Top Five Affordable Restaurants in Naperville

As high schoolers, most of us are likely used to ballin’ on a budget. On top of this, with business closures and layoffs leaving budgets extra tight, it’s easy to decide that eating out is no longer affordable. This is not the case. Naperville is home to lots of small businesses that walk the line between fine dining and fast food. Along this line, you can find great meals that leaves you satisfied for a price that doesn’t break the bank. On top of this, in the midst of COVID, it is especially important to support these businesses that make our community so great. Without further ado, here are my top five favorite affordable dining establishments in Naperville.

5. To start our list off, we have El Hogar. Located on East Ogden Avenue, El Hogar is a Mexican restaurant that offers carryout and sit-in dining. The quality of the food is a definite step above other mexican food chains such as Taco Bell or Chipotle and while it does cost slightly more, this is negligible when compared to the quality. On top of this, in not eating at a fast food chain, you finish your meal at least with the impression that you made a healthy eating choice, regardless of whether or not that is true. El Hogar is open until 11pm at night, making it a perfect stop after getting out of work, finishing a late study sesh, or hanging out with friends. These hours also capitalize on the fact that food always tastes better between 10 pm and 4 am, something that most other small restaurants can not take part of as they are not open. Overall, friendly employees, good food, and a convenient location give El Hogar its place on this list.

4. Next, we have Franco’s Vienna Beef. At the corner of Huffman and Chicago, you find a quaint establishment that is often overlooked while people drive downtown. For those who take the time to give this place a try, you find a relaxed atmosphere and great food for very low prices. My personal favorite is the chicken parm; for very cheap you can get enough food to last for 2-3 days depending on how much you eat. Franco’s also offers outdoor seating perfect for a food stop on a summer day spent with friends or family. However, Franco’s does not have convenient parking and its location on Chicago Ave. makes it rather inconvenient to stop here unless you are already in the area or going west on Chicago. These things, along with a lack of variety, relegate it towards the bottom of the list.

3. In the middle of our list we have a name that is likely familiar to a lot of you–Angeli’s. Tucked away in a shopping center at the corner of Chicago and Naper, Angeli’s is the most formal of the restaurants on this list. Offering pizza, pasta and other classic Italian dishes, the restaurant gives off homey vibes while also being able to serve as a formal dining establishment. In the new age of COVID, Angeli’s can accommodate the modern customer by offering carryout, outdoor seating, and–although morally questionable–indoor seating. Plus, if you are looking for food for an event, they cater! Angeli’s is so familiar to NNHS students because current students or alumni make up a sizable portion of the staff. On top of this, the restaurant is partially owned by a family with a daughter in our grade so in supporting this small business, you’re supporting members of the North community. 

2. We now arrive at our second Mexican restaurant, Los Taps. Located just down the street from North, this restaurant needs little introduction. With TVs playing Mexican news and fridges stocked with south of the border soda brands, there is little question of the authenticity of the cuisine. The food itself is of excellent quality for low prices such as tacos that cost only a few dollars. The only complaint I could offer is that sometimes I find too much lettuce stuffed into my food; a problem that can be solved by asking for less or simply scraping some off. Unlimited chips and salsa keep any outing going and can nourish the starving customer while they await their food, although you won’t find yourself waiting long with such prompt service. I would personally recommend getting a Jarrito to drink along with your meal. This Mexican soda pairs nicely with most things on the menu and can provide some relief if you’re not into spicy foods.

1. Finally, we have reached the end of our list. La crème de la crème. Undeniably the best small eatery, if not the best small business, in Naperville. Chicken Lit. From humble beginnings, Chicken Lit has grown to become a staple of my diet during the summer. As you walk into the small establishment, tucked away across the street from Portillos, you are greeted by all the small quirks and charms of the place. Menus and banners that misspell words, an owner who speaks only broken English, and child employees that probably shouldn’t be working add to the fun vibes and atmosphere. The owner is extremely friendly and takes care of his regular customers. Pre-COVID, the owner knew my friend and I by name and would give us extra or free food on occasion. After trying everything on the menu, my favorite is still the chicken tenders. Adding a lemon pepper dry rub and their signature Yummi Sauce makes these tenders the best in the business, rivaling those of places like Caine’s. For those who are not a fan of tenders, you can get all sorts of other types of chicken and, most importantly, for a price that won’t break the bank.