Cheap Eats Near the University of Guelph

Updated May 2026 · 4 min read

Eating well on a student budget at U of G is genuinely doable — but you need to know which nights to go out and where. Here's the map of the best cheap eats near campus and downtown, whether you're within walking distance of the Stone Road Mall or on the 99 bus heading downtown.

Near Campus: Stone Road and Harvard Rd

The Shakespeare Arms (35 Harvard Rd) is the closest proper pub to U of G — literally steps from campus. They run happy hour specials, wing nights, and Monday deals that make them the default student spot north of Stone Road. A proper British pub atmosphere at honest prices.

Montana's BBQ & Bar (201 Stone Road W) runs a $4.99 happy hour on drinks and $10 apps — one of the best bang-for-buck happy hours near campus. Walking distance from most Stone Road residence halls.

East Side Mario's on Stone Road runs regular pasta and appetizer specials worth knowing about for a group dinner that doesn't wreck the budget.

The Shakespeare Arms → Montana's →

Downtown Guelph: The Best Student Nights Out

The 99 bus is your friend. Downtown Guelph has the best concentration of deals in the city, and most of them run in the evening when you're actually free.

• McCabe's Irish Pub — 49¢ wings every Monday night on Wyndham St N. The cheapest wing deal in Guelph. Go early.
• The Wooly Pub — Wing & Pint Thursdays ($15 for 1 lb + pint) on Woolwich St. Downtown's most consistent student night.
• Baker Street Station — Half-price wings Mondays + $0.65 wings Thursdays (4–8 pm). Two of the best deals in town at one pub.
• Bad Luck Bar — All-you-can-eat wings on Thursdays for $21 + full arcade. The most entertaining $21 you'll spend in Guelph.
• Jimmy Jazz — Half-price wings Sunday evenings with open mic. Low-key, local, good vibe.

Budget Tips for U of G Students

• Monday and Thursday are the two best nights for cheap food downtown. Plan your week around them.
• Many downtown pubs are walking distance from each other — Baker Street, The Wooly, Bad Luck Bar, and Royal Electric are all within a few blocks on Thursday night.
• The $7 Wellington pints at Baker Street Station on Mondays is one of the best drink deals in Guelph.
• Check the student deals page on this site — it's updated when new deals come in.