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Eating out with your family can be a fun experience, but it can also be expensive.
As parents, we all want to enjoy delicious meals with our children while creating lasting memories together, but the rising costs of eating out can make that difficult.
The good news is you don’t have to spend a fortune on a family dinner!
We chose these 29 restaurants that allow a family of four to eat for under $50.
From kid-friendly menus to various cuisines, these spots will please your taste buds and help you save some cash.
So get set to enjoy yummy food without stressing about overspending because good times with family shouldn’t break the bank!
1. Cici’s Pizza
Cici’s Pizza is a popular restaurant known for its affordable, all-you-can-eat pizza buffet. Kids under 3 eat for free, and those between 3 and 11 can eat for a discounted price.
With a variety of pizza options, there’s something for even the pickiest eater in the family to enjoy. The laid-back atmosphere and arcade games make it a fun spot for families with children.
2. Golden Corral
Another buffet-style restaurant, Golden Corral, offers a wide range of options, from fried chicken to a salad bar and dessert station, making this a great choice for families.
Kids under four eat free with an adult, and older kids can enjoy a discounted price, making it an affordable dining option for families with children of all ages.
3. Denny’s
Denny’s is a great choice for experiencing a classic dinner meal with your family.
Kids eat for free on Tuesdays from 4 pm to 10 pm.
Even if you visit Denny’s on a different day, the restaurant offers a kid’s menu with various affordable options and family deals that can help you save money while enjoying a delicious meal.
4. Steak n Shake
Steak n Shake is a must-try if your family is in the mood for burgers and shakes; on weekends, kids eat free with every $9 spent by adults.
The kid’s menu includes options like mini burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
5. IHOP
If you love pancakes, IHOP is the perfect place to visit for a family meal because kids eat free every day from 4 pm to 10 pm, with each adult entree purchased.
IHOP offers pancakes and has a variety of other breakfast items, lunch and dinner options, and a kids’ menu with fun, creative kids’ meals like the Funny Face pancake.
6. Luby’s
At Luby’s, kids ten and under eat free every Wednesday and Saturday after 4:30 pm with each adult entree purchase.
Luby’s is known for its delicious home-style cooking. Kids will love the special kids’ menu, which includes favorites like chicken nuggets and spaghetti.
7. Fuddruckers
Fuddruckers is another burger joint where kids can enjoy free meals every Monday from 4 pm to close with each adult entree purchase.
Fuddruckers is known for its customizable burgers, fries, fresh ingredients, and plenty of different condiment choices, making it a great affordable option for picky eaters.
8. McCallister’s Deli
McAlister’s Deli offers a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entree every day from 4 pm to close.
McCallisters offers a delightful selection for the entire family, featuring a variety of sandwiches and soups for adults, along with a kids’ menu that includes classics like mac and cheese, grilled cheese, and mini turkey sandwiches.
Each kids’ meal comes with a choice of side and a cookie for a complete dining experience.
9. Captain D’s
When your family craves seafood, Captain D’s offers a wide selection of dishes and provides a free kids’ meal with any regular-priced adult meal purchase on Thursdays from 4 pm to close.
With a selection of grilled and fried seafood options and a kids’ menu that includes items like fish tenders and popcorn shrimp, Captain D’s has something for everyone in the family.
10. Chick-fil-A
On Tuesday nights from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Chick-fil-A offers a family night, offering a free kids’ meal with the purchase of any adult meal.
Their kids’ menu features items like chicken nuggets and grilled cheese, and adults can also enjoy a wide selection of chicken sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
This makes it an excellent option for families looking for an affordable dinner.
11. Chili’s
Chili’s restaurant offers various deals and specials throughout the week, and its reward programs include kids’ meals for free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Their extensive menu includes classic American dishes like burgers, ribs, and fajitas.
The fun atmosphere, with TVs playing sports games and a wide selection of desserts, makes it a great spot for families to make memories while enjoying a meal together.
12. Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday is another great choice for families looking to dine out without breaking the bank with free kids’ meals with an adult entree promotion on Tuesdays.
Children can indulge in beloved classics like macaroni and cheese and chicken tenders, while adults have a range of choices from pasta, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and a salad bar.
13. Taco Bell
Taco Bell is a popular fast-food chain that offers affordable and tasty options for families on a budget.
The family-style meals can easily feed a family of four, or you can order from the customizable menu with tacos, burritos, and nachos or a $5 box deal that includes an entree, drink, and a side.
14. KFC
Known for its famous fried chicken, KFC is a go-to spot for families looking to enjoy a delicious meal at an affordable price.
With several meal deal options, from just chicken to complete family meals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
15. Fricker’s
If you live in an area where Fricker’s is available, you know it’s a must-try for families.
The menu offers a variety of wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers.
Not only do they have a family-friendly atmosphere with TVs to keep the kids entertained while waiting for their meal, but kids eat free every day with the purchase of an adult entree.
16. Buffalo Wild Wings
Although Buffalo Wild Wings doesn’t provide complimentary kids meals, they offer a 50% discount on Sundays and Wednesdays when purchased alongside an adult meal.
Their kid’s meals, which typically include an entrée, side, and drink, are priced at around $8. On days with the 50% discount, you can treat your child to a meal for just $4.
17. McDonald’s
While not as cheap as it used to be, McDonald’s offers a $1 $2 $3 menu where you can get a handful of food for cheap.
Of course, they still offer their iconic Happy Meal, but thanks to inflation, this isn’t the best deal on the menu.
18. Village Inn
Village Inn is a family restaurant where kids get a free meal on Tuesdays with an adult purchase.
If you’ve never been to one, they resemble a Perkins, where you can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
The food is excellent, and the prices won’t break the bank.
19. Moe’s Southwest Grill
If you yearn for Tex-Mex cuisine on a Sunday, head to Moe’s Southwest Grill. When you purchase an adult entrée in-store, you’ll receive a complimentary kids’ meal.
Children can select from a variety of options, including burritos, quesadillas, or tacos. Each is accompanied by chips, salsa, a cookie, and a drink.
20. Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is an excellent, affordable family dining option due to its hearty portions and reasonably priced menu items.
With a diverse selection of classic American comfort food, including breakfast served all day, families can enjoy a satisfying meal without spending all their money in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
21. Olive Garden
Olive Garden offers an appealing combination of affordability and variety, making it a great choice for families on a budget.
With their unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks option, families can enjoy a filling meal at a reasonable price, while the diverse menu ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Families can also take advantage of their ‘Buy One, Take One’ promotion, in which they get a free entree by purchasing an entree.
Of course, you can save even more money by eating here for lunch instead of dinner.
22. Dominos
While Dominos isn’t the best pizza in the world, it is on the cheaper side. With the various promotions, you can easily feed a family for around $25.
And here is a tip: If the one you typically order from isn’t great, try another nearby location. I’ve been surprised at how one can have excellent quality and another can be poor.
23. Costco
You can easily feed a family for less than $20 at Costco. A large pizza costs $9.95, and a hot dog and soda combo is $1.50.
Of course, you do need a membership to take advantage of this option, but it could be the cheapest one by far.
24. Local Restaurants
Local, family restaurants in your area have special nights where kids eat free or on a discount. Simply call them up and ask.
To save money, look in your local paper. Many might offer coupons you can use to lower the price you pay.
25. Wendy’s
A Five-Dollar Biggie Bag is a great option. For $5, you get a burger, nuggets, fries, and a drink.
One bag is enough for two people, so a family of four can enjoy a meal for just $10.
26. O’Charley’s
With the ‘Feed the Family’ option on their takeout menu, you get six portions of chicken tenders or grilled chicken with two large sides and rolls, all for $40.
That price might sound like a lot, but odds are you won’t eat it all in one sitting, meaning you get to enjoy leftovers.
27. Applebee’s
Some Applebee’s participate in kids’ eat-free nights, but not all of them. As such, it is wise to call ahead and ask if your restaurant participates.
Even if they don’t, Applebee’s offers 2 for $20 or 2 for $25 deals when you get two meals for a reduced price.
Since these are adult-sized entrees, you should be able to feed two adults and two kids with this deal.
28. In-n-Out Burger
In-n-Out Burger is a great place to get a burger at an affordable price. While the combo prices are cheap, you can save more money by ordering a la carte if you don’t want everything in the meal.
Additionally, savvy spenders can opt for the 3×3 burger and get three patties that can be split among a couple of people.
How To Get Free Food With No Money
If you are short on cash, not eating doesn’t have to be a reality.
There are options out there that allow you to get free food, even if you don’t have any cash. Here is what you need to do.
How To Get Free Food With No Money
Slash Your Monthly Bills
With inflation rising, your monthly bills are likely getting out of control.
Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take. Use this guide to help you save up to $7,000 a year on your monthly bills.
SLASH YOUR MONTHLY BILLS AND SAVE
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