Canberra’s best foodie hack: the free app that saves you up to 50% on dining out
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Since arriving in Canberra last year, the EatClub dining app has been quietly helping savvy locals save up to 50% on their restaurant bills.
From Zaab in Braddon to Queenies in Kingston, Fonda Mexican in the city to Pialligo Estate, some of the capital’s favourite venues are now offering last-minute deals that make eating (and drinking) out more accessible than ever.
Whether you haven’t tried it yet, or your digital card’s been gathering (virtual) dust since that first enthusiastic download, there are fresh reasons to make this your dining companion. Between special venue partnerships, daily perks, and can’t-miss weekly deals, there are plenty of reasons to eat with EatClub.
Here’s what’s cooking right now.
Quick refresher: what exactly is EatClub?
Essentially, EatClub is an app where diners find last-minute restaurant deals nearby. It’s straightforward: venues post exclusive percentage-off offers during quieter periods, and you get to enjoy meals and drinks for less.
The discount is a simple percentage off your total bill, including drinks, with most offers ranging between 30 to 50% off. No complicated terms, no coupons or vouchers, no fine print gymnastics – just great savings on what you’d order anyway.
You don’t even need to explain you’re using a deal – just tap to pay using your digital EatClub card and the savings happen seamlessly. The venue’s system and the app communicate behind the scenes, making the entire transaction as smooth as any regular payment.
What’s cooking: current promotions
The start of November marks a milestone partnership that Canberra foodies won’t want to miss. Uptown Vibes in Braddon is offering a generous 45% off all week long as the inaugural Venue of the Week (until Sunday 9 November). Trust us when we say the Golden Cauliflower with goat’s curd, pickled vegetables and smoked paprika, and the 1.4kg slow-cooked oyster-cut lamb shoulder with Persian fetta and fig glaze will have you booking multiple dates (and why wouldn’t you with this discount?).
Cocktail lovers should take note of a special cash-back activation at Paloma’s running until Saturday 8 November, where you can claim back the cost of two complimentary Paloma’s Paloma cocktails (we’re talking Grapefruit-infused Patron Reposado Tequila, Pampelle aperitif, lime, salt, agave & grapefruit soda) when you redeem a walk-in offer and spend at least $40. Simply order your drinks and food (dos Tuna Tostadas, por favor), pay with your digital card, and submit your itemised receipt in the app to get cash back for up to two cocktails.
How exactly does EatClub work?
It’s this simple:
- Download the app
- Browse the list of top restaurants around you that have posted a last-minute exclusive offer.
- Once you’ve found an offer you like, click the button to redeem, and input some basic customer info to get your EatClub digital card.
- Enjoy your food and drinks!
- Tap to pay on the venue’s normal EFTPOS system using your digital card. The deal is automatically deducted from the amount on screen. You don’t need to show a voucher or ask for a discount – just tap to pay and off you go!
Supporting your fave locals
EatClub helps more than your wallet, too. It’s a great way to support our local hospo sector by helping restaurants, cafes, and bars get more people through the doors when they need them. It’s a way to keep venues busy, the vibes high, and our local foodie scene thriving.
Ready to save?
The EatClub app is free to download and browse.
Start small if you’re curious: grab that 45% off deal at Uptown Vibes this week, or claim your cash-back cocktails at Paloma’s. Once you see how seamlessly it works – and how much you save – you’ll understand why Canberrans have been keeping this in their back pocket since September.
