Grab a cab on the far-north side of the city and ask the driver where they like to eat during their breaks—there’s a good chance that they’ll mention Ghareeb Nawaz. This 24-hour Indo-Pak eatery offers one of the best values in all of Chicago: a heaping mound of chicken biryani that can be a challenge to finish in one sitting, all for $3.99. [Photo courtesy of Ghareeb Nawaz]

Spot the angrily-scribbled “NO KETCHUP” sign upon entering and immediately realize that Jimmy’s Red Hots is an old-school Chicago joint of the finest variety. It’s been family-owned since 1954, and the perfectly-executed Depression dogs wrapped up in salty fries are downright addictive. An order will set you back just $2.75. [Photo: Facebook/Jimmy’s Red Hots]

Head to the back of this small Italian deli and usually you’ll find a few people in line waiting to order the crazy-good sub sandwiches. They’re made with coal-fired bread from the next-door D’Amato’s bakery, and the nine-inch Italian sausage sub is packed with fennel and sprinkled with chili flakes. It’s a steal at $5. [Photo: Facebook/Paul Ciavarelli]

This Andersonville favorite is a treasure trove of cheap eats, offering a variety of filling, vegetarian-friendly meals. The crispy falafel-wrap costs just $2.99, and the nicely spiced lentil soup is just $2.59. [Photo: Facebook/Nicole Del Rio]

在$3.66, the hot-and-ready stuffed-pizza slice at Art of Pizza isn’t priced like it’s one of the very best in Chicago. However, it totally is. Try one and see what all the fuss is about. [Photo: Facebook/Leigh Kelsey]

Patrons can hang out at this Logan Square spot from morning to night, ordering coffee in the morning, pizza for dinner, and a shot-and-beer at the bar for a nightcap. Start the day off right by opting for a wood-fired bagel ($2.25) available in flavors such as Old Bay or olive and herb, and add a cream-cheese schmear ($1) such as artichoke or sweet potato. [Photo: Facebook/Jim Luning]

This Wicker Park mainstay has been cooking up value-packed, vegetarian-friendly meals for twenty years now, and has plenty of staunch supporters. The falafel sandwich ($3.75) is one of the best in town, and a chicken shawarma wrap stuffed with hummus and Jerusalem salad will set you back a whopping $4.75. [Photo: Flickr/Alfred Lul]

Not to be confused with the adjacent grocery store that shares its name, La Casa del Pueblo Taqueria offers homey, cafeteria-style dining and reasonable prices. The red-pork tamales here are a great value at $1 a pop, and those looking to share some with their amigos can pick up a dozen for $11. [Photo: Flickr/Daniel X. O’Neil]

A classic greasy-spoon diner that’s open 24 hours, Jeri’s Grill offers plenty of hearty classics alongside a few curveballs like its Kit Kat pudding. The patty melt and fries is dependably tasty, and will set you back just $5.15. Yes, it’s worth the extra 15 cents. [Photo: Flickr/Andrew Seaman]