Best Sit-Down Restaurant Deals Under $15 (2026)
Quick answer
- Chili’s 3 for Me starts at about $10.99 for a drink, starter and entree.
- Applebee’s 2 for $25 works out to $12.50 per person, and the Really BIG Meal Deal is about $9.99.
- Outback’s Aussie 3-Course Meal starts around $14.99.
- Weekday lunch at Olive Garden, LongHorn and Cheddar’s starts under $11.
Eating at a sit-down restaurant does not have to cost $30 a person. Many casual dining chains now compete with fast food on price. Here are the best sit-down deals where you can eat for about $15 or less before tax and tip.
Best sit-down deals under $15
| Restaurant | Deal | Typical price | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chili’s | 3 for Me | From about $10.99 | Bottomless drink, starter and entree |
| Applebee’s | Really BIG Meal Deal | About $9.99 | Burger or crispy chicken, endless fries, drink |
| Applebee’s | 2 for $25 | $12.50 per person | Two entrees and one appetizer |
| Outback | Aussie 3-Course Meal | From about $14.99 | Soup or salad, entree, cheesecake |
| Olive Garden | Weekday lunch | From about $8.49 | Soup, salad and breadsticks, or lunch entrees from about $10.99 |
| LongHorn | Pick Two lunch | From about $9.49 | Two half portions, Monday to Saturday |
| Cheddar’s | Weekday lunch plates | From about $8.79 | Lunch-size entrees until 3 PM |
| Texas Roadhouse | Early Dine | From about $10.49 | Sirloin, chicken or pulled pork plates on weekday afternoons |
| Twin Peaks | Full Tank Lunch | From about $7.99 | Weekday lunch plates |
| Denny’s | Triple Play Combo Meals | From about $9.99 | Drink, starter and entree |
| Cracker Barrel | Chicken n’ Dumplins | About $11.99 to $13.64 | Entree with sides and biscuits |
How to keep a sit-down meal under $15
- Go at lunch. Most chains cut prices on weekdays before 3 or 4 PM.
- Pick a bundle deal that includes your drink.
- Fill up on free extras, like rolls at Texas Roadhouse or breadsticks at Olive Garden.
- Share a starter instead of ordering one each.
- Skip alcohol, which can double the bill.
Do not forget tax and tip
A $15 meal usually comes to about $18 to $20 after sales tax and a standard 18% to 20% tip. Plan for that when you set your budget. Our tipping guide covers what to leave.
Best deal by craving
- Burgers: Applebee’s Really BIG Meal Deal or Chili’s 3 for Me with a Big Smasher.
- Steak: Texas Roadhouse Early Dine sirloin or Outback’s 3-Course Meal with a 6 oz sirloin.
- Pasta: Olive Garden weekday lunch or the limited-time Never Ending Pasta Bowl.
- Breakfast: Denny’s Build Your Own Grand Slam or a Waffle House All-Star Special.
- Southern comfort food: Cracker Barrel Chicken n’ Dumplins or its $5 Take Home meal with a dine-in entree.
Kids and families
Families can save by sharing appetizers and using kids menus, which run about $5 to $8 at most casual chains. Outback has offered free kids meals on Mondays with an adult entree at participating locations. See our kids meal prices guide for more.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest sit-down restaurant deal?
Applebee’s Really BIG Meal Deal at about $9.99 and Chili’s 3 for Me from about $10.99 are among the cheapest sit-down meals.
How does Chili’s 3 for Me work?
You pick a bottomless drink, a starter and an entree. Prices start at about $10.99 and go up for premium entrees.
Is Applebee’s 2 for $25 a good deal?
Yes. Two entrees and an appetizer for $25 works out to $12.50 per person before tax and tip.
Which chains have lunch specials?
Olive Garden, LongHorn, Cheddar’s, Twin Peaks and The Cheesecake Factory all have weekday lunch menus.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
