Today, it is easy to find good food in Chicago. You can’t hit a dead cat on most major roads without hitting at least 2 or 3 restaurants that have stars for their names in newspapers, magazines, and guidebooks.

It is a bit more difficult to find good food at a reasonable price. You can drop off a Ben Franklin at many of these restaurants for lunch. Without wine.

But, although it is difficult, it is not impossible.

Here are 3 options for great food at reasonable prices in Chicago.

Amarinds

This wonderful Thai place is a great place to start. And stay.

Order the honey drizzled crab rolls and “decorative pancake” as soon as you sit down. You won’t be disappointed and it will give you time to choose from all the northern Thai specialties on the menu.

Try ground chicken at Chiang Mai Larb (but how about spicy!) Or pad kee mao with wide noodles and veggies topped with a tamarind / chili sauce.

Wine and beer are available if you wish.

Amarinds – 6822 W. North

Chickpea

Palestinian cuisine is this trendy little place that will win over anyone. Even the skeptics of your crew who think they don’t like Middle Eastern food.

The kibbeh appetizer with cucumber yogurt salad is a great way to start. Then try the tabouleh, my favorite baba ghannouj, and the huge plate of fafafel. Don’t miss the hummus topped with grilled beef tenderloin and pine nuts and the sumac-spiced roast chicken (available on Saturdays).

Finish with a piece of traditional baklava.

No alcohol is available or allowed. Cash only.

Chickpea – 2018 W. Chicago

Corn

The specialty here is Mexican street food. The taste is authentic and so is the price: cheap.

The corn table is made on site for picaditas, huaraches, tlacoyos, corundas and more. Tacos and enchiladas are available for the less adventurous, as well as a wide variety of sauces and fillings.

Finish with goat’s milk crepes with walnuts.

Beers and cocktails are served. It is only effective.

Corn – 1041 N. California