Sometimes the last thing you want to do is come home from work and cook a meal — or pack your lunch for the next day. Fortunately, you don’t have to go broke eating at a restaurant or ordering takeout.
- Applebee’s
- Baskin-Robbins
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Burger King
- Carraba’s Italian Grill
- Checkers/Rally’s
- Chili's
- Chipotle
- Dominos
- Golden Corral
- IHOP
- Jimmy John’s
- Krispy Kreme
- McDonald’s
- Olive Garden
- Quiznos
- Red Robin
- Sonic
- Taco Bell
- Texas Roadhouse
Cheap eats “near me” at convenience stores
Chain restaurants “near me”
These are some restaurants with locations across the country where you can get the best deals on food. Note that these promotions may not be valid at all locations:
Applebee’s
To get the best cheap eats, stick with the 2 for $20 menu (available for dine-in, carryout, and delivery where available). You can get two entrees and one appetizer for $20.
You can also get half off select appetizers from 3-6 p.m. and from 9 p.m. to close at participating locations. The kids’ menu features multiple items under $6, and side dishes are often $5 or less.
Baskin-Robbins
Get a free regular-sized scoop of your favorite Baskin-Robbins ice cream when you download the app and sign up for text message deals.
Buffalo Wild Wings
At Buffalo Wild Wings, you can get a buy-one-get-one deal on traditional wings on Tuesdays and boneless wings on Thursdays when you purchase the same style of wings of equal or lesser value.
At participating locations, you can also get drinks and appetizers for $3-$6 between 3 and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Burger King
The home of the Whopper has a value menu with sandwiches, drinks, fries and desserts starting at $1. Some Burger King restaurants are currently offering a $5 “Your Way Meal,” which includes your choice of a Whopper Jr., Chicken Jr., or Bacon Cheeseburger, plus four-piece chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink.
You can also find coupons for free or discounted menu items through the Burger King app or on the Burger King website. Printed coupons also appear in newspapers and mailers.
Some Burger King locations in states that participate in the RMP accept EBT from eligible SNAP recipients.
Carraba’s Italian Grill
At Carraba’s you can order from the Family Bundles menu to save money when you dine out. The meals offer four servings and include a large family-style entree complete with your choice of salad and warm bread. You can also sign up for Carrabba's rewards to earn 5 points for every dollar you spend on food and non-alcoholic beverages. Earn 350 points, and you’ll get a $5 reward.
Checkers/Rally’s
Checkers and Rally’s will give you 250 rewards points when you sign up and make your first purchase. You can earn more points with each purchase. When you reach 400 points, you get a $5 reward to purchase free food.
Chili's
If you sign up for Chili’s rewards and purchase a regular entree, you’ll get a free kids’ meal for a child 12 and under. Chili’s also offers a 3 for Me menu that starts as low as $10.99 and includes a drink, appetizer, and entree.
Chili’s Rewards members also get free chips and salsa or a non-alcoholic beverage every time they dine in and spend at least $5. You’ll also score a free birthday dessert and other free food items just for being an active member.
Chipotle
Chipotle meal portions are so large that you can easily divide one meal into two. Meals include rice and multiple protein options like beans, meat, and soy protein on your choice of salad, burrito bowl, tacos, or traditional burrito.
If you prefer, you can get a single or double serving of meat — the chicken and sofritas have the least expensive upcharge for a double portion. Guacamole is free if you order a vegetarian dish, though it does have an upcharge of $2.65 otherwise.
You can also get extra tortillas on the side at only 25 cents each. Chips and salsa are less than $4.
Dominos
The Dominos Mix & Match Deal allows you to choose two or more options from a list of entrees, appetizers, and desserts that are each $6.99 or less. Some stores have a daily $7.99 carryout deal where you can choose a three-topping pizza, oven baked dip with twists, or wings.
Visit the Dominos website or app to see which deals are currently available at your nearest location.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral is an American-style, all-you-can-eat buffet with more than 150 food choices. You can dine in, take it to go, or have it delivered. Join the Good as Gold club to get free drinks, a birthday reward, and coupons.
Sign up for Golden Corral Rewards, get a $5 joining bonus when you spend $25, and earn points to get free food. Each dollar you spend earns one point. For every 100 points, you earn a $10 reward.
IHOP
Starting at 3 p.m. at participating locations, IHOP offers a reduced-price menu, with entrees starting at $6. Plus, menu items on the 55+ and kids menus are under $10 all day.
Jimmy John’s
When you sign up for Jimmy John’s Freaky Fast Rewards program, you can get a free sandwich after your first purchase. You’ll also regularly be alerted to deals and be able to earn points toward more free food.
At participating stores, you can also buy a 16-inch French bread loaf for just a few dollars (my location listed $3.50), which you can use to make your own sandwiches at home.
Krispy Kreme
Get a free doughnut when you sign up for Krispy Kreme Rewards. Every doughnut and coffee purchase helps you earn free treats. Also, receive special perks only available to members. You must redeem any reward within 90 days of earning it.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s has long been known as an affordable fast food option. They frequently run deals like two sandwiches for one price, or buy one get one for $1. But there’s also a value menu with breakfast/lunch/dinner items for $1, $2, or $3.
For a more filling meal, try food hacks with the value menu like:
- Buy a breakfast sandwich and add a hash brown in between
- Buy a McDouble, but request an extra bun and make two sandwiches
If you want a smaller portion, you can ask for a Happy Meal. For less than $7, you can get a hamburger or 4-piece chicken nuggets, fries, apple slices, and a drink.
Participating McDonald’s locations in RMP states accept EBT from eligible SNAP recipients.
Olive Garden
When you dine in, Olive Garden offers unlimited salad and breadsticks when you purchase an entree. They also run specials like the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl and offer lunches starting at $7.99 if you’re searching for cheapest lunch “near me.”
If you’re getting takeout, you can choose between three classic entrees for $6 with the purchase of one regular priced entree. These are:
- Fettuccine alfredo
- Five cheese ziti al forno
- Spaghetti with meat Sauce
Quiznos
Download the Quiznos loyalty app and get $5 off on your first order in the app. Enjoy a BOGO deal on your birthday on 8-inch subs. And, if you refer a friend, you’ll get a free 8-inch sub when they sign up and use the app. Earn points for more free food in the app.
Red Robin
When you order a burger or entree at Red Robin, you get all-you-can-eat steak fries, kettle chips, sweet potato fries, garlic fries, broccoli, or salad. The restaurant chain also has a lower-priced line of Tavern burgers to help you save money.
During happy hour — Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. — you can get discounts on select appetizers, milkshakes, and drinks.
Sonic
Every Tuesday after 5 p.m., Sonic offers half-price cheeseburgers if you order online or through the Sonic app. You can also get half price drinks/slushies through the app/website. Text DRIVEIN to 876642 to receive texts from Sonic with current promotions and deals.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell offers multiple menu items for $6 or less, like the Build Your Own Cravings Box that includes a taco, specialty item (like a Crunchwrap), a side like chips or cinnamon twists, and a medium drink (10 cents upcharge for a large drink).
The menu is vast and includes vegetarian options, bowls, tacos, burritos, and other food items, many of which are $5 and under. Taco Bell, like many fast-food restaurants, also has a value menu with menu items ranging from $1-$5.
Some Taco Bell locations in RMP states accept EBT from eligible SNAP recipients.
Texas Roadhouse
The Texas Roadhouse VIP Club offers a free appetizer within 48 hours of signing up. It’s free to join, and members get rewards by email just for being in the club. Once you’re in, you’ll get a personal link to sign up for birthday offers, as well.
Cheap eats “near me” at convenience stores
Convenience stores and gas stations are great places to find cheap eats, and many offer rewards programs. Here are some examples of food you can get at your local convenience store:
7/11
7-Eleven has hot foods like pizza and wings but also healthier options like fruit and salads. While prices are competitive with other convenience stores, you can unlock lower food prices when you sign up for the 7Rewards loyalty program.
7-11 free drink or snack when register for 7REWARDS
When you sign up for 7REWARDS, you can begin earning points to exchange for free food items. When you present the app in store or connect it with 7NOW Delivery, you can earn points on food, beverages, snacks, and convenience items.
Every 1,000 points equals $1. Earn five times the points when you use 7-Eleven Wallet, a way for you to pay through the 7-Eleven app. Just link a credit or debit card to the app or add cash at the register. As long as you use the 7-Eleven app, redeem points, or make an in-store purchase once every 90 days, your points won't expire.
Circle K
Menu items vary, but most Circle K locations have hot food like breakfast burritos, hot dogs, and pizza and healthier choices like wraps and prepared salads. All items are grab and go.
Sheetz
If you want a hot prepared meal, Sheetz makes food when you order it, 24/7. Its menu includes:
- Breakfast items (sandwiches, burritos, hash browns, waffles, french toast sticks)
- Lunch/dinner sandwiches, wraps, subs, and burgers
- French fries, tater tots
- Other fried appetizers
- Pizza
- Hot dogs
- Salads
They also offer grab-and-go cheap eats, including refrigerated wraps, salads, and sandwiches.
Sheetz free beverage or snack with 250 rewards points
Sign up for a free Sheetz Rewardz account, and earn five points for every dollar you spend in-store. You can get a fountain drink, self-serve Sheetz Bros. coffee, or a Shweetz donut or cookie when you hit 250 points.
The more points you earn, the higher your rewards level. Higher levels unlock more free food. Unused points expire one year from the month you earned them.
Royal Farms
The main option at Royal Farms is fried chicken, but they also offer sandwiches, subs, burgers, and breakfast/lunch bowls at reasonable prices. There are lots of filling options for $10 or less.
Free drinks and meals with ROFO Rewards
The Royal Farms Rewards program gives you a free two-piece chicken meal on your birthday. Plus, you can earn two points for every dollar you spend in-store and one point per gallon when you buy gas. You can exchange the points for food, snacks, and beverages.
There are four point tiers: 50, 125, 250, and 400. At each tier, you can cash out points to get free food and beverages. You can track your rewards in the ROFO app. When you earn points in any given month, you have one year to use them.
Wawa
Wawa has prepared foods and options that are made to order. You have a ton of options to customize your meal like toppings and sauces. Wawa serve:
- Sandwiches
- Wraps
- Subs
- Bowls
- Soups
- Salads
- Snacks like fruit and cheese boxes or soft pretzels
In addition to the deals mentioned above, check out our list of where to get free meals on your birthday.
