Cheap Eats Near Me: 29 Ways to Save Money Dining Out

Last updated on February 26th, 2024 at 07:23 pm

In this post, you’ll learn how to find cheap eats near me and get a list of 300 cheap restaurants in 3 cities and states. 

Along with that, I will share 29 different ways to save money on dining out to avoid wasting money. 

Like me, if you love to eat out in restaurants then you may be looking for a budget-friendly option. 

But the cost of dining out is much higher as compared with cooking at home. 

The same plate of eggs for breakfast that cost you a few pennies, costs more than $10 at a restaurant. 

Now if your budget is tight due to other necessary expenses then it’s important to search for cheap food near me. 

But how do you find these places?

Let’s dive deeper into the explanation… 

Why is dining out so expensive?

There are multiple reasons why dining out is more expensive than cooking at home:

1. Overhead costs: Restaurants have many overhead costs, such as rent, utilities, supplies, and labor. These costs can add up and result in higher menu prices.
2. Food costs: The cost of ingredients, especially fresh produce, and meats, can fluctuate and impact the prices that restaurants charge. Additionally, restaurants may use high-quality ingredients, which can also drive up the cost.
3. Labor costs: Restaurants have to pay salaries to their employees, including servers, cooks, and dishwashers. The minimum wage in some areas has increased, leading to higher restaurant labor costs.
4. Profit margin: Restaurants need to make a profit to stay in business. To do so, they may charge more for their menu items. So, you get charged a 300% markup on the food you eat. 
5. Location: Eating points located in tourist areas or upscale neighborhoods may charge higher prices due to the higher cost of running a business.
6. Other costs: Like marketing & advertising, insurance, and daily administrative expenses. 

Overall these factors contribute to the cost of dining out, and it can be a reflection of the operating cost of a restaurant and the value it delivers to the customers.

Why do people eat out at restaurants? 

People eat out at restaurants for various reasons, including:

1. Convenience: Eating out can be a convenient way for people to have a meal without having to cook or clean up.
2. Variety: Restaurants offer a wide variety of menu options, allowing people to try new foods and cuisines.
3. Special Occasions: People often choose to eat out at restaurants to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
4. Socializing: Eating out at restaurants can be a way for people to socialize and spend time with friends and family.
5. Treating Yourself: For some people, eating out at a restaurant can be a treat or a reward for themselves.
6. Lack of time: Many people are busy with work and other commitments, and may not have time to cook at home.
7. Quality of food: Restaurants often have professionally trained chefs who can prepare high-quality dishes that are difficult to replicate at home.
8. Ambiance: The atmosphere and decor of a restaurant can add to the dining experience and create a special mood for the diners.

How much do Americans spend on dining out?

According to YNAB, Americans spend $300/month or $3600/year on dining out. This accounts for roughly one-third of their total food budget. This amount has increased over the years due to a variety of factors, including a growing restaurant industry, the rise of food delivery services, and changes in consumer behavior.

According to CNBC, on average Americans spend $3,008/ year dining out. 

The cost of dining out can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as income level, household size, and geographic location. For example, households with higher incomes may spend more on dining out and vice versa.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the restaurant industry and how much people are spending on dining out. In the early days of the pandemic, many restaurants were forced to close or switch to takeout and delivery only, which has likely led to a decrease in spending on dining out. However, as the pandemic continues to ease and more restaurants are able to reopen, spending on dining out may increase.

How To Find Cheap Eats Near Me including Restaurants (Zip Code Search)?

To find cheap restaurants near your area using zip code and Google Maps, you can follow these steps:

1. Open Google Maps on your mobile device or computer.
2. After “cheap eats” enter your “zip code number” in the search bar.
3. Click the “Food” category and select “Restaurants.”
4. Sort the results by “Price” to see the most affordable options first.
5. You can filter the results further by cuisine type, ratings, and more.
6. Read reviews and check the restaurant’s menu to make sure it fits your budget and tastes. You can visit their websites to check. 
7. Once you’ve found a restaurant you like, you can get directions, view photos, and even place an order for takeout or delivery directly from Google Maps.

Using these features, you should be able to find cheap restaurants near your area that fit your needs and budget. It’s a great way to explore new dining options and save money on your next meal.

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Cheap eats near me in Atlanta

Here are the 100 cheap restaurants near me in Atlanta. Here you can inexpensive food with a variety of menus:

Hai	Bella A Baltimore Crab & Seafood Company
Bao Bun Hibachi	Patria Cocina
Eats	Hop Shing
5Church Midtown	Breakfast At Barneys
K & K Soul Food	Estrellita
The Hungry Peach	Industry Tavern
Chick-Fil-A	Boccalupo
No. 246	Alma Cocina Buckhead
Ammazza	West Egg Cafe
Boxcar	Blind Willie's
Buena Vida Tapas & Sol	The Freakin Incan
Bartaco	H&F Burger
Aviva By Kameel-Atlanta	Flower Child
Cap't Loui Seafood Boil-Decatur	Rock Steady - Atlanta
Biria El Gordo	Dowon
The Food Shoppe	Alici Oyster Bar
Sourth City Kitchen Midtown	Grana
Tannour Mediterranean Grill	K BBQ Taco
Tiger K Cupbob	Bun Factory
La Semilla	Ralph's Zucca Pizza
The Breakfast Boy	Himalayan Kitchen
Le Fat	Herb's Rib Shack
Banshee	The Cafe & Bar
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot	Pollo Primo
Agavero Cantina-Atlanta	Forza Storico
La Tavola Tratttoria	Takorea
Postino Buckhead	Aziza
Hong Kong Cfe	Wok Chi
True Food Kitchen	5Church- Buckhead
Ocean Wave By Harry And Sons	Firewall Food Stop
Clutch Restaurant	Gusto! Peachtree
Old Lady Gang	Monterrey Mexican Restaurant
Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint	The Woodwall
26 Thai Kitchen & Bar	Little Bear
JINYA Ramen Bar - Buckhead	Big Kahuna
Cooks & Soldiers	Kobe Steakhouse
Los Bravos	Tio Lucho's
A Mano	Kwan's Deli And Korean Kitchen
La Fonda Latina	Virgil's Gullah Kitchen & Bar - West Midtown
Urban Hai	South City Kitchen Buckhead
Farm Burger - Midtown Atlanta	There On Fifth
Papi's Cuban & Caribbean Grill	The Iberian Pig
Tex's Tacos	Gutbuster's
Alma Cocina - Downtown	Truva Turkish Kitchen - Highland
El Burro Pollo	Zoong Guk Jib
Casi Cielo	Tamsung Thai Street Eats
Snooze, An A.M Eatery	The Garden Room
Gaja Korean Bar	Buena Gente Cuban Bakery
Lottafrutta - Atlanta	Home Grown
Krave	Kitty Dare

Cheap eats near me in Austin

Here is a list of 100 inexpensive restaurants near me in Austin, where you can get cheap food during your dining-out tour:

Salty Sow	Plow Burger
Oh K Dog	Song La
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill	Madam Mam's - Ut West Campus
True Food Kitchen	Stinson's La Fruta Feliz
Neworldeli	Foodheads
Koriente	Austin Tea Xchange Cafe
Higher Ground	Sap's Ver Fine Thai Cuisine
Ceviche7	Bombay Street Food
Terry Black's Barbecue	La Plancha
Proud Mary	Nau's Enfield Drug
Snap Kitchen	Wiseguys A Chicago Eatery - Round Rock
Qi Austin	Sangam Chettinad Indian Cuisine
Xian Noodles	Juan In A Million
Galaxy Cafe	Intero Restaurant
Chi'lantro	The Oasis On Lake Travis
Hopfields	Phoebe's Diner
Palmermo Pasta House	Fareground At One Eleven
Stella San Jac	Honey Moon Spirit Lounge
Lucky Robot	Shore Raw Bar & Grill
Spicy Boys Fried Chicken - East 6th	Artipasta
Saffron	Julio's Cafe
Austin Rotisserie	Taco Shack
Yellow Jacket Social Club	Gusto Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
It's Italian Cucina	Turf N Surf Po' Boy
Irene's	Spicy Boys Fried Chicken - St. Elmo
Quality Seafood Wholesale	360 Uno
Tacodeli	Spread & Co
Jack Allen's Kitchen	Tacodeli
Honest Mary's	Maudie's Cafe
Mima's Kitchen	Cuantos Tacos
Mai Thai Restaurant	Jester King Brewery
Pinch	Austin Diner
Garbo's	Culinary Dropout
Las Trancas	Swedish Hill
Bombay Dhaba	Jewboy Burgers
Vixen's Wedding	Mary's Cafe
Bobcat Quickie	Hestia
Noth Street	Hopdoddy Burger Bar
The Common Interest	Shan China Bistro And Bar
Eldorado Cafe	The Omelettry
The Jackalope	Mad Greens - South Austin
Papaerboy	Wok N Express
Taco Casa Hutto	Baby Acapulco
Hawaiia Bros Island Grill	Via 313 Pizza
Texican Cafe - Lakeline	Bird Bird Biscuit
The Hidout Coffeehouse	Texas Expresso
Ramen Tatsu- Ya	Mango Tango Asian Restaurant
Filipino Asian Mart	Eureka!
Las Palomas Restaurant & Bar	Bikkle Jamaican Restaurant
The Hive	Mix't Caribbean Blends
	Taqueria Los Altos

Cheap eats near me in Chicago

Here is a list of 100 cheap restaurants near me in Chicago to get affordable food:

Aloha Wagon	Edgewater Tacos
Safehouse Chicago	Zacatacos
The Hampton Social - Streeterville	Chicken Works & Salad Company
Cafe Rosa	Culaccino
Han Mi Jeong	Freddy’s Pizza
Machetes Big Quesadillas	Rodeo Burgers And Chicken
The Loyalist	Dai Yee’s Asian Kitchen
Taqueria Los Gallos	Little Pops Ny Pizzeria
Gordillas	La Parra Restaurant & Bar
Tiba Restaurant Chicago	Mac’s Restaurant
The Soul Food Lounge	Al Bawadi Grill
Poke Burrito	Lonesome Rose
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar	Headquarters Beercade River North
Soju Bbq	Grape Leaves Restaurant
Sofi Restaurant	Back Of The Yards Coffeehouse
Cafe El Meson	The Momo World
Lavergne’s Tavern	Sgd Dubu So Gong Dong Tofu & Korean Bbq
Josie’s Dumplings	Mogadishu Restaurant
Del Seoul	El Llano Restaurant - Northcenter
Chop Suey City	Carnitas Uruapan
The Dearborn	Penumbra
Karolinka Club	Gorditas La Tia Susy
Sora Temakeria	Soul Vegan
Guapo Taco	Birrieria Zaragoza
The Whale Chicago	Kie-Gol-Lanee
Royal Highness Zhu	Land & Lake Andersonville
Uproar	Happiness
Smakosz Restaurant	Yummy Yummy Noodles
14 Parish Restaurant And Rhu	Don Pedro Carnitas
Sushi + Rotary Sushi Bar - Chinatown	The Warbler
Ciao Ragazzi Restaurant & Bar	Chew On This Co.
Jian	Zaytune Mediterranean Grill
Mccook Bohemian Restaurant & Lounge	En Hakkore 2.0
Scratch Kitchen And Lounge	D Chile
El Taco Feliz Taqueria	Wake-N-Bakery
Cuzzos Pasta Pizza & Panini	Pasta To Go
Giordano’s	Mak’s House La Grange
Yolanda’s Restaurant	Kyuramen - Downtown Chicago
The Red Lion Pub	Brasas
Qiao Lin Hotpot	Outdoor Grill
Khepri Cafe	Pupuseria Restaurant Cuscatleco
Logan 11 Bar And Kitchen	Yatai Asian Street Food
Wonder Chop	Small Cheval- Wicker Park
El Taco Azteca	Patino’s Grill
Bina’s Place	Mima’s Taste Of Cuba
Three Happiness	Salt Burgers + Fries
Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar	Go 4 Food
Roti	Tacotlan
Yassa African Restaurant
Menya Goku By Ramen Wasabi

29 Ways to save money eating out

Here are 29 ways to save money when eating at restaurants in America:

1. Look for deals and promotions

Many restaurants offer discounts and promotions, such as happy hour specials, early bird discounts, and daily deals.

2. Share a meal

Restaurants often serve portions that are larger than a single serving, so consider sharing a meal with a friend or family member.

3. Use coupons

Some restaurants offer coupons and discounts, which can be found online, in the mail, or through apps.

4. Order tap water instead of bottled water

Bottled water can add up quickly, especially if you’re dining out regularly.

5. Order off the appetizer menu

Appetizers can often be just as satisfying as entrees, and they’re usually less expensive.

6. Eat during off-peak hours

Many restaurants offer discounts during slow times, such as for lunch or early dinner.

7. Order food for takeout

Dining in can often be more expensive than ordering food for takeout or delivery.

8. Look for daily specials

Many restaurants offer daily specials that can be a great deal. This helps their chefs analyze how the customers react to new dishes and ideas. In daily specials, the food amount is fixed but the price is reduced while no written print version instead waiters verbally tell the customer. 

9. Consider cooking at home

Cooking at home can often be much less expensive than eating at a restaurant. Eating at restaurants is 5 times more expensive than cooking at home. 

10. Take advantage of loyalty programs

Some restaurants offer loyalty programs, which can provide discounts, rewards, and other benefits. You can check them online on their websites. 

11. Order half portions

Some restaurants offer half portions of certain menu items, which can be a good way to save money.

12. Avoid ordering drinks

Drinks, especially alcohol, can be expensive, so consider drinking water or other non-alcoholic beverages.

13. Ask about substitutions

Restaurants may be willing to substitute certain ingredients or sides to save you money.

14. Use restaurant week

Many cities have restaurant week, where participating restaurants offer special menus at a discounted price.

15. Avoid eating out on weekends

Weekend meals are often more expensive than weekday meals. Because these are the busiest days due to off-work. 

16. Skip the bread basket

The basket can add up quickly, especially if you’re dining out regularly.

17. Order family-style

Family-style meals are often less expensive than ordering individual portions.

18. Look for kid’s menus

Some restaurants offer kid’s menus, which can be a great deal for families.

19. Use food delivery services

Food delivery services can be less expensive than dining in, especially if you take advantage of deals and promotions. 

20. Consider vegetarian options

Vegetarian options are often less expensive than meat-based options.

21. Use group-buying services

Group-buying services like Groupon can offer discounts on dining experiences.

22. Avoid dining out during holidays and special events

Holidays and special events, such as Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, can often result in higher prices.

23. Order a smaller entree

Ordering a smaller entree or salad can be less expensive than a full-sized meal.

24. Look for “happy hour” specials

Many restaurants offer food and drink specials during happy hour. During these hours the food and drinks are given at lower prices than other busy hours. 

25. Take advantage of combo meals

Some restaurants offer combo meals, which can provide a full meal at a discounted price.

26. Use rewards programs

Some restaurants offer rewards programs where customers can earn points for each purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts or other rewards.

27. Take advantage of early bird specials

Some restaurants offer early bird specials, which are discounted meals available during certain hours.

28. Consider splitting entrees

Restaurants often serve portions that are larger than a single serving, so you can split them into half between two people or pack half of the meal to eat at home.

29. Keep a budget

Set aside a certain amount of money each month for dining out in your monthly budget. This helps you ensure that you don’t overspend on eating out.

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Who has a $1 menu?

There are several fast food chains in America that offer menu items for $1 or less. Some examples include:

1. Taco Bell: They have a “$1 Cravings” menu with items like tacos, burritos, and nachos.
2. McDonald’s: They offer menu items like McChicken sandwiches and small orders of french fries for $1 or less.
3. Subway: They offer $5 footlong subs, as well as other menu items for $1 or less.
4. Burger King: They have a “$1 menu” with items like small orders of french fries, soft drinks, and apple pies.
5. Dunkin’ Donuts: They offer donuts for $1 or less, as well as other menu items like breakfast sandwiches and coffee.

These restaurants may vary in availability based on location and franchise ownership, so it’s best to check with your local restaurant for specific menu options and pricing.

Where can I get a lot of food for $5?

Here is a list of 50 fast-food and casual dining restaurants in America that offer menu items for $5 or less:

1. McDonald’s
2. Taco Bell
3. Subway
4. Burger King
5. Dunkin’ Donuts
6. KFC
7. Jack in the Box
8. Wendy’s
9. Arby’s
10. Hardee’s
11. Popeyes
12. Dairy Queen
13. Little Caesars
14. Chick-fil-A
15. Papa John’s
16. Domino’s
17. Pizza Hut
18. Jimmy John’s
19. Carl’s Jr.
20. Five Guys
21. In-N-Out Burger
22. Moe’s Southwest Grill
23. Quiznos
24. Boston Market
25. Buffalo Wild Wings
26. Sonic Drive-In
27. Church’s Chicken
28. Krystal
29. Long John Silver’s
30. Culver’s
31. White Castle
32. Whataburger
33. A&W Restaurants
34. Bojangles’
35. El Pollo Loco
36. Hard Rock Cafe
37. Checkers
38. Rally’s
39. Del Taco
40. Denny’s
41. IHOP
42. Applebee’s
43. TGI Friday’s
44. Red Lobster
45. Olive Garden
46. Outback Steakhouse
47. Chili’s
48. Buffalo Wild Wings
49. Friendly’s
50. P.F. Chang’s

These are just a few examples, and there are many other restaurants that offer menu items for $5 or less as well. The menu prices may change every week so check them before visiting a specific eating point. 

What are the 50 restaurants to get the most food for $10?

Here is a list of 50 popular restaurants in America where you can find food for $10 or less:

1. Subway
2. McDonald’s
3. Taco Bell
4. KFC
5. Chipotle
6. Pizza Hut
7. Dominos
8. Little Caesars
9. Jimmy John’s
10. Wendy’s
11. Arby’s
12. Dairy Queen
13. Hardee’s
14. Jack in the Box
15. Long John Silver’s
16. Popeyes
17. Sonic Drive-In
18. Whataburger
19. White Castle
20. Bojangles
21. Buffalo Wild Wings
22. Church’s Chicken
23. Del Taco
24. El Pollo Loco
25. Five Guys
26. In-N-Out Burger
27. Kopp’s Frozen Custard
28. Krystal
29. Marco’s Pizza
30. Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs
31. Noodles & Company
32. Panda Express
33. Panera Bread
34. Raising Cane’s
35. Shake Shack
36. Steak ‘n Shake
37. Subway
38. The Habit Burger Grill
39. Tim Hortons
40. Zaxby’s
41. Subway
42. Boston Market
43. Pita Pit
44. Quiznos
45. Culver’s
46. Papa John’s
47. Moe’s Southwest Grill
48. Firehouse Subs
49. Subway
50. Portillo’s Hot Dogs.

Keep in mind that prices and menu offerings may vary by location and can change over time, so it is always a good idea to check with a specific restaurant for the most accurate information.

Is eating out a waste of money?

Whether eating out is a waste of money depends on individual circumstances and personal preferences. For some people, eating out is a treat or a convenient option for busy days, while for others it may be too expensive or a poor value compared to cooking at home.

Here are a few factors that can affect the cost of eating out:

1. Price of food: Restaurants typically have higher prices for food and drinks than what you would pay for the same items at a grocery store.
2. Portion sizes: Portions at restaurants can be larger than what you would typically eat at home, leading to waste and higher calorie intake.
3. Hidden costs: Eating out often comes with additional costs such as tips, taxes, and parking fees.
4. Inefficiency: Cooking at home can be more efficient, as you can make larger portions and have leftovers for later.

Here is what the expert says:

Financial expert Dave Ramsey generally encourages people to minimize their spending on dining out in order to save money and reach financial goals. He believes that eating out can be a waste of money because restaurants typically charge higher prices for food than what you would pay for the same items at a grocery store. 

He also advocates for cooking at home and meal planning as a way to save money, control portions, and make healthier food choices.

However, he also acknowledges that there can be benefits to eating out, such as convenience, socialization, and the enjoyment of trying new foods. He encourages people to make informed decisions about their spending, balancing the benefits of eating out with their budget and financial goals.

Overall, eating out can be a waste of money if it becomes a habit and you’re not careful with portion sizes and added costs. However, if you eat out occasionally and within your budget, it can be a treat and an enjoyable part of life.

What are the restaurants that offer free meals on birthdays?

Here are 50 restaurants in America that offer free meals for birthdays:

1. Applebee’s
2. Arby’s
3. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
4. Black Angus Steakhouse
5. Bob Evans
6. Boston Market
7. Buffalo Wild Wings
8. BurgerFi
9. California Pizza Kitchen
10. Carrabba’s Italian Grill
11. Chili’s
12. Claim Jumper
13. Cracker Barrel
14. Denny’s
15. Dunkin’ Donuts
16. Firehouse Subs
17. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
18. Fuddruckers
19. Golden Corral
20. IHOP
21. Joe’s Crab Shack
22. Johnny Rockets
23. Krispy Kreme
24. Longhorn Steakhouse
25. Maggiano’s Little Italy
26. Olive Garden
27. Outback Steakhouse
28. Panera Bread
29. P.F. Chang’s
30. Red Robin
31. Red Lobster
32. Ruby Tuesday
33. Sizzler
34. Sonny’s BBQ
35. Starbucks
36. Subway
37. Sweet Tomatoes
38. T.G.I. Friday’s
39. Texas Roadhouse
40. The Habit Burger Grill
41. The Melting Pot
42. UNO Pizzeria & Grill
43. Village Inn
44. Waffle House
45. Whataburger
46. White Castle
47. Yard House
48. Yogurtland
49. Zaxby’s
50. Zoe’s Kitchen

Please note that the availability and terms of these offers may vary by location and may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check with the restaurant directly before visiting.

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Conclusion

So I think you’re now clear on how to find cheap eats near me. 

And you see the list of 1600 restaurants in different places and cities to eat cheap food. 

But remember that cooking at home is 5 times less costly than eating out. So if your income is low and you want to stay on a budget then try to avoid eating out frequently.

The best way is to keep a launch box with yourself to do lunch at the workplace. It’s not only healthy but also saves you money. 

Now it’s your turn to keep in mind the different savings strategies explained above to save on eating out and cut down on your expenses. 

If you find this post informational then share it with your social friends to spread the good words.