Best Cheap Indian Restaurants in Chicago | Cheap Indian Food

30 restaurants in Best Cheap Indian Restaurants in Chicago | Cheap Indian Food

• O'Shaughnessy's — American · rated 5/5: Step into a spirited neighborhood haunt where the golden warmth of flaky sausage rolls and the savory aroma of curry-drenched chips invite long afternoons of easy conversation. The kitchen balances hearty pub comforts like beans on toast and loaded crisps with refined touches like delicate smoked salmon platters and vibrant, crisp salads. Whether you are tucking into a basket of spicy buffalo chicken or exploring plant-based favorites, every plate captures a sense of soulful, unpretentious hospitality.
• Galway Arms — Irish (Wait, "Irish · rated 5/5: Galway Arms welcomes guests into a spirited, wood-toned sanctuary where the conviviality of a traditional Irish pub meets a menu of elevated, soul-warming comfort. Golden-crusted Irish sausage rolls and decadent curry poutine share the table with bubbling spinach dips and giant, salt-flecked pretzels, creating a communal feast designed for lingering over pints. Every bite, from the crunch of spice-dusted wings to the tang of crispy fried pickles, captures the hearty, welcoming essence of a true neighborhood gathering spot.
• Tahoora Sweets & Bakery — Indian · rated 5/5: Tahoora Sweets & Bakery invites guests into a vibrant world of South Asian indulgence, where the air is heavy with the intoxicating scents of cardamom, rosewater, and toasted nuts. Jewel-toned mithai and golden, syrup-soaked pastries glisten behind glass displays, offering a decadent tapestry of textures that range from melt-in-your-mouth fudges to crisp, savory snacks. It is a bustling neighborhood cornerstone where the rich heritage of traditional confectionery is served alongside steaming cups of chai, creating a sensory celebration of sweetness and spice.
• Fatpour Tap Works — American · rated 4/5: This high-energy social hub pulses with a vibrant taproom spirit, where the air is rich with the savory scent of wood-fired crab cakes and golden, salt-dusted Bavarian pretzels. Friends gather around communal tables to dive into bubbling Nashville hot chicken dip and towering plates of baked nachos, creating a lively atmosphere where elevated comfort food and craft brews take center stage. Every visit feels like a spirited celebration, anchored by indulgent bites like prime rib sliders and crispy chicken n' waffle bites that redefine the modern pub experience.
• Caribbean American Bakery — Caribbean (Note: While "Caribbean · rated 4/5: The air inside this bustling neighborhood gem is thick with the intoxicating aroma of allspice and slow-roasted spices, drawing guests in for a soulful taste of the islands. Golden, turmeric-tinted crusts shatter to reveal savory fillings of seasoned beef, fragrant curry chicken, or vibrant vegetables, offering a masterclass in the art of the perfect Caribbean patty. From the smoky heat of tender jerk chicken served with pillowy bread to the bite-sized joy of their signature cocktail pastries, every offering celebrates the bold, sun-drenched flavors of traditional island baking.
• Pleasant House Pub — British · rated 4/5: Step into a warm, convivial sanctuary where the comforting aroma of slow-simmered savory pies and bubbling Welsh rarebit invites lingering over a pint. The kitchen celebrates the soul of British comfort, pairing the satisfying crunch of golden-crusted Scotch eggs with the spice-laden warmth of curry chips and hearty steak-and-ale fillings. It is a spirited neighborhood haunt where traditional pub snacks and elevated comfort classics come together to create a dining experience that feels both nostalgic and vibrantly modern.
• Chiya Chai — Indian · rated 3/5: This vibrant sanctuary invites guests into a world of aromatic warmth, where the steam from hand-brewed masala chai mingles with the enticing scent of spices toasted to perfection. Golden, flaky samosas and crisp pakoras lead the way to soulful bowls of velvety chicken curry and paneer tikka masala, each dish bursting with bold, traditional flavors that dance on the palate. A refreshing mango lassi provides the perfect cooling finish to this sensory journey, capturing the spirited essence of a modern Himalayan tea house.
• The Spice House — Indian · rated 3/5: Step into a sensory sanctuary where the air is thick with the intoxicating perfume of hand-blended aromatics, from the peppery bite of Back of the Yards garlic to the deep, smoldering notes of Milwaukee Avenue smokehouse rubs. This culinary destination celebrates the alchemy of flavor, offering a journey that spans from the sun-drenched heat of Jamaican jerk to the earthy, salt-free depth of Oaxacan ancho coffee blends. Every visit promises a vibrant exploration of global spices and local heritage, finished perhaps with the nostalgic, velvety warmth of a spiced Mexican hot cocoa.
• Ghareeb Nawaz — Indian: The air hums with the vibrant energy of a bustling canteen, thick with the intoxicating aroma of toasted cumin and slow-simmered curries. Generous mounds of fragrant, spice-laden biryani and buttery, flaky paratha arrive on steaming plates, offering a soulful taste of Indo-Pakistani tradition that satisfies both the appetite and the spirit. This neighborhood institution pulses with a high-energy, communal atmosphere where the focus remains entirely on the bold, honest flavors of home-style cooking.
• Rajun Cajun — American: The air at Rajun Cajun is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted spices and the smoky char of the tandoor oven, welcoming guests into a vibrant sanctuary of North Indian comfort. Velvety butter chicken and tender lamb curries simmer in rich, aromatic sauces, offering a soulful dining experience where every bite celebrates deep, traditional flavors. Whether sharing a generous family-style platter or savoring a hearty individual meal, diners find a warm atmosphere that turns a simple dinner into a fragrant, spice-filled escape.
• Brightwok Kitchen — Chinese: The air hums with the rhythmic clatter of woks and the sizzle of high-heat cooking, drawing diners into a vibrant space where fresh, wholesome ingredients take center stage. Guests craft their own culinary journeys through customizable bowls, where the deep warmth of Kickn Panang curry meets the earthy richness of sweet umami mushrooms and the satisfying crunch of garden-fresh vegetables. It is a celebration of mindful eating that never sacrifices bold flavor, offering an energetic atmosphere where every steaming bowl delivers a balanced, fire-kissed experience.
• Talay Sushi & Thai — Thai: Talay Sushi & Thai invites diners into a vibrant space where the zesty, aromatic heat of Southeast Asia meets the refined, cool precision of a master sushi bar. Glistening slices of sashimi are presented with artistic flair alongside steaming bowls of curry infused with lemongrass and coconut milk, creating a sensory journey across the Pacific. Every visit offers a harmonious balance of bold spices and delicate textures, making it a destination where traditional Thai comfort and contemporary Japanese artistry coexist beautifully.
• Adda Indian Cuisine — Indian: Vibrant and soulful, this neighborhood gathering spot envelops guests in the intoxicating scents of toasted cumin and fresh cilantro as the kitchen turns out a kaleidoscope of regional Indian flavors. From the smoky char of the tandoor to the rich, velvety depths of slow-cooked gravies, every dish invites a communal celebration of spice, tradition, and spirited conversation.
• Swadesi Cafe — Indian: Swadesi Cafe reimagines the modern bakery as a vibrant crossroads where the golden, buttery layers of French pastry meet the bold, aromatic soul of Indian street food. The kitchen transforms morning staples into inventive delights, from flaky croissants overflowing with savory butter chicken to grilled naanwiches oozing with melted Amul cheese and spiced chicken tikka. It is a warm, inviting space where the comforting scent of toasted spices and fresh coffee invites guests to linger over a playful fusion of flavors that feels both familiar and thrillingly new.
• Mango Pickle — Indian: This vibrant neighborhood gem invites diners on a sensory journey through the diverse landscapes of India, where the air is perfumed with the intoxicating aroma of toasted spices and sun-ripened aromatics. Artfully plated dishes bridge the gap between heritage and modern innovation, offering a soulful exploration of regional flavors that dance across the palate within a warm, eclectic setting.
• ROOP — Indian: Stepping into ROOP feels like entering a curated gallery of flavor, where sleek, modern design meets the soulful warmth of traditional hospitality. The kitchen transforms seasonal ingredients into visually stunning masterpieces that dance between bold spice and delicate subtlety, offering a sensory journey that lingers long after the final bite.
• Bombay Wraps — Indian: This vibrant eatery captures the electric spirit of a Mumbai street corner, where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of toasted cumin and sizzling, spice-rubbed meats. Hand-stretched parathas are expertly wrapped around succulent fillings like charred chicken tikka and zesty paneer, finished with a bright punch of house-made chutneys and crisp pickled vegetables. It is a bold, handheld celebration of Indian flavors that transforms a quick meal into a sensory journey through the bustling markets of Bombay.
• Basant — Indian: Basant captures the spirit of spring through a vibrant, light-filled space where the air is perfumed with the intoxicating aroma of toasted spices and fresh herbs. The kitchen masterfully balances heritage and innovation, presenting a colorful tapestry of Indian flavors that range from smoky, clay-oven delicacies to rich, velvety curries. Each plate is a celebration of texture and heat, inviting guests to linger over a meal that feels both timelessly authentic and refreshingly modern.
• Velvet Taco — Mexican: This vibrant, high-energy haunt reimagines the taco as a canvas for global fusion, where neon lights and industrial-chic decor set the stage for a culinary world tour. Hand-pressed tortillas cradle unexpected combinations like spicy chicken tikka masala or slow-roasted brisket, creating a bold symphony of flavors that feels both rebellious and refined. Whether grabbing a late-night bite or lingering over a boozy margarita and a slice of their signature red velvet cake, guests discover a spirited atmosphere where tradition is tossed aside in favor of pure, flavorful invention.
• Namaste Chicago — Indian: Namaste Chicago invites diners into a warm, spice-scented sanctuary where the vibrant flavors of Nepal and India come alive in every steaming bowl and hand-crafted dumpling. The intimate space hums with the welcoming energy of a neighborhood gem, offering a sensory journey through the Himalayas with rich, aromatic curries and golden-brown breads designed for lingering over shared stories.
• Lilac Tiger — Indian: Bathed in a moody, neon-purple glow, this vibrant Wicker Park haunt pulses with an electric energy that bridges the gap between a sleek cocktail lounge and a bustling South Asian street stall. The kitchen turns out bold, inventive plates where traditional Indian spices meet modern culinary whimsy, offering a sensory journey of charred tandoori flavors and botanical-forward cocktails. It is a spirited, flavor-drenched celebration of contemporary culture, perfect for those seeking a dining experience that is as stylish as it is soulful.
• Spinzer — Indian: The air is thick with the smoky perfume of charred meats and toasted spices, drawing diners into a vibrant space that pulses with the energy of a bustling Karachi street corner. Here, the humble bun kabab is elevated to an art form with golden-seared patties tucked into buttery buns, while sizzling platters of spiced BBQ offer a masterclass in bold, traditional South Asian flavors. It is a sensory journey through the heart of Pakistani comfort food, where every bite captures the soulful, spicy essence of authentic roadside dining.
• Usmania Fine Dining — Indian: Step into a realm of regal elegance where the warm glow of chandeliers reflects off polished surfaces, setting the stage for a journey through the rich culinary heritage of the subcontinent. The air carries the intoxicating perfume of slow-simmered spices and charred meats from the tandoor, inviting guests to savor velvety curries and succulent kebabs that melt on the tongue. Every plate is a celebration of tradition and refinement, blending time-honored recipes with a sophisticated touch that transforms a meal into a grand, communal feast.
• Sabri Nihari — Indian: The air at Sabri Nihari is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted spices and slow-simmered bone broth, drawing diners into a bustling space where tradition is served in every steaming bowl. Velvety, spice-infused gravies are paired with pillowy, oven-fresh naan, inviting guests to savor the deep, complex flavors of authentic Pakistani soul food that has been perfected over generations.
• Momo Factory — Indian: Steaming bamboo baskets take center stage at this vibrant hub, where the air is thick with the fragrant aroma of ginger, garlic, and hand-pleated dumplings. Each bite offers a burst of savory filling encased in delicate dough, perfectly paired with zesty house-made chutneys that dance on the palate. The modern, high-energy space invites guests to linger over shared platters of Himalayan comfort food, celebrating the art of the perfect dumpling in every mouthful.
• Annapurna Simply Vegetarian — Indian: Stepping into this serene sanctuary feels like a warm embrace, where the air is thick with the fragrant perfume of toasted spices and simmering lentils. Vibrant thali platters arrive brimming with a kaleidoscope of seasonal vegetables and golden-hued curries, celebrating the soulful, nourishing traditions of authentic vegetarian cooking. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of heat and herb, inviting diners to slow down and savor a meal that feels both deeply comforting and spiritually uplifting.
• Uru-Swati — Indian: Bright colors and the lively hum of conversation fill this vibrant vegetarian sanctuary, where the air is thick with the enticing fragrance of toasted cumin and warming spices. Golden, paper-thin dosas and savory chaat plates offer a playful exploration of authentic Indian street food, complemented by an array of zesty chutneys that dance on the palate. It is a spirited neighborhood gem that invites guests to slow down and savor the bold, traditional flavors of the subcontinent in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
• Naan on Devon — Indian: The air at Naan on Devon is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted cumin and garlic, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the rhythmic slap of dough against clay tandoor walls promises pillowy, blistered breads served straight from the heat. Succulent, charred meats and rich, spice-laden curries invite diners to tear, scoop, and savor every aromatic bite in an atmosphere that captures the soulful, bustling energy of a traditional South Asian kitchen.
• Khan BBQ — Indian: The sizzle of marinated skewers hitting glowing charcoal defines the high-energy atmosphere at Khan BBQ, where the air is perpetually perfumed with woodsmoke and toasted spices. Guests gather in a vibrant, unpretentious space to feast on succulent, flame-kissed meats and pillowy naan, experiencing a masterclass in the rustic art of traditional open-fire cooking.
• Silli Kori — Indian: Step into a vibrant sanctuary where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of toasted spices and simmering coconut milk. The kitchen honors coastal Indian traditions, serving up velvety, fire-kissed curries paired with crisp, lace-like wafers that invite guests to linger over every tangy, sun-drenched bite. It is a soulful celebration of Mangalorean heritage, where warm hospitality and authentic flavors transform a simple meal into a rich, sensory journey.