Cheap eats every night of the week in Queanbeyan
If the cost of living and the kids’ hectic after-school schedules are leaving you short on time and cash, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. From pub schnitzels to smoky tacos, hearty noodles to weekend roasts, here’s a week of cheap eats that are big on flavour and local Queanbeyan flair.
Monday — $12.50 schnitzel at Hotel Queanbeyan
Survive Manic Mondays with a crispy chicken schnitzel ($12.50) or a juicy rump steak ($18) with chips and fresh salad. The Toppy is always a good atmosphere, buzzing with local tradies and families catching up after work and the food quality is always top notch – the Dianne sauce goes hard too.
Q News tip: Get there early – otherwise, the last schnitzel might go to the regular who knows the staff by name. Pair with a tap beer or soft drink and you’ve officially kicked off the week right.
Tuesday — $12 gooey mac-n-cheese at Old Town Smoke House
Tuesday nights are all about smoky flavours and wallet-friendly bites at that cool place on Uriarra Road with the bull out front. Dive into cheesy, gooey mac n’ cheese ($12), or spice things up with Birria tacos ($11) — flavour-packed, and perfect for midweek indulgence without breaking the bank.
Q News tip: Parking on Uriarra Road can be tight, but there’s plenty of side street options in Crest Road or King Street. Don’t leave without trying the “Winchester”, It’s packed with delicious meats, fillings, cheese and chips.
Wednesday — $12 rump steak at Queanbeyan Leagues Club
Hump day never looked so good. Rump steak ($12) with chips, salad, and sauce is the stuff of local legends. Bonus points for the sizes being generous enough for leftovers for tomorrow morning’s smoko.
Q News tip: Book a table, or risk being seated right outside the kids’ playground, feeding chips to the junior league squad.
Thursday — $15 noodles at New Cathay Chinese Restaurant
Thursday nights are all about hearty fried rice, noodles, and combo specials ($15‑25) that hit the flavour jackpot without emptying your wallet. Crispy veggies, tender meats, and punchy sauces make it a perfect midweek pick-me-up.
Q News tip: It’s a who’s who of Queanbeyan in there — don’t be surprised if you bump into someone you know, especially if you’re rocking a mum bun, Oodie and Uggs on pick-up duty.
Friday — $18 curry night at The Royal Turban
Fridays are for flavour! Creamy butter chicken, fiery lamb vindaloo, or hearty vegetarian dhal ($18‑30) served with basmati rice and naan. Perfect for a weekend warm-up or takeaway for your Friday Yahtzee night.
Q News tip: If you love the sights and sounds of Monaro street you can eat in The Royal Turban’s roadside al fresco dining area.
Saturday — $15 kebabs at Quean Kebabs & Gyros (the kebab van on the corner of High and Waniassa streets)
Weekends are for relaxed eats. $15 kebabs and wraps stuffed with juicy grilled meats, fresh salad, and tangy sauces are a Saturday night dream.
Q News tip: Grab one on your way to a Queanbeyan Whites rugby game or Queanbeyan City football match. Nothing fuels cheering (or mouthing off at the ref) like a piping-hot kebab in hand.
Sunday — $17.50 roast dinner at Campbell & George
Ditch Tom Cruise for a C&G $17.50 Sunday roast — slow-roasted beef or lamb, heaps of veggies, and rich gravy. Perfect for family or catching up with mates before the Sunday footy.
Q News tip: Arrive early: tables fill fast. Sign up to become a member for earn points and get discounts on food and drink!
The weekly wrap-up
Monday: Schnitzel first, questions later.
Tuesday: Smoke, spice, and parking hacks — don’t miss the Winchester.
Wednesday: Book QLC or risk feeding chips to toddlers.
Thursday: Expect familiar faces at New Cathay — Oodie + Uggs = social encounter guaranteed.
Friday: Curry spice = Yahtzee night winner.
Saturday: Kebab in hand = Ref feud fuel.
Sunday: Roast = perfect for pre-game or pokies feed.
About the Author: Holly Winchester
Part Jennifer Coolidge, part Jennifer Garner (gaudy and geeky), Holly idolises Dolly Parton and Princess Di and loves NRL. When she's not creating killer content, you’ll find Holly at the Maccas drive thru getting her chai latte fix or buying 1990s memorabilia for the walls of her Googong home. Specialist subject: the Woolies carpark.
