Dear reader,

Earlier this week, a certain Toronto-based online publication posted an article claiming that, starting April 8, the Rogers Centre would be heavily discounting various snacks and drinks at its concession stands. A slice of cheese pizza, for example—previously a mind-boggling $12—would now be just $4. The price of a two-foot-long hot dog would drop from $30 to $10. And domestic beer, once $16 per plastic cup, would now cost a much more reasonable $7.

As someone who is going to the Jays’ home opener, I was impressed that the stadium was doing its part to make basic food items more affordable. I had been planning to bring in outside food (which is very much allowed, and I’ll take a DIY charcuterie board over a hot dog any day), but now I figured maybe I’d treat myself to some nachos.

This particular “news story” went up on Monday—which also happened to be April Fool’s Day. Well, colour me fooled. Then angry. The outrageous cost of food is not a joke. And getting readers excited about the prospect of affordability only to pull the rug out from under them is downright tasteless. 

Toronto Life is not in the business of pranks or fake news. So, instead of wasting our readers’ time by telling them what they can’t get, I’d like to draw attention to affordable food and drink that’s available around the Rogers Centre—and some that isn’t close but is worth picking up on the way to the game.

One way to save a buck is to fill up before going to a Jays game. Sure, you can always count on the $6 shorties of Bud Light later (there’s something to be said for the few Dugout Deals that do exist), but why not enjoy something better first? Here, a dozen bars within a 10-minute walk of the Rogers Centre where you can have a more-affordable sit-down meal and a good beer in an actual glass.

Okay, so the 20 places on this list aren’t necessarily within walking distance of the Rogers Centre—but they’re worth stopping into on your way there for super-affordable takeout (remember what I said about being allowed to BYO food into the stadium?).

Know what’s better than an overpriced hot dog? A belly-busting and budget-friendly banh mi. Here are five of our all-time favourite Vietnamese subs—filled with things like shredded pork, slow-roasted sirloin or lemongrass tofu—for $10 or less.

The other option is to grab takeout that travels well (think rice- or noodle-based dishes, burgers, fried chicken) from wherever it is you’re travelling from. Here are some of our favourite filling, affordable meals from Agincourt, Parkdale, Thornhill, Wexford, Weston Village and Whitchurch-Stouffville.

In the latest issue: an optimist’s guide to surviving every doomsday scenario imaginable. Plus, obsessed with Barbie (and other weird collections), a harrowing memoir about postpartum psychosis, the best places to eat in the burbs, and more. Still not receiving Toronto Life at home? Subscribe today.