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 Tips for finding what you need online, including grocery delivery apps, online fitness options and health resources.

Join 8, cheapskates and get our free daily newsletter, filled with valuable advice to help you live better on less.

Atlanta on the Cheap. Charlotte on the Cheap. Chicago on the Cheap. Columbus on the Cheap. Mile High Denver on the Cheap. Hawaii on the Cheap. Kansas City on the Cheap. Vegas Living on the Cheap. Madison on the Cheap. Myrtle Beach on the Cheap. Orlando on the Cheap.

Phoenix on the Cheap. Portland Living on the Cheap. RVA on the Cheap. Greater Seattle on the Cheap. Triangle on the Cheap. South Florida on the Cheap. Southern Maine on the Cheap.

All Our Cities. Skip to primary navigation Skip to secondary navigation Skip to main content Skip to primary sidebar Skip to footer. Search this site Get our free daily newsletter, filled with deals, discounts and news you can use now. Restaurants like to hear about your experience at their establishment, so if they ask you to complete a survey, take them up on the offer.

Similarly, SurveyMini is a free app that unlocks discounts when you complete questionnaires about restaurants. Don't forget to factor in a tip for your server. For easy ways to incorporate needs and wants into your spending plan, see our advice on how to budget for both.

On a similar note Personal Finance. How to Eat Out on a Budget. Follow the writer. MORE LIKE THIS Personal Finance. Buy gift cards below face value.

Ask for a discount. Join the club.

Who doesn't like to save while eating out? Here are some dining offers and coupons you can take advantage of the next time you eat out 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 Before you head to your favorite local restaurant, check out the latest restaurant coupons, vouchers, and discounts here on DealNews. Find deals near you on

Dining on a budget offers - 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 Who doesn't like to save while eating out? Here are some dining offers and coupons you can take advantage of the next time you eat out 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 Before you head to your favorite local restaurant, check out the latest restaurant coupons, vouchers, and discounts here on DealNews. Find deals near you on

Feb 09, PM MST. Feb 09, AM MST. Feb 08, PM MST. Feb 08, AM MST. Feb 07, PM MST. Feb 06, AM MST. Get Ready. Feb 04, PM MST. Feb 03, AM MST. Feb 02, PM MST. Feb 02, AM MST. Feb 01, PM MST. Jan 31, AM MST. you'll definitely want to download the restaurant apps below. These restaurants may be cheap, but the food is still really good.

Auntie Anne's - Get a FREE pretzel! We love this cheap restaurant promo! Baskin-Robbins - Get a FREE scoop of ice cream! Get a FREE scoop of ice cream when you download the Baskin-Robbins app iOS or Android and sign up for their mobile deals!

Arby's has the meats! Fortunately, for hungry bargain hunters, the popular fast-food restaurant also has "the … [Read More After the kids moved out and I had to cook for one, I quickly grew tired of it. At home, I get caught in a routine of … [Read More Sugar and cream, please!

Bagels' signature brew, served hot or iced, is the … [Read More Say cheese! Bargain hunters always smile when they can stretch their dining-out budget — especially when it comes to … [Read More See More Restaurant Deals. Disclaimer: Not all local restaurants participate in all national promotions, so please call your local restaurant and verify the deal is valid there before going out.

If you see a deal that you know is no longer in effect, please email editors livingonthecheap. If you need a last-minute lunch or dinner plan, look here for ideas about how to feed yourself or your family for less.

Even procrastinators can save because there are plenty of restaurant deals to be had right now. 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 any twofer or BOGO deals, or bring an extra home to enjoy later.

Learn about dollar menus and happy hour deals that can help you save on dining out every day. Eating out at a restaurant can fit in your budget when you take advantage of all these free and cheap food deals available this week.

Don't be fooled — there is such a thing as a free lunch. More Dining Tips. Join 8, cheapskates and get our free daily newsletter, filled with valuable advice to help you live better on less. Atlanta on the Cheap. Charlotte on the Cheap. Chicago on the Cheap. Columbus on the Cheap.

Mile High Denver on the Cheap. Hawaii on the Cheap. With this busy time of year, comes more activities, sports, and events which means less time for cooking family dinners!

Check out these restaurants that offer free delivery right to your door and Amazon Prime members can score a FREE 1-Year Grubhub membership! On February 14th only, Qdoba is offering Rewards members one FREE entrée with the purchase of an entrée and a drink.

This offer is available online, through the app, or in-store. Share the love this V-Day and treat your partner, friend, or family member to a meal!

This reward is automatically uploaded to your Rewards profile. All you gotta do is Pucker up this month! 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!

Dining on a budget offers - 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 Who doesn't like to save while eating out? Here are some dining offers and coupons you can take advantage of the next time you eat out 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 Before you head to your favorite local restaurant, check out the latest restaurant coupons, vouchers, and discounts here on DealNews. Find deals near you on

Mile High Denver on the Cheap. Hawaii on the Cheap. Kansas City on the Cheap. Vegas Living on the Cheap. Madison on the Cheap.

Myrtle Beach on the Cheap. Orlando on the Cheap. Phoenix on the Cheap. Portland Living on the Cheap. RVA on the Cheap. Greater Seattle on the Cheap.

Triangle on the Cheap. South Florida on the Cheap. Southern Maine on the Cheap. All Our Cities. Skip to primary navigation Skip to secondary navigation Skip to main content Skip to primary sidebar Skip to footer. Search this site Latest Restaurant Coupons and Deals Red Robin is offering two sweet deals for Valentine's Day couples!

Tuesday Drops at Taco Bell Every Week am to pm Discounted Taco Bell. Einstein Bros. Bagels Offers FREE Coffee Every Day am to pm FREE Einstein Bros.

Reusable Cup Earns Bonus at Starbucks am to pm Discounted Starbucks. Enjoy FREE Buttermilk Pancakes at IHOP am to pm FREE IHOP. Panera Bread's Unlimited Sip Club Offers Discounted Beverages am to pm Discounted Panera Bread.

Red Robin Offers Gift Card Discount Online am to pm Discounted Red Robin. Taco Bell's Cravings Value Menu am to pm Discounted Taco Bell. Red Lobster Offers Family Meal Deals am to pm Discounted Red Lobster. Kids Eat FREE at Red Lobster am to pm FREE Red Lobster.

Get Buy-One-Get-One FREE Shake at Shake Shack pm to pm Discounted Shake Shack. IHOP Happy Hour Specials at IHOP pm to pm Discounted IHOP. Half-Price Cheeseburgers at Sonic pm to pm Discounted Sonic Drive-In. FREE Pie Wednesday at Village Inn am to pm FREE Village Inn. QDOBA Mexican Eats: Buy-One-Get-One-FREE Entree on Valentine's Day am to pm Discounted QDOBA Mexican Eats.

Tips and Tricks for Eating Out for Less. Get Our Free Newsletter! Find Deals and Free Events in These Cities. Footer Atlanta on the Cheap. As Seen On. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. About Us Advertise Privacy Policy In The News Our Network. You can either set a monthly goal, a weakly goal, or a per-meal goal, it really doesn't matter, just stick to it.

Know your number and don't spend a penny more. From senior citizen and military discounts to Groupon, it's pretty easy to find great deals these days. Don't forget to look up your restaurant of choice online too. Many restaurants have active social media accounts which offer deals and specials. Many major cities also have restaurant week style events throughout the year.

Participating restaurants offer major discounts for a three-course meal. If you're going to eat out anyway, a coupon or discount is worth investigating. Toast to a lower bill by keeping your alcohol consumption to a minimum.

Bars and restaurants markup drinks a lot. Have a drink at home before or after dinner, or limit yourself to just one at dinner. Mixed drinks can often cost nearly the same amount as an entrée, so foregoing a drink can nearly cut your bill in half.

Portion sizes have gotten totally out of hand at most restaurants, but you can use this to your advantage. Splitting an entrée means you'll save a lot of money.

Or if you don't split your meal, at least take home half and you've essentially paid once to feed yourself twice. As I mentioned earlier, I love planning my meals in advance.

I totally geek out over online menus. If you know where you are going to eat in advance, check out the online menu and hopefully it will help you make a budget-friendly choice. Especially if you are going to a pricier restaurant, looking at the menu in advance will help you make the hard decision to skip a drink or order an appetizer for your meal.

It's exactly this kind of clear-headed decision you are unlikely to make in the heat of the moment at the restaurant.

Video