Free tastings and samples anyone can walk into, and the cheap local classics that keep a day of sightseeing going.
FreeA full vegetarian Indian meal served after the evening program at the Hare Krishna temple. Everyone is invited, whatever they believe, and donations are welcome but not asked for.
Sundays 5–8 pm. Red Line to Morse, then 10 minutes west on Lunt Ave.
Source: ISKCON Chicago
FreeThe diner at the start of Route 66 hands warm donut holes to everyone waiting for a table, and a box of Milk Duds to women and children. It is a welcome for customers, so expect to stay for breakfast.
Wed–Fri 6 am–2 pm, Sat–Sun 7 am–2 pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Source: Lou Mitchell's
$1.85Chinatown's oldest bakery, open since 1986. The baked cha siu bao is soft, glazed and filling enough that two make a lunch. Cash only.
Daily from early morning. Go before noon, the trays empty. Red Line to Cermak-Chinatown.
Source: Chiu Quon Bakery
$5.29The full Chicago build: mustard, neon relish, onion, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers and celery salt on a poppy seed bun. No ketchup.
Daily, lunch through late evening, at 100 W. Ontario St. The line looks long and moves fast.
Source: Portillo's
A docent spends 90 minutes explaining more than 50 buildings from the middle of the river, an angle the Riverwalk cannot give you. You can walk the same water for free, but you will not know what you are looking at. Take a late afternoon departure.
Everything above is free. This is the only paid pick on the page, chosen because no free option replaces it.
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