Harlem Avenue: Affordable Meals Under $10.00

If you’re looking for a way to stretch your food budget during the Summit, I recommend taking the Blue Line train just two stops to Harlem Avenue. Within one block of the station, you’ll find three restaurants that serve up a delicious and filling meal for under $10.00. Two restaurants open early and close in the wee hours. The other restaurant stays open 24 hours. Sally’s Restaurant 5454 N. Harlem Ave Chicago, IL You’ll find Sally’s just south of the station, behind the Wendy’s. The thing to remember when you walk into this restaurant is that looks can be deceiving. The décor, which includes a revolving dessert case, will remind you of the typical diner. The food here far surpasses the typical diner fare. Recommendations: My favorite is the ligonberry crepes. I also recommend the potato pancakes. If you like liver, you’ll love how Sally’s serves it. Hours 6:00 AM- 11:00 PM (until midnight on Friday and Saturday) Taco Burrito King 5509 Harlem Ave Chicago, IL On the corner of Higgins and Harlem avenues, this restaurant is directly across the street from the Harlem Avenue station. I must confess that I’ve never been to this restaurant, but I’ve heard only rave reviews about the food. Recommendations: Regulars say their favorite is the steak burrito. They also recommend the daily special. Hours Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wendy’s 5456 N. Harlem Ave Chicago, IL This is the chain founded by Dave Thomas. You’ll see the Wendy’s famous sign after you exit the station and are standing on Harlem Avenue. Just look south. Need I say more? Hours Dining room is open 9:00 AM-11:00 PM (Thursday-Saturday until midnight). Drive-through is open 9:00 AM-3:00 AM (Thursday-Saturday until 4:00 AM). Getting to these restaurants by car is also easy. When you exit the Hyatt Regency parking lot, you’ll be on Bryn Mawr. At the first cross street, which is River Road, turn right. Within a few seconds, you’ll see the I-190 expressway entrance ramp.  Get onto I-190 East. This merges into I-90. Exit at Harlem Avenue. All three restaurants have parking lots. You’ll find the lot for Taco Burrito King in the alley. All restaurants are wheelchair accessible. Paula Ludmann is a member of the STC Chicago 2012 Host Committee and a senior technical writer at the American Academy of Dermatology.