Looking for a delicious Caribbean meal near you?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Caribbean restaurants around Chicago, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to fill the bill.
1. Cafecito
Topping the list is Cafecito. Located at 7 N. Wells in the Loop, the cafe and Cuban spot, which offers coffee and tea and more, is the most popular budget-friendly Caribbean restaurant in Chicago, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,958 reviews on Yelp. Look for steak chimichurri, black bean soup and shrimp ceviche on the menu.
Yelper Kevin K., who reviewed Cafecito on Oct. 28, wrote, "Good sandwiches at cheap prices! I recommend the Cubano. The sandwiches feel homemade, deep flavors and comfy feels."
2. El Cubanito
Next up is Logan Square's El Cubanito, situated at 2555 N. Pulaski Road. (between Wrightwood Avenue and Altgeld Street). With 4.5 stars out of 317 reviews on Yelp, the Cuban spot, which offers sandwiches and more, has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a cheap option.
Yelper Christine L., who reviewed El Cubanito on Nov. 22, wrote, "Tried the Cubano and the Cubanito Steak sandwiches. Best Cubano in the city hands down. One of the most beautiful cheese pulls I've ever seen."
3. The Jibarito Stop
The Heart Of Chicago's The Jibarito Stop, located at 1646 W. 18th St. (between Paulina Street and Marshfield Avenue), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the cheap Puerto Rican spot 4.5 stars out of 263 reviews.
Enrique O. noted, "My experience here was definitely a good one, the ambiance of this restaurant is loaded with Puertorican art with a Puertorican folklorish feel making it a comfortable place for all. If you're in Chicago be sure to make a stop there — you'll be happy you did."
4. 1492 Cuban Fusion
1492 Cuban Fusion, a Cuban spot in Humboldt Park, is another much-loved, affordable go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 165 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2615 W. North Ave. (between Talman Avenue and Rockwell Street) to see for yourself. The menu features sandwiches, fried plantains, milkshakes and more.
We looked there for more about 1492 Cuban Fusion.
"1492 Cuban fusion Café coveys history, tradition, authentic Cuban food and innovative contributions of the new Latin cuisine," per the history section of the business's Yelp profile. "Taste the Cuban flair!"
This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
