Despite the glorified reminiscing about times gone by, a dollar didn't actually get you a whole lot when there were genuine dollar menus at most fast-food chains. You still needed to spend a little extra cheddar to make it a meal. So, instead, let's see where a Lincoln can take you.

We rolled around to ubiquitous chains like McDonald's, Subway, and Chipotle to find the best meal that can be cobbled together for about five bucks. To eat on a budget, you need a system. Here are the three principles driving the food selection for this list:.

We're looking for the best food the joint offers on a budget. It's not about the most food you can get. It's about the best meal you can construct. It's a little bit about the most food you can get. It's a meal, right?

Also, we're not paying attention to limited-time offers that won't be around in a few weeks. Sorry, Nacho Fries and unicorn thingamajigs. Build your own combo. What to order: It's a little tricky to get the price down while filling up at your favorite mall-based restaurant.

Nonetheless, you can get pretty close, especially if you opt to skip a soda and get some water. You probably need to hydrate anyhow, right? It's pretty damn solid all things considered. While this meal is put together with menu prices, you can pretty reliably find a deep discount in the Wendy's app and occasionally even land a free burger.

Nonetheless, to get your meal, skip the Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger and grab two Jr. You haven't really eaten at Wendy's until you've dipped your fries in a Frosty.

The money goes to charity and you wind up getting free Frostys for an entire year. What to order: If you're looking to maximize your caloric intake for the buck, the Sausage Egg and Cheese on a croissant has a whopping calories.

The bagels at Dunkin' tend to survive life before your mouth a little more intact than the croissant. No, you aren't getting a coffee, but Dunkin' isn't fooling anyone with the name change.

You still came there for the donut. What to order: Chipotle is not the go-to spot for a budget-conscious eater. You really can't get anything there's a kid's menu. The same thing less the juice box from the adult menu costs slightly more. However, it's entirely possible if you think outside the Mountain.

Yeah, the Jamocha Shake is only available here, but these are the best damn fries in the game. It's also worth checking if they're offering anything for signing up for the Arby's email list. Sometimes handing over your email lands you a free sandwich or gyro. What to order: If you've ever been to a White Castle or have seen a film with the words "Harold and Kumar" in the title, you know the drill.

What to order: No, the Colonel still isn't bringing back the long-dead Double Down. Though, the nuggets would substitute well and keep you in the same price range. Plus, you'd be getting those sweet, sweet sauces.

Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason. What to order: Jimmy John's hasn't always been the best place for a super-cheap lunch. However, in late , JJ added the Little John. The code will issued via direct message on Instagram and can be used for curbside takeout or delivery from February 19th through March 8th!

Some crust types, toppings, sauces, and premium items may come with an additional charge. Within 24 hours of ordering, check your Rewards account under the My Deals and Rewards tab to claim your offer.

Note that you must claim your offer within 7 days and use it within 30 or it will expire. If your offer expires before you use it, you can still earn another.

Through February 20th, The Cheesecake Factory is running a promotion that rewards guests with every online purchase of eGift cards! Note that this offer is valid on eGift cards purchased online. The dining credit received from this promotion may be used beginning February 21st, , and it expires at the end of the business day on March 31st, No promo code is required — simply order through the offer in the app!

That means you can get your daily coffee fix for a lot less for a whole month with this Rewards Member exclusive offer! Note this offer excludes Nitro Cold Brew, Cold Brew, and Espresso coffee beverages.

Limit 1 per reward member per day. These nachos are topped with refried beans, nacho cheese sauce, seasoned beef, sour cream, and diced tomatoes. Sound good? All you need to do is sign up and your reward will be posted to your account within 24 hours!

Note that prices may vary in AK and HI. This offer is valid through February 16th and can only be redeemed on orders placed online. Your offer will be valid for two weeks. Note that offers must be redeemed in the app or through the website for pickup orders, and redeemed in-store through the app for dine-in orders at participating locations.

They are not valid for delivery and can vary by account. To score the deal, place your order online or through the app and use promo code 99CRAZY at checkout. Keep in mind that there is a limit of 5 Take Homes per entrée when dining restaurant, and a limit of 1 per entrée with To Go online orders.

Remember, Take Home entrées do not include soup, salad, or breadsticks. You can pick from three yummy options, including Fettuccine Alfredo, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, and Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.

The meal has to be right around $5. 2. We're looking for the best food the joint offers on a budget. It's not about the most food you can get Here are the best restaurant deals we know of for the upcoming week. Plan your meals out for the best day of the week for a discount. Invite a friend along for Daily Budget-Friendly Food Deals · HEB has a free item every Sunday. · Fajita Express on Culebra at · QT subs are $6 and way better than

Budget-friendly eatery deals - Missing The meal has to be right around $5. 2. We're looking for the best food the joint offers on a budget. It's not about the most food you can get Here are the best restaurant deals we know of for the upcoming week. Plan your meals out for the best day of the week for a discount. Invite a friend along for Daily Budget-Friendly Food Deals · HEB has a free item every Sunday. · Fajita Express on Culebra at · QT subs are $6 and way better than

Breakfast all day! They also have sandwiches, soups, and salads. Great breakfast and brunch spot with a variety of lunch and dinner options as well! Vietnamese street food made from simple and fresh ingredients. Choose between pho, salads, spring rolls, or banh mi sandwiches.

A post shared by Bếp Eatery bepeatery. Dave's is the go-to place for many who work downtown. The have great breakfast sandwiches and lunch time classics especially the wraps for reasonable prices. Sawatdee Downtown Sunday - Thursday pm Discounts on select appetizers, house wine, domestic bottles, taps, specialty drinks, and house martinis.

Pizza Lucé Downtown Sunday - Thursday specials including Tap Tuesday, Whiskey Wednesday, and Tequila Thursday. Bar Rufus Daily pm Pick from select food and drink items, including oysters, a Blondette burger, and pommes frites.

Included beverages range between a martini and a pilsner. Day Block Brewing Tuesday - Friday pmpm and Sunday pmpm Discounts on beer, cocktails, snacks and more. This Website uses cookies to enhance your visitor experience.

Head to Atlanta Chinatown and its food court to partake in everything from hand-pulled noodle dishes and hot pots to succulent roast duck and dumplings.

Grab a cup of complimentary hot tea and take a seat inside or in the garden courtyard patio. This sandwich slider shop continues to put an astounding amount of effort into every small sandwich that comes out of its kitchen. For those craving braised beef, try the Beast on Yeast.

Many Atlantans consider the bánh mì at Quoc Huong in the Asian Square complex to be the best in metro Atlanta. The fresh French bread definitely contributes to this reputation.

The favorite order here is the barbecue pork. Order five bánh mì, and that sixth one is free. For over 22 years, this counter-serve, vegetarian restaurant in Decatur has been feeding its loyal regulars Indian street foods like dosas, samosas, and biryani as well as a variety of thali platters.

A great place to feed a crowd and eat family-style. Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies.

Atlanta Share this story Twitter Facebook Pocket Flipboard Email. Map View. More Maps. More in Atlanta See more maps. Pocket Flipboard Email. View as Map. by Mike Jordan and Beth McKibben Updated Dec 21, , am EST.

Read More Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. Visit Website. Jr Dr SW suite , Atlanta, GA Also featured in:.

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Atlanta China Town Food Court. Chamblee, GA Quoc Huong Banh Mi Fast Food. Chat Patti Indian Vegetarian Restaurant.

Budget-friendly eatery deals - Missing The meal has to be right around $5. 2. We're looking for the best food the joint offers on a budget. It's not about the most food you can get Here are the best restaurant deals we know of for the upcoming week. Plan your meals out for the best day of the week for a discount. Invite a friend along for Daily Budget-Friendly Food Deals · HEB has a free item every Sunday. · Fajita Express on Culebra at · QT subs are $6 and way better than

Steve's Place is one of the few places in the area that serves authentic corned beef hash. And the best part is, you can enjoy this and any of their other breakfast options all day. With over 30 years of experience, Main Moon in Glens Falls serves some of the finest Chinese food in the area.

Whether you're in the mood for lunch or dinner, the restaurant takes pride in making every dish flavorful and the best it can be. Their vast menu features over items, many of which are budget friendly.

That means you can get your daily coffee fix for a lot less for a whole month with this Rewards Member exclusive offer! Note this offer excludes Nitro Cold Brew, Cold Brew, and Espresso coffee beverages. Limit 1 per reward member per day. These nachos are topped with refried beans, nacho cheese sauce, seasoned beef, sour cream, and diced tomatoes.

Sound good? All you need to do is sign up and your reward will be posted to your account within 24 hours! Note that prices may vary in AK and HI. This offer is valid through February 16th and can only be redeemed on orders placed online.

Your offer will be valid for two weeks. Note that offers must be redeemed in the app or through the website for pickup orders, and redeemed in-store through the app for dine-in orders at participating locations.

They are not valid for delivery and can vary by account. To score the deal, place your order online or through the app and use promo code 99CRAZY at checkout. Keep in mind that there is a limit of 5 Take Homes per entrée when dining restaurant, and a limit of 1 per entrée with To Go online orders.

Remember, Take Home entrées do not include soup, salad, or breadsticks. You can pick from three yummy options, including Fettuccine Alfredo, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, and Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. These entrées are prepared, packaged, and chilled, making them ready to take home — perfect for dinner that night or lunch the next day!

You can always expect delicious cheeseburgers, wings and crabcakes to be on the menu. Have a delicious meal for less at Old Ebbitt Grill , the oldest restaurant in DC. There, guests can enjoy raw bar items for 50 percent off during Oyster Happy Hour, every day from p. and 11 p. DC-based chef Spike Mendelsohn rose to prominence on Top Chef and operates this burger-heavy eatery along with his family.

Using only fresh and seasonal components, as well as farm-raised beef, Good Stuff Eatery builds delicious burgers and shakes that will have you coming back for more. Visit Capitol Hill or Georgetown for the good stuff.

Yes, these current salad masters hail from DC. You can build your own salad or try one of their signature creations. You'll have no problem finding one: the salad specialists have locations all over the District. Another homegrown gem is District Taco , where taste buds are dazzled on a daily basis.

What began as a food truck is now a DC sensation, with multiple locations serving up its high-quality, Yucatan-style Mexican food.

Brave spice lovers beware: you have to ask for the habanero salsa for a reason. Pork sandwiches. Beef brisket. Cornbread, baked beans, coleslaw. Rocklands Barbeque in Glover Park has all the essential ingredients for an outstanding 'cue experience sure to leave you breathless — and with sticky fingers.

The blueberry buckwheat pancakes have been brightening up mornings for years, so order up your own and find out what all the fuss is about. Market Lunch is closed on Mondays and shuts down at 3 p.

or earlier every other day, so make room in your schedule for this treat. The Downtown fast casual spot offers a seasonal menu divided into hummus bowls and pita sandwiches you can also add in the dairy-free vanilla tahini soft-serve ice cream.

With locations across much of the Western United States, this healthy fast-casual chain debuted in the District with much fanfare.

The brainchild of James Beard Award nominee Sam Fox, Flower Child was created to provide affordable, made-from-scratch dishes that cater to every diet. So yes, you can bring your vegetarian, vegan and paleo friends here for everything from creative salads and small plates to organic grain bowls and wraps.

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