When you’re on a budget, going out to eat can sometimes be hard to do. But you don’t have to sacrifice eating a good meal when you’re trying to watch your wallet. In fact, there are plenty of budget-friendly restaurants in Illinois, so read on to see some of the ones we suggest you visit around the state.
- Gail’s Carriage Inn Restaurant & Pancake House, Des Plaines
Google Maps
Melissa Escobar/Google Open for breakfast and lunch, Gail’s Carriage House has been a local favorite for several decades. Among the favorite dishes at this affordable eatery is The Original Grilled Spuds Omelet which is an omelet inside a layer of hash browns. If it’s your first time at Gails, a Spuds Omelet is one item you must try! Visit the restaurant’s website for more information. 1145 Elmhurst Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016, USA
- The Kangley Inn, Streator
The Kangley Inn/Facebook
Beth Knoblauch/Google This bar and restaurant is known best for its prime rib, but it does have plenty of other offerings on the menu. Lunch and dinner is served daily while breakfast is offered only on Sundays. From bbq ribs to chicken, fish, and plenty of specials, you’ll enjoy both the food and the casual vibe here. Visit the restaurant’s Facebook page for more information. 4509 Section St, Streator, IL 61364, USA
- Pop’s Place, Decatur
Pops Place/Facebook
Kourtney Dawson/Google Since 2008, Pop’s Place has brought delicious food, drinks, and live music to the Decatur area. Join Pop’s on Monday nights for wings or any other day for food and drink specials. Many items on the menu are under $10, making this quite an affordable place for a meal out. Visit the restaurant’s website for more information. 4335 W Main St, Decatur, IL 62522, USA
- Big Jon’s Lunch Box, Mt. Carmel
Lesley Hipsher/Google
Wes Smith/Google At a place called Big Jon’s, you better believe they serve big portions! With fresh-cooked food, great prices, and friendly service, this eatery is highly rated by customers. And if you’re throwing a party or organizing a special event, Big Jon’s Lunch Box caters. Visit the restaurant’s Facebook page for more information. 123 W 4th St, Mt Carmel, IL 62863, USA
- Chatham Cafe, Chatham
Chatham Cafe/Facebook
Chatham Cafe/Facebook Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, Chatham Cafe offers an extensive menu from which even the pickiest of eaters can find something to enjoy. From skillets and French toast creations for breakfast to salads, melts, burgers, and entrees for dinner, you’ll find many of the items both flavorful and affordable. Visit the restaurant’s website for more information. 414 N Main, Chatham, IL 62629, USA
- The Junction Eating Place, DeKalb
The Junction Eating Place/Facebook
The Junction Eating Place/Facebook This train-themed restaurant has been delighting families for over 40 years! You’ll enjoy a variety of breakfast items, sandwiches, lunch and dinner entrees, and drinks on the menu. Kids will be delighted at the choices for them as well! Visit the restaurant’s website for more information. 816 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
- Stella’s Cafe & Catering, Stockton
Jim Vawter/Google 100 N Main St, Stockton, IL 61085, USA
Matthew Sweger/Google Stella’s Cafe is a budget-friendly restaurant located in a historic building in downtown Stockton. You’ll be charmed by the gorgeous interior as you dine on a variety of breakfast or lunch items. In addition to the food, this is an excellent place to grab a coffee. Visit the restaurant’s Facebook page for more information. 100 N Main St, Stockton, IL 61085, USA
Google Maps
Melissa Escobar/Google
Open for breakfast and lunch, Gail’s Carriage House has been a local favorite for several decades. Among the favorite dishes at this affordable eatery is The Original Grilled Spuds Omelet which is an omelet inside a layer of hash browns. If it’s your first time at Gails, a Spuds Omelet is one item you must try! Visit the restaurant’s website for more information.
1145 Elmhurst Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016, USA
The Kangley Inn/Facebook
Beth Knoblauch/Google
This bar and restaurant is known best for its prime rib, but it does have plenty of other offerings on the menu. Lunch and dinner is served daily while breakfast is offered only on Sundays. From bbq ribs to chicken, fish, and plenty of specials, you’ll enjoy both the food and the casual vibe here. Visit the restaurant’s Facebook page for more information.
4509 Section St, Streator, IL 61364, USA
Pops Place/Facebook
Kourtney Dawson/Google
Since 2008, Pop’s Place has brought delicious food, drinks, and live music to the Decatur area. Join Pop’s on Monday nights for wings or any other day for food and drink specials. Many items on the menu are under $10, making this quite an affordable place for a meal out. Visit the restaurant’s website for more information.
4335 W Main St, Decatur, IL 62522, USA
Lesley Hipsher/Google
Wes Smith/Google
At a place called Big Jon’s, you better believe they serve big portions! With fresh-cooked food, great prices, and friendly service, this eatery is highly rated by customers. And if you’re throwing a party or organizing a special event, Big Jon’s Lunch Box caters. Visit the restaurant’s Facebook page for more information.
123 W 4th St, Mt Carmel, IL 62863, USA
Chatham Cafe/Facebook
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, Chatham Cafe offers an extensive menu from which even the pickiest of eaters can find something to enjoy. From skillets and French toast creations for breakfast to salads, melts, burgers, and entrees for dinner, you’ll find many of the items both flavorful and affordable. Visit the restaurant’s website for more information.
414 N Main, Chatham, IL 62629, USA
The Junction Eating Place/Facebook
This train-themed restaurant has been delighting families for over 40 years! You’ll enjoy a variety of breakfast items, sandwiches, lunch and dinner entrees, and drinks on the menu. Kids will be delighted at the choices for them as well! Visit the restaurant’s website for more information.
816 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
Jim Vawter/Google
100 N Main St, Stockton, IL 61085, USA
Matthew Sweger/Google
Stella’s Cafe is a budget-friendly restaurant located in a historic building in downtown Stockton. You’ll be charmed by the gorgeous interior as you dine on a variety of breakfast or lunch items. In addition to the food, this is an excellent place to grab a coffee. Visit the restaurant’s Facebook page for more information.
Have you ever dined at any of these budget-friendly restaurants in Illinois? Do you know of any other affordable eateries around the state? If so, please share your suggestions in the comments!
If you love exploring the food scene around Illinois, check out these bucket-list-worthy restaurants you are sure to love!
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