These Are the 12 Cheapest Food Chains to Feed a Family On

As parents, we know the healthiest option for dinner is typically cooking from home. However, we also know that sometimes, with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, eating at a restaurant is the more convenient option. You may be in a pinch between school, work, sports, and other commitments. Yet, just because you are in a pinch doesn't mean you have to spend an arm and a leg at a restaurant!

With approximately 24% to 29% of households in the U.S. living paycheck to paycheck, we know it's not always feasible for families to eat out, even at a fast food restaurant. However, if you do choose to grab a meal for dinner, you're likely looking for the most affordable options.

To help you out, here is a list of 12 of the cheapest food chains around. Some are sit-down restaurants, while others are fast food joints. Whatever you are in the mood for, you should be able to find something that won't break the bank to feed you and your family.

This post was updated in February 2026 to include updated information about affordable fast food restaurants.

The most popular fast-food restaurant around is undoubtedly McDonald's. Though it isn't exactly the healthiest option, there is no denying that they do have some cheap menu items. You can choose from their McValue menu, which features deals like 'Buy one, add one for $1' on select items. There is also the $5 Meal Deal, which includes a McDouble or McChicken, small fries, a 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, and a small soft drink.

Another one of the cheap food chains out there, Bob Evans, is an excellent option if you are in the mood for a sit-down casual restaurant that isn't exactly fast food. They offer a $7.99 deal to order breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Options include pancakes, waffles, French toast, eggs, down-home country fried steak, or chicken breasts. Bob Evans also offers family-sized menu options at competitive prices, such as family-sized sides and a variety of family meal deals, with prices varying by location and selection.

Like McDonald's, In-N-Out is another great fast-food restaurant for families. Their secret menu is immensely popular with customers, and so are their cheaper menu items. These menu items include cheeseburgers for about $3.50, hamburgers for about $3.30, and an order of fries for about $2.15.

Denny's is a breakfast joint that makes it easy to enjoy a savory and hearty breakfast any time of day or night. This is an excellent choice if you are on the road late at night, craving a large stack of pancakes. Denny's has a $2, $4, $6, and $8 Value Menu that makes dining as a family affordable and enjoyable.

Taco Bell is a tasty destination for those craving Tex-Mex for lunch or dinner. They have a Cravings Value Menu with items like the Cheesy Roll Up starting at about $1.29, and most choices are priced at $3 or less. Additionally, many combo options are around $10 or less, and most tacos and burritos are priced under $5. This abundance of choices makes it easy to feed a large family for less.

Chili's is another sit-down restaurant that offers value choices. These choices include the 3 For Me deal, which includes a drink, appetizer, and entree. This option begins at $10.99. Additionally, their kids' menu options are around $4.99.

Many perks come with eating at TGI Fridays, from their relaxed atmosphere to their weekly deals. Fabulous Fridays allows customers to buy a specific menu item and get a different one by purchasing two drinks. Some TGI Friday's locations, particularly internationally, offer a Kids Eat Free menu with the purchase of an adult entrée. Availability and details of this promotion vary by location, so check with your local restaurant.

Pizza Hut gives customers plenty of choices if they are in the mood for pizza. You could try the $7 Deal Lover's. This includes two or more options, from pizza to dessert, for only $7. Additionally, they have $6.99 Pizza Hut melts or the Big Dinner Box.

Another cheap pizza option for families is Domino's. Like Pizza Hut, they have a choice of two or more select menu options starting at $6.99 each. Also, customers can choose a carryout deal of one topping pizza for $7.99 each. These savings help families eat out when they may be jam-packed with other commitments. Who has time to cook on these nights?

Cracker Barrel is a down-home restaurant that makes customers feel cozy and comfortable as they gather with their loved ones. You can do it more often with their cheaper meal options. If you are looking for a meal under $12, Cracker Barrel offers a wide selection, including options like Chicken n' Dumplins and Country Fried Steak. Most kids' menu options are under $7.

If you are a fan of buffets, Golden Corral is a great place to get value options. Adults can enjoy the dinner buffet for about $16.99, while kids' buffet prices vary by age and location, typically ranging from $7.99 to $9.99. Any child under three eats free with an adult purchase. The options change depending on the day of the week and what meal; if you are curious, look at the rest of the 2025 buffet prices for Golden Corral.

In the mood for chicken? Popeyes Chicken is offering the Big Box Value Meal for a limited time. Customers receive two chicken pieces, a side, a drink, and a biscuit for $6 to $6.99, depending on location. Furthermore, many of the popular menu items at Popeyes are affordably priced. For example, the spicy chicken sandwich is about $5.49, the red beans and rice is around $2.99, the butterfly shrimp tackle box is $5.99, and the six-piece nuggets are typically priced under $5.

Feeding a family while dining out doesn't have to feel like you are paying a small car loan. These 12 cheap food chains make the family's eating out experience more affordable and enjoyable. If you're trying to save the most money, you can always check for restaurant coupons online or look for any weekly specials local restaurants are offering.