Best Affordable Argentinian Restaurants in Chicago | Affordable Argentinian Food

30 restaurants in Best Affordable Argentinian Restaurants in Chicago | Affordable Argentinian Food

• Deep Purpl — American · rated 5/5: Vibrant hues and bold flavors collide in this modern sanctuary, where the deep, velvety purple of artisanal acai bowls provides a refreshing counterpoint to the golden, flaky warmth of hand-crafted Argentinian empanadas. From the satisfying crunch of thick-cut toasts topped with creamy avocado or rich hazelnut to the savory comfort of buttery shrimp and grits, every dish is a playful celebration of fresh ingredients and global inspiration.
• Estereo — Mexican · rated 4/5: This sun-drenched, triangular oasis pulses with the warmth of Latin America, blending the laid-back charm of a breezy coffee house with the sophisticated energy of a craft cocktail bar. Guests linger over vibrant, citrus-brightened libations featuring earthy mezcal and botanical sotol, paired perfectly with the buttery, savory crunch of artisanal empanadas as vinyl records spin a soulful soundtrack into the evening.
• Theory — American · rated 4/5: Theory pulses with a modern, eclectic energy, where the comforting aroma of griddled challah French toast mingles with the zesty, bold spices of house-made chilaquiles. This vibrant social hub transforms casual dining into a sensory celebration, offering everything from crispy breakfast empanadas to inventive Cacio e Pepe chips that invite lingering over shared plates in a spirited, welcoming atmosphere.
• The Garage Bar & Sandwiches — American · rated 4/5: This high-energy social hub blends industrial charm with a laid-back neighborhood vibe, creating a spirited backdrop for lively gatherings and shared plates. The kitchen puts a playful, indulgent spin on comfort classics, serving up everything from molten Mac N’ Cheese Empanadas and zesty Cosmic Shrimp to oversized pretzels and crispy, sauce-drenched wings. Whether you're tucking into a vibrant, farm-fresh salad or a plate of hearty bites, the experience is one of pure, unpretentious satisfaction where the atmosphere is as bold as the flavors.
• Sabor de Mi Tierra — Mexican · rated 4/5: Sabor de Mi Tierra invites guests into a vibrant, sun-drenched space where the rhythmic sound of sizzling planchas and the comforting aroma of slow-simmered spices evoke the warmth of a family kitchen. Hand-pressed tortillas and golden empanadas serve as the canvas for bold, heritage-driven flavors, bringing the soulful essence of Latin American home cooking to every colorful plate. It is a place where every bite feels like a nostalgic journey, celebrating the rich culinary traditions and spirited hospitality of the homeland.
• Ashley's Cafe & Tap — American · rated 4/5: Sunlight streams into this vibrant local hub, where the air is thick with the scent of buttery pastries and the rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine. Guests tuck into golden-brown empanadas filled with everything from zesty chorizo to earthy spinach and feta, pairing their savory bites with a bold espresso shot or a crisp, hand-shaken lemonade.
• Estereo FM — Mexican · rated 4/5: Vibrant and rhythm-forward, this spirited enclave pulses with the soul of Latin America, where the air is bright with the citrusy zing of pisco and the smoky allure of artisanal mezcal. Golden, flaky empanadas from Cafe Tola provide the perfect savory counterpoint to a sophisticated lineup of draft cocktails and botanical elixirs, creating a lively sanctuary that feels like a perpetual, sun-drenched afternoon.
• Panadería Nuevo Leon — Mexican · rated 4/5: The air inside this vibrant neighborhood gem is thick with the comforting scent of toasted flour and caramelized sugar, drawing visitors into a world of traditional Mexican baking. Rows of golden-brown conchas with their signature crackled toppings sit alongside flaky empanadas and buttery galletas, creating a colorful mosaic of hand-crafted treats. Guests weave through the bustling space with silver tongs in hand, selecting from an endless variety of sweet breads that turn a simple morning ritual into a celebration of heritage and flavor.
• Mekato's Colombian Bakery — Colombian · rated 3/5: The air at Mekato's Colombian Bakery is thick with the comforting scent of freshly baked pandebonos and the rich, roasted aroma of premium Colombian coffee. Golden-crusted empanadas and guava-filled pastries glow within bustling display cases, inviting guests to savor a vibrant slice of South American tradition in a space that hums with neighborhood energy.
• Artango — Steakhouse: This vibrant destination captures the sultry soul of Buenos Aires, blending the rhythmic passion of live tango with the smoky, irresistible aroma of an authentic Argentine parrillada. Guests are swept away by an atmosphere of vintage glamour as they indulge in tender, wood-fired steaks and vibrant chimichurri, making every meal a celebration of Latin American culture and culinary artistry. The experience is completed by the clinking of Malbec glasses and the soulful melodies of live musicians, creating an evening that is as much a feast for the senses as it is for the palate.
• El Ñandú — Spanish: Stepping into this vibrant Argentinian sanctuary feels like entering a rustic estancia, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of sizzling meats and the soulful strains of live folk music. Golden, hand-crimped empanadas and succulent cuts of beef are served in a candlelit space adorned with traditional South American artifacts, inviting guests to linger over a glass of robust Malbec. This soulful destination captures the essence of Patagonian hospitality, blending rhythmic charm with the timeless tradition of the open flame.
• 5411 Empanadas - Wicker Park — Spanish: Sunlight streams through the windows of this chic urban outpost, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of toasted pastry and savory spices. Each hand-folded empanada arrives with a perfectly bronzed, flaky crust that gives way to a world of rich, artisanal fillings, offering a vibrant taste of Buenos Aires tucked away in the bustle of Wicker Park.
• Xoco — Mexican: The air at Xoco is thick with the intoxicating aroma of toasted cacao and sizzling griddles, drawing guests into a vibrant space where golden, flaky empanadas and griddle-crisped tortas celebrate the bold spirit of Mexican street food. Soul-warming caldos and creamy guacamole provide a comforting centerpiece to the meal, which inevitably concludes with the irresistible crunch of hot-from-the-fryer churros and a steaming mug of frothy, stone-ground hot chocolate.
• Havana Grill — Spanish: Havana Grill pulses with a vibrant energy, where the air is thick with the scent of sizzling spices and the rhythmic clinking of glasses. Crispy plantain tostaditos and golden-fried empanadas offer a satisfying crunch that gives way to savory, soulful fillings, while zesty ceviche and smoky chipotle crab cakes bring a bright, coastal flair to the table. It is a spirited escape where every spoonful of rich black bean soup or bite of a hearty chimichanga feels like a sun-drenched celebration of bold Latin flavors.
• Bocaditos Chicago — Spanish: Sunlight dances across the vibrant, welcoming space of this neighborhood treasure, where the air is perfumed with the irresistible scent of golden, hand-crimped empanadas baking to perfection. Each bite offers a soulful journey through Argentine flavors, from savory, slow-cooked fillings to the sweet, velvety embrace of house-made alfajores, creating an intimate escape that feels like a warm embrace from a distant shore.
• Tango Sur — Steakhouse: Bathed in the flickering glow of candlelight, this bustling Argentinian sanctuary invites guests to uncork their favorite bottles while the air fills with the savory perfume of sizzling, grass-fed steaks. Sizable platters of perfectly charred beef and golden empanadas anchor the tables, fostering a communal spirit of indulgence within a rustic, shadow-drenched space that feels like a hidden corner of Buenos Aires.
• 5411 Empanadas - Division — Spanish: Sunlight streams into this sleek Wicker Park haunt, where the irresistible aroma of buttery, oven-baked pastry draws passersby into a space of minimalist charm and urban energy. Each hand-crimped empanada arrives with a perfectly golden, flaky crust that gives way to steaming, savory fillings, creating a vibrant tapestry of Argentine flavors best enjoyed with a generous drizzle of zesty, herb-flecked chimichurri.
• La Celia Latin Kitchen — Mexican: Stepping into La Celia Latin Kitchen feels like entering a sun-drenched courtyard, where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of charred spices and the rhythmic clinking of glasses. The kitchen celebrates the soulful heart of Latin American cuisine, turning out plates where tender, slow-roasted meats meet the bright acidity of house-made chimichurri and the caramelized sweetness of golden plantains. It is a spirited destination where every meal feels like a festive gathering, inviting guests to linger over bold, colorful dishes that bridge the gap between tradition and modern culinary artistry.
• 5411 Empanadas — Spanish: This sleek, modern outpost captures the soul of Argentinian street food, drawing guests in with the warm, buttery scent of empanadas browning in the oven. Each hand-crimped pocket features a perfectly golden, flaky crust that gives way to steaming, artisanal fillings ranging from traditional savory meats to melted cheeses. It is a vibrant, casual space where the simple joy of a handheld feast is elevated by bold flavors and a bright, herbaceous splash of house-made chimichurri.
• Cafe Tola #3 — Mexican: Vibrant murals and a signature pop of hot pink create a high-energy backdrop where the soul of Latin-American comfort food takes center stage. The aroma of buttery, hand-crimped empanadas wafts through the air, inviting guests to linger over bold salsas and artisanal coffees in a space that feels like a colorful, flavor-packed celebration of the neighborhood.
• Red Ribbon — Filipino: Step into a vibrant sanctuary of sweetness where the air is thick with the comforting aroma of freshly baked sponge cakes and buttery pastries. From the iconic, velvety ube cakes draped in deep purple frosting to savory, golden-crusted empanadas, every treat captures the nostalgic joy of a Filipino celebration. Whether sharing a decadent slice of mango cream cake or a steaming plate of savory noodles, guests find a warm, inviting space where every bite feels like a festive homecoming.
• Bodega Sur — Steakhouse: Stepping into this intimate Argentine bistro feels like discovering a hidden gem in the heart of Buenos Aires, where flickering candlelight dances across vintage decor and rustic wooden tables. The air carries the savory perfume of charred steaks and golden empanadas, inviting guests to linger over velvet-smooth Malbecs and shared platters of traditional parrillada. It is a soulful, bohemian retreat that marries the warmth of South American hospitality with a transportive atmosphere perfect for slow, wine-soaked evenings.
• El Llano Restaurant - Northcenter — Mexican: The air at El Llano is thick with the savory scent of sizzling meats and golden-fried empanadas, drawing guests into a bright, welcoming space that feels like a slice of the Andes in the heart of Northcenter. Generous platters of traditional Colombian fare take center stage, where crispy chicharrón and perfectly seasoned steak meet creamy avocado and sweet plantains in a vibrant celebration of South American flavors. Every meal carries a soulful, home-cooked warmth, inviting diners to linger over refreshing tropical juices and hearty plates that capture the spirit of a festive neighborhood gathering.
• Las Tablas Colombian Steakhouse — Steakhouse: The rhythmic sizzle of the open grill and the intoxicating aroma of charred meats fill this vibrant space, transporting diners to the heart of Colombia with every flame-kissed bite. Succulent cuts of steak arrive on signature wooden planks alongside golden plantains and zesty house-made chimichurri, creating a soulful dining experience that celebrates bold South American flavors and warm, spirited hospitality.
• 5411 Empanadas - Lakeview — Spanish: Step into a bright, minimalist haven where the golden glow of freshly baked Argentinian pastries fills the air with a buttery, irresistible warmth. Each handcrafted pocket boasts a perfectly crimped, flaky crust that gives way to savory fillings ranging from slow-braised meats to gooey melted cheeses, all elevated by a vibrant splash of zesty chimichurri. Whether paired with a robust Malbec or a smooth espresso, these portable treasures offer a sophisticated yet casual taste of Buenos Aires in the heart of the neighborhood.
• Irazu — Costa Rican: This vibrant corner of Costa Rican soul pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the savory aroma of golden empanadas and the comforting hum of a bustling neighborhood gathering spot. Hearty plates of gallo pinto and pressed pepito sandwiches are elevated by the iconic tang of Lizano sauce, while frothy, cinnamon-spiced oatmeal shakes provide a cool, creamy finish to every sun-drenched bite. It is a lively, unpretentious escape where tropical warmth meets urban charm, celebrating the rich, rustic flavors of the Pura Vida lifestyle.
• Cafe Tola — Mexican: Vibrant murals and pops of neon color set the stage at this lively neighborhood nook, where the air is thick with the scent of freshly roasted coffee and golden, buttery pastry. Hand-crimped empanadas take center stage, boasting flaky crusts that give way to bold, savory fillings inspired by traditional Latin flavors. The space radiates a cheerful energy that feels like a warm, sun-drenched escape from the bustling city streets.
• Cafe Tola #1 — Mexican: This vibrant, pint-sized gem bursts with color and character, drawing passersby in with the irresistible aroma of golden, hand-pressed empanadas and freshly roasted coffee. Inside, the eclectic decor sets the stage for a menu of flaky, savory pastries and bold Mexican-inspired flavors that turn a quick bite into a soulful, sun-drenched escape. Whether grabbing a steaming café con leche or lingering over a spicy chorizo-filled pocket, guests find a spirited neighborhood sanctuary where every detail feels crafted with heart and heat.
• 5411 Empanadas — Spanish: Stepping into this sleek, modern space feels like a quick escape to the streets of Buenos Aires, where the warm aroma of freshly baked dough invites you to linger. Hand-crimped empanadas emerge from the oven with golden, flaky crusts that shatter to reveal savory, aromatic fillings, best enjoyed with a bright splash of vibrant house-made chimichurri. It is a sophisticated yet approachable destination where the simple joy of a handheld snack is elevated into a gourmet experience, perfect for a quick bite or a communal feast.
• Chicago Empanada Mama — Mexican: The air is thick with the comforting scent of golden, flaky pastry and spiced fillings, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the art of the hand-crimped empanada takes center stage. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch that gives way to a world of savory, soulful flavors, ranging from traditional Latin classics to inventive, globally-inspired combinations. Served alongside zesty house-made salsas, these portable pockets of joy provide a warm, home-cooked experience that captures the heart of neighborhood dining.