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.
Midday Munchies
Bussin Burger
For a lunch that’s easy on your wallet and packed with flavour, swing by Bussin Burger! From Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can snag a delicious burger, wrap or chicken strips with fries and a drink for $11.99 — perfect for satisfying those midday hunger pangs without breaking the bank.
715 17 Ave. S.W. and 1121 9 Ave. S.E., bussin.ca
Cold Beer and Pizza
Looking for a lunch deal with a twist? Cold Beer and Pizza offers a slice and a beer combo for $11 until 2 p.m. daily. Dig into the Dirty Mel, topped with roasted garlic, eggplant, a cheese blend, whipped ricotta, or the Tate Tot, loaded with Yukon potato, a cheese blend, and thyme. Stick around for Appy Hour from 2 to 5 p.m. to score $5 pints of their Cold Beer and $6 pints of everything else on tap.
102, 1019 17 Ave. S.W., coldbeerandpizza.com
Blanco
If you’ve got a hankering for Mexican, Blanco’s has you covered with their $17 lunch deal. Choose between two classic tacos or a hearty burrito for a flavorful and satisfying meal. With three locations around the city, it’s the perfect place to get your Mexican food fix.
1140 Kensington Rd. N.W.; 723 17 Ave. S.W.; and 8537 Broadcast Ave. S.W., blancocantina.ca
Chianti’s
Chianti’s has you covered for lunch and dinner with their Pasta Frenzy, where you can enjoy any of their 30+ signature pasta dishes for just $14.99 every day. Whether dining in or taking out, this deal offers unbeatable value for pasta lovers. For a lunchtime treat, Chantis in Crowfoot has their half-size pasta and half-size salad for only $13.99, available from noon to 4 p.m.
10816, 444 Macleod Trail S.E. and 300, 20 Crowfoot Crescent N.W., chianticafe.ca
Charcut
Charcuts is an award-winning downtown restaurant headed by chefs Connie DeSousa (of Top Chef fame) and John Jackson. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a lot — but you can also spend a little! Their Lunch-All-At-Once deal offers diners a speedy lunch at a great price. Try the daily sandwich on house-baked focaccia with soup and parmesan fries for only $19.75. They also offer a butcher shop rotisserie feature with wild greens and parmesan fries for $29.75 or fresh-made pasta with wild greens for $26.75. Plus, every meal includes a bag of warm cookies to go.
899 Centre St. S.W. and 4150 University Ave. N.W., charcut.com
Spolumbo’s Fine Food & Italian Market
This deli in the heart of Inglewood has wicked grab-and-go lunch options for those looking for a fast, cheap meal. Grab a classic deli sandwich, a hot panini, or an Italian cold cut — all under $14 for a filling meal. They also have salads, soups, and veggie trays.
1308 9 Ave. S.E., spolumbos.com
Side Street Pub and Grill
Nestled in the heart of Kensington, Side Street Pub and Grill offers a welcoming, dog-friendly patio and rippin’ deals! Every day of the week, you’ll find different specials on their menu, including half price wings on Mondays and Saturdays, $10 tacos in a bag on Tuesdays, and any burger on the menu for just $9.99 on Thursdays. If you’re craving something else, most of their menu items are under $20, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a great meal any day of the week.
1167 Kensington Cres. N.W., sidestreetpubandgrill.com
Spice Hut
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can grab lunch at Spice Hut for only nine bucks. Butter Chicken, mixed vegetables, veggie pakora, plain naan, and rice are served with yogurt chutney and a spicy onion sauce. It’s perfect for a satisfying and affordable midday meal.
6554 4 St. N.E., spice-hut.com
