Chicago diners serve up comfort food at comfortable prices

There are ways to be creative at cutting corners during times of economic strife without resorting to Spam-levels of desperation. From all-day breakfast to stacked club sandwiches and meat-free options, these three Chicago diners take you to all corners of the city while offering a whole menu of ways to save a buck.

Deluxe Diner
Rogers Park is known for its ethnic diversity, but in the middle of Ethiopian restaurants and hookah cafes is something classically American: The 24-hour Deluxe Diner. With retro décor that pays homage to the 1950s, the quality food offers prices that seem a little old-school, too. For $7.79, get a three-egg omelet with your choice of mix-ins, hash potatoes or oatmeal, and pancakes. Or, try one of the $7 burritos or wraps (the Chili Cheddar Fried Deluxe hits the jackpot) that would give the Mexican place down the street a run for its money. Just don't overdo it on the large portions, because you'll want to leave room for one of pies or cakes, which are prepared fresh on site.

Chicago Diner
Located in Boystown, the Chicago Diner prides itself on being "meat free since '83.” One of the few establishments in Chicago that is entirely vegetarian with vegan-friendly menu options, it substitutes meat with tofu, seitan and tempeh, without losing any of the flavor or overstuffing prices. The $10 Reuben and $9 Monte Cristo are regular favorites. The Diner also offers a distinctive black bean burger and original sweet potato quesadilla. With exposed brick walls and cozy booths, the small establishment provides a feels-like-home atmosphere, no doubt thanks to its friendly and dedicated staff. At the end of your meal, treat yourself to one of the desserts from the in-house vegan bakery or indulge in a vegan shake, like the vanilla chai.

Tempo Café
Known for its celebrity sightings, the Gold Coast's Tempo Café doesn’t look like your typical diner with its copper kitchen hood, decorative wall sconces and French doors that open to an outdoor patio. The 24-hour restaurant offers diner-friendly prices that hover in the $7-$10 range on a wide assortment of breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Try the freshly-squeezed Casablanca juice (strawberry, cantaloupe and orange blend) with the Artemis omelet (artichoke, tomato, Swiss cheese) or the La Conga sandwich (English cheddar, bacon and tomato, grilled on white bread).

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