The Absolute Best Cheap Breakfast in Chicago [Updated 2024]

And let's be real here – who isn't? Whether you're a broke college student or just on a tight budget, finding an affordable morning meal that still hits the spot can be a real challenge.

But fear not, because I've done the research for you. Over the past few weeks, I've scoured the city to find the tastiest and most wallet-friendly breakfast spots in Chicago.

From greasy spoon diners to cozy brunch spots, I've tried them all. So sit back, relax, and get ready to drool over my top picks for the best cheap breakfast in Chicago.

Sunrise Cafe Chicago

Highlights
Affable and prompt service
Wide variety on the menu
Delicious freshly squeezed OJ

First off, let me just say that the service was absolutely affable and prompt. The staff was welcoming and accommodating as soon as I walked in. I was impressed with the wide variety on their menu, which made it difficult to choose just one dish. But after much contemplation, I decided to go with their classic Sunrise Breakfast Plate.

When my plate arrived, I could tell that they use only fresh ingredients because everything looked so vibrant and colorful. And let me tell you, it tasted just as good as it looked! The eggs were cooked to perfection and seasoned just right. The bacon was crispy without being overdone, and the potatoes were well seasoned with a slight kick of spice.

But what really stole the show for me was their freshly squeezed orange juice. It was so delicious that I couldn't resist ordering a second glass! It tasted like pure sunshine in a glass.

Overall, Sunrise Cafe Chicago is definitely worth visiting if you're looking for a cheap breakfast spot in the city. Their friendly service, diverse menu options, and mouth-watering food make them stand out from other breakfast places in town.

You might also want to check out the best breakfast tacos in Chicago.

Breakfast House

Highlights
Great staff and service
Gluten-free options
Delicious well-seasoned food
Good portion sizes
Dog-friendly with water bowl

Firstly, I was impressed by the great staff and their attentive service. They were friendly, helpful and made me feel right at home. As a person who has dietary restrictions, I was happy to see that they have gluten-free options available on their menu.

Now let's get to the most important part - the food! The dishes were not only cheap but also delicious with well-seasoned flavors that satisfied my taste buds. The portion sizes were good too and left me feeling full for a long time.

One of the unique things about Breakfast House is that it is dog-friendly with a water bowl available for your furry friends. It's always nice to enjoy a meal with your pet by your side.

Overall, Breakfast House is undoubtedly one of the best places in Chicago for cheap breakfasts. With its great staff, delicious food, gluten-free options, and dog-friendly environment, it's definitely worth checking out if you're in town. So what are you waiting for? Head over there and treat yourself to an amazing breakfast experience!

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Janik's Cafe

Highlights
Delicious lime chicken soup
Phenomenal customer service
Quick service
Amazing breakfast items

First of all, let me tell you that the lime chicken soup at Janik's Cafe is a game-changer. It's packed with flavor and spices that will awaken your taste buds in the best way possible. I couldn't resist ordering it for breakfast, and I have no regrets.

The customer service at Janik's Cafe is also phenomenal. The staff makes you feel right at home from the moment you step in until the moment you leave. They're always willing to answer any questions or suggest their top picks for breakfast items.

Speaking of breakfast items, Janik's Cafe has an amazing selection. From classic pancakes to unique omelets, there's something for everyone. And don't worry about waiting too long because the service is quick!

Overall, if you're looking for a cheap but delicious breakfast spot in Chicago, look no further than Janik's Cafe. Their lime chicken soup alone is worth the trip!

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Windy City Cafe

Highlights
Delicious Skillets
Friendly Staff
Quick Service
Top-Tier Service
Knowledgeable staff

The first thing that caught my attention was the friendly staff, who welcomed me with a warm smile and seated me quickly. The menu was extensive, but I decided to go for one of their famous breakfast skillets. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The delicious skillet was full of savory ingredients like eggs, sausage, cheese, and crispy potatoes. It was served piping hot and the flavors were on point.

What impressed me even more was the speed at which my food arrived - it came out in record time! This restaurant knows how important quick service is to its customers. But what really set Windy City Cafe apart from other breakfast spots was the top-tier customer service. The staff were knowledgeable about the menu and offered great recommendations.

Overall, I had an amazing experience at Windy City Cafe - great food, friendly service, quick delivery, and knowledgeable staff. If you're looking for a budget-friendly breakfast in Chicago without compromising on quality or taste, definitely check out Windy City Cafe. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you later!

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Cozy Corner Restaurant and Pancake House

Highlights
Phenomenal classics
Free parking available
Excellent service
Extensive menu
Reasonably priced

First things first, the extensive menu at Cozy Corner is bound to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. From classic breakfast staples like pancakes and eggs to more unique options like their famous "Elvis" waffles with bacon and banana, there's something for everyone. And let me tell you, their pancakes are a work of art - fluffy and golden brown, they're worth every penny of the reasonable price.

But what really sets Cozy Corner apart is their phenomenal classics. The corned beef hash was cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside. And don't even get me started on their biscuits and gravy - I could eat that for breakfast every day! Plus, the service was top-notch - attentive without being overbearing.

And as if all that wasn't enough, Cozy Corner offers free parking which is a rarity in Chicago. That alone saves you some serious cash.

Overall, I highly recommend giving Cozy Corner Restaurant and Pancake House a try if you're looking for a delicious but affordable breakfast in Chicago. With its extensive menu, phenomenal classics, excellent service, and free parking availability,you'll definitely leave feeling satisfied both in your stomach and your wallet.

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Pittsfield Cafe

Highlights
Traditional diner
Big menu
Old Chicago gem
Excellent food
Fast service

First of all, this place is a traditional diner that has been around for years and it's easy to see why. The menu is so big that it took me a few minutes just to decide what to order. But let me tell you, the options are worth it.

As I walked in, I could feel the history and nostalgia of this old Chicago gem. The decor is charmingly retro and the staff was friendly and welcoming. Plus, the fast service made my morning even better.

Now onto the most important part: the food! I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious everything was. From pancakes to omelets, they nailed every dish perfectly. The flavor combinations were spot on and the portions were generous too.

Overall, if you're looking for an affordable breakfast option without sacrificing quality or taste, Pittsfield Cafe is definitely worth visiting. This spot proves that sometimes old-school charm and simplicity can still make for an excellent experience.

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Schaumburg.

Lou Mitchell's

Highlights
Classic downtown diner
Savory pecan & bacon waffle
Cottage cheese omelet with ground beef
Great coffee and orange slices on arrival

First of all, I have to say that Lou Mitchell's is a classic downtown diner that has been around for almost 100 years. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with a warm smile and handed an orange slice, which was a nice touch.

Now let's talk about the food. I ordered the savory pecan & bacon waffle, which was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, topped with bacon bits and pecans that added a perfect crunch to each bite. It was so good that I couldn't resist ordering another one.

I also tried their cottage cheese omelet with ground beef, which was surprisingly delicious. The cottage cheese added a unique texture while the ground beef provided a savory flavor that complemented each other well.

Lastly, the coffee at Lou Mitchell's is not just your average cup of joe. It's brewed to perfection and served hot in a classic mug. And did I mention they give you more orange slices? Because they do.

Overall, if you're looking for a great breakfast spot in Chicago without breaking the bank, Lou Mitchell's should be at the top of your list. With their classic diner vibes, amazing food options such as their savory pecan & bacon waffle and cottage cheese omelet with ground beef, and great coffee, it's no wonder why this place has been around for almost 100 years.

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Tempo Cafe

Highlights
Short walk
Amazing skillet and pancakes
Quick service despite busy crowd
Delicious avocado toast and gyros sandwich

Firstly, I was pleased to find that the cafe was just a short walk from my hotel, which made it an easy choice for breakfast. When I arrived, there was a busy crowd but the quick service impressed me.

I decided to try the skillet and pancakes, which were both amazing! The pancake was fluffy and had just the right amount of sweetness. The skillet had a great combination of veggies and meat that satisfied my taste buds.

But that's not all! I also tasted their avocado toast and gyros sandwich, which were equally delicious. The avocado toast had perfectly ripe avocados on top of crispy bread with a sprinkle of seasoning that brought out the flavor. The gyros sandwich was full of tender meat with fresh veggies and sauce.

Overall, Tempo Cafe definitely deserves a spot in the article about the best cheap breakfast in Chicago. With its amazing food and quick service despite being busy, it's worth stopping by if you're looking for a tasty yet affordable meal in Chicago.

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Sweet Maple Cafe

Highlights
Friendly wait staff
Unique pancake twist
Reasonably priced
Cozy atmosphere
Delicious food

As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by the friendliest wait staff I've ever met. They made me feel right at home and gave me some great recommendations. One of their specialties is their unique pancake twist which immediately caught my attention. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The flavors were so delicious and different from any other pancakes I've tried before.

But what really impressed me was how reasonably priced everything was. You can have a full breakfast for under $10! It's almost like they were giving it away! And yet, the quality of the food and service was top-notch.

The cozy atmosphere of the cafe made it even better - it felt like I was having breakfast in my own kitchen with friends. And speaking of friends, this is a great spot to bring them along and share some amazing food together.

Overall, Sweet Maple Cafe exceeded my expectations with its friendly staff, unique pancake twist, affordable prices, cozy atmosphere and delicious food. It's definitely a gem in Chicago for anyone looking for an affordable but quality breakfast experience.

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Eppel's Restaurant

Highlights
Warm community vibe
Hot, fresh, delicious food
Prompt service
Fluffy pancakes
Great for heavy breakfast

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and inviting community vibe. The staff was friendly and prompt, which is always a plus when I'm starving for breakfast. Speaking of breakfast, let's talk about the food! The menu at Eppel's offers a great variety of options, but I went for the classic breakfast combo: eggs, bacon, toast, and pancakes.

Let me tell you - those pancakes were fluffy! They were hot off the griddle and had just the right amount of sweetness. And don't even get me started on the bacon - crispy and delicious! The entire meal was hot, fresh, and absolutely delicious.

Overall, if you're looking for a cheap breakfast spot that offers great food with excellent service, then Eppel's Restaurant is definitely worth checking out. It's perfect for those mornings when you need something heavy to start your day off right. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you!

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Cozy Corner Restaurant & Pancake House

Highlights
Great food
Friendly service
Efficient staff
Rapid service

First off, let me just say that the food was absolutely delicious! I ordered their classic pancakes with a side of bacon and I was blown away by how fluffy and flavorful they were. The bacon was cooked to perfection too, crispy but not burnt.

Aside from the amazing food, the service was also top-notch. The staff were all so friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home. They were also incredibly efficient in taking my order and serving my food in a timely manner.

I must add that the rapid service did not compromise on quality whatsoever. Everything tasted fresh and made-to-order.

Overall, Cozy Corner Restaurant & Pancake House is definitely a must-visit for anyone looking for a delicious yet affordable breakfast option in Chicago. Their great food, friendly service, efficient staff, and rapid service make it stand out from other breakfast spots in the city. Don't miss out on this gem!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Schaumburg.

Griddle 24

Highlights
Vegetarian options
Excellent service
Affordable prices
Great breakfast/brunch option

First and foremost, I was impressed with the number of vegetarian options available on the menu. As a vegetarian myself, it's always refreshing to find restaurants that cater to my dietary restrictions without skimping on flavor.

Not only was the food delicious, but the service was excellent. The staff were friendly and attentive to our needs, making sure we had everything we needed for a great breakfast experience.

Despite being in a prime location in Chicago, Griddle 24 offers affordable prices for their meals. This is a definite plus for anyone who wants to enjoy good food without breaking the bank.

Overall, I highly recommend Griddle 24 as a great breakfast/brunch option for those looking for quality food at an affordable price. Don't take my word for it though - try it out yourself!

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