If you want a dining out experience but don’t want to fork out (as it were), then consider these city centre spots
Inside Society Birmingham(Image: Hank & Margot)
When a pal in the newsroom said that he was celebrating his birthday in January but that no one had the cash to do anything before payday, it had me thinking of dining out recommendations that wouldn’t blow the budget.
It’s harder than ever to find truly cheap eats outside of Greggs (even the price of Big Macs has blown up, it seems) but I think there are a few options for you to consider.
There are lots of places with January deals that are worth looking out for, special saver menus and places that will give you cash off if you have an Independent Birmingham card, for example.
Read more: The £3 trick to saving loads of money in Birmingham’s best restaurants
But on this list, I’m highlighting seven places that offer bargains all year round.
Of course, what’s a bargain to one isn’t a bargain to another, but I’m looking at options of around a fiver. Got any recommendations for me? Get in touch: Kirsty.Bosley@reachplc.com.
The Wolf
When we visited The Wolf to test out their Tuesday dinner deal, our minds were blown – read my glowing review.
It was such a bargain, and such great quality, that we felt like we were robbing them when we paid the bill.
Their food is always worth stopping by for (Sunday roasts, in particular) but on a Tuesday? It’s ridiculously good value.
The pies are wicked, the puddings lovely. £2.75 for a Belgian waffle with locally-made ice cream? Incredible!
The Wolf at 2-10 Constitution Hill, B19 3LY
Cherry Reds
One of the city’s most beloved independents for a reason, Cherry Reds is never far from my mind when I’m making recommendations for food and drinks.
Especially when it comes to breakfast. Egg on toast for £5.50, bacon, pork or vegan sausage baps for the same? Bargain.
I hear the cakes are wonderful too, but I’d have to try every single one to say with confidence…!
It’s a hard job, this. A stone’s throw from New Street Station too, by the way.
Cherry Reds, 88-92 John Bright Street, B1 1BN
Damascena
Back in November, I cosied up in Damascena to see whether much had changed since those days when everyone raved about how good it is.
And honestly, it’s as brilliant as ever. More than that? The prices have barely changed either – check out my full review.
There are 66 options on the menu (exclamation marks x66!!!) and almost everything is under a tenner.
My recommendation is straight off the ‘straight out the oven’ section, a zatar and cheese manakeesh for just £5.35.
Eat it in a dining room that smells of fresh mint tea with a view out over Birmingham Cathedral. Stun.
Damascena, 5-7 Temple Row West, B2 5NY and there’s other venues around the city too
Top Falafel
Hands down the cheapest gaff on this list, Top Falafel is always blowing minds with its bargains.
Situated on Pigeon Park or down by the Rag Market, it’s all Middle Eastern flavours at rock bottom prices.
Big portions and scran from 99p. Almost too good to be true, I’m sure you’ll agree. But it’s true, bab!
You can read our review but it’s a couple of years old now. Best bet? Root down the back of the sofa and go and spend your own quid and see how it goes!
Top Falafel, Temple Row, B2 5LS or down at the Rag Market
Tiger Bites Pig
If it’s a big fill you want, Tiger Bites Pig will give it to you but it won’t fall in to the strict ‘cheap’ category.
However, if you just want an incredibly tasty hit of flavour with a beautifully-crafted bao the likes of which you could only find better in Taiwan, this is your spot.
Made with locally-sourced ingredients to an incredibly high standard, a bun will set you back around £5.50 and it’s truly worth every bite.
Picky bits on the side, like pickles, kimchi or house-seasoned prawn crackers are £3.50 each.
Tiger Bites Pig, 30 Church Street, B3 2NP and at Saint Paul’s Market in the Jewellery Quarter
Shokupan at Society
Not just a sandwich, Shokupan was good when it was Gupshup at Great Western Arcade and even better when it was Shokupan in Grand Central.
Big fat slabs of Japanese milk bread, soaked in flavour and just about holding on to flavourful, big fat fillings.
The Grand Central shop is on hiatus at the moment, closed for a while with updates expected to be announced soon.
However, you can grab a big old sando at Society, near Snow Hill Station.
You’re looking at less than £6 a pop, with loads of different hot filling options.
Shokupan at Society, One Colmore Square, B4 6AA
SushiDog
We can’t say for sure if SushiDog will be cheerful – it doesn’t open until January 31.
The Bullring’s hot new thing, it’s big sushi rolls, no actual dogs involved.
HOWEVER, reviews from Londoners say it’s ‘delicious and fairly priced’ so it’ll be a fun one to try.
Is it cheap, you ask? It will be on open day. That’s why I had to include it – the food will be free.
Check out the details here and let me know if you’re going to give it a whirl.
SushiDog, Bullring, B5 4BU