Best BYOB Restaurants in Chicago, IL

Save Money by Bringing Wine or Beer to Chicago's BYOB joints

Nov 11, 2009 Lisa Brandush

Stay within that strict budget during a trip to the Windy City by trying one of these trendy and delicious BYOB restaurants.

Going out to eat in any big city can be expensive, especially for a tourist on a tight budget. If a Chicago visitor doesn’t want to spend every night of his or her trip to the Windy City at McDonald’s, eating out at BYOB restaurants is an easy way to save money and still enjoy an elegant meal. Chicago has over 400 BYOB restaurants to choose from, and each of these eateries is as diverse as the Second City itself. This list contains some of the best BYOB restaurants in Chicago, and at least one of these will satisfy even the pickiest foodie.

Coast Serves up Savory Sushi and Japanese Gastronomy in the Trendy Wicker Park Neighborhood

Opened in 2003, this Sushi bar and Japanese restaurant has been creating innovative cuisine for Sushi connoisseurs and first timers alike. The ambience in the small restaurant is perfect for a romantic night out or for meeting up with a group of friends. Be sure to take advantage of the BYOB policy and no corking fee for bottles of wine. Critics agree that this Sushi hot spot is one of the best; the widely-respected Chicago Magazine awarded the restaurant with its coveted Best of Chicago prize in 2004.

Try Nuevo Leon for an Authentic Mexican Menu at Fair Prices

Tourists will know Nuevo Leon is authentic when they head down to its location in the Pilsen neighborhood. Pilsen is a predominately Mexican area and is also home to the National Museum of Mexican Art, the largest Mexican art museum in the country. Though the restaurant only accepts cash, the inexpensive and delicious food is worth the inconvenience. There is also no corking fee for wine and beer. The atmosphere is bright and colorful, and Mexican pop music is often playing from the old-fashioned jukebox. Expect to wait a few minutes for a table; the restaurant is small and is always busy. Nuevo Leon is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday, and there is free parking on the corner of Laflin and 18th street.

Café Marbella Offers Genuine Spanish Tapas on the Northside

Sharing its name with the Mediterranean coastal city, this Spanish delight offers a wide variety of entrees and tapas typically served in Spain. Tapas restaurants often are a great way to experience delicious food without having to fork up a lot of cash. Café Marbella is certainly no exception, and its BYOB policy only adds to its value. While the common Spanish staples such as patatas bravas and tortilla española grace the menu, other surprising dishes such as the onion soup are sure-fire hits. Don’t go to Café Marbella for its ambience; the restaurant’s décor is pretty uninspiring. But décor aside, the food is fabulous, the service is friendly, and the BYOB policy is a convenient money saver. Be sure to buy the wine before heading out to the restaurant; the nearest liquor store to Café Marbella isn’t the cheapest.

Enjoy Traditional Italian Food at Roscoe Village’s Terragusto

Chicago has a plethora of Italian restaurants scattered throughout nearly every neighborhood of the city. While Terragusto is certainly on the more expensive side, the cuisine is well worth the cost. The fact that a guest can bring his or her own liquor softens the blow of the somewhat steep prices. Large groups can enjoy the chef’s special; a combination of dishes selected by the chef starting at around $36 per person. Don’t try Terragusto with kids; the atmosphere is better suited for adults. If someone in the party is craving those Americanized Italian dishes, stick to Olive Garden.

Tango Sur Indulges Any Meat Lover’s Taste Buds with Its Exquisite Argentine Cuisine

Buenos Aires, the Andes, and meat are three things for which Argentina is famous. Now a tourist craving delicious Argentine cookery doesn’t have to travel hundreds of miles to enjoy the country’s unique food. Tango Sur in the Ravenswood neighborhood serves up buffet style meat without overloading the budget. This restaurant may not look like much from the outside, but the delicious food and the lack of a corking fee makes this place one of Chicago’s best..

While all of these restaurants may be a little far from the loop’s popular hotels, they are all worth the hike. The best underground cultural events, nightclubs, museums, shows, and restaurants can often be found far away from the noisy and touristy downtown area. Venture away from the loop and enjoy a taste of real Chicago dining. Take advantage of the BYOB policies at these restaurants and keep cash in your pocket, or at least compensate for the cab ride!

The copyright of the article Best BYOB Restaurants in Chicago, IL in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Lisa Brandush. Permission to republish Best BYOB Restaurants in Chicago, IL in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

BYOB Restaurants in Chicago