Cheap Restaurants

Cheap restaurants are the best. They’re the ones we fall back on when money is tight and the ones that keep us from going hungry when we’re broke. But eating at a cheap restaurant doesn’t have to be boring or unhealthy. There are plenty of cheap restaurants out there that serve great food at an affordable price. You just need to know where to look. That being said, not all cheap restaurants are created equal. Some are better than others and some are dirtier than others too. When you’re looking for a new place to eat, it helps to know which chains tend to serve cheaper menus with better quality ingredients rather than poorer meals disguised as cheap eats. Here are some places to find some great deals on food without sacrificing your health in the process. You can also check out our other post on healthy eating on a budget.

Taco Bell

Anyone who has been living under a rock for the last 50 years at least knows what Taco Bell is. For decades, Taco Bell has been one of the most popular cheap restaurants around. Their tacos, nachos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes are delicious and very affordable. They’re also very accessible and are found on almost every corner in most US cities and towns. But what makes Taco Bell a cheap restaurant worth visiting is that it’s also one of the best places to find reasonably healthy yet cheap food for a good price. Their bean burritos, for example, are just $1 and come with beans, rice, and lettuce. Taco Bell also serves dozens of other food items for just $1 each. Their $5 Buck Boxes are also a steal. These are boxes filled with nearly a dozen items like tacos, nachos, and tostados. What’s more, Taco Bell has a $10 Box which includes double the items of the Buck Box. Taco Bell is definitely one of the ultimate cheap restaurants. Live Mas and find a location near you by visiting Taco Bell’s website!

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is one of the best cheap restaurants out there. It’s also one of the healthiest fast food chains and one of the few that actually deserves the title. The food at Chick-fil-A is fresh, authentic, and wholesome. Their sandwiches are delicious and their waffle fries are some of the best you’ll find at any cheap restaurant. What’s more, you can get any of their meals for less than $10. But some of the best items on Chick-fil-A’s menu are the ones that are the cheapest. The restaurant’s milkshakes and chicken nuggets are delicious and only cost a few bucks. For just a couple of dollars, you can get a meal like a sandwich or a salad. At just a couple of dollars more, you can get a sandwich meal like their Spicy Chick-fil-A or their Grilled Chicken Club.

Domino’s

Who doesn’t love pizza? Almost everyone loves pizza. But not everyone can afford to eat it every day. If you’re looking for cheap restaurants that serve delicious pizza, then Domino’s is the place to go. Domino’s has become something of a household name since they first opened their doors in the 1960s. While their menu has expanded over the years and now includes pasta, sandwiches, and salads too, it’s their pizza that keeps people coming back for more. For just a couple of dollars, you can get a slice of plain pizza or a crust-less mini pizza. If you want something more substantial, then you can get a personal pan pizza for just a few dollars more.

El Chico

If you love Mexican food, then El Chico is one of the best cheap restaurants for you. The chain specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine and does a great job of combining traditional Mexican flavors with American-style dishes. El Chico has a handful of restaurants scattered throughout the Southwest, most of which offer low-cost menus that are easy on your wallet. Most of their meals are under $10 and come with a drink and chips and salsa too. El Chico’s tacos, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos are some of the best cheap Mexican food you can get at any cheap restaurant. Their meals are also reasonably healthy and aren’t loaded with tons of preservatives and sodium like other cheap Mexican restaurants.

Fat Burger

If you love burgers and fries, then Fat Burger is one of the best cheap restaurants for you. The chain is famous for their enormous hamburgers and thick, salty fries. The food is delicious and worth every penny. Fat Burger’s Cheeseburgers and Double Burgers are two of the most popular items on their menu and are served with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions. They also offer a Mini Hamburger for those who want something smaller. Fat Burger’s fries are seasoned with the perfect amount of salt and are served in paper cups with ketchup on the side. They also offer onion rings, chicken sandwiches, and salads for those who want something a little healthier.

McDonald’s

While some might think of McDonald’s as a place that only serves junk food, they actually have a decent menu that’s packed with cheap eats. The restaurant’s various sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and salads are great options for a quick, cheap lunch or dinner. McDonald’s also has several value menus that offer discounted meals for just a few dollars. Their Saver Menu, for instance, includes items like the Saver Double Cheeseburger, Saver Chicken Snack Wrap, and Saver Fries. McDonald’s is best known for their Big Macs and Quarter Pounders, but their Chicken McNuggets, McFlurry desserts, and Apple Pie are worth trying too.

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut is one of the oldest and best cheap restaurants out there. The chain is famous for serving heaping portions of their famous Stuffed Crust Pizza. They also offer several value menus, including their Classic Menu and Specialty Menu. Pizza Hut’s Specialty Menu features over a dozen specialty pizzas like the Ultimate Cheese Lover’s Pizza, Chicken Carbonara, and Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza. Pizza Hut’s bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and salads are also worth trying. You can get anything on the menu for less than $10 and some items, like the Ultimate Cheese Lover’s Pizza and the Specialty Chicken Wings, are as cheap as $5.

Shake Shake Shake

Shake Shack has been a New York City staple for nearly two decades now. The chain is famous for its delicious and decadent burgers, crinkle fries, and frozen custard. The food at Shake Shack is a little more expensive than other cheap restaurants, but it’s still reasonably affordable for most people. Shake Shack’s signature Shack Burger is one of the most popular items on their menu. This classic burger is served with lettuce, tomato, and crinkle fries on the side. But what makes Shake Shack one of the best cheap restaurants is their weekly specials. Every Friday, Shake Shack offers a new special for just a few dollars. These include items like frozen custard sundaes, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches.

Subway

Subway is the gold standard when it comes to cheap restaurants. The chain is famous for serving foot-long sandwiches that are big enough to make two meals. Subway’s signature sandwiches are incredibly affordable. The Italian B.M.T., for instance, costs just $5 when ordered on Subway’s $5 Footlong menu. Subway also has several value menus that include items like cookies and drinks. Their $5 Footlong menu, for example, includes a sub, chips, and a drink for just $5. Subway is the perfect place to get a cheap but filling meal. The food is tasty, filling, and reasonably healthy. You can’t ask for much more from a cheap restaurant.

Taco Tuesday

Taco Tuesday is the perfect name for a cheap restaurant that serves tacos. This Mexican chain is famous for their giant and affordable tacos. The tacos at Taco Tuesday come in many different varieties, including Carne Asada, Pollo Asada, Pollo Tropical, and Carnitas. They also offer a wide variety of sides and drinks too. Taco Tuesday’s tacos are massive and filled with plenty of delicious meats, vegetables, and other toppings. They’re also very reasonably priced. Most tacos cost less than $5. Taco Tuesday’s menu is pretty cheap across the board and the food is filling and cheap.