Residing in the most liveable city in the world has its perks, we have amazing… well, everything, especially food and drinks! We are spoiled for choice with some of the best cafes, bars and restaurants Australia has to offer.
However, this high standard of living may have cost us a mortgage and possibly a future. Those damn smashed avos, we just can’t seem to get enough!
Whether you’re a budget foodie, a poor uni student, or just love finding a bargain, here’s a list of some of the best cheap eats you can find in Melbourne. Don’t worry, cheaper price doesn’t mean having to compromise on taste. These quick feeds will leaving you feeling satisfied, and your pockets feeling surprisingly full.
Burgerlove
St Kilda, South Melbourne
Who doesn’t love a good burger to block the arteries and feed the soul? With two locations, in St Kilda and South Melbourne, Burgerlove is home to some of Melbourne’s best and cheapest burgers, and they are all about delivering love and soul on a plate.
Burgerlove has awesome $9+ burger specials running all week (except Sunday). With one look at their Instagram feed, I guarantee you’ll be salivating.
Try something from the burger menu, or if that’s not indulgent enough – try the instaburger menu. There are vege and gluten free options available as well.
They have an option to book online or have your food delivered by UberEATS. There is also an option to book a table, which may be a smart move, as both venues are quite cozy and get super busy.
Let your stomach feel guilty, not your pockets.
Maeve Fox
472 Church st, Richmond
Conveniently located next to East Richmond station, Maeve Fox is an intimate venue and a perfect place for quiet drinks and catch up with friends.
Friday night has got you covered, with food specials such as $1 dumplings, $5 nachos and $9 Polenta Dusted Calamari. There is an extensive drink menu as well, with wines, beers and cocktails, plus a little extra.
On Sunday’s there is 50% off everything on the menu, so you can come back for a Sunday session. There are plenty of intimate spaces to sit and enjoy the company, with booths all around the venue and an overall laid back vibe.
Bimbo Deluxe
376 Brunswick st, Fitzroy
An icon on the bustling Brunswick St, North Fitzroy, Bimbo Deluxe is hard to miss (just look for the giant baby on the side of the building). This intimate, moody venue is littered with worn couches and pool tables for the ultimate lazy afternoon session.
Make sure you head there early to enjoy the laidback atmosphere, because after dark, Bimbo’s becomes a pumping nightclub with loud beats going long into the night. Grab a table upstairs on the quiet rooftop and enjoy a selection of $4 Pizzas every day of the week!
Your Sunday sesh is sorted as well with $10 Espresso Martinis and $10 Bloody Marys.
Check out their sister venue, Lucky Coq in Pahran for similar deals.
Mr Scruffs
60 Smith st, Collingwood
A half priced menu is where it’s at. Mr Scruffs on Smith St has one of the best nightly specials in Melbourne. Grab anything on the menu from around $5, from burgers, to nachos to poutine. The 50% off menu runs from 6-10pm.
Mr Scruffs is a breed of pub, club and bar rolled into one, with a great beer garden lined with street art murals and heaters for those cold nights. It’s a great spot to catch up with some mates and if you’re after a laid back Saturday night, there is a special offering a burger and beer for $12.
If you’re not after any food, they have selected drink specials all week from 4-7pm.
There website shows a lot of ‘coming soon’ items, so keep your eyes peeled for the unveiling (Mac and Quad Cheese, I’m ready for you).
There is a minimum wait of 30 mins for your order, and as you can imagine, the place gets pretty busy! So grab a group and get in early to get a table.
Don Don
198 Little Lonsdale st, CBD
After a quick and easy meal in the CBD? Look no further than Don Don. Tucked away off Swanston st, Don Don is renowned by its customers for its quick and efficient service. Even during the busy lunch rush, you will get served incredibly quickly, which is music to the ears of all Melburnians.
This humble eatery is quite plain, with a small counter to order and plenty of seating stretching from the front to the back of the venue. Don’t let the simplicity fool you, the food is ridiculous!
All Japanese curries are priced around $8, depending what you get. Choose noodles or rice, pork, chicken or beef or if you’re absolutely famished, grab a Dondon box for $9.40 and I guarantee you’ll be full afterwards.
There is little information about Don Don across all social media platforms. Their Facebook page is minimal, but the reviews on other sites are out of this world. Trust us when we say you won’t be disappointed!
Is Don Don, is good.
Rochester Hotel
202 Johnston st, Fitzroy
If you’re feeling a bit fancy without the cash flow to back it up, why not head down to the Rochester Hotel on Monday nights for $1 oysters from 3-10pm (until sold out). Get down nice and early to start your week off right.
The Rochy, as it’s fondly referred to, is a classic pub establishment with a rich history of live music and smoky rooms. The classic pub feel has stayed but the venue has revamped itself.
Rochy has got everything you could ever want in a venue, craft beers, cocktails, seafood, comedy, live music and trivia. Check out their website to see what else is offered during the week.
Fathers Office
249 Lonsdale st, CBD
Father’s Office is a 1920’s prohibition style bar, tucked away next to the state library, with a balcony area that overlooks the bustle of Swanston st. This venue right in the heart of the city seems a bit pretentious, but it’s the complete opposite. Look past the men in business attire and this place has a quaint charm about it.
There is always some sort of deal happening, whether it be drinks or food specials. I highly recommend checking out the website for all the deets.
Monday nights is when the good times start rolling, with $25 all you can eat tacos! I know, I couldn’t believe it either. Grab as much tacos as you can from 5-9pm, from a choice of bean, pork or beef tacos. To make matters a little sweeter, this deal also includes a schooner of beer.
On Wednesday nights there’s all you can eat wings for $22, which also comes with a schooner. Looks like your week is set!
Bookings are essential, so loosen those pant buttons and jump online to secure your spot.
By Indah Da Silva
