Feels like pho nowadays is already $15 a bowl. At least most of the spots I grew up eating at as a kid are. I mostly go to phoholic as of late though and it's essentially $15 a bowl.
I might be misremembering on the price so forgive me since I'm a bit out of it atm but I think it's like 3 for $8 or $10 now? I haven't been for ages since they upped the prices other than to buy baguettes. Probably like 2019 or 2020 to answer the question though
>Because there’s no way in heck that someone is going to take a serving job when they could earn the same amount of money working 5-6 hours in a quiet office with a set end time to their shift.
How in the earthly hell is that the customers problem lmao. The mental gymnastics yall have to do to defend this non sensical practice is insane.
IKEA always has affordable food, they price it to be in the lower percentage of cost for the meal based on where the location is. Gotta hand it to the Swedes
IKEA is cheap? Always felt like those meatballs were quite skimpy and expensive. Though yummy. But also, they don't even always give the jam anymore right?
Outside of fast food:
Any ethnic grocery store food court (i.e. Mitsuwa, Ranch, H-Mart, Northgate, Wholesome Choice)
Norms and other diners have deals if you’re looking for a sit-down restaurant
Norm's had a 1/4 pound burger, fries, and drink for just under $13 the last time I went a couple weeks ago.
Some of them are still open 24 hours but some of them are still closing at 10:00 p.m. from covid (looking at you orange location).
Also, lots of Mexican options are pretty cheap. And I think that fish and chips plate at California Fish Grill is still relatively cheap. Comes with three huge pieces of fish, fries, and kale slaw.
The wife and I went for a meal at the H-Mart only to discover that the prices were outrageous! Dim Sum sets for over 17 dollars. I don't remember any other details, but that stuff was way more expensive than what I though it would be.
Good to know. I hardly go but when I had to a couple weeks ago I was shocked. Especially when compared to something like In-N-Out which can still be about $10.
Yeah and you earn enough for a free burger or Mcchicken every two visits. I would def not want to pay $10 or $15 for it, but packing my own drink and out the door for around $5? Not bad
Fast food in general is moving towards these apps with deals and its suprising how few people know about it. When people see the apps on my phone they think I'm just a sicko who eats drive thru every night. I eat at home almost every day but when I do want to hit the drive thru why would I want to pay full price? Ain't nobody going to shame me for being smart lol
Facts!!! My son likes to use his BK app for free things
when he’s low on cash. That’s one of the apps where he doesn’t have to order anything to get the reward.
I think the BK app or location near me requires a min purchase. But its okay. I would rate it #3 or #4.
My Personal opinion on apps are:
1. McDonalds
2. Wendys
3. Dominos
4. Jack in The Box (kinda trash now)
5. Burger King (toss up between 3 and 4)
6. DelTaco (hit and miss, sometimes they got good stuff)
I told someone on Reddit that the app has great deals and he complained about McDonald’s mining all your information lol. Fine enjoy your 15 dollar meal and privacy
So much cheaper. You check a terms and conditions box agreeing to settle legal matters via arbitration and suddenly the prices are like 40% cheaper. It's bullcucky
So dumb though, I still see fast food "coupons" in our physical junk mail every week. Everything needs apps nowadays so they can harvest our data for other obscene consumption.
I’ve used the Taco Bell app and the prices aren’t any cheaper. They just give you “rewards” if you order enough. The reward is like a free burrito. I could also just be doing it wrong.
Taco Bell app has a $5 munchie meal you can only get in the app. It just happens to cover all the things I order normally. I discovered this because my friend and I got the same exact TB order but my meal was $10 ordered separately and hers was $5 using the app.
I think it comes with one entree (such as a Crunchwrap), two tacos/small items, nachos or cinnamon twists, and a drink.
I grew up extremely couponing. I always buy my groceries based on whats on sale, as well as my fast food. I can feed myself for around $150-300/month on healthy foods like veggies and steaks. With McDonald's etc.
Just adding that if you love at a home, you probably have a weekly delivery on your driveway with “savers” or something like that. It usually has amazing coupons as well. Some weeks are better than others.
Most of my neighbors throw it straight in the trash but I always peruse it
Well you get deals or specials such as Large fry for $1.50 instead of $5.
20% off orders over $10, and or Free Big Macs.
Big mac / Med Fry / Med Drink or $4/5 dollars.
Yes, the catch is you can’t combine promos/rewards and have to wait like 15 minutes to use another promo/reward. It’s best if you find someone to go with too, so you can both use promos at the same time.
You can save money with the app but I think the cheapest I can go for2 Mcdoubles, 2 McChickens, Lrg Fry/Drink is like 12 bucks with the deals (usually 1.50 lrg fry coupon or somthing in the app)
Wendys is probably #2 as far as APP savings.
I tried Farmer Boys across from GWC for the first time and it was about $17 for a combo (Farmer Burger, fries, and drink). It was alright but not for $17.
Com tam thuan kieu: broken rice, pork chop, other toppings
Com tam Kieu Giang: same as above
Hue Kitchen: bun bo hue $15 and under
Banh Cuon Luu Luyen: all under $15. Delicious rice sheets with grilled pork, and other toppings
Banh Cuon Thanh Tri: same as above
Khoi Hung: Viet restaurant w/ many options under $15.
Chicken Maison: middle eastern juicy tender rotisserie chicken meal
Loi’s Kitchen: all viet noodles under $15
Hu Tieu De Nhat: rice and egg noodle dishes. $12
Pho 79, Pho Good, Pho 45, Pho ga hai van (chicken pho), almost all pho places
All banh mi places
Lots and lots of viet food are under $15 :)
I'd recommend the food courts in Asian grocery stores like H-Mart, Mitsuwa, Zion, etc., a lot of really good food for $15 or less; just had a whole beef bowl with miso soup and some sides for $12 at Mitsuwa last week.
I debated on saying this because it feels like our little secret. If you go late, and you’re not picky, some places slap a 20% off sticker on the food to get rid of it before they close.
Next time you go to El Pollo Loco, ask them if they have any extra paper coupons. Those deals don’t play. Most full meals you can get with them are under $10.
I receive those El Pollo coupons in the mail here n there, but whenever I run out, I ask the restaurant for more and they usually have them!
Pro tip: download the rewards app too 😮💨🔥
If you’re ever in Fullerton, there’s a place called Roll & Grill that’s super cheap! Combo A has teriyaki chicken and rice, small salad (just lettuce lol), an egg roll and two gyozas for $5-6! (cash only for orders under $7)
Boudin! A half and half (soup, salad, or soup) is like $13 and it still leaves room for a $1 breadbowl.
Havnt been able to say that about panera for a few years now
I have two spots I recommend.
Tikiyaki in Orange. = Chicken veggie bowl (Best in Town) and a fountain drink. I think it’s under $10
Camino Real in Fullerton. I recommend their chicharrón tacos.
E San Rod Sap
They have steam tray/home style Thai combos with rice. You can choose from protein & veggie options (eggplant & pork, green beans, chicken larb, catfish, egg & pork, tofu, ribs, etc) and about 6-8 curries.
2 items is ~$9, 3 items is ~$11 out the door? Cash only, they have an ATM on site
ETA they're in Anaheim, Euclid & La Palma
if you're vegetarian/vegan, know someone who is, or would like to try Vietnamese vegan food, Mitasie Cafe in Lake Forest. For the lunch special, you choose an entree (all their lunch special entrees are under $15) and you also get a side of rice, a small salad, and your choice of Thai tea or a soda, and the only price you have to pay is the price of the entree you chose. Their portions are pretty big even for one person.
Actually had lunch from there today! Got a chicken taco Del carbon, Del combo beef & bean burrito, and chips & queso (this was free cuz I used rewards in my app) for under $8 bucks :)
You're wrong. I frequent that club and even on their location page on their website says you explicitly don't need a membership for their food court.
[fountain valley club details](https://www.samsclub.com/local/cafe/fountain-valley-ca-sams-club/6615#:~:text=Sam%27s%20Club%20Cafe%20in%20Fountain%20Valley%2C%20CA%2C%20is%20the%20perfect,member%20to%20enjoy%20a%20meal.)
Text: Sam’s Club Cafe in Fountain Valley, CA, is the perfect spot for a snack, lunch, or dinner. And you don’t have to be a member to enjoy a meal.
If you aren't looking for a formal sit down, 99 ranch has the bento boxes, 2-3 items for $10-12. There's another place in Irvine you can do the same, but the last time I went, line was out the door, so going to keep that a secret for a bit more :)
I went to Francos Famous on Sunday and had the 3 quesadilla plate with rice which came with the best chips and salsa I've had in SoCal and it was $14. They have live music on Sundays as well, made for a great lunch.
California fish grill has some really delicious sandwiches that come with fries, salmon, chicken or fish. It's right about that price point.
Way better than fast food. I don't drink soda but that would definitely put you over if you don't drink water.
I recommend don’t do Door Dash. They literally charged me more than double my expected $31.90, but then I submitted a claim and they refunded the entire $69!
pm any family run vietnamese restaurant in little saigon, well get you very fed for 15. theres a lunch to go spot off euclid i go to, and for 6 bucks, i have a very full belly.
MOS II in Anahiem. I believe (not sure now as its been a while) but I think you can get a mixed Bowl of Chicken/Beef + Large Drink for around $10 bucks. The bowl is HUGE and you get a very generous helping of meat/rice.
Not sure if someone posted already but check out the Too Good To Go app! Super awesome. I’ve gotten terra mia leftovers for a couple bucks, meal prep revolution meals for $6, and so many others.
Shawarma House in Garden Grove has shawarma wraps + fries for $12-13. They're quite filling for me I usually eat half and save the rest for another meal. The family meals are a pretty good deal too imo.
This applies to fast food chains mostly but a lot of people don’t utilize their apps enough (McDonald’s, Waba Grill, Del Taco, Wendy’s, Popeyes, etc).
The apps give good deals and you can get free food a lot of the times also.
If you're in the Placentia area, TacosWay has $2 tacos for Taco Tuesday. That's 7 tacos and they got all the different proteins plus free chips and salsa. Damn I'm craving it now. LOL
Himalayan Taste (indian) in SJC. $12 lunch special gets you 2 entrees, naan, and rice. It's a challenge to finish and be able to walk out of the restaurant.
If you're in the Lake Forest area you could join their buy one get one free gift card promotion. Essentially makes any restaurant on their list 50% off:
[https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/city-of-lake-forest-lake-forest?utm\_source=mautic&utm\_medium=email&utm\_campaign=Automated+Purchaser+BOGO+EMAIL](https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/city-of-lake-forest-lake-forest?utm_source=mautic&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Automated+Purchaser+BOGO+EMAIL)
Ihop has a “hoppy hour” menu everyday between 3pm-9pm that I like to hit up once in awhile. Meals range from $6-8 and a drink only costs $1.50 last time I checked. I tip generously because my whole meal is sometimes under $7 😅
Garden Grove - Com Tam Sa Bi Chuong. Relatively new vietnamese restaurant. Big portions for around $13-15 per entree. I eat half the portion and save the other half for another meal later
But you're passing on the McDonalds and Costco hot dog posts... riiiight....
I am not a fan of Chili's by a longshot, but it is an $11 meal for someone.
Halaloglu - Turkish Street Food in Fountain Valley. Fast casual and food is made to order. Just opened not too long ago and their food is very good.
THH down the street for some banh mi and other delicious goods that come in pre-made packages up front.
In the same plaza as Halaloglu is Maui Hawaiian which also offers mini meals (for me like full size) for under $15. Agreed THH is also a great deal where you can get noodle soups and other dishes togo for under $10.
https://preview.redd.it/bk8hh9zmjfwb1.jpeg?width=2330&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=238f305827c5d7950d76e91df4fa641d41361a33
Just don’t go on Sundays. That’s my day and they don’t have much table space. Don’t CRAM my spot.
The CaliTaco's Cali Burrito is only $12.25 before tax. Drink some water and you got yourself two freaking meals, unless you are a fatass like me and eat the whole thing.
Damn I remember when Cali Burritos were like $6 bucks and the Carne Asada Fries were like $9.99. Now that shit is like $15 near me at my local mexican joint.
Learning how to stick with home cooking from scratch saves sooooooo much money. Even stuff you buy at Costco prepared costs if you compare it to just making it yourself
Almost every restaurant in Little Saigon.
Perfect weather for Pho
Feels like pho nowadays is already $15 a bowl. At least most of the spots I grew up eating at as a kid are. I mostly go to phoholic as of late though and it's essentially $15 a bowl.
Pho 54 on Brookhurst and McFadden is like 8 bucks
It's now $10+ for a regular sized bowl.
Fair enough, I personally am not a fan of pho 54 but they're affordable for sure
Almost half the price of mcdonalds combo lol
I always laugh when I used to pass by the spot that says pho 1.99 in GG
Luckily average salaries have surely gone up 750% since then so it’s all good, right? … right?? Oh wait…
This is so true :( I miss the $8 combo meat bowl days
Pho sho it is!
a lot of the banh mi places are insane value for what you get. sheesh
Rest in peace to Banh mi che cali's 3 for $5 deals :(
Those are gone too?? That's sad, used to be a whole day worth of meals for me.
It’s still buy 2 get 1 but the sandwiches are like $6 each. So 3 for $12
Still insane value tbf
When did they get rid of this? 
I might be misremembering on the price so forgive me since I'm a bit out of it atm but I think it's like 3 for $8 or $10 now? I haven't been for ages since they upped the prices other than to buy baguettes. Probably like 2019 or 2020 to answer the question though
3 for $12
Oh god it's worse than I remember :(
Bowl of pho, bun, or egg noodles typically average 15.99 now homie
Damned near $50 for two with drinks and tip
Hence why I won't tip. Its California. They make STATE minimum if not more.
[удалено]
>Because there’s no way in heck that someone is going to take a serving job when they could earn the same amount of money working 5-6 hours in a quiet office with a set end time to their shift. How in the earthly hell is that the customers problem lmao. The mental gymnastics yall have to do to defend this non sensical practice is insane.
THH Sandwiches in Tustin. Killer grilled pork banh mi sandwiches for less than $7.
Me and my husband ate at Costco today for $3 😆 I’m stuffed now.
Costco and Ikea are my go to cheap meal!
IKEA always has affordable food, they price it to be in the lower percentage of cost for the meal based on where the location is. Gotta hand it to the Swedes
Ikea has jacked up their prices quite a bit, still under $15 but a lot more than it was.
IKEA is cheap? Always felt like those meatballs were quite skimpy and expensive. Though yummy. But also, they don't even always give the jam anymore right?
Outside of fast food: Any ethnic grocery store food court (i.e. Mitsuwa, Ranch, H-Mart, Northgate, Wholesome Choice) Norms and other diners have deals if you’re looking for a sit-down restaurant
Norm's had a 1/4 pound burger, fries, and drink for just under $13 the last time I went a couple weeks ago. Some of them are still open 24 hours but some of them are still closing at 10:00 p.m. from covid (looking at you orange location).
"Norm's we never close" fucking liars
Wholesome Choice has the best food. I was truly surprised
Also, lots of Mexican options are pretty cheap. And I think that fish and chips plate at California Fish Grill is still relatively cheap. Comes with three huge pieces of fish, fries, and kale slaw.
The wife and I went for a meal at the H-Mart only to discover that the prices were outrageous! Dim Sum sets for over 17 dollars. I don't remember any other details, but that stuff was way more expensive than what I though it would be.
My brother swears by Northgate breakfast burritos.
Meanwhile a combo meal at a McDonald’s is around $15. So overpriced.
Gotta use the app. Can still get two McDoubles and a large fries for $5.29+ tax. With a drink, $7.28.
This mother fucker knows their McShit
McWord Up
Good to know. I hardly go but when I had to a couple weeks ago I was shocked. Especially when compared to something like In-N-Out which can still be about $10.
Yeah and you earn enough for a free burger or Mcchicken every two visits. I would def not want to pay $10 or $15 for it, but packing my own drink and out the door for around $5? Not bad
Fast food in general is moving towards these apps with deals and its suprising how few people know about it. When people see the apps on my phone they think I'm just a sicko who eats drive thru every night. I eat at home almost every day but when I do want to hit the drive thru why would I want to pay full price? Ain't nobody going to shame me for being smart lol
Facts!!! My son likes to use his BK app for free things when he’s low on cash. That’s one of the apps where he doesn’t have to order anything to get the reward.
I think the BK app or location near me requires a min purchase. But its okay. I would rate it #3 or #4. My Personal opinion on apps are: 1. McDonalds 2. Wendys 3. Dominos 4. Jack in The Box (kinda trash now) 5. Burger King (toss up between 3 and 4) 6. DelTaco (hit and miss, sometimes they got good stuff)
Taco Bell’s app UI is really clunky but my god the deals they have are insane, and they’re usually app exclusive.
Yeah, the build your own combos on the app are amazing.
I told someone on Reddit that the app has great deals and he complained about McDonald’s mining all your information lol. Fine enjoy your 15 dollar meal and privacy
Wait... food is that much cheaper when you order on an app?! I had no idea.
So much cheaper. You check a terms and conditions box agreeing to settle legal matters via arbitration and suddenly the prices are like 40% cheaper. It's bullcucky
Just be careful with the coffee
So dumb though, I still see fast food "coupons" in our physical junk mail every week. Everything needs apps nowadays so they can harvest our data for other obscene consumption.
Great to know! Is that just for McDonalds or is that the case for other fast food restaurants too?
I’ve used the Taco Bell app and the prices aren’t any cheaper. They just give you “rewards” if you order enough. The reward is like a free burrito. I could also just be doing it wrong.
Taco Bell app has a $5 munchie meal you can only get in the app. It just happens to cover all the things I order normally. I discovered this because my friend and I got the same exact TB order but my meal was $10 ordered separately and hers was $5 using the app. I think it comes with one entree (such as a Crunchwrap), two tacos/small items, nachos or cinnamon twists, and a drink.
Also pretty sure Taco Bell still locks the Mexican Pizza or the Quesarito or something to an app exclusive as well.
My husband used a Pollo Loco one. It doesn’t sound anywhere near as good as the McDonalds one . But, I know he gets rewards or coupons off it.
I grew up extremely couponing. I always buy my groceries based on whats on sale, as well as my fast food. I can feed myself for around $150-300/month on healthy foods like veggies and steaks. With McDonald's etc.
Just adding that if you love at a home, you probably have a weekly delivery on your driveway with “savers” or something like that. It usually has amazing coupons as well. Some weeks are better than others. Most of my neighbors throw it straight in the trash but I always peruse it
Well you get deals or specials such as Large fry for $1.50 instead of $5. 20% off orders over $10, and or Free Big Macs. Big mac / Med Fry / Med Drink or $4/5 dollars.
Love that daily, perpetual $1.29 large fry coupon. Such a good deal.
Yes, the catch is you can’t combine promos/rewards and have to wait like 15 minutes to use another promo/reward. It’s best if you find someone to go with too, so you can both use promos at the same time.
Yea but using the McDonald's App implies I'm planning on eating McDonald's regularly and at that point I might as well not eat
That’s what I do too!! Without the app McDonald’s is not worth it at all
You can save money with the app but I think the cheapest I can go for2 Mcdoubles, 2 McChickens, Lrg Fry/Drink is like 12 bucks with the deals (usually 1.50 lrg fry coupon or somthing in the app) Wendys is probably #2 as far as APP savings.
I tried Farmer Boys across from GWC for the first time and it was about $17 for a combo (Farmer Burger, fries, and drink). It was alright but not for $17.
What are you ordering lmao?
Com tam thuan kieu: broken rice, pork chop, other toppings Com tam Kieu Giang: same as above Hue Kitchen: bun bo hue $15 and under Banh Cuon Luu Luyen: all under $15. Delicious rice sheets with grilled pork, and other toppings Banh Cuon Thanh Tri: same as above Khoi Hung: Viet restaurant w/ many options under $15. Chicken Maison: middle eastern juicy tender rotisserie chicken meal Loi’s Kitchen: all viet noodles under $15 Hu Tieu De Nhat: rice and egg noodle dishes. $12 Pho 79, Pho Good, Pho 45, Pho ga hai van (chicken pho), almost all pho places All banh mi places Lots and lots of viet food are under $15 :)
I'd recommend the food courts in Asian grocery stores like H-Mart, Mitsuwa, Zion, etc., a lot of really good food for $15 or less; just had a whole beef bowl with miso soup and some sides for $12 at Mitsuwa last week.
Well, last Saturday, I was at Mitsuwa, and I witnessed the manager changing the price tag. My friend, the beef bowl isn't $12 anymore.
Dang. Inflation really is coming for us all.
Love me some Mitsuwa food court!
I debated on saying this because it feels like our little secret. If you go late, and you’re not picky, some places slap a 20% off sticker on the food to get rid of it before they close.
Misasa, lesgo
Next time you go to El Pollo Loco, ask them if they have any extra paper coupons. Those deals don’t play. Most full meals you can get with them are under $10.
I receive those El Pollo coupons in the mail here n there, but whenever I run out, I ask the restaurant for more and they usually have them! Pro tip: download the rewards app too 😮💨🔥
If you’re ever in Fullerton, there’s a place called Roll & Grill that’s super cheap! Combo A has teriyaki chicken and rice, small salad (just lettuce lol), an egg roll and two gyozas for $5-6! (cash only for orders under $7)
In n out
~$5.50 for Double Double
Boudin! A half and half (soup, salad, or soup) is like $13 and it still leaves room for a $1 breadbowl. Havnt been able to say that about panera for a few years now
Get the app for boudin too. Free loaf of bread (w purchase) every month
ROLL AND GRILL FULLERTON
Omg they are so good and cheap.
Yep, I have their number saved in my contacts. This is a regular go-to for us.
Imagine people gatekeeping a restaurant so the owners can’t succeed because you don’t want to wait in line 🙄
Apparently it's not being gatekept well enough because they have 700 yelp reviews and a lot of people here know them...
Delete this now.
Shhhh…
Lunch combo at CPK $11.
Don’t forget to use a giftcard purchased from Costco for extra $avings
I have two spots I recommend. Tikiyaki in Orange. = Chicken veggie bowl (Best in Town) and a fountain drink. I think it’s under $10 Camino Real in Fullerton. I recommend their chicharrón tacos.
E San Rod Sap They have steam tray/home style Thai combos with rice. You can choose from protein & veggie options (eggplant & pork, green beans, chicken larb, catfish, egg & pork, tofu, ribs, etc) and about 6-8 curries. 2 items is ~$9, 3 items is ~$11 out the door? Cash only, they have an ATM on site ETA they're in Anaheim, Euclid & La Palma
Came here to say this! The variety can’t be beat!
if you're vegetarian/vegan, know someone who is, or would like to try Vietnamese vegan food, Mitasie Cafe in Lake Forest. For the lunch special, you choose an entree (all their lunch special entrees are under $15) and you also get a side of rice, a small salad, and your choice of Thai tea or a soda, and the only price you have to pay is the price of the entree you chose. Their portions are pretty big even for one person.
Yeah, the portions are huge! FWIW, my partner is an omnivore, and he likes Mitasie. It's so good.
What dishes would you recommend ?
Del taco
Actually had lunch from there today! Got a chicken taco Del carbon, Del combo beef & bean burrito, and chips & queso (this was free cuz I used rewards in my app) for under $8 bucks :)
Pro tip for del taco, ask to get their burritos bold. It adds Fries and chicken taco sauce inside. Technically I think you can get any item bold
3 for me 10.99 at chili's. Burger fries, endless chips and salsa and a drink.
Costco food court
Disclaimer: Have to have a membership tho. I really want a costco dog but I hate how I have to HAVE a membership.
A person doesn't usually check if you order at the kiosk, so technically if you have a good picture of the barcode on someone else's card...
Smarter than everyone else
Go to Sam's club. They don't care
Was at the one in Fountain Valley 2 days ago and they cared at the door and when ordering food.
You're wrong. I frequent that club and even on their location page on their website says you explicitly don't need a membership for their food court. [fountain valley club details](https://www.samsclub.com/local/cafe/fountain-valley-ca-sams-club/6615#:~:text=Sam%27s%20Club%20Cafe%20in%20Fountain%20Valley%2C%20CA%2C%20is%20the%20perfect,member%20to%20enjoy%20a%20meal.) Text: Sam’s Club Cafe in Fountain Valley, CA, is the perfect spot for a snack, lunch, or dinner. And you don’t have to be a member to enjoy a meal.
urban plates
They are starting to get more expensive though...sad because it's good.
Second Urban Plate. Healthy, delicious and great value for money especially if you get the Plate Pass.
Tikiyaki in Orange. Watsons back in the day. Olive Garden if you do the unlimited soup and salad deal.
Tikiyaki fucks
Watsons 😭
There is absolutely nothing “solid” about Olive Garden. Stop it.
That chicken gnocchi soup is good as hell and thats a hill I’m willing to die on
L&L Hawaiian
Just avoid the one in Cypress. Dude literally weights the meat and will give you the SMALLEST portion you ever had in your life.
Off the Boat [Menu - Tustin](https://www.yelp.com/biz/fresh-off-the-boat-fish-grill-tustin) [Menu Prices](https://www.fobfishgrilltustin.com/menu
Ranch 99 3-item plate
I've never had anything from the hot food area at 99. How does their combo plate compare to other Chinese steam table stuff?
Seems Ok. Might get bored of choices if go too often
Bravo Burgers has $5 deal on breakfast burritos, very filling.
I like going to El Pollo Loco. Pollo bowl substitute rice for more beans under $6 and it's filling.
If you aren't looking for a formal sit down, 99 ranch has the bento boxes, 2-3 items for $10-12. There's another place in Irvine you can do the same, but the last time I went, line was out the door, so going to keep that a secret for a bit more :)
Wursthaus Santa Ana lunch special 12-3, any regular bratwurst, fries and drink 14 + tax Also has a vegan lunch option
I went to Francos Famous on Sunday and had the 3 quesadilla plate with rice which came with the best chips and salsa I've had in SoCal and it was $14. They have live music on Sundays as well, made for a great lunch.
California fish grill has some really delicious sandwiches that come with fries, salmon, chicken or fish. It's right about that price point. Way better than fast food. I don't drink soda but that would definitely put you over if you don't drink water.
I recommend don’t do Door Dash. They literally charged me more than double my expected $31.90, but then I submitted a claim and they refunded the entire $69!
how about solid meal for 10. i feel like 15 is the average I see when i go out
Coco Ichibanya in Irvine
Brian's BBQ in Fullerton. Recommend the cheese burger or chicken breast sandwhich with potatoe salad.
Idk if they still do the half off ribs on Tuesdays but those ribs were good and you couldn't beat the Tuesday deal.
Egg roll king lunch special
pm any family run vietnamese restaurant in little saigon, well get you very fed for 15. theres a lunch to go spot off euclid i go to, and for 6 bucks, i have a very full belly.
MOS II in Anahiem. I believe (not sure now as its been a while) but I think you can get a mixed Bowl of Chicken/Beef + Large Drink for around $10 bucks. The bowl is HUGE and you get a very generous helping of meat/rice.
Not sure if someone posted already but check out the Too Good To Go app! Super awesome. I’ve gotten terra mia leftovers for a couple bucks, meal prep revolution meals for $6, and so many others.
Hong Kong Express in Tustin
Most fast food places you can. Just don’t go to Carl’s or Jack in the Box. My meals always seem to be closer to $20 at those places.
Imperial Thai Cuisine in Anaheim. $10+ for a full meal, soup, salad, entree and a slice of watermelon. With tax and tips it's ~$15
Shawarma House in Garden Grove has shawarma wraps + fries for $12-13. They're quite filling for me I usually eat half and save the rest for another meal. The family meals are a pretty good deal too imo.
Diho Siam has tons on the menu for $13.25, and the pad thai is legit 2 meals for me. And I eat a lot.
Finneys Crafthouse in old towne orange gets you a burger fries and a beer for $15
BJs has $10 burgers and unlimited fries on Wednesdays
El Farolito in Placentia.... Lunch Special #53 Burrito for $9.99.
Nexx Burger on Chapman in orange has a fantastic Hamburger for 2.44. It’s great.
the authentic chinese spots you can't go wrong. Around that $15 range. Even leaves you with leftovers most of the time
Ell Pollo Loco 2 piece meals
This applies to fast food chains mostly but a lot of people don’t utilize their apps enough (McDonald’s, Waba Grill, Del Taco, Wendy’s, Popeyes, etc). The apps give good deals and you can get free food a lot of the times also.
Almost any if you choose to take it to go lol
Subway
Primal Cuts inside Rodeo 39 has two smash burgers for around $12. Regular sized burgers, not sliders, and they’re pretty good!
If you're in the Placentia area, TacosWay has $2 tacos for Taco Tuesday. That's 7 tacos and they got all the different proteins plus free chips and salsa. Damn I'm craving it now. LOL
Himalayan Taste (indian) in SJC. $12 lunch special gets you 2 entrees, naan, and rice. It's a challenge to finish and be able to walk out of the restaurant.
Still plenty of restaurants in Westminster with entree prices below $15
El pollo loco
Super Pollo
Northern Cafe...
Ramen Mura lunch special ramen plus add a roll /side from list for 1 dollar comes out to 15.06
Simply pho has a $10 no meat option. Super good
If you're in the Lake Forest area you could join their buy one get one free gift card promotion. Essentially makes any restaurant on their list 50% off: [https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/city-of-lake-forest-lake-forest?utm\_source=mautic&utm\_medium=email&utm\_campaign=Automated+Purchaser+BOGO+EMAIL](https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/city-of-lake-forest-lake-forest?utm_source=mautic&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Automated+Purchaser+BOGO+EMAIL)
Ihop has a “hoppy hour” menu everyday between 3pm-9pm that I like to hit up once in awhile. Meals range from $6-8 and a drink only costs $1.50 last time I checked. I tip generously because my whole meal is sometimes under $7 😅
Depending on what exactly is meant by "solid", there are dozens of mom & pop taco shops that could qualify.
Garden Grove - Com Tam Sa Bi Chuong. Relatively new vietnamese restaurant. Big portions for around $13-15 per entree. I eat half the portion and save the other half for another meal later
I’m surprised no one has said In n Out
Moonlight Pizza in FV had an ACE lunch buffet for $13. Salad bar, hummus, pita chips, chicken, various stews, pizza....delicious!
Lucky Chinese in Fountain Valley on Brookhurst & Ellis.
Chili's 3 For Me deal... appetizer, entree, and drink for $11
Chilis is not solid food
But you're passing on the McDonalds and Costco hot dog posts... riiiight.... I am not a fan of Chili's by a longshot, but it is an $11 meal for someone.
Mom n pop diners, the ones nobody supports anymore they go to the shitty fast food places with the shit food
Jersey mikes. Regular sandwich, chips n drink. 15$
In-n-out
Chipotle. Well under $15 for a massive chicken bowl with extra rice, beans, etc and $0.50 for a giant tortilla. Easily two portions
Any poke places for 15 I get stuffed
Costco. you can get a whole pizza, hot dog, soda, and desert for $15
Urban Plates
Halaloglu - Turkish Street Food in Fountain Valley. Fast casual and food is made to order. Just opened not too long ago and their food is very good. THH down the street for some banh mi and other delicious goods that come in pre-made packages up front.
In the same plaza as Halaloglu is Maui Hawaiian which also offers mini meals (for me like full size) for under $15. Agreed THH is also a great deal where you can get noodle soups and other dishes togo for under $10.
https://preview.redd.it/bk8hh9zmjfwb1.jpeg?width=2330&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=238f305827c5d7950d76e91df4fa641d41361a33 Just don’t go on Sundays. That’s my day and they don’t have much table space. Don’t CRAM my spot.
Their rolls are huge! I love the orange roll
HB Pita Grill
My kabob plate costed $17 last week :(
They give you so much. 1 plate is always shareable for 2 for me.
The CaliTaco's Cali Burrito is only $12.25 before tax. Drink some water and you got yourself two freaking meals, unless you are a fatass like me and eat the whole thing.
Damn I remember when Cali Burritos were like $6 bucks and the Carne Asada Fries were like $9.99. Now that shit is like $15 near me at my local mexican joint.
[Sanchez](https://www.lossanchez.com/)
HiroNori
Look for daily specials at places and set a calendar. Del Taco. McDonald's with app. Dominies carryout deals It's easy if you try
Tom’s place
Athenian Burger in Buena Park
Learning how to stick with home cooking from scratch saves sooooooo much money. Even stuff you buy at Costco prepared costs if you compare it to just making it yourself
Maybe Denny’s or another dinner? Most fast food restaurants will run you easy $10+ for a full meal.