 |
| Mmmmm, sushi. (Bruce Bottomley Photo) |
Whether you can’t cook, don’t want to, want to go out for a social evening, or are meeting a special someone, Halifax has you covered for delicious world and home-style eats that even students can afford.
A few items guaranteed to be inexpensive almost everywhere are:
Hot dogs: They’re always delicious, almost always available and seriously affordable. Between the famed Dawgfather and the wiener pushers on pizza corner at 2 am, you are set for dogs anytime of the day.
Samosas: You can usually fine these fried Indian pastries for under $4. (Try: Coburg Coffee, The Paperchase News Stand and Cafe, Just Us, Library Bistro.)
Bagels: Another usually cheap but filling lunch that’s under $5.
Breakfast Sandwiches: A good one covers all your major food groups and eggs are super brain food. These are always under $5 (Try: The Grill in the SUB, Tim Hortons, Annie’s Place Cafe)
Bowl of soup: Always a budget item, even at more pricey places.
Sushi: We love it and can’t get enough. Halifax has an awesome selection of sushi restaurants. For a real budget roll, you can get a cheap portion at Sobeys although much better stuff to-go can be found at Pete’s Frootique and Ko Doraku in the Spring Garden Place food court. As far as going out for sushi, Minato seems to be the favourite among the students I surveyed. Lunch-time bento boxes run about $10 and get you lots of grub.
Cafés
Halifax has an amazing variety of places to read the newspaper, fuel up and chill out. Some favourites where you can also eat for cheap are:
- The Paperchase News Stand and Café: This place offers delicious, healthy and filling food and offers real lunches under $5. After some downtown shopping, grab the paper and relax here amongst devoted regulars.
- Dio Mio Gelato International Café: More than homemade Gelato, Dio Mio has a self-proclaimed eclectic menu to suit many styles. Check this place out for its daily winter specials. If you don’t believe me look in your Canadian Lonely Planet or Coast Dining Guide.
- Halifax Backpackers-Alterego Café: Want to pretend you’re still travelling? Get a yummy homemade meal and read a book or people watch out of the large main window facing on to Gottingen.
- Good Food Emporium: Known for its Sunday brunch, this is a great place to hit on Gottingen.
- Mary’s Place: This north-end darling offers Syrian as well as Canadian cuisine.
Breakfast
- The Ardmore Tea Room: Open since 1958, the Ardmore is a great place to drag yourself after a hard night out on the town for a hearty breakfast and some classic diner ambience.
- The Greek Village: This place on Quinpool has all-day breakfast specials including tea or coffee for under $5.
Asian sensations
- Jean’s Chinese: Voted best Chinese in The Coast, Jean’s has generous combination plates for under $8 a pop (enough for leftovers) and you can use your Dal card. Great choice if you need a study break and some refuelling.
- Hungry Chili: This awesome little place is located on Blowers Street and has really friendly service. Interesting, flavourful and plentiful lunch combos will only set you back $7.99. Definitely check this place out next time your taste buds need some love. Try the fried banana roll—mmmm, delicious.
- Dragon King Buffet: Another favourite hangout where you can eat-all-you-can, starting at $10.95.
Budget date spot
- Vinnie’s Pasta: Hidden deep in the south end on Inglis Street, this spot has won Coast awards for its pasta for years. For around $12, you get a delicious meal of fresh pasta, salad and sourdough bread. Candlelit Vinnie’s is a take-a-date restaurant. Just make sure to bring mints; the Caesar salad is potent.
Healthy and yummy
- The Heartwood Bakery and Café: Located on Quinpool Road, this place has beautiful, local, organic and, not to mention, savoury food served daily. While some menu items can get a little pricy for students, they offer a $10 daily hot special which is certainly worth the money. Try the wild card salad: I did and was more than surprised by what the chef created on the fly. (Gluten-free and vegan options are available.)
Where to take your parents
- The Old Triangle: This Irish pub boasts lively atmosphere and live music three to seven nights a week. You can get an entree for about $10 and a burger under that. Plus it has a great selection of beers and delectable yam fries. Your parents will like the ambience and you could even treat them without going too broke.
Other places to try
- Food Not Bombs: Be part of the change you want to see and get fed at the same time. Food not Bombs provides free vegetarian and vegan food to anyone who is hungry. Give it a try one day and help cook next time. (Find it Sunday at 1 p.m. by the North Branch Library, Gottingen Street; Wednesday at 5 p.m. by the Spring Garden Branch Library; Thursday at 12:30 p.m. by Victoria Park.
- Halifax Farmers’ Market: Get out of bed before 1 p.m. on Saturdays and enjoy your choice of Mexican, Chinese, Polish, Italian, Indian, and Japanese foods, not to mention delicious baked goods, on a budget. Support local businesses and farmers and eat well.
Now it's your turn. Where do you go when you want a cheap night out? Join the discussion.