Ever found yourself staring at your bank account and realizing you have less than $50 staring back at you? Been there, done that.
With inflation and all, food is getting expensive. Finding good food that won’t break the bank can feel impossible, especially when you want something more exciting than plain noodles.
That’s why I spent a few weeks checking out our city’s cheap eats food scene. Here are all the best cheap eats in Calgary that I found make every dollar count.
Table of Contents
- 1. Streats Beltline Kitchen
- 2. BEIRUT STREET FOOD
- 3. The Street Eatery
- 4. Sso Yummy
- 5. Peters’ Drive-In
- 6. Gogi Korean Kitchen
- 7. First Street Market: Food Hall & Bar
- 8. Meat And Bread
- 9. Blackfoot Truckstop Diner
- 10. Thai Thien Sub
- 11. Boogie’s Burgers Renfrew
- 12. Thi Thi Vietnamese Submarine
- 13. Pizzeria GAGA
1. Streats Beltline Kitchen
– Media credit: streatskitchens
Address: 555 11 Ave SW
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 9 AM to 4 AM
- Sunday – 12 Noon to 8 PM
Phone: +1 (403) 454-4130
Streats Beltline Kitchen nails the art of street food without blowing your budget. Their menu jumps from tacos and burritos to poutines, burgers, and even fish and chips.
My favorite is the Fried Halloumi Sandwich for $13. It’s crispy, slightly salty, but not overwhelming. The zesty lime slaw adds a citrus crunch, while the pico and the spicy garlic ranch add just the right kick.
Pro Tip: Give their Mexican Poutine a try. It’s $14.50 and boasts juicy pulled beef, mixed together with pico de gallo, sour cream, and cheese curds. I dare say, it’s worth every calorie.
2. BEIRUT STREET FOOD
– Media credit: beirutstreetfoodyyc
Address: 7220 Fairmount Dr SE Bay C
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 4:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 7 PM
Phone: +1 403-512-7772
Beirut Street Food brings the authentic taste of the Middle East right to your plate.
They cook their beef and chicken on spits over burning charcoal. It gives every inch of their meat that mouth-watering smoky flavor you find yourself thinking about on a random Monday afternoon.
The beef shawarma pita wrap is usually my first pick. The regular is under $15, and the large is just shy of $19.
The beef is well-marinated. It comes with that fluffy, in-house-baked pita that’s packed with creamy garlic sauce, hummus, and fresh veggies and sauces.
Pro Tip: They have a couple of really good loaded poutines. I recommend the chicken shawarma poutine. It features charcoal, roasted chicken, and warm gravy mixed with tahini sauce and cheese curds.
3. The Street Eatery
– Media credit: streeteateryyyc
Address: 890 4 Ave SW
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 12 Noon to 10 PM
Phone: +1 403-234-9969
The Street Eatery is your go-to spot for global street food, but I really just come here for the baos. The Curried Pork Belly Bao has pineapple curry kewpie, candied chili, sesame, and green onion.
The Little “BIG” Mac Bao is a clever spin on the classic burger, but way healthier for you. I like how they use a grass-fed beef patty, real cheddar, and their take on signature mac sauce.
For seafood lovers, they have an interesting Fish & Chip Bao. It combines Malaysian fried fish, fries, dill tartar sauce, and pickled cabbage.
Pro Tip: On the off chance that I don’t get baos, I usually grab their skewers. They have slightly spicy Malaysian chicken skewers, which come with pickles, grilled lime, and Thai chili sauce.
4. Sso Yummy
– Media credit: ssoyummy_yyc
Address: 128 2 Ave SE Unit 117
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 8 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Phone: +1 403-455-6564
Sso Yummy Restaurant is a good place to go for cheap Korean street food. All the main items on their menu are usually under $15.
I love their kimbaps. They’re seaweed-wrapped rice rolls packed with all the good stuff, aka veggies, meats, etc. The best way I can describe it is that it’s like a Korean sushi roll.
Now, if you want a nod to the instant noodle phase (hopefully I’m not the only one), their ramyeon will hit the spot. They jazz up Korean instant noodles by adding an egg, and if you ask for it, you can even get cheese.
I also really like the way they do their tteokbokki here. The gochujang sauce is not watery at all, and the rice cakes are chewy.
Pro Tip: If you like sweets, try their Mini Boonguhbbang. It comes with 10 pieces, and these mini pastries are filled with sweet red bean or creamy custard.
5. Peters’ Drive-In
@matthewsaffranrealtor Calgary’s Famous Peter’s Drive-In on 16th Ave #yycfoodie #calgaryeats #yycliving #calgaryrealestate ♬ Mystical Magical – Benson Boone
– Media credit: Matthew Saffran Realtor
Address: 219 16 Ave NE
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to Midnight
Phone: +1 403-277-2747
Peters Drive-In reminds me of those classic diners you see in movies. It’s where I go when I want a really good burger, poutine, and shakes done right. The best part about it is that everything is under $15.
Their burgers are always made fresh to order, so you know the patties are not just lying around. I usually get a double cheeseburger, and yes, I always ask for extra pickles.
But burgers aside, I never leave this place without having a milkshake. They have over 4,500 flavor combinations. They have everything from bubble gum and butterscotch to Oreo and pina colada. The cool thing is you can mix and match!
Pro Tip: If you’re not a milkshake kind of guy or gal, they also have really good ice cream sundaes. These are the flavors you can choose from: butterscotch, chocolate, hot fudge, marshmallow, or pineapple.
6. Gogi Korean Kitchen
– Media credit: gogikoreanyyc
Address: 639 5 Ave SW #120
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday, Monday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +1 403-453-7691
Gogi Kitchen is another authentic Korean street food spot. Everything here is under $20.
Here you can order just about anything from the traditional bibimbap and deopbap to tasty rice cakes and boneless fried chicken.
I usually get their bibimbap ($11). It comes with rice topped with yummy bulgogi beef, and all the fresh veggies like carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms.
Pro Tip: If you’re not feeling like getting rice, get the Bulgogi Poutine ($10). The crispy fries smothered in beef gravy, bulgogi, and melted mozzarella cheese will definitely make your taste buds happy.
7. First Street Market: Food Hall & Bar
@immrfabulous Your first look inside First Street Market located in Victoria Park Calgary 🙌🏻#firststreetmarket #yyc #calgary #yycfood ♬ Company success (middle) – TimTaj
– Media credit: immrfabulous
Address: 1327 1 St SW
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 7 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday & Friday – 7 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +1 587-943-6664
First Street Market is the perfect spot when you and your friends just can’t agree on what to eat. Why? Well, here, no one has to settle.
They have a fabulous variety of food and drink all under one roof. Yes, everyone gets to choose exactly what they’re craving. Hungry for pizza? Check out Actually Pretty Good for some tasty California-style pies.
Want breakfast? Friends with Benedict has amazing eggs Benedict breakfast sandwiches. If you’re craving burgers or buttermilk fried chicken, go to Hi5.
For fresh pasta lovers, la Mano’s rigatoni with vodka sauce and burrata is a must-try. And if Mexican food’s your thing, there’s plenty more to explore too.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget the bar! First Street Market is fully licensed and focuses on locally crafted beers and cocktails. Happy Hour runs daily from 4-6 pm.
8. Meat And Bread
– Media credit: meatandbread
Address: 821 1 St SW
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +1 403-764-6225
Meat & Bread is my go-to when I’m craving a seriously good meat sandwich done right. Their signature carved-to-order porchetta sandwich always hits the spot, but they also serve up a mean meatball sandwich.
If you want something with a little kick, the Jalapeño Cheesesteak ($17.50) is loaded with shredded brisket, melty provolone cheese, pickled jalapeños, and those smoky seared onions.
The buffalo chicken ($14) is another favorite of mine. It’s topped with carrot and celery slaw and that tangy buttermilk ranch.
Pro Tip: If you’re not in the mood for water or soda, they also sell small cans of beer.
9. Blackfoot Truckstop Diner
– Media credit: theblackfootdiner
Address: 1840 9 Ave SE
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +1 403-225-6030
Blackfoot Truckstop Diner is hands-down one of Calgary’s best spots for a classic, hearty breakfast that hits the spot every time.
When I want to start my day right, I get the Working Man’s Breakfast.
For $11.80, you get two eggs cooked your way, crispy hashbrowns, and toast. You also get your pick of a ham slice, three strips of bacon, or sausage.
The Route 66 Omelette is not too bad either. At $16.80, it’s packed with eggs, sausage, and cheddar. It’s served with salsa and sour cream on the side, plus hashbrowns and toast.
Pro Tip: If you’re a pie lover, get their pie. I mean it. It’s that good. Regular slices go for $5.75.
They have all the classic flavors like apple, blueberry, and cherry. For just $1.50 more, you can add cheese or go a la mode with whipped cream or ice cream.
10. Thai Thien Sub
@kadiefoodie What I ate at Thai Thien Sub in Calgary #vietnamesefood #vietfood #banhmi #whatiate #cheapeats ♬ mario sound – mandycap
– Media credit: Kadie Foodie
Address: 811a 1 St SW
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 12 Noon to 10 PM
Phone: +1 403-263-4080
Thai Thien Sub is where I go for affordable, tasty Vietnamese eats. Their banh mi sandwiches, pho, and rice dishes are at an unbeatable value—under $10.
I usually get the Lemongrass Beef Sub. I like the flavor the lemongrass brings to their beef, and when topped with all the crisp veggies and fresh herbs, I feel healthy for a moment.
Their Teriyaki Chicken Sub is also good. The chicken is juicy and glazed in their sweet teriyaki sauce. It goes nicely with the pickled veggies, fresh cilantro, and crispy baguette.
Pro Tip: Definitely try their Vietnamese iced coffee. It’s rich, sweet, and will give you your espresso fix.
11. Boogie’s Burgers Renfrew
– Media credit: boogiesyyc
Address: 908 Edmonton Trl
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 Noon to 9 PM
Phone: +1 403-230-7070
Boogies Burgers is one of Calgary’s longest-standing burger joints. I love that you can BYOC—build your own combo exactly how you like it.
Most burgers clock in under $20. The BoogMak is a classic double-patty burger. It’s loaded with cheddar cheese, pickles, and creamy burger sauce.
Feeling extra hangry? Take on the “Don’t Fear the Reaper.
This beast of a burger stacks four patties, two slices of cheddar, and four strips of bacon. It also comes with a butterflied hot dog, a fried egg, and various vegetables. At $27, it’s a serious meal for serious appetites.
They’ve got tons of add-ons too—extra cheese, pineapple, and more—so you can customize your burger just the way you want it.
Pro Tip: Boogies has arcade games! Most machines run on quarters, so bring your loose change or ask staff for a roll if you’ve already raided your coin jar. They also host FREE PLAY MONDAY, so you can game for free all day long!
12. Thi Thi Vietnamese Submarine
– Media credit: bahn.mi.thi.thi
Address: 209 1st St SE
Hours: Monday to Saturday – 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Phone: +1 (403) 265-5452
Thi Thi Vietnamese Submarine is another spot to check out when you want a fresh, flavorful Viet banh mi. Their prices start at just $9.50.
My go-to is the Bò Sate bánh mì. Each bite is smoky and good due to the tender, slow-cooked beef and its mix of spices.
The bread is light and crusty. They also don’t skimp out on the toppings of mayo, crunchy pickled carrots, and just the right amount of hot pepper.
Their menu also has a good variety of submarine sandwiches. They have everything from sate pork rib, sate beef, and pepper chicken to club, sausage, veggie, and more.
Pro Tip: Drink options are simple here—pop, juice, milk, water, and even Red Bull if you need that extra buzz (caution advised!).
13. Pizzeria GAGA
@pizzareviewjoe Pizza Review at GAGA Pizzeria #pizza #pizzareview #pizzeria #food #foodreview #foodie #calgary #calgaryfood ♬ original sound – Joe Gonzalez
– Media credit: Joe Gonzalez
Address: 1236 12 Ave SW
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 12 Noon to 8 PM
Phone: +1 (403) 264-2421
Pizzeria Gaga when I want to grab a homemade pizza slice that tastes like it just came out of a wood-fired oven. Their grab-and-go Pizzolini slices start at $4 each.
Their Signora Gaga got rich mozzarella, fresh spinach, and salty olives. It also comes with silky prosciutto, creamy bocconcini, and sweet figs.
Another good one is the Aleksa. I like how they layer mozzarella, Genoa salami, and briny feta cheese.
My usual go-to, though, is the Nikola Tesla pizza. They swap tomato sauce for a white base and top it with potato, onion, and walnuts.
Pro Tip: Their Balkan-style Burek is only $10, so do give it a try. This meat and cheese pie is flaky, hearty, and perfect for when you want something comforting but different from pizza.
