Feeding a family out without breaking the bank is harder today than it was just a few years ago. Rising food and labor costs have pushed even traditional value restaurants to raise prices, and what used to be a “cheap dinner out” now feels like a luxury for many households.
Still, with some smart choices, strategic ordering, and loyalty programs, families can find affordable restaurant meals — often for the price of a week’s groceries at home. In this guide, we break down the cheapest places to eat as a family, how much you might expect to pay, and practical tips to save money on dining out.
1. Classic Fast Food: Quick, Budget-Friendly Options
Fast food remains one of the easiest ways to feed a family cheaply, especially if you focus on value menus and combo deals.
Typical Costs
According to aggregated price data across major chains, feeding a family of four at fast-food restaurants usually starts around:
- Taco Bell: ~$17 for four burritos without drinks/sides
- Subway: ~$27 for two large and two small sandwiches
- Burger King / McDonald’s: ~$23–$30 for four basic sandwiches (not including sides/drinks)
These prices vary by location, but with app-only coupons, digital deals, and rewards programs, the cost can drop significantly.
Best Fast Food for Families
- McDonald’s – Value meals and app deals can keep costs down (even though recent price hikes have made it less cheap than in the past).
- Taco Bell – Offers large items under $5, and a variety of tacos and burritos make feeding multiple people more affordable.
- Cook Out – Known for its Cook Out Tray (entrée, two sides, and a drink) often under ~$7.
Pro tip: Ordering family packs or bundle deals (e.g., 8 tacos for a group) is almost always cheaper than ordering individual items.
2. Value Combos & Family Meals
Some restaurants go beyond individual combos and offer family packs that serve 3–5 people at a set low price.
Examples of Affordable Group Meals
- KFC Family Meal: Around $20 for a bucket of chicken, several sides, and biscuits — enough for four people.
- Texas Roadhouse “Texas-Sized” Takeout Meals: Roughly $40 for a family of four with sides and rolls, plus leftovers in many cases.
These meals often cost less per person than ordering à la carte — a key reason they’re recommended in personal finance guides about eating out on a budget.
3. Budget Casual Dining & Chain Restaurants
Not all cheap meals come from fast food. Some casual dining chains offer value-focused menus, kids-eat-free nights, and bulk entrées that can make eating out affordable.
Family Restaurants With Value
- Chili’s / Cracker Barrel / Olive Garden: Large portions, kids’ menus, and weekly specials can bring per-person costs down compared with sit-down dinners elsewhere.
- Golden Corral: Buffet-style pricing lets families eat as much as they like for one flat fee — a big win for larger groups.
Pro tip: Visit on kids’ nights or find restaurants with kids eat free with purchase of an adult entrée — a common strategy in affordable dining guides.
4. Proven Smart Strategies to Stretch Your Dining Budget
Eating out cheap is about more than just picking the restaurant — it’s also about how you order.
1. Download Apps for Rewards and Coupons
Many chains now offer exclusive deals in their apps — from free fries to $5 family bundles with a purchase. Signing up can slice 10–30% off your bill.
2. Check for Local Deals & Loyalty Offers
Smaller regional restaurants often have “kids under 12 eat free” days, early-bird specials, or printable coupons — perfect for families.
3. Eat Earlier or During Off-Peak Hours
Lunch specials often cost much less than dinner menus. A family outing at midday can be cheaper per person.
4. Share Large Entrees & Order Sides Instead of Individual Meals
Ordering a few large mains to share with inexpensive sides or appetizers can be more economical than buying four full meals.
Why This Matters Now
While fast food and casual dining once offered predictable, ultra-low prices, rising inflation and higher operational costs have pushed menu prices up nationwide. Many Americans now find that even traditional value spots are no longer as “cheap” as before — though they still remain the best options for feeding a family affordably when done smartly.
Final Thoughts: Cheap Doesn’t Mean Unhealthy
By pairing budget-friendly restaurant choices with savvy ordering — like choosing grilled items, water instead of soft drinks, and kids’ portions — families can dine out without overspending and still make health-minded decisions.
Whether you’re feeding a family of four for under $30 or finding deals that make dinners feel like treats instead of expenses, the key is a mix of planning, research, and smart ordering.