14 December 2014

Eating out on low disposable income?

| Dothemo
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Hello Rioters!

I am after a bit of advice, my wife and I have bought a house in Gunghalin with the purpose of getting my parents in laws out of trouble. We all work, I am on a low income, my wife at the higher end of moderate and my in laws are paid well (but they donate a considerable amount of their income to a Pentecostalist church and their other kids although they do help with bills). So as a consequence my wife and I are often broke.

My wife wants to go out to eat or have coffee but we can’t afford the standard restaurants/cafes and this is depressing to her as we need some space from the in laws at times.

So it occured to me, can anyone please advise on some cool cheap restaurants, cafes and greasy spoons around Canberra (excluding Maccas!)? It would be much appreciated.

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I can’t claim to have a low disposable income (anymore) but one of the places I like eating, in Gungahlin is ‘This Cafe’

It’s open 7 days for breakfast and lunch and is quite well priced.

They do coffee/drinks and food and have a cake/slices display cabinet also. My partner and I eat there for around $40 for the 2 of us, we do get meals and thick shakes though so it could even be cheaper.

Tongue & Groove in Civic has specials:

Wednesdays – 2 for 1 Pizza night
Thursdays – $10 steak (small piece, not pub size)

Their foods are good and you can always top it off with house wine (I think around $5 or $8/glass… I can’t remember exactly). It’ll be a decent night out and not costly at all. I believe other places have some decent specials too. You just need to look around. Having mortgage doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good night out from time to time. You just need to do it smarter :-).

Hope this helps.

Dothemo said :

Fabforty and Alexandria, I don’t mind discussing that as this is all anonymous. I agree, I try to set boundaries but there is only so much I can do. My wife wanted to do this and she still does even though it’s hard for her too sometimes. It gets me down the most, it’s basically her way or I can leave but due to low income atm I couldn’t even if I really wanted to (although on hard day’s the thought crosses my mind) unless I got a permanancy and got a better income. There is still love between us half the time so I am sticking it out for now. It is amazing how living with parents in laws can negatively effect a marriage. While on the subject, has anyone else experienced it before? How did you cope?

I’ve seen this go so wrong. Mediation is the only thing I’ve seen work. It’s amazing how an objective stranger can calm the whole thing down. Try Relationships Australia or similar. Marriages are worth saving.

Alexandra Craig said :

fabforty said :

Dothemo, your post worries me. While it might make your in-laws feel all nice and cosy to be giving all their money away, it is simply not OK for them to be living off you and causing you and your wife so much anxiety and distress. Please keep you priorities in sight and don’t let this situation effect your marriage and/or health.

I wanted to say the same thing but didn’t know if anyone would agree or if I’d be starting WWIII. You’re definitely not responsible for your in-laws wellbeing, especially if they are in a reasonable financial situation pre-giving their money away.

All the best to you.

I have to agree, but its also not my place to tell anyone how to run their life. The OP sounds like they are doing everything to keep everyone happy and that is a tough job! Problem is the longer it goes on the more difficult it is to change the situation. Back to topic, hopefully the ideas have helped, it sounds like at least you and your wife can enjoy some time together and that is a good side affect of eating out somewhere.

I haven’t experienced your situation before but my brother in law has. His coping mechanism was computer games and a good set of headphones.
I recommend World of Tanks. Multiplayer game that relies on strategy and teamwork, rather addictive and exciting, yet can be played for pretty much free.

Fabforty and Alexandria, I don’t mind discussing that as this is all anonymous. I agree, I try to set boundaries but there is only so much I can do. My wife wanted to do this and she still does even though it’s hard for her too sometimes. It gets me down the most, it’s basically her way or I can leave but due to low income atm I couldn’t even if I really wanted to (although on hard day’s the thought crosses my mind) unless I got a permanancy and got a better income. There is still love between us half the time so I am sticking it out for now. It is amazing how living with parents in laws can negatively effect a marriage. While on the subject, has anyone else experienced it before? How did you cope?

Wow thanks everyone for the excellent advice, there is an amazing amount! Also thanks for the links on the top ten. Who knew there was so much cheap options in Little Canberra. Thanks again folks

Look out for restaurants that have special deals on certain days. E.g. Treehouse Bar on Northborne Ave does 2 for 1 burgers on Thursday nights, which makes them about $9 each. Sub Urban in Dickson has daily specials including cheap pizza + drink deals on Monday nights.

wildturkeycanoe4:11 pm 17 Dec 14

If you go to the mall around closing time you can get three takeaway Chinese food containers for $10. I get one or two for dinner and then one for smoko the next day. You could both eat for $10 and take it to a nice place by the lake, or look elsewhere for a secluded location like out the Cotter, or simply a dirt road out of town.

Alexandra Craig3:27 pm 17 Dec 14

fabforty said :

Dothemo, your post worries me. While it might make your in-laws feel all nice and cosy to be giving all their money away, it is simply not OK for them to be living off you and causing you and your wife so much anxiety and distress. Please keep you priorities in sight and don’t let this situation effect your marriage and/or health.

I wanted to say the same thing but didn’t know if anyone would agree or if I’d be starting WWIII. You’re definitely not responsible for your in-laws wellbeing, especially if they are in a reasonable financial situation pre-giving their money away.

All the best to you.

Dothemo, your post worries me. While it might make your in-laws feel all nice and cosy to be giving all their money away, it is simply not OK for them to be living off you and causing you and your wife so much anxiety and distress. Please keep you priorities in sight and don’t let this situation effect your marriage and/or health.

pink little birdie11:47 am 17 Dec 14

Mess said :

Maya123 said :

Mess said :

Maya123 said :

Mess said :

London Burgers and Beers can be done for under $50 with drinks and they are in Belconnen. Dickson Asia Noodle House is also good and filling, again can also be done for under $50.

Wow, $50. Personally, I would go to McCafe with a book to read to escape the house; otherwise picnic.
When I was paying off a house I rarely ate out. I figured I couldn’t justify it. I grew a lot of my own vegetables too. If you can afford to regularly eat out with a mortgage, you must be better off than I was. But then, by being very careful with money and renting out the spare rooms, I did pay off my mortgage in five years, and the car loan in three, at the same time.

$50 inc drinks for two people is pretty reasonable. You’d be hard pressed to find anything much cheaper that isn’t takeaway.

You didn’t say that was for two people. When I read prices, unless otherwise stated, I presume per person. But for someone on a limited budget, I would think even $25 too much, unless it’s a special occasion and it’s a ‘one’ off. If this is to be a regular escape though, this cost would build up significantly.

The advice asked for was for two people so I provided some options that me and my partner enjoy along with the total prices for both of us. There are plenty of other options out there for less than $25 per person, but you start getting into the takeaway category then.

All of the places I listed we generally can do for under $40 eat in for two people. Those places listed are regulars on our list because it’s decent food and service and low price. Our group is a mix of well off to stay at home parents and hospitality workers so price is considered. (admittably our budget line for this event for 2 people is $80 per instance – mainly not used unless we go to hogsbreath)
A Laksa at most places goes for $11-15 for a large size which is a meal, clubs usually have a $15 main meal special board and burgers at Grill’d are about $10-14 share a large chips and drinks is about $20pp.
Tradies do a 2 for 1 schnitzel on Tuesday’s (also Tuesdays at most places have good deals), Check pubs and clubs for deals.

Maya123 said :

Mess said :

London Burgers and Beers can be done for under $50 with drinks and they are in Belconnen. Dickson Asia Noodle House is also good and filling, again can also be done for under $50.

Wow, $50. Personally, I would go to McCafe with a book to read to escape the house; otherwise picnic.
When I was paying off a house I rarely ate out. I figured I couldn’t justify it. I grew a lot of my own vegetables too. If you can afford to regularly eat out with a mortgage, you must be better off than I was. But then, by being very careful with money and renting out the spare rooms, I did pay off my mortgage in five years, and the car loan in three, at the same time.

I found my mortgage forced me to budget better than I was doing. After a few years of paying down my mortgage, I managed to have quite a lot of disposable income, which bought a car and paid for some travel. This was on a single income too. Its a priority thing though. I have sympathy for the OP, because they are trying to help out relatives, but relatives can be the worst to leech of family members. I bit of luxury from time to time can really make a good day.

My suggestions are similar to everyone elses. Even a $10 asian takeaway from the foodcourt and go find a nice spot to eat is a good option. Clubs are not the greatest atmosphere but if you find out when they have the good deals on for dinner, they make for a good cheap meal. At least you can get a roast or something with vegies and salad at a club.

TheFoodMarshall11:06 am 17 Dec 14

Snapper by the Lake – Fish and chips for $12 for adults, wine by the glass, perfect Canberra Lake view. Cheap, cheerful and great seafood – http://thefoodmarshall.wordpress.com/2014/10/16/snapper-by-the-lake-the-yacht-club-canberra-southern-cross-club-review/

Asian Noodle House in Tuggers. Look out for the current deals/promotions at the Southern Cross Club, I think they’re doing buy one schnitty get one free on a Wednesday at Tuggeranong.

We often buy good quality ingredients, a bottle of plonk and go picnicking in the good weather, as we can’t afford to eat out often. If you’re still after the “treat” aspect, eat a picnic dinner then go to a nice restaurant for a dessert and coffee.

I don’t go Northside, so can only offer Southside 🙂

Mess said :

Maya123 said :

Mess said :

Maya123 said :

Mess said :

London Burgers and Beers can be done for under $50 with drinks and they are in Belconnen. Dickson Asia Noodle House is also good and filling, again can also be done for under $50.

Wow, $50. Personally, I would go to McCafe with a book to read to escape the house; otherwise picnic.
When I was paying off a house I rarely ate out. I figured I couldn’t justify it. I grew a lot of my own vegetables too. If you can afford to regularly eat out with a mortgage, you must be better off than I was. But then, by being very careful with money and renting out the spare rooms, I did pay off my mortgage in five years, and the car loan in three, at the same time.

$50 inc drinks for two people is pretty reasonable. You’d be hard pressed to find anything much cheaper that isn’t takeaway.

You didn’t say that was for two people. When I read prices, unless otherwise stated, I presume per person. But for someone on a limited budget, I would think even $25 too much, unless it’s a special occasion and it’s a ‘one’ off. If this is to be a regular escape though, this cost would build up significantly.

The advice asked for was for two people so I provided some options that me and my partner enjoy along with the total prices for both of us. There are plenty of other options out there for less than $25 per person, but you start getting into the takeaway category then.

That’s why I suggested a (home made) picnic. I have in the past lived on a frugal budget, and eating out was not possible on it. If someone is really finding money tight, than eating out should be a once or twice a year activity (for very special occasions) only. It was suggested that money was tight.

Maya123 said :

Mess said :

Maya123 said :

Mess said :

London Burgers and Beers can be done for under $50 with drinks and they are in Belconnen. Dickson Asia Noodle House is also good and filling, again can also be done for under $50.

Wow, $50. Personally, I would go to McCafe with a book to read to escape the house; otherwise picnic.
When I was paying off a house I rarely ate out. I figured I couldn’t justify it. I grew a lot of my own vegetables too. If you can afford to regularly eat out with a mortgage, you must be better off than I was. But then, by being very careful with money and renting out the spare rooms, I did pay off my mortgage in five years, and the car loan in three, at the same time.

$50 inc drinks for two people is pretty reasonable. You’d be hard pressed to find anything much cheaper that isn’t takeaway.

You didn’t say that was for two people. When I read prices, unless otherwise stated, I presume per person. But for someone on a limited budget, I would think even $25 too much, unless it’s a special occasion and it’s a ‘one’ off. If this is to be a regular escape though, this cost would build up significantly.

The advice asked for was for two people so I provided some options that me and my partner enjoy along with the total prices for both of us. There are plenty of other options out there for less than $25 per person, but you start getting into the takeaway category then.

Pork Hunt said :

Your local club, whether ACT or NSW, will have $10 (or thereabouts) meals for lunch and or dinner. For example, I am a member of the Vikings group and have a choice of 5 clubs to visit. Happy dining.

And taste the tears of problem gamblers in every bite.

Burmese Curry House in Civic, $7 take-away or $8 eat in (not that the decor is worth paying for.)

A number of Turkish places .. +1 on the Yarralumla kebabs.

Get a couple of friends together for 2-for-1 pizzas from Debacle (Monday-Tuesday) .. $30 feeds 4-5 people, as long as you can avoid buying yourself a pricey beer to go with it.

And yes, a BBQ chook, salad, rolls and a blanket can be just fine at this time of year. Making use of the free electric BBQs in parks around town, too.

Mess said :

Maya123 said :

Mess said :

London Burgers and Beers can be done for under $50 with drinks and they are in Belconnen. Dickson Asia Noodle House is also good and filling, again can also be done for under $50.

Wow, $50. Personally, I would go to McCafe with a book to read to escape the house; otherwise picnic.
When I was paying off a house I rarely ate out. I figured I couldn’t justify it. I grew a lot of my own vegetables too. If you can afford to regularly eat out with a mortgage, you must be better off than I was. But then, by being very careful with money and renting out the spare rooms, I did pay off my mortgage in five years, and the car loan in three, at the same time.

$50 inc drinks for two people is pretty reasonable. You’d be hard pressed to find anything much cheaper that isn’t takeaway.

You didn’t say that was for two people. When I read prices, unless otherwise stated, I presume per person. But for someone on a limited budget, I would think even $25 too much, unless it’s a special occasion and it’s a ‘one’ off. If this is to be a regular escape though, this cost would build up significantly.

dungfungus said :

Pork Hunt said :

Your local club, whether ACT or NSW, will have $10 (or thereabouts) meals for lunch and or dinner. For example, I am a member of the Vikings group and have a choice of 5 clubs to visit. Happy dining.

I hope they super-size you.

What, you want to be super-sized!

Pork Hunt said :

Your local club, whether ACT or NSW, will have $10 (or thereabouts) meals for lunch and or dinner. For example, I am a member of the Vikings group and have a choice of 5 clubs to visit. Happy dining.

I hope they super-size you.

Your local club, whether ACT or NSW, will have $10 (or thereabouts) meals for lunch and or dinner. For example, I am a member of the Vikings group and have a choice of 5 clubs to visit. Happy dining.

Maya123 said :

Mess said :

London Burgers and Beers can be done for under $50 with drinks and they are in Belconnen. Dickson Asia Noodle House is also good and filling, again can also be done for under $50.

Wow, $50. Personally, I would go to McCafe with a book to read to escape the house; otherwise picnic.
When I was paying off a house I rarely ate out. I figured I couldn’t justify it. I grew a lot of my own vegetables too. If you can afford to regularly eat out with a mortgage, you must be better off than I was. But then, by being very careful with money and renting out the spare rooms, I did pay off my mortgage in five years, and the car loan in three, at the same time.

$50 inc drinks for two people is pretty reasonable. You’d be hard pressed to find anything much cheaper that isn’t takeaway.

As others have mentioned – a picnic is the way to go. You just need to get creative and invest a bit of time into cooking and preparing it yourself. On the way out, grab a couple of cold ones and you are set. This time of year is prime for long nights wandering parks, lakes and the city.

Another option is heading out on Saturday morning as a bit of a date to the Farmers Markets. You will have a choice of local produce that you can use for the picnic, or something there might take your fancy to make you linger for a breakfast date.

Pizza is also a good option – there are places that will do a good pizza for less than $20. You can easily share this. La Capana in Kingston do a solid pizza and you are close to the lake. In the city, check out Pizza Gusto.

If you like to feel full, head out to Turkish Halal Pide House in Yarralumla for a Kebab or Pide.

There are always options out there. Get out, enjoy some food, enjoy each others company and enjoy those long warm nights. Good luck!

Alexandra Craig2:57 pm 16 Dec 14

I went to the Mandalay Bus the other night for the first time. It was actually okay! 🙂 There’s also a whole heap of new food vans which are apparently quite good on Lonsdale Street in Braddon 🙂

The bistro at Gold Creek Country Club does amazing steak or schnitzel for $12 on Tuesdays. Best steaks in Canberra!

Mess said :

London Burgers and Beers can be done for under $50 with drinks and they are in Belconnen. Dickson Asia Noodle House is also good and filling, again can also be done for under $50.

Wow, $50. Personally, I would go to McCafe with a book to read to escape the house; otherwise picnic.
When I was paying off a house I rarely ate out. I figured I couldn’t justify it. I grew a lot of my own vegetables too. If you can afford to regularly eat out with a mortgage, you must be better off than I was. But then, by being very careful with money and renting out the spare rooms, I did pay off my mortgage in five years, and the car loan in three, at the same time.

Holden Caulfield2:43 pm 16 Dec 14

Maya123 said :

Alternative idea to escape the house. Pack a picnic and find a nice secluded place to eat it. Take a table cloth, lights of some kind (if after dark) and whatever other decorations wanted to give atmosphere. Then after eating, lie back, relax and perhaps read a book. Make it a decent break from the house. This could be cheaper than going to a restaurant.

Get a roast chicken/salad from the supermarket, some chilled water from home, a blanket, find yourself a nice park (there’s heaps to choose from) and I guarantee you’ll enjoy that time with your significant other more than any meal at an expensive restaurant.

Chilling out by the lake with a cr#p takeaway meal, yes, even Maccas, is a great pastime!

London Burgers and Beers can be done for under $50 with drinks and they are in Belconnen. Dickson Asia Noodle House is also good and filling, again can also be done for under $50.

pink little birdie1:57 pm 16 Dec 14

The cheap (mm under $15) and cheerful places that make our regular list of places are:

Asian Noodle house Civic
Hellenic club civic
Grill’d

They also adapt for dietry requirements
If it’s coffee places you want – look for places with who do discounts for brining your own cup and have loyalty cards. It could be only 20-50c discount. Also look for meal deals and student haunts are generally cheaper Dehli 6 in the City has $10 meat dish, rice and naan take away. Stand alone restraunts and cafes generally have better deals than chain places
Actually get your junk mail because there are often deals for discount food. I think the Asian place opposite the gunghalin library main entrance does good deals sometimes

Yerribi Ponds is beautiful to get out and have a picnic.

For cheapish eats try the Dickson Dumpling Inn or CBD Dumpling House (I’ve been led to believe they have the same owner). My other half and I usually escape with only a $30-$50 bill by sharing a few plates of dumplings. (the $50 end is when we order duck pancakes)

Otherwise sadly you can’t go past a $5 pizza from Vominos for a cheap eat.

It’s been a while since I’ve bought anything (or even looked) but LivingSocial and GroupOn tend to have some good deals to get upwards of 50% discount at restaurants around town.

Alternative idea to escape the house. Pack a picnic and find a nice secluded place to eat it. Take a table cloth, lights of some kind (if after dark) and whatever other decorations wanted to give atmosphere. Then after eating, lie back, relax and perhaps read a book. Make it a decent break from the house. This could be cheaper than going to a restaurant.

I live in Macgregor12:50 pm 16 Dec 14

http://www.CBRfoodie.org has a top ten 🙂

I live in Macgregor12:49 pm 16 Dec 14

There’s a good starting point of affordable eateries in Canberra here: http://www.cbrfoodie.org have a look through the top ten list! there is also a twitter feed via @CBRfoodie and a list of other Canberra foodies here: https://twitter.com/CBRFoodie/lists/canberra-foodies

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