Highest-rated cheap eats in Kankakee by diners
Americans spend a lot of money on eating out鈥攊n 2024, that totaled, or nearly 59% of all food spending. So, it's only natural to want the best bang for your restaurant dollar.
Value has become a key component of what diners look for when they eat out, with eyeing menus for value meals. At the same time, many diners also look for something new and exciting, hoping to sample new flavors or food with ingredients that are too expensive to make at home.
Many ethnic cuisines also provide a lot of value because they aren't as expensive to produce. Many Mexican dishes fall into this category because. Many Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Filipino, and Cambodian food, also rely on low-cost ingredients and simple food preparation techniques.
Food trucks and street food vendors also offer cheaper food, thanks to lower overhead costs. Their limited menus typically focus on one type of food, allowing them to simplify purchasing and pass the savings on in the form of lower prices.
compiled a list of the highest-rated cheap eats restaurants within 10 kilometers of the Kankakee area using data from . Data is as of Aug. 8, 2025. Businesses were selected using Yelp's ranking system, which calculates an adjusted rating value that takes into account the number of ratings as well as the rating score itself. Only businesses with at least 20 reviews were considered, and a cost of "$" (out of 4) were considered. Also, in an effort to highlight independent businesses and local chains, those with more than five locations nationally, based on the Yelp data, were not included.
#26. White Castle
- Rating: 2.6/5 (36 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1853 North State Route 50 Bradley, Illinois
- Categories: Fast food, Burgers
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#25. New China
- Rating: 2.6/5 (25 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 20 South Locust St. Manteno, Illinois
- Categories: Chinese
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#24. Taco John's
- Rating: 3.1/5 (25 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 562 William R Latham Sr Drive Bourbonnais, Illinois
- Categories: Fast food, Mexican
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#23. Luconi's
- Rating: 3.3/5 (29 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 496 South Kennedy Drive Bradley, Illinois
- Categories: Pizza, Sandwiches, Italian
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#22. Main Dynasty
- Rating: 3.3/5 (35 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 537 Main St. Northwest Bourbonnais, Illinois
- Categories: Chinese
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#21. Jaenicke's Drive In
- Rating: 3.3/5 (78 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 605 Armour Road Bourbonnais, Illinois
- Categories: Fast food
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#20. Great Wall Chinese Restaurant
- Rating: 3.4/5 (47 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1545 West Court St. Kankakee, Illinois
- Categories: Chinese, Buffets
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#19. Noodles & Company
- Rating: 3.5/5 (26 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2024 Route 50 Bourbonnais, Illinois
- Categories: Noodles, Salad, Pasta Shops
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#18. Johnny's Pizza
- Rating: 3.6/5 (37 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 265 South Schuyler Ave. Kankakee, Illinois
- Categories: Pizza, Italian
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#17. Jaenicke's Root Beer Stand
- Rating: 3.7/5 (21 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 390 East River St. Kankakee, Illinois
- Categories: Hot Dogs, Beer Bar, Sandwiches
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#16. Mi Casa Authentic Mexican Cuisine
- Rating: 3.8/5 (21 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 481 Main St. Bourbonnais, Illinois
- Categories: Mexican
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#15. Crazy Joe's Diner
- Rating: 3.8/5 (24 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 907 South Washington Ave. Kankakee, Illinois
- Categories: Diners
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#14. Paul's Place
- Rating: 3.9/5 (40 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 500 South Washington Ave. Kankakee, Illinois
- Categories: Bars, Breakfast & Brunch, American
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#13. JR's Chicken
- Rating: 3.9/5 (35 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 135 East Bourbonnais St. Kankakee, Illinois
- Categories: Chicken Wings, American, Buffets
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#12. Pa-Chan-Ga
- Rating: 3.9/5 (34 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 110 Meadowview Center Kankakee, Illinois
- Categories: Mexican, Seafood
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#11. Carlo's Restaurant
- Rating: 4.0/5 (24 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2060 West Station St. Kankakee, Illinois
- Categories: American, Diners, Breakfast & Brunch
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#10. Chicago Dough Company
- Rating: 4.0/5 (90 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 545 South Main St. Bourbonnais, Illinois
- Categories: Pizza, Buffets, Sandwiches
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#9. Poor Boy
- Rating: 4.0/5 (61 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1514 East Court St. Kankakee, Illinois
- Categories: Greek, American, fast food
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#8. Windy Hill Grill
- Rating: 4.0/5 (50 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 178 East North St. Bradley, Illinois
- Categories: Fast food, Italian, Sandwiches
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#7. Martinez Tacos Restaurant
- Rating: 4.1/5 (34 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 348 East Station St. Kankakee, Illinois
- Categories: Mexican, Buffets
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#6. Isidro's Tamales and Taqueria
- Rating: 4.2/5 (60 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 430 West Station St. Kankakee, Illinois
- Categories: Mexican
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#5. Dos Amigos
- Rating: 4.3/5 (27 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 533 East River St. Kankakee, Illinois
- Categories: Mexican
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#4. Blue's Cafe
- Rating: 4.4/5 (93 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1190 West Station St. Kankakee, Illinois
- Categories: Cafes
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#3. Chatterbox Cafe
- Rating: 4.5/5 (44 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 140 South Schuyler Ave. Bradley, Illinois
- Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Cafes
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#2. Stefari West Avenue
- Rating: 4.5/5 (83 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 267 South West Ave. Kankakee, Illinois
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Cocktail Bars, Modern European
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#1. New York City Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (112 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1190 North Convent St. Bourbonnais, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
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This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Jill Jaracz, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 388 metros.