While our definition of cheap eats keeps pace with rising food, labour and property costs, we know that the $10 bar is pretty high in relation to the average student budget. This list is devoted to ultra-cheap options, listed on menus for $5 or less (sorry, you'll have to scrounge some change for tax and tip). While some campuses are flush with hearty, affordable fare (I'm looking at you lucky OCAD students) others are somewhat more barren (UofT students, you might just want walk down to OCAD).
Here are my top picks for $5 lunch options, listed by university and college campus.
RYERSON
99¢ Sushi
At the corner of Church and Carlton, this no-frills sushi spot can be an AYCE opportunity for $10. Those feeling a little lighter in the pocket can opt for 99-cent a la carte options, which equates to something like 30-40 rolls for under 5 bucks.
Patties Express
This tiny little Jamaican pastry shop on Elm St. is home to a second-generation patty-purveyor who slings beef, chicken and veggie stuffed pockets two at a time with a can of soda for $4.39. Equally delicious and cheaper still you can have a single patty of your choice nestled into a puffy, sweet coco bun for just $3.39.
Big Moe's and Jackson's Burger
I'm going to lump these two burger outfits together because they're situated side by side. Plain burgers at both spots come in at under $5, though Moe's is 20 cents cheaper, though it's the daily specials that might make the decision for you. At Jackson's, you'll find some fancy daily BOGO deals (read: go halfsies with a friend). At Moe's, two can dine for $7.99 on Mondays, cheeseburgers are $2.50 on Tuesdays and chicken burgers go for $2.99 on Thursdays.
Ginger
If $5 is truly your budget then even the pho might be too rich for your blood at the Yonge St. outpost of this local chain of Vietnamese eateries. Opt instead for a banh mi ($3.50) built on a puffy baguette and layered with tangy carrot daikon slaw and a choice of beef, chicken, pork, tofu or cold cuts.
Love at First Bite
This little pizza parlour at the base of the Neill-Wycik residence offers an indie alternative to the big chains nearby (Pizza Pizza on Yonge advertises a whole plain pizza walk-in special for $4.99). The better alternative at this joint is a slice and a soda for $4.25-$4.75, or have yourself a mini 9" pizza with one topping for $4.80, splurge on 2 toppings for $5.10.
Karine's
The all-vegetarian vendor in the food court offers an extensive menu of meat free options and while all of it is reasonably priced, the flat $5 specials can't be beat. Fill up before class on all day breakfasts, vegan pancakes and veggie wraps.
Fresh Italian Eatery
Sandwiches at this Italian luncheonette range between $4.25 and $4.50 though the rotating daily specials offer the most tempting value. Mondays you'll find veal or chicken parm on for $5; Tuesdays feature pulled chicken and Wednesdays feature porchetta for $3.50; Thursdays are roast beef for $3.75; and on Fridays, the eggplant parm goes for $4. Specials are served up on a plate with any one side or on a bun. Now mangia!
Tasty Chinese Food
I subsisted on take-away from this spot throughout my undergrad and can attest that it really is tasty. What's best about the menu is the ample affordable selection; combos complete with rice or noodles and a choice of szechaun chicken, seasame chicken or buddha delight are each priced at $4.43, sweet and sour chicken with veggies sells for $3.99, and a BBQ chicken leg with veggies goes for $4.99.
Souvlaki House
This Greek hot counter is family-run and those that frequent the place are treated like part of the clan. It's been around longer than most of its neighbours and owes its longevity to generous portions. Choose between an 8" meatball sub ($5), veggie moussaka ($4.43), greek veggie burger ($3.80), lamb gyro burger ($4.85), XL lentil soup ($4.43) or daily veggie plate ($4.99). You can add garlic bread for another 80 cents.
Helena's Magic Kitchen
Another long-standing Grange resident, Helena's is beloved for hearty, wholesome comfort foods that are probably better than homemade. Dine on combos like a cabbage roll with perogies sold for $4.65, or order a slice from the daily selection of quiche and savoury pies that are on for $4.43.
Veda
On-campus options at U of T are sparse, and quite frankly not all that cheap. This Indian chain offers only limited options for the budget conscious, though if you can live on baked samosa ($4.49 for 3), pakoras ($2.49 for 6), or empanadas stuffed with chicken or beef ($3.49), then you're in luck.
Tasty's Caribbean Restaurant
On College, directly across from the Student Life building, this Caribbean take-away offers patties and coco buns for $1.25 each, add on a side of channa ($3/small) and you've got yourself a hearty meal. On Thursdays and Fridays you'll find Trinidadian doubles, aloo pie and palourie on special for just $2.
Papa Ceo and Cora
Sitting side by side on Spadina, these two pizza parlours a great meal source when your wallet is feeling light. At Papa Ceo, you can get a king slice and pop for $4.50, while next door at Cora, you'll find all slices priced at $3.99 and you can add-on a tropical juice for 75¢.
River Tai
The Cantonese restaurant on Harbord might look a little worn-out, but it's merely a sign of its longevity. A specials board poised at the entrance might just be the thing that draws you inside, where you'll find options like fried noodles with beef, satay chicken on vermicelli, bbq pork on rice, szechuan beef on rice, or bean curd with mixed veggies on rice all priced at $3.99.
El Furniture Warehouse
In the Annex, just a short jaunt from campus, this eatery is worth a lunchtime detour. The entire menu is a student's saviour with an abundance of complete meals (including sides) priced at a steady $4.95. Get yourself a burger and fries or fill up with a hearty bowl of mac and cheese - the options here could have you coming back again and again without growing bored of the same thing.
The Islands Caribbean Restaurant
Lunch specials are offered weekdays from 10am to 3pm at this York Lanes establishment. Choices include jerk, BBQ or fried chicken with rice for $4.99, patty and coco bread $2.21, a 3-piece chicken with festival combo for $3.99 and a hearty vegetarian meal offered for $4.99.
Berries and Blooms
Also in York Lanes, this destination for sandwiches and salads accommodates student budgets with a varied list of sammies all priced under 5 bucks. Basic meat or veggie options range from $2.25 to $4.99 while premium versions like the grilled brie ($4.75) or the turkey club ($4.99) are affordable too. Also noteworthy are the 2-egg breakfasts offered with bacon and coffee for $3.49.
Sofra Istanbul
While Falafel Hut Village in York Lanes offers a similar menu, if you want to venture off campus you'll find sandwiches made with fresh pita bread at this Middle Eastern eatery. Falafels packed full of vegetables and protein are on sale for $4.87 and veggie wraps for $4.42.
Big Al's Diner
Slide up to the counter at this classic diner for all day breakfasts starting at $3.99 and breakfast sandwiches like the BLT ($2.99) and signature 'Big Al' with a fried egg, bacon and cheese between bread sold for $4.29. Standards like the naked beef patty or veggie burger sell for $4.49, and you'll find all-beef hotdog combos for $4.29.
Tin Tin Congee Chinese Restaurant
Hearty bowls of rice porridge are an awesomely filling option at this off-campus restaurant. Order any of the congee price between $2.50 and $5 -- options include pork and preserved egg congee ($4.50) or minced beef ($4.50). Noodle soups hover around the $5 mark too and are offered with wontons, dumpling or pork hock in steaming bowls of broth and noodles.
Patrician Grill
This old school diner is a reliable source for cheap toasted sandwiches. A grilled cheese or fried egg sandwich should tide you over through classes and sells for an affordable $4.10.
Bolets Burrito
Found on Lower Sherbourne, you can't get a burrito for less than $5, so those on tight budgets should opt instead for the veggie quesadilla. It comes packed with at least three food groups for an even $5.
Nari Sushi
Located at King and Sherbourne, this cheery take-out counter offers well-priced, pre-packaged rolls for convenient and cheap eating. The Salmon and Avocado Roll ($4.95) is a local favourite, featuring 8 large pieces than are more fish than rice.
Paddington's Pump
Take advantage of campus' near proximity to the historic St. Lawrence Market and order Toronto's most famous peameal on a bun ($4.85) - the sandwich comes stacked with a pile of filling porky goodness. The corned beef, too, comes in at under $5.
European Delight
While there are a wealth of options in St. Lawrence market, I happen to be a big fan of this Ukrainian deli found on the lower level. Here, the specialty is home-style prepared foods like perogies offered by the dozen for $4 or massive cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and meat or vegetables are offer for $3.75 apiece.
Super Burger
A toasted chicken, cheese or tuna sub goes for $4.50 or less, while a 4 oz. burger on its own is $3.25 (if you can scrounge up some change you can make it a combo for $5.31). If that's not enough choice, you can also get pork ($3.45) or chicken ($4.05) souvlaki or sausage ($3.29) on a bun.
Melt Grilled Cheese
The classic with cheddar and mozza sells for $4.39 but the best thing about this grilled cheese is you can customize it with additional, fresh toppings. A breakfast option dubbed the Good Morning Melt ($4.79) is good value, too, layered with cheddar, mozzarella, a fried egg, tater tots and mayo, while health conscious eaters on a budget can add chicken for $1.99 to any of the salads priced at about $3.50.
Ducky's Roti
A top choice for hearty cheap eats in the neighbourhood, this roti house on Lakeshore West offers roti packed with potatoes and curry in choices like stewed beef ($4.99) or channa ($3.50-$4.75). Also affordable: rice dishes served with dhal (split peas) or red beans and curry chicken or veggie delight for $4.99. Aloo pies a la carte sell for $1.75, doubles cost only $1.50 and on Saturdays there's a breakfast menu with plenty of options for under $5.
Jumbo Burrito
The main attraction at this burrito joint is the student special, featuring a burger burrito dressed with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, chipotle mayo and BBQ sauce. Sold for $4.99, the combo includes a pop and a a twirly fried potato stick.
Ghazale
While combo plates start at $7, you'll find almost every a la carte item priced at $4.99 or less at the newest location of this Middle Eastern chain located in New Toronto. A falafel wrap costs only $3.79 or there's chicken or beef shawarama wraps on offer for $4.99. A small rice for $1.99 plus a choice from veggie dishes like cauliflower stew, okra or bazela (potatoes, carrot and peas) priced at $2.79 adds up to a pretty decent meal too.
Did I miss any? Leave your favourite $5 meals on campus in the comments.
by Liora Ipsum via blogTO
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