The top 7 restaurants in Ottawa to hit as a student on a budget

Being a university student means making a lot of sacrifices. Between rent, groceries and tuition, a night out for dinner can feel like a luxury. Luckily, Ottawa has some hidden spots where students can grab a bite to eat, and even maybe have a drink without breaking the bank.

So, I’ll save you the extensive research on finding the perfect place for the perfect price. Here are seven restaurants to check out when your budget is tight but your vibes are high. 

1. Chuck’s Roadhouse

For my first pick, I went with Chuck’s Roadhouse. There are four Chuck’s across Ottawa: one in ByWard Market, one in the Kanata area, one in the Pinecrest and Queensview area and one in Orleans. 

After 9 P.M., all appetizers are 50% off at Chuck’s, including nachos, wings, quesadillas, fries and more. They also have a Lunch Express deal with meals under $15. Even full-price dinner meals are mostly all under $20. 

For drinks, Chuck’s has TONS of great deals. Four dollars 18oz Budweiser or Bud Light beers on Saturday NHL games, Thursday NFL games, and every day from 11 A.M.-5 P.M. They also do $8 30oz domestic beers all day Tuesday, $12 pitchers all day Thursday and $6 small glasses of wine on Friday. 

2. The Third

The Third is located at 1017 Wellington St. in Hintonburg. If you’re missing home, The Third offers a casual vibe with brunch, burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips and comfort food.

Everything is under $15, and there’s plenty to do in the Hintonburg area before/after grabbing a bite. It offers generous portions and a welcoming, laid-back vibe; it’s a good spot for a casual meal with friends.

3. Ahora

Inspired by a typical Mexican cantina, Ahora is a budget-friendly Mexican spot where you can try traditional Mexican plates, burritos, nachos, quesadillas and tacos, all made fresh. It’s located in the ByWard Market at 307 Dalhousie St., and it’s a bit of a hidden gem.

Full meals are mostly priced from $15-$20. If you’re looking to grab a fun Mexican drink, Ahora also offers margaritas, tequila sunrise, and more for around $11.

4. El Furniture Warehouse

Warehouse is a classic! If you’re looking for cheap eats and a really fun vibe, this is your place. Warehouse is also located in the ByWard Market at 77 Clarence St. ALL of their food is under $13. In addition to regular pub food, they also serve some really cool dishes, like a general tao bowl and a spicy rigatoni.

The drinks are a little pricier here, so it’s a great spot if you aren’t looking to have tons of drinks. Tuesday to Sunday from 3 P.M.-5 P.M., they have all food on happy hour, and EVERY food item costs just $6.95. Warehouse also stays open until 1 A.M. – 2 A.M., and it’s definitely a fun vibe later into the night. 

5. Pour Boy

If you’re looking for a fun, quirky kind of spot, Pour Boy has you covered. It’s located at 495 Somerset St. W in Centretown. All the food here is under $20, with lots of classic options and a variety of interesting entrees, like their Buddha bowl, Indian butter chicken and a signature Pad Thai. 

I think Pour Boy really shines with its beers. Perfect for any beer lover, they have lots of local beer you might not see at most places on this list. They have their own lager and amber beers, and you can get a small glass for as low as $4. 

Pour Boy also has some really lively event nights. Trivia on Tuesdays, Wednesday open mic, Thursday comedy and Friday bingo. You can find more information about their events on their website.

6. JOEY

JOEY is a classic Ottawa restaurant if you’re looking for a more upscale vibe. JOEY has two locations in Ottawa: one in Lansdowne and another in the ByWard Market beside the Rideau Centre. It’s popular for date nights, dinner with friends, celebrations and cocktails. It feels a little fancy without being too formal.

Prices are usually higher than a typical student-budget restaurant, but their happy hour is really good. Happy hour runs from 3 P.M.-6 P.M. every day and 9 P.M.-close Sunday through Thursday.

During happy hour, they have food-and-drink combo deals, plus lots of affordable snacks, drinks, and small meals. So, if you want to feel a little fancier but stay on a student budget, come to JOEY during happy hour. 

7. Orange Monkey Bar & Billiards

Last but certainly not least, I have Orange Monkey. This is my personal favourite Ottawa hidden gem. Orange Monkey is a pool bar located at 250 City Centre Ave. in Little Italy, just a short walk from Bayview Station.

Orange Monkey is mainly for pool and drinks, but they do have a super affordable food menu, with lots of typical pub eats. It’s the perfect place to play some games, grab a bite and hang with friends. 

Being a student doesn’t mean you have to give up going out for dinner. Whether you’re looking for cheap eats, affordable drinks, a fun night out, or a break from cooking, Ottawa has plenty of options. Each of these seven restaurants offers something unique without breaking the bank.

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• budget
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