Deals on meals. Eating out can get expensive, especially if you eat out often. Ashley Gleason aka @cleanplateclubchi explored the top restaurant deals in Chicago and shares her favorites spots to enjoy a delicious meal at affordable prices…for every day of the week.
Meet Ashley Gleason.
My name is Ashley and I am 25 years old. I am a Wisconsin transplant who has been living in Chicago for almost 8 years! I have always worked in the restaurant industry, but I never thought it would be my ultimate career path. I have had wonderful opportunities working with small business owners and chefs in a very close knit and intimate environment. The hands on experience has deepened my love for customer service, satisfied my cravings for delicious food, and also taught me a trick or two on how to stretch your dollar. Though my job is rewarding, I’m not making Trump change. But deep in the crevices of Chicago’s fine dining scene, lie golden nuggets of happy hours and daily specials. The digging is tedious, but the rewards are great. I’ve uncovered some of my favorite specials in the city so you don’t have to.”
Here are Ashley’s (@cleanplateclubchi) Top Chicago Restaurant Daily Deals…
Monday: Slurping Turtle
{Deal}
40% Off Whole Check (Industry)
“Mondays are the worst. Ramen is the best. The best way to cure your Monday blues is to slurp down a bowl of tasty noodles at Slurping Turtle and then wash them down with an assortment of sakes. Slurping Turtle offers 40% off your whole check on Mondays if you work in the restaurant industry. Don’t work in industry? Take out your favorite bartender. They’ll love you, and your wallet won’t hate you.”
FAB TIP: Order the sake flight. You’ll thank me later.
{Location}
Slurping Turtle
River North || 116 W Hubbard St || Chicago, IL || P: (312) 464-0466
Runner Up: Henry’s. Grab a draft cocktail/beer and a slider for the prices of the hour (Example: 5:00 = $5)! Mondays never looked so good.
Tuesday: Los Comales in Melrose Park
{Deal}
$1 Tacos
“Okay, Melrose Park isn’t exactly a quick stroll away, but these authentic tacos are worth hustling it out to the burbs. With a list of 10 tacos for a buck a pop, this is your chance to try some of the stranger/more exotic meats that you’ve haven’t tried. P.S. I highly recommend topping those bad boys with onions, cilantro, and Los Comales’ house salsas.”
Top Chicago Restaurant Daily Deals // Los Comales // Photo: @cleanplateclubchi
FAB TIP: This menu is your oyster. Get one of each taco! Los Comales has no restrictions and would never limit your pallet.
{Location}
Los Comales
Melrose Park || 2110 W Lake St, Melrose Park, IL || P: (708) 345-8500
Runner Up: Estelle’s $2 Tuesdays. $2 beers, and grab a side of fried green beans. Veggies are good for ya.
Wednesday: Joong Boo Market
{Deal}
$25 Sashimi Platter
“Wednesday is one of those days where you don’t want to cook, but you don’t want to go out either, and that’s where Joong Boo Market has your back. On Wednesday, their house sashimi platter (normally $35) is available for $25 all day. The platter itself has enough sashimi to feed four hungry adult humans. Scoop some sides from Joong Boo’s hot bar, pop some rice in your rice maker and dinner is ready before you can say…Crap, it’s still only Wednesday? Snag a cheap bottle of sake or soju by the check out.”
A photo posted by Chicago Food Girl (@chicagofoodgirl) on
FAB TIP: Call in your order ahead of time. This special is hot!
{Location}
Joong Boo Market
Avondale || 3333 N Kimball Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 478-5566
Runner Up: Lawrence Fish Market. Always cheap, always amazing.
Thursday: The Bedford
{Deal}
$1 Oysters & 1/2 Priced Bubbly
“The Bedford has not only made Thursday my favorite day of the week, they also made Friday my most hungover day of the week. You are doing yourself huge disservice by not partaking in this weekly special. They have a rotating selection of three fantastic oysters to choose from, and a bubbly selection for anyone’s taste. Do yourself a favor, skip the glass and order full bottles. If oysters aren’t your thing, The Bedford has a fabulous selection of affordable bar snacks; plus their dinner menu is KILLER. I love you, The Bedford.”
Top Chicago Restaurant Daily Deals // The Bedford // Photo: @cleanplateclubchi
FAB TIP: Make a rez or get there EARLY! This poppin’ spot fills up fast!
{Location}
The Bedford
Wicker Park || 1612 W Division St, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 235-8800
Friday: Buck’s Chicken and Biscuits
{Deal}
Daily $5 Beer and Shot
“Okay, so this isn’t a ‘special’ per se, but Buck’s deserves some serious credit for making EVERY night a little more affordable. Friday has never been known for being the cheapest night of the week, so start or end your night at Buck’s Chicken and Biscuits with their beer and shot combos. I’m partial to the Bucknaked (Tecate + a jalapeño tequila shot), but you do you, son. It’s Friday.”
FAB TIP: Ask for a pickleback with your whiskey shot! Like bread and butter, baby.
{Location}
Buck’s Chicken and Biscuits
Wicker Park || 1700 W Division St, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 384-9700
Saturday: Beef & Barley
{Deal}
Affordable Boozy Brunch
“Beef and Barley is like the geeky girl in school that takes off her glasses and the whole class realizes she’s beautiful. But girl, you’ve been fine the whole damn time. This is one of the tastiest and most affordable brunches in west Lakeview. Pair your $6 -$11 brunch entrée (SERIOUSLY, the most expensive item is $11?!) with a $6 house Bloody Mary and you’ve got a happy tummy, fat wallet, and a cured hangover. Don’t miss the PB&J French toast!”
Top Chicago Restaurant Daily Deals // Beef & Barley // Photo: @cleanplateclubchi
FAB TIP: If you wanna splurge, hit that $20 bottomless Bloody Mary or mimosa bar. WORTH IT!
{Location}
Beef & Barley
Lakeview || 3001 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 248-0990
Sunday: The Duck Inn
{Deal}
50% Off Whole Check (Industry)
“Ah, Sunday. A day to gather your thoughts and collect yourself to be a presentable young professional for the week ahead. But before you fall back into your work routine, I believe it is vital that you go to chow town on the eclectic and fabulous menu at The Duck Inn. The Chai French Toast and Chicago Style Hot Dog are must tries! But frankly (ha), with 50% off your whole bill (don’t forget an industry friend! That waiter smoking outside will do), this whole menu is yours for the taking. And their boozy cocktails, too.”
Top Chicago Restaurant Daily Deals // The Duck Inn // Photo: @cleanplateclubchi
FAB TIP: Make a rez and DON’T drive. Your (lack 0f) sobriety will thank you afterwards.
{Location}
The Duck Inn
Bridgeport || 2701 S Eleanor, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 724-8811
Runner Up: Bernie’s Lunch and Supper has a happy hour from 4-9 p.m. on Sundays and 4-6 p.m. on the weekdays. Fill up on $5 snacks and libations from $1-$5. You’re welcome.
Thanks, Ashley for the wonderful deals. I feel rich already! Don’t forget to follow Ashley on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat: cleanplatechi.
Where are your favorite deals in the city? Let us know below.
Soo
Note: The meal at The Bedford was complimentary but all other meals were paid by Ashley. All views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
Great article! Also, Mercadito has Industry discount on Sundays (all day)… 50% off delicious brunch or dinner menus, incl cocktails!