or get a Little Al (four-inch) for $4.50.

You'll find fresh and healthy Lebanese cuisine at great prices. Sandwiches are about $6, salads are just under $5 and small salad portions are available for $2.45. They offer a lunch special called the Baba that comes with a Kabob or shawarma for $5.99.