These local spots will help you keep your New Year’s resolution budget and your social life
Photo via Bin 4 Burger Lounge.
It’s the beginning of the year and, next to fitness goals, healthy spending habits are one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the stress of getting the perfect gifts for your friends and family, and the meals out to celebrate the completion of another year, many can find themselves staring at an alarmingly broken budget. It can be hard to set new budget goals when you have any sort of social life, but these late night menus will set you on the path to success.
I went on a hunt to find the best way to enjoy Victoria’s diverse restaurant scene while sticking to my restricted New Year’s budget. The main theme I found was that many restaurants have late-night deals that provide a full belly and a drink for a reasonable price. Here are some suggestions to keep down the cost of eating out in Victoria without sacrificing your social life.
Bin 4 Burger Lounge
Bin Four Burger Lounge has a variety of burgers, including a special one each month. These burgers are 50 per cent off with the purchase of a drink after 9 p.m. every day of the week. This deal is dine-in only, but it’s worth the trip, each burger comes with a loaded plate of fries or house salad which helps fill you up. The late night atmosphere is cozy and perfect for gathering a few friends for a chat and a good burger that won’t break the bank.
Earls
Earls has a happy hour with more than just simple appies in their food menu. Every day from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m., Sunday to Thursday 9 p.m. until close, and Friday to Saturday 10 p.m. until close they have discounted food and drinks that will leave you full and happy. You can order full size pizzas, tacos, and seafood dishes, at a reasonable price. Also available: $5 sangria to pair with your discounted meal. The atmosphere is perfect for a night out downtown at a slightly more upscale place with excellent service and comfortable couch seating. This is a great way to let loose with friends in a nice place for a good price.
Cactus Club Cafe
Every day from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. until close, the Cactus Club Cafe offers discounted meals that will leave you full and not hungry for McDonalds afterwards. From burgers to noodle salads, there are more than simple appies for those looking for deals on meals. If you’re looking for something interesting to eat, a bustling atmosphere, and a downtown location that won’t break the bank, head to the Cactus Club Cafe for their happy hour menu.
Boom and Batten
Every day from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. and from 9 p.m. until close, Boom and Batten serves burgers and flatbread at a discounted price. While potentially not as filling as some of the other options, the atmosphere of the restaurant makes up for it. With views of the waterfront, this is a nice place to go with friends to enjoy some happy hour drinks and appies.
Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria
Appetizers and fettuccine alfredo are discounted here from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. until close. Combined with a dessert and happy hour wines, this is a good option for a date night or a glass of wine and pasta night with friends.
Heron Rock Bistro
This is a great place for duck wings, calamari, and marinated olives, if you and your friends are looking for some variety in your cuisine. Alternatively you can try a falafel burger or a lentil salad for something a little more filling. Happy hour here is 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. until close.
Budget-friendly nights out should not mean losing out on good food and fun locations. It can be hard to find a balance between being social and sticking to your new budget. Both things are important and finding places that help you achieve both social satisfaction and peace of mind will hopefully help you flourish in the early weeks of 2023.
