Do you ever feel like you can’t go out for a delcious meal because:
A) You’re a poor university student
B) You’re waiting for payday
C) You’ve just been slammed with bills
D) You’re renting in Sydney
If you answered yes to any of the above then you can call me your Sydney Cheap Eats fairy godmother. I can assure you that you that it’s possible to eat out in Sydney on any day of the week while still maintaining a healthy bank balance.
Dollar Dogs at The Soda Factory – Surry Hills
Cheap Eat Day: Tuesday – $1 hotdogs & $5 beers
This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill. Every Tuesday night the dancefloor at The Soda Factory turns into an American-style hotdog factory. Don’t think for a second these are anything like the below average charity hotdogs you get on the weekend at your local hardware store either, these are the real deal. Loaded with bacon, olives, jalapenos, cheese and a variety of sauces, these babies are guarenteed to hit the spot and at just $1 a pop, there’s no way your wallet or your stomach are leaving empty.
El Camino Cantina – The Rocks
Cheap Eat Day: Tuesday – $2 tacos & Tequila specials
Everybody loves a good taco right?! Especially when it’s cheap taco Tuesday! The jukebox is pumping, the atmosphere is lively and the tortillas are homemade and filled with your choice of slow cooked meats as well as all the other essential ingredients for mouth-watering tacos. But wait, the cheap deals don’t stop there. You can literally help yourself to an unlimited supply of corn chips and guacamole making for the perfect mexican entree or side dish.
Chubby Girl’s Bunz Shop – Ultimo
Cheap Eat Day: $1.50 buns EVERYDAY!
You treat yourself to these fluffy filled buns when catching up with friends on a Saturday night at your local dumpling house but when they’re walking out the door for just $1.50 each, you can afford to indulge more often with leftover change. The homemade dumplings and noodles at Chubby Girl’s Bunz Shop are delicious! Not only is your wallet walking away satified, your tastebuds will too with a choice of beef, pork or vego on the menu.
Sushi Uo – Surry Hills
Cheap Eat Day: EVERYDAY!
This is my favourite Japanese restaurant in Sydney and not just because it’s cheap but because the food is equally tasty and it’s BYO. Located in the heart of Surry Hills, it’s the perfect setting to share a bottle of wine and grab a quick feed with friends before bar hopping your way down Crown Street. With a large menu you’re spoilt for choice but I can never go past the Yum Yum Chicken which comes as a generous serving to share for just $13.00.
Looking for breakfast hot spots in Sydney? Check out Sarah’s suggestions for breakfast in Sydney.
About the Author
Sarah Miller is a Sydney based Radio Announcer with an obsession for food. She also lived in Canberra for 18 months working at a local radio station. When she’s not spinning the hottest hits, she’s scoping out the best places to eat and drink in Sydney. If it has avocado or bacon, it’s on the list.
Find Sarah at @sydneybreakfastbucketlist on Instagram!
Amelia Bidgood
Amelia is the Founder and Editor of Eat Canberra and the Founder and Managing Director of Eat Canberra Food Tours. She's a qualified journalist, presenter, freelance writer and also runs a boutique communications agency working with small business owners on all things social media, content creation and marketing. She's taught cheesemaking classes, judged hospitality and tourism awards, completed the WSET Level 1 Award In Wines, loves to cook and has travelled to 23 countries. She's also passionate about mental health and has recently started studying to become a Counsellor.