As a teacher in Chicago, I’m always looking for budget-friendly restaurant options. Here’s some of my favorite lunch specials in Chicago that I recommend adding to your list.
These prices are from June 2026, so make sure to check the menus for updated pricing.
My Favorite Middle Eastern Restaurant
One of my favorite lunch specials in Chicago is Kabobi Grill. They have a number of options between $13-$18 and I always need a to-go box for my leftovers. Lunch specials tend to include a protein, rice, persian salad, and hummus. I’ve had the lamb koubideh and lamb shish kabob and thoroughly enjoyed both. I always pay extra for the dill rice because it’s worth it. Make sure to grab some desserts to go.
Pizza Lunch Specials in Chicago
Pequods is a local favorite for pizza and has one of the best lunch specials in the city. Offered Monday-Friday from 11AM-3PM, you can get a personal sized deep dish pizza for $8.95. It will cost extra to add toppings.
Giordano’s also offers a lunch special. It’s offered daily until 3pm at select locations and includes a personal sized pizza AND a side salad, soup, or fries for only $10.99. You have a choice between cheese, pepperoni, or sausage for your pizza.
Sushi Lunch Specials in Chicago
Sushi Taku offers one of the best AYCE sushi lunch specials in Chicago. Offered Monday-Friday from noon until 3:30 pm, you can enjoy all you can eat appetizers, sushi, and soup for $24.99.
Koi Sushi is another AYCE sushi option for the same price.
If AYCE sushi is too much, then check out Jaiyen Sushi and Noodle which offers two sushi rolls and soups from between $11-$13.
Indian Lunch Specials in Chicago
Mild 2 Spicy is one of my favorite lunch specials in Chicago for Chicken Tikka Masala. You can choose a vegetable lunch special for $13 or a meat-based lunch special for $15 that includes naan.
Maharaj Indian Grill offers lunch specials between $14-$17 between 11:30 and 2:30.
Korean Grocery Store for Lunch
Joong Boo Market is one of my favorite spots for lunch. It’s a Korean grocery store with a very small restaurant in the back. It gets pretty busy, so you might not be able to get one of the few tables there, but you can take your meal to go.
Their prices are always affordable, but they also offer one item on special everyday. I’ve loved the beef bulgogi, spicy pork, and fish soup.
D Cuisine Chinese and Dim Sum Restaurant
D Cuisine offers a variety of dishes for their lunch special. You can choose between chicken, beef, pork, seafood, vegetable, and noodle dishes.
Final Thoughts
There are so many great lunch specials in Chicago that can keep you on budget when dining out. No matter what you choose, you can treat yourself without breaking the bank.
Make sure to check out these Unique Things to Do in Chicago.