Eating on a student budget in Guelph is easier than you'd think — if you know where to go and which night to show up. Guelph's restaurant scene has a strong tradition of weekly specials, and a surprising number of them are within walking or busing distance of the University of Guelph campus.
This guide covers the best recurring deals near campus, what to order, and how to stretch a $20 bill into a proper sit-down meal with leftovers.
The Ground Rules
Everything on this list is a recurring weekly special — not a one-time promotion. These deals run every single week (barring holidays). Before you head out, call ahead to confirm: restaurants occasionally pause specials for private events or holidays, and a 30-second phone call saves a wasted trip.
We've organized by day of the week so you can plan your week around the best deals, not the other way around.
Monday: Start the Week Cheap
Crabby Joe's — Wing Madness Monday
55¢ / wingOne of the best per-wing prices in the city, running every Monday all day. Minimum 1 lb order. On Stone Road, accessible by bus from campus.
Boston Pizza — Pizza & Pints Monday
$12.99Any individual pizza for $12.99 after 4pm. If you're craving pizza and there are two of you, get two different individual pizzas and split them — more variety, same price.
Tuesday: Best Night of the Week
Tuesday is objectively Guelph's best night for cheap eats. You've got three good options running simultaneously.
Shoeless Joe's — All-You-Can-Eat Wings
$19.99 AYCEFlat $19.99 for all-you-can-eat wings, dine-in only, after 5pm. If you can eat more than 25 wings (and students usually can), this is the best value in the city on a Tuesday.
The Fat Duck Gastro Pub — Tuesday Wing Night
75¢ / wingA step up in atmosphere from a typical chain sports bar. Good tap list, better food, and 75¢ wings all day Tuesday. Worth the bus ride to the south end.
Boston Pizza — Two-Can Dine Tuesday
$29.99 for twoTwo mains plus an appetizer for $29.99 — that's $15 per person for a proper sit-down meal with an app. Good if you're going on a date or splitting with a roommate.
Wednesday: Trivia + Deals
Shoeless Joe's Sports Grill — Half-Price Wings + Trivia
½ off wingsHalf-price wings all night plus trivia starting at 7:30pm. Get there early for a good table. Wednesday trivia is a surprisingly competitive Guelph tradition.
Thursday: Pasta Night
East Side Mario's — Endless Pasta
$18.99 AYCEAll-you-can-eat pasta after 4pm on Thursdays. East Side Mario's AYCE includes pasta, soup and salad — real value for a hungry student. Dine-in only.
Friday: End the Week Right
The Wing Spot — Friday Combo
$151 lb wings + fries + a drink for $15 all day Friday. The Wing Spot is one of the few dedicated wing spots in Guelph — these are proper wings, not an afterthought.
How to Eat Well in Guelph on $50/Week
If you're strategic about it, you can eat out four nights a week in Guelph for about $50 including drinks and tips. Here's a real example of a student's weekly eating-out budget:
Monday: Crabby Joe's 1.5 lb wings ($8.25) + two beers ($14) = ~$22 with tip.
Tuesday: Shoeless Joe's AYCE wings ($19.99) + one drink ($7) = ~$32 with tip.
Wednesday: Half-price wings at Shoeless Joe's + trivia. Skip a week if budget is tight.
Thursday: East Side Mario's endless pasta ($18.99) + drink ($6) = ~$30 with tip.
The trick is to drink strategically. One beer or a pop with wings is fine. Three beers doubles your bill. Wing night margins live in the alcohol — you're only getting the deal because they're counting on drink revenue.
🎓 Student tip: Check if your student card gets you any discounts at Guelph restaurants. A few spots around Stone Road offer informal student pricing — just ask. The worst they can say is no.
Getting Around to These Deals
Most of the deals on this list are accessible from the University of Guelph campus by Guelph Transit. The Stone Road corridor is well-served — Crabby Joe's, Boston Pizza and several others are on or near the main routes.
The south-end spots (Fat Duck, East Side Mario's) are a longer bus ride or a short drive. If you're going with a group, splitting an Uber is often worth it to unlock the better deals.
See what's on tonight
The full weekly deal calendar — every recurring special in Guelph, updated weekly.
Tonight's deals →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest restaurant near University of Guelph?
For weekly specials, Crabby Joe's Wing Madness Monday at 55¢ per wing is one of the lowest-cost sit-down meal options accessible from campus. For everyday cheap eats (not weekly specials), the food court options on Stone Road offer lower price points.
Are there student discounts at Guelph restaurants?
A handful of Guelph restaurants offer informal student pricing — it's not always advertised, so it's worth asking when you call ahead. Showing a valid U of G student ID sometimes gets you a small discount, particularly at locally-owned spots.
What Guelph restaurants are open late for students?
Hours vary by location and season. The spots listed in this guide generally run their specials through evening hours (9–10pm close is common on weeknights). Always call ahead for current hours.