Cheap Eats 2 – Whistler’s Best Value Meals
Posted by: Feet Banks
This is not about saving every single last penny. If you’re really looking for the ultimate in “cheap” a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter will keep you alive for two or three days, but what kind of life is that? No, what we’re going for here is “value” – quality, flavourful, nourishing food at fair, decent prices. Whistler has some incredible chefs and restaurants who have figured out how to serve up the goods without breaking your bank.
The Insider already did a summer edition of Top Ten Cheap Eats back in 2011 and it’s still quite relevant but Whistler is constantly evolving and new spots have sprung up so here’s a fresh list for 2013– Value meals, Whistler style.
* * Please note some deals and specials may change/expire over time but all these spots generally offer great value.* *
All Day, Every Day
El Furniture Warehouse
This is the new undisputed king of local value because every meal is just $4.95. From mushroom-Swiss burgers to tacos to beef dips to breakfast sandwiches to Quinoa green salads, every plate is 5 bucks all day, every day. There are gourmet upgrades (like onion rings) that cost a bit extra but even so this place is all value. Combine that with a super casual friendly vibe and cool staff and “El Furny” is Whistler’s new hottest spot.
Breakfast
Mount Currie Coffee Company
New for 2013, the Mount Currie Coffee Co offers one of the best breakfast deals in town. Before 10 AM five dollars scores you a small Americano and a tasty breakfast sandwich called a Stud Muffin (bacon, free-range egg, cheddar and sundried tomato aioli on an English muffin.) Veggies can opt for “Tree Huggers” which swaps out the bacon for tomato.
Known for using local ingredients and roasting their turkey and beef in-house, Mount Currie Coffee also offers a $10 Lunch consisting of a cup of the daily soup and any Panini sandwich or wrap. The “Little Italy” turkey Panini or Chorizo wrap are very popular, for good reason.
The Riverside Café
Located a few minutes drive north of the Village at the Whistler Campground, the Riverside can be a nice change of pace when the Village breakfast spots get toohectic. Locals love home-made flavours and organic specialty coffees. Eggs Benedicts are just $9 and the Riverside offers a daily $8 breakfast (includes coffee and juice) on weekdays. Once the snow melts the campground also has a real-grass mini golf course that is well worth checking out.
Lunch
Fuji Market
Whistler loves sushi and it’s hard not to get stoked on a $2.95 California roll. With classic hot meals like fried rice, Udon, Soba or Donburi ranging from $6-12 and Sushi from $3-8 Fuji Market is a perfect eat-in or take-out lunch spot.
Dups Burritos
Fresh, hearty meals is the name of the game here with various tacos and burritos ranging from $6-10. Dups Burritos understands that large portions are key and they follow that up with fresh salsa and guacamole. The “Pre-rolled” burrito is grab-and-go classic for just $9.50.
Ingrid’s Village Café
A long-time Whistler Village lunch favourite, Ingrid’s specializes in made-to-order sandwiches with a healthy, European flavour and everything is under $10. The Chicken Schnitzel($7.50) is a Whistler standard and the homemade lentil-burger wrap ($6.95) makes a top-notch meatless lunch. Lots of options and they’re all fantastic.
The Royal Taste of India
Located in Whistler Marketplace, The Royal Taste of India is home of the $7.99 lunch every day from 11 AM – 5 PM. Eight dollars gets you the always-popular Butter chicken or a meat or vegetarian option that changes daily. Take out or dine-in this is a steal.
Après
Brandy’s at the Keg
A good drink is integral after a killer day on the slopes but some hearty food is always nice too. Before 5 PM Brandy’s will serve up a massive beef dip, burger or chicken club sandwich with fries or a salad and a 20-ounce beer for just $13 (tax included!) Brandy’s compliments that with big screens, comfy seats and some of the friendliest staff in town.
BearFoot Bistro
As one of Whistler’s preeminent fine-dining spots it may come as a surprise to find the Bearfoot Bistro on this list but from 3-5 PM you can get a dozen oysters for $9.95 in the Champagne lounge. That’s the kind of value worth sharing with a friend.
Dinner
Pasta Lupino
Fresh pasta, fresh sauce, fresh bread– Pasta Lupino has long been the savvy Whistler local’s go-to spot for a good meal loaded with value. For $13-16 you can feast on a soup or salad and some of Whistler’s best noodles, all made in-house, and plenty of Whistler locals will tell you Pasta Lupino is their favourite spot for an affordable first-date.
The “Chicken Parm” is incredible and lunches here range from $10-12.
Late Night
Three Below
After 10 PM Three Below offers a choice of burger, macaroni and cheese, wings or poutine plus a beer for $10. They also have Après deals so the best bet is to hit their Facebook page and let the good times roll.
Harajuku Izakaya
This is the late-night incarnation of the Fuji Market. From 5 PM – 1 AM Harajuku rocks a menu full of Japanese classics like Kaarage, Tempura, Udon, Gyoza and various sushi all for $7 or less. Why not sit down to a sake or beer and some sushi pizza? Or try Chef Kyle’s suggested Potato candy for just $5.
Fat Tony’s
When you get the late-night, post-drinking munchies Fat Tony’s Turkish Kebabs offer Whistler’s best weight-to-cost-to-flavour ratio. These things are huge – a pita stuffed with in-house roasted chicken or beef and a wide selection of veggies and sauces, all for just $8.25 (Veggie option is only $5.75). Fat Tony keeps the doors open 11 AM – Midnight on weekdays and until 2 AM Friday to Sunday. Also, pizza is $2 a slice everyday before 8PM.
Whistler Village is great fun to wander around in but if you’re hungry this map might help a bit. All the hotels, streets and top value spots listed above are on there. Click here for a larger version of the map.
Article source: http://www.whistler.com/blog/post/2013/02/24/whistler-cheap-eats-2013.aspx
