8 Best Cheap Eat Restaurants in Calgary
Since summer is in full swing, it can be much more tempting to dine at a restaurant than to heat the oven during the evening heat. Eating out too often can undoubtedly leave your wallet feeling a little lighter, even when you are only eating out occasionally. Although Calgary is often considered a gateway to the Rocky Mountains, it is often viewed as a place to go through on your way to the destination of your choice. It’s different in the summertime, of course, when Calgary hosts the Stampede every year.
Visitors to YYC are often unaware of the fantastic food options available in the city, including many hidden gems, both trendy and quaint, with excellent prices. There are a lot of beautiful restaurants in Calgary, no matter if you’re passing through or planning a vacation. Even if you only have $10, you can get something fresh, hearty, and mouthwatering. Moreover, Canadians have particular tastes for food, remarkably cheap, easy options. If you are in the mood for dining in Canada, you will find something to satisfy everyone, whether you prefer fast food, fast-casual, high-end, or super cheap.
You can bring in your favourite wine on certain evenings without being charged corkage fees. Various ethnicities, food regions, and cultures combine to create mouthwatering melting pots of goodness in the restaurants on this list of Best cheap eat restaurants in Calgary.
1- Holy Grill
Website: holygrill.ca/
Phone: +1 403 261 9759
Address: 827 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0B4, Canada
Menu: holygrill.ca/hg_10thave_menu/
Top picks:
- Eggs benny
- Brunch
- Breakfast sandwich
- Hash browns
- Smashed potatoes
Are you looking for good food that is served quickly? Holy Grill offers all of that, and that is what you will find when you come into the restaurant. There’s nothing better than eating at the Holy Grill in downtown Calgary!
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Prepared from fresh ingredients, good food is ready before awkward silences at your table take over. Their restaurant is also open for breakfast because they believe life is too short to skip the day’s most important meal! The updated catering menu is just being prepared, so in the meantime, please get in touch with the location nearest you.
What do clients think?
Holy Grill in downtown Calgary serves up some truly awesome dishes! Our table ordered the Italian panini with beet chips and the Ranch burger with sweet potato chips. Everything was amazing! Thumbs up for a great meal and friendly service!👍(Google Reviews)
What a awesome little place. Had the eggs Benedict super good. Staff are very very friendly. Great atmosphere and kids loved it!(Google Reviews)
2- Meat And Bread:
Website: meatandbread.com/
Phone: +1 403 764 6225
Address: 821 1 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 7N2, Canada
Menu: meatandbread.com/grainexchange
Top picks:
- Beef
- Meatball Sandwich
- Buffalo Chicken
- Chicken Sandwich
A big part of their concept has always been making easy, quick, wholesome and delicious sandwiches. Their signature porchetta sandwich is crafted from the highest quality ingredients, with vital culinary skills and heart. The menu at Grain Exchange includes their meatball sandwich, buffalo chicken sandwich, and a featured sandwich every week. Check the menu at your local shop for any location-specific sandwiches.
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Each Meat & Bread Shop is available for evening bookings to provide a unique backdrop to any event. Host a long table dinner or a small reception; whatever your occasion, They will make it delicious. They are continuing to expand their reach across Canada because the concept is simple, and the results they are experiencing are strong. By joining with the right partners, they hope to be able to do this. To succeed with their business and themselves, Meat & Bread only partners with passionate, experienced, and driven people.
What do clients think?
Amazing spot for a sandwich. Very tasty ingredients and just enough to hit the spot during lunch. Even though there was a line up, service was super quick. Easy to carry boxes to bring the yummy food back to the office. Will definitely be coming back!(Google Reviews)
The name says it all! This place keeps its menu simple and to the point. The sandwiches were excellent and the soup even better. It has a great location and the seats along the window are great to watch the world go by while you savour all the wonderful flavours in your sandwich! Super efficient service, food came out hot and quickly. Easy place to go for a good bite on a lunch break.(Google Reviews)
3- Pizzeria GAGA:
Website: pizzeriagaga.ca/
Phone: +1 403 264 2421
Address: 1236 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3C 1A7, Canada
Menu: pizzeriagaga.ca/#menu
Top picks:
- Roma pizza
- Burek
Pizzeria Gaga carries the name of the nickname given to Safety Zeljic by her husband. The word draga (darling) turned into Gaga over time. You’re invited to come and taste their food, enjoy their company, and browse their imported goods selection. The promise of a happy tummy and a smile on your face is their guarantee. Here, you’ll find thin-crust pies and soups, Italian sandwiches, and outdoor seating.
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The Pizzeria Gaga caters to their beloved core downtown and supports community events in Calgary. Food makes people happy, so they aim to serve it well. As soon as they serve pizza leaves, they strive for the satisfaction of their customers. You can count on them to cater your office luncheons, business events, and social gatherings.
What do clients think?
I love cozy places and this was the one I’ve been looking for. Perfect pizza (I tried signora gaga) and very very kind owner family. The gifted me a cookie at the end. Definitely worth a try and more 🙂 (Google Reviews)
Very friendly warm welcome. Quaint pizzeria featuring local art work inside. Also sells delicious looking chocolate. I ordered the Roma pizza (mozza, pepperoni, green pepper, onion,) and it was ready in less than 10 minutes. Incredible pizza! Tops in Calgary for sure. Will definitely return to try all the other features. Excellent visit. (Google Reviews)
4- Blackfoot Truckstop Diner:
Website: blackfootdiner.ca/
Phone: +1 403 265 5964
Address: 1840 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0T8, Canada
Menu: blackfootdiner.ca/our-menu/
Top picks:
- Lemon meringue pie
- Poutine Fries
- Burger on a Bun
- Hamburger Deluxe
- Cheeseburger
In 1956, Edna Taylor opened this truck stop and diner that became known among truck drivers across North America, including those from the Calgary area. Edna was a great community worker in Inglewood, Calgary, doing many good things for others. Her death from severe heart complications occurred on July 25th, 2011, in the Foothills Hospital. The legacy she left behind will live on, and she will be remembered for her ability to use her business to help others.
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Your meal will be delicious, filling, and cheap, from the daily special to omelettes and pancakes to the basic steak-and-eggs. Perhaps nothing better about Blackfoot than the staff: Ladies clad in pink, who are always cheerful, forgivably smiling as they keep coffee cups full, make recommendations on meals and give colouring books to kids. A good old-fashioned three-course dinner (specials are served with dessert) is also served at Blackfoot Diner in addition to great breakfast – available 24 hours a day. Kids will love the tacky toy train on a wall, and you can satisfy your sweet tooth with plentiful homemade desserts (like chocolate and banana crème pies). The Blackfoot Truckstop has been serving hundreds of guests every day for almost 50 years. During that time, they have seen celebrities such as Jason McCoy from Doc Walker and even the city mayor.
What do clients think?
Stopped for supper With my 2 year old after the bow fish hatchery and he loved the train!! And the food was sooo good! Fresh steak and vegetable soup to start with homemade fresh bread and had the roast beef dinner it was delicious and even got ice-cream at the end! Highly recommend love the little diner feel too 🙂 (Google Reviews)
Been looking for a traditional club sandwich for a long time now and Blackfoot Diner hit the spot. In a time when being hypermodern is hip, this spot is like a time capsule that takes you back to your childhood. Awesome service and great food. Will be back here whenever I can for sure. (Google Reviews)
5- Boogie’s Burgers:
Website: boogiesburgers.com/
Phone: +1 403 230 7070
Address: 908 Edmonton Trail, Calgary, AB T2E 3K1, Canada
Menu: boogiesburgers.com/project/menu/
Top picks:
- Pizza Burger
- Corn Dogs
- Spicy French Fries
- Saddles
- Fried Macaroni
In Calgary, Alberta, you will find Boogie’s Burgers, a burger emporium where no holds are barred for serving up great burgers. The hamburgers they serve are mainly known for not just pleasing the palate but also seducing it for all eternity. They appreciate that their highly regarded burger-conscious customers keep coming back. Their restaurant may not be the ideal spot for a quick burger fling, but if you’re interested in a long-term burger relationship, come by. Boogie’s Burgers is Calgary’s burger haven, offering colossal burgers, fries, onion rings, milkshakes, and beer pairings. Besides the burgers, you’ll want to play the vintage arcade games. You’ll come for their burgers and stay for their eclectic burger decor and vintage arcade games, which are part of their charm.
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The proud fathers of Boogie’s Burgers, Noel Sweetland and Kipp Teghtmeyer, are also the bosses of a tight-knit group of burger enthusiasts that values pickles above all else. Since Burgers are such a longstanding source of inspiration to many people, Kipp asked to include a link to this burger-themed game: BurgerTime. From 1969 to the present, Boogie’s Burgers Renfrew has served burgers in Calgary. They have some of the wildest burger combinations, the best milkshakes, and a vintage arcade. Tangy ketchup, mustard, and red hamburger relish blend form the basis of Boogie’s signature red sauce. Their deep-fried snacks may contain a trace amount of gluten, even though most of their sides are gluten-free.
What do clients think?
Loved our meal at Boogie’s Burgers on Edmonton Trail! Food was delicious. Many unique burger and milkshake options. Staff spontaneously offered us a free second milkshake because the kitchen put someone else’s order on the grill ahead of ours which caused a delay. We hadn’t even noticed or complained! Great customer service! (Google Reviews)
Food was amazing, had a burger, some spicy fries, and a mint choco shake. The atmosphere is great, the staff were really kind, and bob ross on the TV was an extra bonus. If you enjoy an extra kick of spicy definitely try the house hot sauce. (Google Reviews)
6- Jimmy’s A&A:
Website: jimmysdonair.ca/
Phone: +1 403 289 1400
Address: 1401 20 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 1G6, Canada
Menu: jimmysdonair.ca/
Top picks:
- Shawarma
- Samosa’s
As a corner store with a couple of donairs spits in the back corner, Jimmy’s A&A started in the early 90s. Jimmy worked himself to the bone so he could buy the shop himself, and he has transformed it into a landmark and a Mediterranean deli that’s the best in Calgary. “Food isn’t just about ingredients,” says Jimmy. You have to consider the atmosphere in which that food is prepared and eaten. You will be served with love and will leave happy if you come to them,” Jimmy says.
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Their original location at 1401 20 Avenue NW is conveniently located near SAIT, ACAD, and North Hill Shopping Centre. At 1304 4th Street SW, their second restaurant, you can walk to downtown Calgary and its famous 17th Avenue SW shopping district. Although Jimmy’s A&A has won many awards for the best shawarma in Calgary, their pride comes from their commitment to customer service. Everyone who walks through Jimmy’s becomes part of the family.
What do clients think?
Great place, friendly staff, and phenomenal food. Samosas, donairs, baklava etc etc. Stopped for lunch and will definitely be back. I wish I had found this place sooner. Do yourself a favour…. You will not be disappointed. (Google Reviews)
amazing food and amazing people. the staff were so nice and helpful and the food was incredible. i had the beef donair and it was loaded with beef and lettuce. some of the best shawarma/donair ive ever had! would definitely recommend stopping by and grabbing something to eat.. you wont regret it!(Google Reviews)
7-Angel’s Drive-In:
Website: angelsdrivein.com/
Phone: +1 403 288 1009
Address: 8603 47 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2A1, Canada
Top picks:
- Poutine
- Mushroom Burger
- Retro
- Fried Mushrooms
This 1950s-style diner serves classic diner grub such as hamburgers, sandwiches, ice cream, etc. Here, they make no excuses for what they serve. You will find that they use only the best quality beef prepared while you wait. They are considered one of the tastiest burger joints in town because of their incredible burgers. This fast food serves perfectly prepared mini burgers, curly fries, and onion strings. You can have good vanilla ice cream, banana pancakes, and ice cream sundaes. Angel’s Drive-In has an excellent selection of vanilla milkshakes, white hot chocolate and vanilla iced coffee among its most frequently ordered drinks.
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Please do not take their word for it; you should try it for yourself or ask any of their delighted customers! There is a natural fruit milkshake available to complement burgers, sides and salads! It is possible to choose from healthier options like kale salad or a Caesar salad, depending on your preference. Even the most discerning of tastes will find something to satisfy themselves on the menu on which there are many options available.
What do clients think?
First time having Angel’s after passing it many times, and I must say I am 100% impressed and satisfied! The mozzarella burger was big and packed with flavour, the curly fries were plentiful, and the Oreo shake was thick and delicious! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone, and will definitely be going back! (Google Reviews)
This family owned diner is The Best! All the favourite’s are on the menu, Burgers & Shakes,Deep fried mushrooms & onion rings!Soft or hard ice cream.The food is delicious!The service can’t be beat, always fast & friendly!We love the nostalgic feeling we go here! (Google Reviews)
8- Bolsa Restaurant:
Website: bolsavietnamese.com/
Phone: +1 403 255 3777
Address: 180 94 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2J 0P5, Canada
Menu: skipthedishes.com/bolsa-vietnamese
Top picks:
- Coconut rice
- Fish tanks
Bolsa has been serving its customers the best Vietnamese cuisine since July 2005. They still enjoy opening their doors every day as much as when they first did in 2005, thanks to their customers’ positive reviews and delight. Bolsa Restaurant Team members Viet, Dan, Sammi, and the others invite you to taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Bolsa Restaurant is operated by a family and is owned by that family. Dan Dang, Vietnam Tran, Sammi Nguyen, and the rest of the family. As a result, they have made the place into everything it can be. The staff at the restaurant are committed and happy with the job they do, which reflects in everything they do for the guests.
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The most popular dishes they serve at their restaurant are the Saute Soups with beef and chicken. In addition to the vegetarian menu, they offer desserts, drinks, and shakes. This restaurant’s extensive menu features both traditional and modern recipes. Their fresh produce and meats are of the highest quality.
What do clients think?
This is great family run establishment. They are always friendly with very fast service. The dishes are fantastic and they are understanding and attentive if you want something a bit different than what you see on the menu. The cooking is excellent, make sure you try it soon! You can add Vietnamese coffee (iced or not) or bubble tea (try the mango) to your order for an extra burst of flavor! I also like to start with spring rolls or salad rolls. If you don’t want shrimp salad rolls ask for beef ones – they’re yummy! (Google Reviews)
This is the BEST Vietnamese restaurant in the south hands down. We lived in the area years ago & would frequent this restaurant, family owned & operated we love supporting local. Moved up North for 5 years and just moved back South again & this restaurant never stops amazing me with their friendly, welcoming atmosphere & top of the line dishes. (Google Reviews)
Final Words:
With a little bit of search, it is possible to find a high-quality lunch without breaking the bank. Various cuisine styles, service options, and dining styles are available here for an affordable price. There are sure to be a few favourite eateries and classic go-to places. Check out the list to see if any of your favourite cheap eateries managed to cut.
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