Grab-and-go lunch on West Queen West

When you're feeling squeezed for time at lunch, it can be hard to find a good meal that stands out from the usual fast food fare. Luckily, Toronto’s trendy West Queen West ‘hood has plenty of Instagram-worthy options for foodies who want to eat on the go in style.

Bolt Fresh Bar

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1170 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J5

For those looking for something healthier than fast food, Bolt Fresh Bar specializes in items that use high-quality fresh ingredients in a host of tasty lunch options. There's a full range of freshly squeezed juice and custom smoothies, or if you want something more, they have made-to-order salads, açai fruit bowls and grain bowls made with rice, beans and your choice of veggies.

Barton Snacks

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1120 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H9

When you're looking for a quick lunch, it's hard to go wrong with this tasty snack bar. This place is popular for its amazing selection of chips, popcorn and cookies, but they also have more substantial items like hot dogs with toppings that range from pepperoni to avocado. If that's not enough, Barton Snacks makes some near-legendary tacos filled with brisket, fish or jerk chicken for those looking to spice up things.

Fat Bastard Burrito

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1118 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H9

This place is made for those with short breaks. Just head to the Fat Bastard website and print out the order form before you head down. Whether you’re looking for something standard like pulled pork or baked yam, or if you want to go for something a little different like the tequila lime chicken or sautéed shrimp, they’ll keep your lunch original and filling.

Nam Sandwich

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874 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G3

For those who like sandwiches, there are few better or more versatile than the Vietnamese banh mi sub – a fact that Nam Sandwich proves every day. There are a variety of fillings ranging from lemongrass chicken to panko-crusted tiger shrimp. Sandwiches are topped with carrots and cilantro, with jalapeño peppers if you want it spicier. When you’re looking to mix things up, they also have some pretty awesome grilled meat buns and salad rolls.

Ravi Soups

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1128 Queen St W, Main, Toronto, ON M6J 1J3

Soup-lovers rejoice. Ravi Soups makes some of the most flavourful soup you’ll find anywhere in the city, from the corn chowder with blue crab to the beef miso. Their ingredients are all fresh and Ravi caters to people with restricted diets. In addition to soups, they also make some pretty great wraps filled with roasted pork shoulder, curried lamb or oven-roasted veggies. It's the perfect stop for a healthy lunch on the go.

Sweet Lulu

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859 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G4

Featuring fast Asian-inspired food, this take out friendly spot is known for its dishes that allow you to pick and choose from a variety of noodles or rice, plus a whole range of toppings and sauces. If you’re pressed for time, call ahead so your order is ready during your break. Sweet Lulu also has a range of lighter dishes, from edamame and satay to soups and salads for those looking for something smaller.

You don’t have to travel to Vietnam to try authentic pho – it’s available right here in Victoria. So put away your passport and visit one of the Vietnamese restaurants below. Soon you’ll be sipping on savoury broth, seasoned with traditional Vietnamese spices and full of tasty meat and veggies. Close your eyes and you might forget you’re in Canada!
Eating out doesn’t have to be expensive – and you don’t have to sacrifice quality or taste just to get a good deal. Luckily for us, there are a number of Victoria eateries that offer satisfying meals for less than $10. Drop in, fill up, and leave with the energy you need to make it through the rest of your afternoon.
Student life can be hectic, so you need food that’s tasty, quick and, most importantly, cheap. Here are some of Victoria’s most student-friendly off-campus restaurants. Some are just down the street; others are a short bus ride downtown. But all of them have cheap eats that’ll keep you fuelled from frosh week to finals.
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