We’re all hunting for bargains these days. So, we’re rounding up the best food, activities, and gifts in Chicago for under $10.
Food
Tacos: La Chaparrita in Little Village
Recently named the City Cast Chicago podcast team’s favorite taco, La Chaparrita offers several types for $3 each. That’s a three-taco meal!
- 🥈Honorable mention: Asian Cuisine Express’ al pastor tacos are $1.50 on Mondays.
Hot Dog: Superdawg in Norwood Park
The titular Superdawg comes with classic Chicago dog toppings, fries, and a pickled green tomato for $9.15. But that Supershake’s gonna be extra.
Dessert: Legend Tasty House in Chinatown
Unless you go wild with toppings, you can pick up rolled ice cream, milk tea, and smoothies for under $10. Plus, they’re open late.
- 🥈Honorable mention: Everyone likes the person who walks in with Old Fashioned Donuts.
Drinks: Fat Cat in Uptown
Skip happy hour well drinks. Fat Cat’s Whiskey Wednesdays and Thursday martinis offer $7 classic cocktails plus unique ones like The Riviera and Uptown Royale.
- 🥈Honorable mention: Little Victories features $10 cocktails, like Moscow mules and daiquiris, daily.
Mini golf in Douglass Park in 2022. Thanks to reader Kyle E. for the shot! (Courtesy of Kyle E.)
Activities
Day Date: Mini golf in Douglass Park
For $5 per person per game, play 18 holes on a course inspired by the park’s migratory birds. Beware: The competitive beast inside you may come out.
Live Show: The Drifter in River North
A burlesque performance in a speakeasy behind a hidden door in the basement of one of the city’s oldest taverns? For an $8 cover? Sure, you might make up for it in cocktails, but that’s a bargain for the vibe.
- 🥈Honorable mention: Lemon frequently features live music and performance in their intimate space for $5-10.
For Tourists: Chicago Greeter Tour
If you’re entertaining visitors and don’t want to splurge, Choose Chicago’s Greeters offer free walking tours across the city’s neighborhoods. Up to six people can join — but book early.
Gifts
Something Shiny: Wintime & Co. in Chinatown
No expensive jewelry here. It’s difficult to find items over $10 at this Wentworth Avenue spot. In fact, they’ve got a three for $10 sale going now.
For Collectors: Hyde Park Records
If you’re willing to dig through the crates outside, you can find some diamonds in the rough. Or at least something to amuse your vinyl-collecting friend.
