Cheap Downtown Chicago Restaurants

The menu is full of healthy, quick food, including the "Bar-rittos," which have half of the calories of most burritos and are filled with ingredients such as organic quinoa instead of rice. Add a complimentary "boost" to any drink or bowl.

Known for their turkey sandwiches, this spot also serves up an array of fresh breakfast and lunch dishes. From falafel to breakfast bagel sandwiches, there is something for everyone, including smoothies and a juice bar.

If you don't feel like pancakes, try the Friday special, Deep Fried Halibut, for less than $10. If you go for happy hour, enjoy the free popcorn, which will make you extra thirsty for the reasonable and strong drinks!

Try unique and healthy lunch sandwiches, like the Lyndon, with avocado, lettuce, tomato, cheeses and thousand island for under $6, and that includes a choice of a side. Or add salsa, guacamole and chips for $1.

A falafel sandwich for under $5 can be had at Taza, a Mediterranean restaurant known for hearty portions and fair prices. Add a drink and pita chips to any sandwich or plate for an extra $1.59. Grab a small piece of baklava for dessert for $1.

For tasty, cheap lunch options (mostly based around chicken!), this spot offers great deals that keep the nearby college students coming back. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter to sign up for rewards and to be notified of last-minute deals.

For a lunchtime break that doesn't consist of a sandwich, this cheap Downtown Chicago restaurant offers an array of Asian dishes including potstickers and, of course, bao. And, when you become a fan on Facebook, you'll have access to a secret word of the day that gets you great special offers.

Pockets offers a selection of fresh ingredients stuffed into freshly baked, multigrain bread. Most of the pockets can be ordered as halfs for $3.99 or a full pocket will cost you $5.99 and up. Good salads and kids meals are available, too. Join Pockets Perks for special deals.

This hidden spot in The Loop is a good place to grab a breakfast sandwich before work for just $2.95; at lunch, most sandwiches are less than $6 and they come with fries or cup of soup and coleslaw. Dinners are very reasonably-priced as well. Open Monday through Friday.

For good, fast Mexican food, this spot is a neighborhood favorite. They offer daily specials, and every day, their tamales and taco dishes are just $2.45. Stop in on Monday for Margaritas for just $3.

For substantial portions at non-substantial prices, people keep going for the pieorogis. But, the Borsch is a favorite here, too. A variety of 6-piece Pierogis are available for $3.99. Twelve-piece orders are available, too. Note that the dumplings are generous in size and quite filling.

Get authentic Cuban sandwiches at this cheap Downtown Chicago restaurant that's open seven days a week. Their website offers coupons for a free house coffee with purchase of a sandwich, among other special deals. Sandwiches are priced from about $3 - $6.

This casual Mexican restaurant serves taco combos, which includes two tacos, beans, rice and a can of soda for $5.75. They use lean meats and fresh ingredients and boil and bake the food instead of fry. Healthy food at a reasonable cost.

You can enjoy a falafel plate for $4.99 or one of the daily specials, many of which are served with hummus, rice and olives. This cafe is known for fast, tasty Middle Eastern food. Long lunch lines prove that their hummus is a big hit.

Grab a Chicago-style hot dog for $2.35 or their Italian Beef sandwich for $4.65. There's a variety of other items including meatball sandwiches, pasta and turkey subs -- all reasonably priced and quickly served. You can purchase the beef by the pound to take home, as well.

This spot serves authentic Indian food quick, reasonably priced and consists of healthier recipes. For $5.99 you can have a chicken or vegetarian entree with 1/2 rice and 1/2 Naan or salad. This "fast food" is made with only trans-fat free oils.

Affordable Mediterranean cuisine includes Baba Ganoujeh and Shawarma. Customize your dish and start with a Lebanese rol or bed of hummus. This popular lunch spot will text message you about their specials if you sign up on their website.