Toronto is one of the most expensive cities in the world and there’s no question why. Between the high-priced rent, steep bills, keeping up with designer fashion trends and attending lavish parties every other weekend, your paycheque disappears faster than you have time to even think about how you could spend it.

One thing’s for sure, you don’t have extra cash to blow on fancy lunches every day of the week. Sometimes in order to survive in the city, you have to pinch a few pennies and save a few dimes to get by. One way to save a couple bucks is by hitting up some of these spots for cheap eats. But fear not, you won’t be sacrificing quality for price when it comes to the food at these places.

Here are 18 of the best cheap eats in Toronto for $6 or less.

Patties Express

If you’re really hungry but don’t want to spend a lot of money on food, head over to Patties Express for cheap eats in Toronto. Two patties and a can of pop will cost you just $4.88. The spicy chicken is a must have and is sure to satisfy your cravings, and your wallet. 4 Elm St.

Banh Mi Boys

Deemed the unofficial Subway of Vietnam, everyone has to try Banh Mi Boys at least once. The banh mi is awesome here and they also serve tasty bao, like the pork belly bao for just $4.75. Topped with a specialty spicy sauce and pickled daikon, this is some delicious eats for under $5. 392 Queen St. West.

Frankie’s Diner

This cute diner has great, cheap breakfast and what they call “Toronto’s best burgers.” While you’ll have to dish out an extra $1.50 to try their classic burger, menu items like the BLT and Grilled Cheese sandwich are under $5, with many other items around $7. There’s something for everyone at Frankie’s! 994 Queen St. West.

The Dime

Comparable to its counterparts — El Furniture Warehouse and Queen Street Warehouse — consider The Dime the older, cooler cousin. These premium dive bars host $5.95 meals all day, every day. Although the drinks come in at a normal bar price, this is one of the cheapest bars for good food in Toronto. 538 Queen St. West. 

Mean Bao

This Vietnamese spot offers a whole menu of cheap eats in Toronto. Most menu items are under $5.40 and they have seven locations in Toronto. Everyone raves about the dumplings and steamed buns. We suggest an order of thepork & shrimp dumplings which has a price tag of just $4.80 – be sure to ask for their dipping sauce! Multiple Locations.

Square Boy

Square Boy has been a fixture on the Danforth since the 1960s and brought Toronto the first square-shaped hamburgers. With burgers starting at $3 and assorted hot sandwiches and fried food for under $4.25, this spot has something for everyone’s taste buds and budget. Oh, and did we mention they have a patio, too? 875 Danforth Ave.

Gale’s Snack Bar

This old school diner may be tiny, but its food is BIG. Gale’s Snack Bar serves sandwiches in a low-key, throwback atmosphere with no frills. Try a club sandwich for just $2.50 or a hot turkey sandwich with fries for just $3.75. But don’t worry, you’ll pocket enough change for dessert where a slice of homemade pie is only $1.25. 539 Eastern Ave.

Goldstone Noodle Restaurant

Nothing fills your tummy quite like a bowl of noodles or soup, and that’s exactly what you’ll get at Goldstone Noodle Restaurant in Chinatown. Don’t let the BBQ animals hanging from the window scare you, this restaurant serves up some of most delicious Asian-style BBQ in the city. A small, yet filling bowl of Soya Sauce BBQ pork will cost you just $4.95, while noodle soups and a variety of dim sum dishes are also mostly under $5. 266 Spadina Ave.

Wilbur Mexicana

This King West gem is known for combining great value with amazing taste. Wilbur Mexicana’s tacos range from $4.45 to $4.95 ($3.75 for their vegetarian option) and there are over 100 types of hot sauces to kick your meal up a notch. Not to mention, sides like three extra tortillas or chipotle cream are only $1. 552 King St. West. 

Jumbo Empanadas

If you love Chilean food, Jumbo Empanadas is the place to go for cheap eats in Toronto. The empanadas start at $5.50, but the portion size is worth every penny. Otherwise, if you’re really on a budget, mini empanadas start at only $1.75. 245 Augusta Ave.

Oddseoul 

Located on Ossington, Oddseoul is a blink-and-you-might-miss-it sorta spot. The small restaurant has limited seating, but once inside, their snack menu features delicious items like Bulgogi Cheesesteak, Steamed Bun, Spicy Scallion & Avocado Slaw for just $5. Our favourite dish is “The Loosey,” their take on the Big Mac, made with juicy short-rib, kimchee, processed cheese, pickles, mayo and ketchup on a sesame challah bun. 90 Ossington Ave. 

Messini Authentic Gyros

If you’re looking to score some authentic Greek eats for around $5, Messini on the Danforth has got you covered. Their Pork Souvlaki and Vegetarian pitas ring in at $5.80 and $5, while pork or chicken souvlaki on a stick will only put you out $3.75. Willing to dish out a little extra? The delicious Kebab Pita with charbroiled beef isn’t much more, costing $6.50. 445 Danforth Avenue.

Rose’s Vietnamese Sandwiches

The Vietnamese sandwiches at this gem in the Riverside area are super cheap and filling. Basically everything on the menu is under $5, with subs like Banh Mi Chay (vegetarian tofu), Heo Cha Bong (cooked shredded pork), and more satisfying your hunger. They also have a number of juices and fruit shakes that’ll fit your budget. 601 Gerrard Street East.

Seven Lives

The Mexican taco joint specializing in seafood is the place to stop if you are wandering around Kensington market. Almost everything on the menu is $5 plus tax including Baja Fish, Pulpo Enojado (octopus), Blackened Mahi Mahi, and the Catch of the Day. Considering that seafood is usually priced at a premium, this is truly a steal. 69 Kensington Ave.

Queen Street Warehouse

Our friends at The Dime know cheap food! Queen Street Warehouse, one of their other popular establishments, also has a $5.95 menu. New menu items that were recently added include Avocado Tacos, Roast Turkey on Cranberry Sourdough, and Cheesecake. But be aware, this spot is popular and usually has a line up down the street. 232 Queen Street West.

Utopia

It’s no secret that College Street is home to some fabulous food. The next time you’re in the area make sure to check out Utopia for its affordable menu. While actual meals are a little more expensive, their appetizer menu, which boasts a number of yummy items, is almost exclusively $5. We suggest the Chicken Karaage, Veggie Chili Bowl, or Crab Cakes. 586 College Street.

Java House

Java House is a Queen West staple for many hungry patrons and for good reason. The menu is incredibly affordable and extensive. Grab one of their salads or sandwiches for under $4.95 with choices like Avocado and Brie, Sautéed Beef, Classic Tuna, Caesar Salad, or Greek Salad. In the mood for all-day breakfast? It’s only a nickel and dime more with everything costing under $5.95. 537 Queen Street West.

When the Pig Came Home

Another place to score cheap eats in Toronto is When The Pig Came Home. The mouth-watering butcher shop on Dundas West might have a small menu, but it’s arguably the best place to get a peameal sandwich. The Original Peameal on a Bun is only $5 while they also offer Vegetarian Egg N Cheese for the same price. Who says meat eaters and vegetarians can dine side-by-side?! 3035 Dundas St West.

Featured image: Instagram/@c4pturing_m3mories

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Food delivery pulls on our heart strings because it combines two of our favourite things: eating and not having to leave the house.

There’s so much comfort in knowing that apps like Foodora are able to satisfy the most complex of our cravings at almost any hour of the day. Longing for dumplings? You’ve got it. Starting a juice cleanse? The app is brimming with options. What about some brisket? Yep, it’s available, juicy and slow cooked. And with Foodora’s delivery areas expanding to North York and Etobicoke, and new restaurant partners like Eat BKK Thai, Muncheez, The Burger’s Priest Queensway, Gohyang, TICH Modern Indian Cuisine, The Captain’s Boil , Woody’s Burgers and Pusateri’s, the options really are endless!

The Burger’s Priest (Image: Instagram/@hamontfoodie)

But with so many restaurant choices, sometimes making a decision is tough. And when you can’t decide, the city’s favourites can never fail! We asked the good people at Foodora to let us in on a little secret: the most ordered menu items and most popular plates on the menu.

Not so surprisingly, Torontonians have a penchant for Thai, with the particular cuisine raking a nice chunk of their orders and Salad King being the most popular restaurant on the whole app. Also in the top ten most popular Foodora restaurants are Fresh, The Burger’s Priest, Me Va Me, Banh Mi Boys, and Rolltation, with some restaurants having multiple locations in round-up.

Are you surprised by who topped the list of the most popular restaurants in Toronto?

Featured Image: Instagram/@Foodora_CA

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Just the other week, I was at a gathering with friends where we seriously debated about sandwiches for a solid ten minutes. As you can imagine, everyone had very strong opinions about what sandwiches were tops and where to go. We’re lucky to live in a city where our chefs do not kid around when making and preparing the best sammies and today on StyleDemocracy, we’re sharing just some of our favourites:

Brock Sandwich

This tiny sandwich shop packs a huge flavour punch. The combos are classic (strip bacon sandwich) to inventive (BBQ smoked jackfruit) and always made with care. 

Dundas Park Kitchen

There is something so cozy and charming about Dundas Park Kitchen, including their sandwich selection. One of my favourites is their Turkey Intern, which has super-moist roast turkey breast with house-made pickles, bacon and caramelized onions.

To-go sandwiches from Dundas Park Kitchen (Image: Instagram/@dundaspark)

California Sandwiches

It’s a Toronto rite of passage to have a California Sandwich. This Italian eatery will have you licking your fingertips of the fresh cooked sauce bound to end up everywhere. Get the eggplant parm or the classic veal, they are a crowd fave.

The classic veal from California Sandwiches (Image: Instagram/@terrylung613)

Porchetta & Co.

Okay so I’m going to let you in on a little secret: while the porchetta sandwich at this namesake venue is pretty legit, you know what you should order? The fried chicken sandwich. With bacon and a Caesar dressing, it’s like a party in your mouth and everyone is invited.

The fried chicken sandwich from Porchetta & Co (Image: Instagram/@porchettaandco)

Rashers

Anything dedicated to the art of bacon already has a seal of approval from me. But an entire sandwich shop dedicated to bacon? It’s a blessed day. One of my favourites is the Bacon & Brie sandwich, complete with caramelized onions and garlic mayo. If that didn’t sell you, then not to fret because they have bacon grilled cheese to bacon caesar sandwiches.

The bacon & brie sandwich from Rashers (Image: Instagram/@eatnmingle)

When The Pig Came Home

For some folks, The Junction may seem so far away. But trust me: you want to make a visit here! This deli either cures, seasons, smokes or roasts their sandwich meat in house daily. Their smoked meat sandwich is a thing of beauty, but don’t take my word for it.

A smoked meat sandwich from When the Pig Came Home (Image: Instagram/@lioraipsum)

La Cubana

Delicious and filling, you won’t try another Cubano in the city like this one.

Pressed Cubano from La Cubana (Image: Instagram/@_anotherfoodblog)

Bitondo’s

Many pizza debates have included a good slice of Bitondo’s, located in Toronto’s Little Italy neighbourhood. But their deep-fried calzones and meatball sandwiches are nothing to turn your nose at.

Meatball Sandwich from Bitondo’s (Image: Instagram/@skipscarborough)

PG Clucks

If you’re looking for the fried chicken sandwich in the city (according to the judges of 86’d Monday’s at the Drake), then this is the spot. Their chicken sammie is topped with coleslaw giving it an adding crunch and zing. Plus, these sandwiches are mammoth.

The classic from PG Clucks (Image: Instagram/@pgclucks)

Schmaltz Appetizing

We have to thank Anthony Rose (of Rose and Sons and Big Crow fame) for blessing us with the beautiful bagel porn that is Schmaltz. For those who have an affinity for lox and schmear, this is the place to go.

Smoked salmon bagel sandwich from Schmaltz Appetizing (Image: Instagram/@thestaveinvader)

Tortería San Cosme

An amazing addition to Kensington Market serving up twists on the traditional Mexican sandwich. Check out their Nopales which is stuffed with cactus, panela cheese, refritos, avocado and topped with salsa verde.

Torta de Nopales from Torteria San Cosme (Image: Instagram/@sancosme_)

Banh Mi Boys

If you’re wondering if this place is worth the hype (and lunch time line-ups) – yes, it is. The Vietnamese-fusion sandwiches are cheap, filling and super delicious. Try the kimchi fries and banh mi pork belly.

A Banh Mi Boys feast (Image: Instagram/@lifeofivana)

The Black Camel

People travel all the way out to Rosedale for these sandwiches and for good reason: they are incredible. One unforgettable standout is the pulled BBQ pork shoulder which they rub with in-house seasonings and marinate for three days.

The pork shoulder sandwich from The Black Camel (Image: Instagram/@lekatwalk)

Forno Cultura

The sandwiches here are out of this world. It also helps that they bake all their bread in-house, which means as soon as you enter that freshly baked bread smell wafts thru the air. The porchetta sandwich is one of my favourites – it’s simple and feels like you’ve been transported directly to Italy.

The porchetta sandwich from Forno Cultura (Image: Instagram/@tabemononado)

Maker Pizza

While we’re all familiar with the inventive pizza combos that Maker has, you need to check out their messy (and delicious) sandwiches. Case in point: the meatball. It’s a towering beast of gooey and drippy meat and bread awesomeness.

The Meatball from Maker Pizza (Image: Instagram/@angelodamico)

Did we miss any of the best sandwiches in Toronto? Let us know in the comment section.

Featured Image: Brock Sandwich via Instagram/@alxndrdrgz

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