Just west of the Kennedy, on Chicago Avenue is one of the best Cuban Restaurants in Chicago.  Habana Libre is a great Cuban BYO in the Noble Square neighborhood.  Although I haven't had anything bad on the menu, my favorite is Arroz con Pollo.  Order it the minute you step in the door as it's made fresh and takes time to prepare.  The massive plate of some of the best Arroz con Pollo is well worth the wait.  the best part is the leftovers that taste just as good the second time around.  One downside of serving tasty and inexpensive food,  is that word gets around.  This place has become very popular and the waits on weekend nights can be up to an hour.  My advice is to make reservations on the weekends and come early.  Or, maybe skip weekends altogether.  Habana Libre - 1440 W. Chicago/ (312)243-3303

Vickie from Houston on the Cheap  gave me the scoop on a tasty family deal.  Bring your kids to the nearest Boston Market for a free kids meal when you make an adult purchase of $6.00 or more.  The deal includes up to two meals for kids 14 and under.  If you're really hungry, or have a large family, you can purchase a family meal and get up to 4 free kids meals.  You don't need a coupon but you do need your kids to be present.  It's a great deal for my family because my kids are 13 and 14 and love Boston Market chicken.  The deal runs through October 31, 2009.

Do you know of a Chicago bargain?  Enter a comment and I'll post the deal!      

Become a facebook fan of the Corner Bakery and tell them what you are doing to stay local this summer and they will send you a coupon for a free sweet.  Post pictures or stories about staying local and you could also be randomly selected to receive a coupon for a free BLT sandwich. this is another sweet deal from Jennifer Maciejewski of Atlanta on the Cheap ...... Thanks Jenn!

Satisfy your sweet tooth for half price in honor of National Cheesecake Day.  On July 30, 2009 the Cheesecake Factory will be offering a 50% discount on cheesecake slices from 11:30 am untill 11:00 pm.  This sweet deal comes from  Jennifer Maciejewski at Atlanta on the Cheap.    

When I was a kid a good mac and cheese topped the list of my favorite foods.  I passed this love on to my kids.  What makes a good Mac and cheese better is when it's free so I took my kids over to Leona's where they're giving away free mac and cheese lasagna through the month of June in support of National Children's awareness month.  To get this free treat each child needs to bring in a coupon (click here) to any Leona's location and eat in the main dining room with a paying adult.  This offer is good until the end of June.   By the way, I still love mac and cheese.  I'm just a big kid after all! 

It's street fest time in Chicago and this weekend is promising to be the perfect weather to be outside.  Take the family to the Do Division Street Fest for some fun activities, good music, tasty food and funky sidewalk shopping.  The Division street fest takes place in Wicker park over a ten block stretch of Division street from Ashland to Leavitt.  Live music will be sponsered by the Empty Bottle on the Empty Bottle Presents stage.  The music line up includes JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound and Hollywood Holt among other bands.  Take the kids to the family fun fest area where you'll find a family stage featuring kids' music and performances, cookie decoratoing, crafts, face painting, pony rides and more.  What better way to get to know this edgy, hip neighborhood?  The fun runs through Saturday, May 30 through Sunday May 31 from noon until 10:00pm and concures with the Around the Coyote 2009 Spring Arts Festival.   

This Ukranian diamond in the rough serves up Eastern European food like Grandma loved.  Don't be afraid of the gruff look of the bar, nor the fact that the restaurant may be empty when you enter.  Grab a table and prepare yourself for some of the best Eastern European food around.  While billed as Ukranian, my Polish tastebuds didn't know any better and were delighted with the pierogis (a different name on the menu, but still the same), potato pancakes and cabbage roll.  The chicken kiev was also really tasty.  With drinks and despite the fact we ordered an extra entree, the bill was still under $15.00 per person.  Can't go wrong here!  And once your eyes adjust, the bar area seems kind of nice too - where else can you find a jukebox that you can play a song or two and hear it right away?  Ukranian Village Restaurant -2301 W. Chicago Avenue/ Phone (773)278-4445 

What are you doing this afternoon?  No plans?  Head over to the open house at Fulton Market.  Fulton Market is one of Chicago's newer hotspots and a growing neighborhood.  You'll find funky galleries, trendy boutiques, and innovative restaurants.  Some of Chicago's hottest fashion designers make this their home.  There's plenty of free parking and theres no admision price.  The festivities run from noon until 5:00pm.  Explore the Fulton Market neighborhood and have some fun!

Mother's day is just around the corner.  When the special day arrives, tell Mom to put those pots and pans away. Take her for a meal she won't forget. Pack the family into the car and head over to The Palms where moms dine free on Mothers Day.  On May 10th, from noon until 5:00 p.m. The Palms will be featuring a special three course Mothers Day menu.  Dine with a party of four or more and Mom's meal is on the house.  The Palms is located in the Swissotel at 323 East Wacker Drive.    Impressing Mom with an elegant dining experience is easy, especially when it's free for Mom!  P.S. You don't need to tell Mom her meal was free.  What she doesn't know won't hurt her.

The city of Chicago has a large Hispanic population and it's no suprise that Chcago loves to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  Like many of you, I'm on a budget but that's not going to stop me from having a good time.  On May 5th, nearly every bar, Mexican or not is featuring Cinco de Mayo drink specials and there are no shortage of restaurant deals. 

TGI Fridays is offering 5 cent appetizers with every drink purchase at the bar from 5PM to 7PM.  The special drink is a blackberry margarita. 

Head over to either of the Adobo Grill locations, in Wicker Park at 2005 W. Division, or Old Town at 1610 Wells Street, and tap your feet to free live Mariachi  music.  You can sip $5.00 margaritas and order from a special menu.   In Wicker Park, the celebration runs from 5PM till 11PM and in Old Town partying starts at 2:30PM and lasts until 11:30PM.

Farther north, at Fizz Bar and Grill located at 3220 N. Lincoln Ave. in Lakeview the celebration is a real deal.  Coronas and Dos Equis bottles are only $3.00 each.  Tacos will be served for  only 50 cents each from 11AM till 1AM.  Now that's a bargain I can't pass up!