10 Under $10: Good Cheap Eats in Des Plaines

Des Plaines eats. The city features a number of delicious ways to separate a hungry resident from their cash. So what does one do if they want to eat well, but do it on the cheap? Luckily, there are a number of options right here in town, from breakfast through dessert.

Patch's handy guide to some of the best, most interesting and unique meals in Des Plaines under $10 should help the hungry fill up while keeping their spending down. 

Katie's Kitchen 
623 N Wolf Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016   847-803-3544
www.​katieskitchenonline.​com

Starting the day with a sandwich seems crazy. At Katie's Kitchen, however, it's encouraged. Known throughout Des Plaines for it's breakfast sandwiches, the pancake sandwich is a local favorite.

Cheap Eat: The pancake sandwich: one thick slice of lean smoked ham layered between two fluffy pancakes and topped with two fresh eggs for $6.29.


1374 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60018   847-296-2335

As lunch time rolls around, the hour becomes more sandwich appropriate. Popular nightlife spot Beacon Tap does a variety of good burgers for under $10, as well as a Friday night fish fry for $9.

Cheap Eat: The Miss Piggy burger, topped with bacon and swiss, $8.


600 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60016   847-391-9815

There are plenty of reasons to head to Choo Choo: to recapture the romance of American rail travel, to dress up as an old time engineer, or to see the look of delight on a child's face as a toy brings him or her some cheese fries. 

Cheap Eat: A bowl of turkey chili with cheese and onions, $5.75.

1724 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018   847-699-8590

Perhaps one of Des Plaines most beloved local restaurants, the Pup has been fattening DP residents for years. You can't go wrong here, but Paradise can be found in one particular menu item....

Cheap Eat: The classic original, the Three Layer Fries, with an artery busting sour cream, bacon and cheese, $6.

775 W Golf Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016   847-952-1688

There are a number of Chinese options in Des Plaines. China Wok is noted in Des Plaines for it's cheap lunch specials and hearty portions.

Cheap Eat: The Pupu platter appetizer for two, featuring two each of teriyaki beef, egg roll, fantail shrimp, crab rangoon, and shrimp toast.

1603 E Oakton St, Des Plaines, IL 60018   847-965-4431

Gigio's Pizza is appreciated throughout Des Plaines for it's tasty thin crust and speedy delivery. The all day slice specials are well known, but the panzerotti is a hidden gem.

Cheap Eat: Panzerotti, a crusty, baked pastry filled with sauce, cheese and other pizza toppings, $5.

600 E Central Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016   847-298-3311

This local chain is starting to catch on. From late night delivery (last order taken at 2:45am!) to it's great value, it's rise in popularity is no surprise.

Cheap Eat: Six piece fried chicken dinner, $8.75.

356 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60016  847-298-3393

With several locations in Des Plaines, Las Asadas is the local go to taqueria. There are dinners available, but it's the tacos and burritos that keep locals lining up.

Cheap Eat: Tacos, in particular the steak taco, $1.65, and burritos for $4.95.

9854 Milwaukee Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60016  847-759-9990
pita-inn.​com/

Pita Inn brings Mediterranean cuisine into the fast food realm. A fantastic option for those seeking a burger alternative, and a boon to vegetarians and vegans, Pita Inn offers fresh pita sandwiches, and fast.

Cheap Eat: A large hummus plate for $3.25 and a falafel sandwich, also $3.25


700 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60016   847-298-0688
www.​dadsslotcars.​com/

Why go to one of the national ice cream chains when you can support a local? Especially when that local features ice cream and slot car racing. You can blow your ten bucks on an hour of car fun, or you can save it for the nearly ten different varieties of ice cream in back.

Cheap Eat: A vanilla ice cream cone, $4.