Sit Down Restaurants With Cheaper Meals Than Fast Food

Fast food is supposed to be the cheap option. Grab a burger, pick up some fries, and get back on the road without spending too much money. Except, that math does not always work anymore. A fast-food meal can easily cost $10 or more, especially after adding a drink, fries, or a few extras. That has made some sit-down restaurants look surprisingly affordable by comparison.

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Last week, @FatKidDeals asked its followers to share restaurants where a proper sit-down meal could cost less than fast food, and the answers came in hot. Some of the deals are so cheap that they make a fast-food combo look a little less exciting. Here are some of the deals that stood out.

Red Robin Has A $9.99 Meal Deal

Red Robin is serving up one of the biggest surprises on this list. Its Big Yummm Deal starts at just $9.99 at participating locations.

For that price, diners get an entrée, a bottomless side and a bottomless drink. Depending on the location and current menu, the entrée choices can include burgers and a 7-inch Donatos pizz

Outback Has A $13.99 Wednesday Special

Outback Steakhouse’s Walkabout Wednesday deal starts at $13.99 and includes a 6-ounce center-cut sirloin or Grilled Chicken on the Barbie, Aussie Fries, and a 16-ounce domestic draft beer or Coca-Cola product. The offer is available on Wednesdays for dine-in customers at participating restaurants. 

So, Wednesday can be steak night without the usual steakhouse bill.

Chili’s 3 For Me Menu Makes $10.99 Go A Long Way

Chili’s has been making a big deal out of its 3 For Me menu, and the name says most of what diners need to know.

Meals start at $10.99 and come with three parts: an appetizer, an entrée, and a drink. Depending on the location and menu, choices can include Chips & Salsa, soup or salad, along with burgers, chicken sandwiches, Chicken Crispers, and other entrées.

Applebee’s Has A Deal For Two

Applebee’s 2 for $25 deal is another option that makes more sense for two people. It includes a shareable appetizer and two full-size entrées for $25, before tax. 

The appetizer choices can include items such as Boneless Wings, Mozzarella Sticks and Spinach & Artichoke Dip, while the entrée options can change with the menu. Split between two people, that works out to $12.50 per person.

Olive Garden Has Pasta That Keeps Coming

Olive Garden has a deal for anyone who believes there is no such thing as too much pasta. The chain’s Never-Ending Pasta Bowl promotion starts at $14.99 and lets diners choose from different pasta, sauce and topping combinations. Refills are available for dine-in customers during the promotion.

At $14.99, this is not the cheapest deal on the list. But unlimited pasta for roughly the price of a larger fast-food meal is still worth a look.

Texas Roadhouse Has A Cheaper Way To Get Dinner

Texas Roadhouse can be known for big steaks and big meals, but its Early Dine menu gives budget-conscious diners another option.

Fat Kid Deals says the Early Dine menu sets you back $12.99. It offers selected meals at a lower price during specific early-dining hours.

Hop On IHOP’s $6 Value Menu

IHOP might have the number that gets the most attention-grabbing menu here for just $6. The Value Menu has five meals, which includes a BLT, Breakfast Faves Combo, French Toast Faves Combo, Ham & Cheese Omelette, and House Scramble. The breakfast options come with eggs, pancakes or French toast, bacon or sausage, while the BLT comes with fries or hash browns.

Benihana Has A $15.95 Power Lunch

Benihana’s Power Lunch meal starts at $15.95 and comes with a very specific challenge: finish the hibachi lunch service within 45 minutes, or the meal is free.

The Power Lunch is available Monday through Thursday from 11AM to 5PM and Friday from 11AM to 3PM. It is dine-in only, and guests need to tell the host they are there for the 45-Minute Power Lunch.