Cheap Places to Eat in Carol Stream

"Sun Wah doesn’t hide what it does best with an enticing (unless you’re a vegetarian) line of ducks hanging in the window just waiting to be roasted. Sun Wah is Chinese barbecue, and the duck is the star; order it ahead of time when you make your reservation and be treated to a multicourse dinner of soup, carved bird, and fried rice, with plenty to go around for a group, and at smile-inducing prices. Once you’ve gotten the duck out of the way, carry yourself back to the sparsely decorated but charmingly simple dining room and order the juicy roast pork or any number of the Chinese favorites; repeat as necessary."

"You deserve Hong Kong-style Chinese barbecue and Sun Wah BBQ has just what you need. Although this restaurant was originally a New York treasure, founder Eric Cheng decided Chicago was a better home. With the intricate array of options, Sun Wah continues to be an Uptown food staple."

"For an upscale and elegant dim sum experience, no place in the city rivals the Shanghai Terrace, perched on the top of the Peninsula Chicago Hotel. With an emphasis on Cantonese dishes, the dim sum menu features delicate plates with high-end ingredients such as dumplings with lobster and black truffle, bean curd rolls with scallop and fresh rice crepes. The Terrace also offers Peking duck prepared three ways – roasted and sliced according to tradition, cooked in a Chinese green mustard soup and finally, mixed with braised noodles."

"Chinese is perched curiously atop the list of cuisines that seem to resist the high-end treatment. Maybe it’s the long association with greasy delivery dishes and Chinatown dives, who knows, but it’s a shame, because the bevy of flavors seem like they would be perfect in the hands of a sophisticated chef. At least Chicago has Shanghai Terrace, which sports a luxurious atmosphere atop the Peninsula Hotel with a sublime view of city."

"What's better than Cantonese delicacies while gazing at Chicago’s skyline?. Located inside The Peninsula Hotel, Shanghai Terrace sets the scene for a 1930s supper club. Have a cocktail on the terrace or enjoy Cantonese meals inside the restaurant."

"It’s with good reason that Portillo’s has long been a cheap-eats staple in Chicago; the beloved Chicago-style hotdogs are no more than $4 and piled high with mustard, relish, celery salt, chopped onions, tomatoes, a kosher pickle and sport peppers. The rest of the fast-food-centric menu is just as wallet-friendly, peppered with the likes of a char-broiled chicken sandwich ($5.29), an Italian beef sandwich ($6.29), crinkle-cut fries ($2.69) and a chocolate cake shake ($4.29), which is actually blitzed with ice cream and a slice of chocolate cake."

"The Chicago born and based chain is a smart choice for a snappy Chicago style hot dog, a spiced-just-right Italian beef or combo, better than decent char burgers and really good shakes, malts and chocolate cake. Service is fast, staff gets your order right, prices are low and everything is authentically flavored. Even dieters can find a tasty option at Portillo's - char-broiled chicken or grilled tuna sandwiches and big salads."

"It’s been admired by the likes of Chefs Grant Achatz, Rick Bayless and the late, great Anthony Bourdain. Now is your chance to try the Chicago-style hot dog, the dish that truly captures the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Don’t sleep on this dog:"

"Restaurants Pan-Asian River North. You've likely heard about Tao because of its 1,000-person capacity club, but the venue's posh restaurant is not to be overlooked. Snag a table in the dining room or saddle up at the sushi counter, where you can order sea-kissed treasures a la carte or through a decadent omakase menu."

"For those that have never heard the term “clubstaurant,” it could be time to visit Tao for a delicious education. Situated in the historic River North castle, Tao is set over multi..."

"Known to many as QXY, this Chinatown mainstay is the dumpling authority of Chicago. Why we love it: When it comes to dumplings, we're of the mindset that more is always better. It's why we flock to QXY for the seemingly endless menu that details dozens of fillings that are sorted by protein—from pork and pickled cabbage to scallop and lotus root."

"The Chinatown restaurant won the Readers' Choice Award for Best Chinese Takeout. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune). “Before the pandemic, we were not really focused on takeout,” says Jesse Li, general manager at QXY Dumplings in Chinatown."

"Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises has used the pandemic as an opportunity to resurrect virtual versions of some of its most popular past restaurants, including longtime favorite Vong’s Thai Kitchen. Chef Arnulfo Tellez of Shaw’s Crab House is putting out hits like VTK’s signature shrimp and crab pad thai and chicken garlic noodles."

"With luxe Italian fare and gorgeous, panoramic views of Lake Michigan, Spiaggia has everything you need for a romantic evening. Featuring a Michelin star, the menu of Spiaggia lives up to its reputation — with dishes such as white truffle gnocchi, Spiaggia takes pride in delivering a sumptuous fine dining experience. Whether you love expressive wines, classic cocktails or excellent iced coffees, the beverages of Spiaggia alone are worth the trip."

"With sweeping views of Lake Michigan, the iconic Spiaggia is a Chicago icon. Barack and Michelle Obama previously enjoyed a date night here, so it really must be one of the most romantic restaurants in Chicago. It’s over the top, yet still manages to retain a beautiful elegance in the atmosphere and menu."

"Tacos are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to options at Arturo's Tacos, open 24 hours.|© Sarah Stierch / Flickr. Arturo’s Tacos in Bucktown is open 24 hours a day, so there’s really no excuse not to get in there and try one of their many amazing Mexican dishes. The atmosphere is jovial and colorful; the food is always exactly what the doctor ordered, whether that’s late-night burritos to prevent a hangover or mid-morning huevos rancheros to cure one."

"Among the 26 different gardens here are the three-island Malott Japanese Garden, the 5-acre Evening Island, and the Grunsfeld Children's…"

"The Field Museum of Natural History owes its existence to the World’s Fair that was held in Chicago in 1893. Originally designed as way to showcase exhibits from the Fair, the museum quickly evolved into a collection of natural history artifacts and exhibitions. The collection was moved to its current location in Grant Park in 1921 and is part of the Museum Campus."

"The Titanosaur Máximo greets you as soon as you step inside the Field Museum. Start by taking a selfie with the biggest creature to walk the Earth. Then continue your exploration by going through the museum galleries."

"Children under 3, K-12 teachers, and active-duty military are always free. Illinois residents are admitted free on select days throughout the year. Proof of residency is required."

"In my opinion, the more students that study abroad in Spain, the more the tapas demand in the US is bound to grow. With a tapas menu more noteworthy than most, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba is another authentic Chicago favorite. Their Pintxos (bite-sized tapas) and chocolate cake are especially good."

"Beer: Chicago has the most breweries in America, and places like Maplewood, Goose Island, Half Acre, Dovetail, and Hopewell offering beers to-go in cans, crowlers, and growlers. Some also have socially distanced patios. Check out the essential brewery map."