By Aliza, founder and editor of Menu Info. Updated October 2026.
A sit down meal does not have to cost $25 a person. Several big casual dining chains now offer full meals, sometimes with a drink or a starter, for under $15. These deals have become a key part of how restaurants compete with fast food, which has become more expensive in recent years. Here are the best sit down deals at the chains we track.
Prices are typical US prices in October 2026. Deals vary by location, are often dine in only and can change, so check each chain's app or website before you go.
Best sit down deals under $15
| Chain | Deal | Typical price | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chili's | 3 for Me | From $10.99 | Bottomless drink, a starter and an entree such as a burger |
| Texas Roadhouse | Early Dine | From about $10.99 | Selected entrees with sides at early dining times |
| Outback | Walkabout Wednesday | $13.99 | 6 oz sirloin or grilled chicken, Aussie Fries and a drink |
| Outback | Aussie 3-Course Meal | From $14.99 | Soup or salad, an entree and dessert |
| Cheddar's | Weekday lunch specials | From about $8.79 | Lunch size comfort food plates |
Chili's 3 for Me
Chili's 3 for Me is the deal that brought value back to casual dining. For about $10.99 you get a bottomless soft drink, a starter such as chips and salsa, and an entree like the Big Smasher Burger with fries. Higher tiers add steaks, ribs and pasta. Many diners find it costs about the same as a large fast food combo, but with table service.
Texas Roadhouse Early Dine
Texas Roadhouse offers Early Dine specials at many locations on weekday afternoons and early on Sundays. Selected entrees, including steaks, chicken and fish, come at lower prices, and the free rolls with cinnamon butter still come with your meal. Times vary, so check your local restaurant.
Outback's weekly deals
Outback runs a set of weekly deals. Walkabout Wednesday includes a 6 oz sirloin or grilled chicken with Aussie Fries and a draft beer or soft drink for $13.99, dine in. The Aussie 3-Course Meal starts at $14.99 with soup or salad, an entree and cheesecake.
Cheddar's lunch specials
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen is already one of the cheaper sit down chains, and its weekday lunch specials bring prices down further, starting around $8.79. Add Honey Butter Croissants for about $1.99 and you have a filling lunch for around $11.
What to watch out for
- Tax and tip: a $12 meal becomes about $15 to $16 after tax and a fair tip.
- Drinks: unless a drink is included, soft drinks cost about $3 to $3.50 and alcohol much more.
- Upgrades: premium sides, bigger steaks and extra toppings can quickly push the price over $15.
- Dine in only: most of these deals do not apply to takeout or delivery.
How sit down deals compare with fast food
| Meal | Typical cost before tax and tip |
|---|---|
| Large fast food burger combo | About $11 to $13 |
| Chili's 3 for Me | From $10.99 |
| Outback Walkabout Wednesday | $13.99 |
Once you add a tip, sit down deals cost a little more than fast food, but you get table service, refills and a more relaxed meal.
Tips to get the best value
- Plan your visit around deal days and times.
- Join rewards programs like My Chili's Rewards and Outback's Dine Rewards.
- Drink water if a drink is not included.
- Share a dessert instead of ordering one each.
- Join the waitlist online at busy times.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest sit down restaurant meal?
Chili's 3 for Me, starting at $10.99 with a drink, starter and entree, is one of the cheapest full sit down meals at a national chain.
Does Texas Roadhouse have early bird specials?
Yes. Many locations offer Early Dine specials at certain times on weekdays and Sundays.
Is Outback's 3-course meal worth it?
For many diners, yes. Starting at $14.99, it includes soup or salad, an entree and dessert.
Are these deals available for takeout?
Most are dine in only. Check each chain's terms.
How much should I tip at a sit down restaurant?
In the US, 15 to 20 percent of the bill before tax is common.
Find full menus and the latest deals on our restaurant menu pages, and more ideas in our guide on saving money on fast food. Prices and deals vary by location. Menu Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned.