Buzz
It's clear that no industry is immune to rising labor and supply costs. Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti recently revealed a % price hike on all menu items, following a similar increase from October. Once known for being an affordable and convenient choice for busy people, fast food has transformed into a more 'fast casual' dining experience, with prices now nearing those of sit-down restaurants.
Is there still a place where one can enjoy a quick, albeit indulgent, meal without spending a fortune? Don’t worry—here are five chain restaurants where you can still score a meal for under $10.
Subway
While the days of the Five Dollar Footlong are behind us, Subway still offers a filling lunch for under $5. For just $4.99, choose from a six-inch Black Forest Ham, Meatball Marinara, Cold Cut Combo, or Spicy Italian. Add a bottle of water or fountain drink for $2.19 and a side of chips or applesauce for $1.49, and you'll have a satisfying meal—plus enough change to hit the arcade for a few rounds of Retro Ms. Pac-Man.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A, America’s fastest-growing chain, isn’t just famous for its chicken but also for its affordability. The restaurant offers several combo meals under $10, including their classic and spicy chicken sandwiches, as well as regular and grilled nuggets, all served with a fountain soda or water and a side of waffle fries. Chick-fil-A stands out as one of the higher-quality choices in the under-$10 range—just remember, don’t even think about adding a cookie or milkshake.
Panera Bread
Let’s be real—if you walk into a Panera Bread expecting to order anything off the menu for under $10, you're in for a disappointment. But if you play it smart, you can leave without emptying your wallet. The secret? Soup. Not the most thrilling option, but when you're aiming to keep lunch under $10, what did you expect? The You Pick 2 combo? Dream on.
Choose from a selection of Creamy Tomato Soup, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, or Mac and Cheese. Have it served in a bread bowl, add an apple on the side, and enjoy a fountain soda. Voila! You're enjoying Panera Bread without breaking the bank.
McDonald's
In case it's been a while since you've visited McDonald's, here's the scoop: The dollar menu as you once knew it is no longer. It's been replaced by a 'value menu' with items priced at $1, $2, or $3. It's a bummer, but not exactly surprising.
Now that you've had some time to digest this update, let's discuss the best approach. McDonald's value is never found in the combos—it never was. Your best bet is to mix and match items from the value menu. With options like the McChicken, McDouble, fries, and fountain drinks, there are plenty of ways to grab lunch for under $10. Don’t hesitate to swap fries for apple slices; your heart will thank you later.
Taco Bell
To be completely honest, this author has never dined at Taco Bell. He genuinely prefers Chipotle Mexican Grill. However, if you believe you can leave a Chipotle Mexican Grill without spending over $10, I have a bridge I'd like to sell you. That said, I'm quite familiar with the allure of Taco Bell's menu; they consistently introduce new items at incredibly low prices.
At all the chain restaurants previously mentioned, you must approach their menus with careful thought and strategy to keep your order under $10. But at Taco Bell, that’s not a concern. Feel free to indulge. Craving a crunchy taco? Go for it! Want triple layer nachos? Why not order two? The only limit to what you can order at Taco Bell is your imagination. You’ll sense you’re nearing the $10 mark when the cashier starts giving you that curious look.
