Whether you’re a student seeking budget-friendly bites, a family looking to dine out without overspending, or a savvy deal hunter, Calgary’s culinary scene is bursting with affordable options to satisfy every craving. While the ever-increasing food prices may mean that nothing is truly “cheap” anymore, these deals at least make the cost of living liveable.
Happy Hour Hits
The Park
With two locations in Aspen and Quarry Park, The Park offers daily features to make your mouth drool. Start your week with $6 tacos on Mondays and $4 off burgers after 2 p.m. on Tuesdays. Wednesdays, bring half-priced wine bottles and $4 off pizzas after 2 p.m., perfect for a midweek treat. On Saturdays, indulge in a $25 pasta dish paired with a glass of wine after 2 p.m. Whether you’re craving tacos, burgers, or pasta, The Park has something for everyone.
1200, 163 Quarry Park Blvd. S.E. and 114, 326 Aspen Glen Landing S.W., parkkitchen.ca
Blue Star Diner
Blue Star Diner offers fantastic daily dine-in features. From 3 p.m. to close on Taco Tuesdays, indulge in $4 tacos, $6 Mexican lagers, and $8 margaritas. Enjoy a $10 double burger and beer on Wednesdays for a hearty deal, or sip on $6 Blue Star Blonde while trying their $17 burgers and sandwiches. Pasta & Wine Thursdays features a $19 weekly pasta special with gluten-free options and half-price bottles of wine, plus happy hour glass pours from 3 p.m. to close.
809 1 Ave. N.E., bluestardiner.ca
The Highwood
The Highwood offers a happy hour starting at 4:30 p.m., making it an ideal spot for affordable, high-quality dining. With food options ranging from $7 to $32, you can enjoy a fine dining experience without breaking the bank. Located on the SAIT campus and with food prepared by students, it’s the perfect choice for those who want to indulge in a gourmet meal on a budget.
1301 16 Ave. N.W. (SAIT John Ware building), sait.ca
Craft Beer Market
Enjoy the view of the Calgary Tower with happy hour specials all day on Sundays and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays at Craft Beer Market. For a light snack, enjoy $6 yam fries, $10 deep-fried pickles, or $10 chips and guac. Try the $16 classic burger, $16 Cali bowls or $6 Fish tacos for something more filling.
345 10 Ave. S.W., craftbeermarket.ca
The Tropical
From Tuesday to Thursday (and on weekends, too), grab favourites like $12 Guac & Chips, $11 Chilaquiles, or the $6 Tinga Tostada at the Tropical. Don’t miss the $3 Empanadas or the $7 Quesabirria, a tasty birria-style beef taco with melted cheese and a side of broth. They also have half-priced cocktails. With these unbeatable prices, The Tropical is the perfect spot for great eats that are easy on your wallet.
1011 1 St. S.W., tropicalyyc.ca