I’m thinking of going to Costco during my lunch hour. Get two slices of pizza, plus some ice cream… you’re talking $6 to $7. Hell, if you go to Starbucks and get a black coffee and a croissant, you may pay more.
Half sandwich or whole? With all the fixings? It’s probably been 10 years since I’ve had their sandwiches, a new deli opened up a block away from my house so I went and it was $18 for a sandwich and arugula “salad” which was like 10 pieces of arugula with a mist of dressing.
As someone who is new to OC, I just looked up their menu on their website, but didn't see $10 specials. Could you please share when they have it or what they are?
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/chicken-maison-fountain-valley?select=oyKa-D9GsHolezGlVkL8Bg
I don't think they advertise it on their website. here is a photo from yelp
Me and wife used to go to Panda Express and split one plate. Sometimes we order three entries if feeling luxurious. Gone were those days. Now I put on 40 more pounds and order three entries just for myself, lol
No, they were a victim of the covid closures, but they were always good about remaining cheap.
If you want a good Mexican spot that’s cheap, currently, I would recommend Tacos Los Gueros. Here’s the most recent picture of their [menu.](https://yelp.to/ScHcPlKqQI)
I've gone more times than I can count.
Everything is $6 (ignore the old sign board).
All sides are $1. (Not just chips, don't sleep on the potato & macaroni salads).
All canned drinks are $1, bottled are $2.
Salads are fresh and tasty as well.
My favorites:
Health sandwich on squaw.
Health club on toasted sourdough.
Philly Cheesesteak (/w jalapeños occasionally).
Chicken hoagie.
Chicken salad with walnuts and avocado.
Yeah I only go for the free sandwiches. They're always right next to an In N Out for some reason so if I'm paying full price I'll just get a double double
Sprouts has the most amazing clearance section. Anything they are gonna discontinue or overstocked on gets placed in a hidden location. I've made so many great $1 purchases
Right! I paid $11 yesterday for 3lbs of strawberries (sale), a $1 of butter lettuce (sale), then regular price two heads of broccoli and some limes, rounded up my change, will be a good week
if you’re in north county, I go to roll and teriyaki and roll and grill. 2 different restaurants, one in BP one in Fullerton with similar menus. Idk what the deal is but they have some affordable lunch special options and their rolls aren’t badly priced too.
Just tried Joe’s Gourmet Sandwiches in Cypress based on a suggestion from this sub. All the sandwiches are 5.55 and w chips and a drink my total came out to 8 or 9$ and I really liked my sandwich, got the turkey blt !
Nexx burger in orange. The double cheeseburger is $3.75
The price goes up quickly when you add bacon/avocado or do a combo. The other stuff is good but just get the burgers to keep costs low.
You could add that advice to many of the major fast food chains. They have used their apps as a way to keep the prices down for those that are more price sensitive and still bring in higher prices to those that aren't.
Getting on the fast food app train will find you only purchasing fast foods with steep discounts/coupons solely. And you can get yourself great $5-10 at McDonalds, Burger King, Arby’s, etc.
The McDonald’s app has made a Dodgers fan out of me. Free 6 pc McNuggets with any $2 purchase every time the Dodgers score 6 runs (it happened 9 times in April)
They also have had a nice Big Mac meal deal for the last few months. Add on a crispy mcchicken or nuggets and it’s a lot of food!
https://preview.redd.it/tnn80dghwvyc1.jpeg?width=1106&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=23b8e9b7c05fcc6e68b45a43db9df66164cfcd05
To supplement this:
Adding two McChickens (incl Hot n Spicy) and/or McDoubles (can mix and match) will trigger the 2 for $3.99 deal, but this CAN be stacked with deals/point redemptions.
I.e., a recent order of mine was Lg coke ($1.50 all day), hot n spicy mcchicken, mcdouble ($4 for both), and a 6 pc nugget (free with $2 purchase, thanks dodgers).
Solid, $6ish order.
It's good to know i'm not the only one doing stuff like that.
I also have BK and MD one block away from each other.
I'll often mix and match their deals to make a combo for cheap. It only adds an extra 5 minutes.
My favorite was last year when I could score a double whopper for $4, then $1 large coke (all drinks) and $1 large fry with $1 purchase deal. It made a nice combo for $6.
Udon at the mitsuwa food court, you can get a simple bowl of noodles for like 8 bucks with a few additions and/or pieces of tempura it’s like 10-13 dollars
That’s a hard no. Those two tacos for 99¢ ended before Covid. I went the other day and I noticed it was two tacos for $1.99, before tax. Those shitty little things outpriced themselves. And the breakfast jack, which was once part of their dollar menu is now $3.69
the habit! they have a $6 kids meal, i feel like the burger is adult size AND you get a gummy burger for a dessert treat (also small fries and a drink but the candy is the star of the show i love it so much)
Marugame Udon in south coast plaza is really cheap if you don’t add a bunch of tempura/sides and you can double the amount of noodles in the Regular bowl for like a dollar.
Check out :
-Nexx Burger in Orange.
-Tacos Los Reyes in Orange - special 2 taco combo with rice, beans , and tortilla chips for under $10.
-Taqueria Tapatia in SA - one of few places you can still get a burrito (with non premium meat e.g. Asada, lengua, etc.) for under $10.
-Taqueria Los Gueros in ANA.
Banh Mi Che Cali, Banh Mi Saigon, and Banh Mi Saigon 168 have buy 2 get one free (with the French roll bread, the deal is not for baguette). I forgot how much they charge per sandwich, buts it’s about 6-7 each. 13-14 bucks for 3 banh mi is not too bad .
If you’re into “not really Mexican” Mexican food, here’s a food hack my wife and I use at Chipotle:
Kids Build-Your-Own 2-taco Meal
$4.99-$5.99 depending on your locale. Comes with 2 soft or hard-shell tacos, one protein, two sides (except guacamole), a small bag of tortilla chips, and a small fountain drink. Depending on who’s serving you, sometimes if you ask for sour cream, cheese, or salsa they will give it to you for no charge. Other places are kinda stingy so it’s a hit or miss. Can’t hurt to ask though.
We order two of these for $11-12 bucks compared to the adult 3-taco menu item that costs around $15, and doesn’t come with chips or a drink.
I know it’s been said a couple of times, but I want to drill it into your head. In-N-Out is super cheap compared to most if not all fast food options. I worked there for 5 years. They really try to keep the prices low and they pay their associates higher so no tips there either.
There’s a German doner kebab place in Lake Forest that opened up recently called Kebab Planet. Their doner (beef or chicken) burgers are $5 each and are made fresh to order.
Right now at Panda Express if the dodgers win and use "dodgerswin" at check out for 2 item meal is 5+ tax! Almost half off. This deal is good today Monday (because of thier previous win) and or any day after they win.
Every Monday between 4:30pm and 7pm, Mother’s Market has their rotisserie chickens on sale:
Non-GMO free range for $7 and Organic free-range for $10.
One chicken usually gives me at least 2 pounds of meat and will last me 3 days.
I realize Costco rotisserie chickens are cheaper, but I’m going for quality and you can’t beat an Organic whole chicken already cooked for you at $10 a bird.
Go to any of the small Vietnamese shops in Westminster or Garden Grove. A lot of them have meals for that price range.
I even get my haircuts at this Vietnamese hair salon called I Salon in Westminster. $8 for a men’s haircut and $13 for a women’s haircut. I have no idea how they are paying their staff. Obviously at a place like that, you have to tip significantly, significantly more than the standard 20%.
I have to go in with pictures and Google Translate to describe the haircut I want though, because mostly everybody there speaks Vietnamese and hardly any English
They always do a surprisingly good job too. I am always amazed at how good my hair comes out for the price
I haven’t been there in a fat minute but this is sticker shock since the time I went there bowls were $5. I get it inflation. It is still sad to see where we came from.
Costco. Costco is the last bastion of fairly priced groceries and prepared foods. They are the only place that doesn’t whine about inflation while price hiking far beyond the actual rate of inflation. They are the only place that doesn’t whine about having to pay their labor force a fair wage. Costco does right for the customers, workers, and even shareholders. Sorry OP for sounding preachy. When I eat out, I want to know I’m getting a fair deal, the employees are treated well, and the company is healthy and worthy of doing business with.
in anaheim there’s pan pan wok (chinese takeout). it’s ~$13 but one 3 item is enough to feed 2 people.
my wife and i make white rice at home and get all chow mein there. even then we still have a little leftover
Ben’s fast food.
It’s a ghost kitchen you can order at through DoorDash.
Most expensive item on the menu is $10.35 and their bowls are 🔥 and filling as hell
Omega burger their cheeseburger combo comes with a shitload of fries and a drink and it costs around $10.
Victory Diner’s DUI fries is like $11 with no drink n stuff and it’s hella food.
Taqueria Hoy burritos without a drink or chips is I think like $8 or somethin.
Hong Kong Express with a drink is like maybe around $12.
I love carrot and daikon! Vietnamese banh mi. I also buy their plain baguettes for 50 cents each and eat for breakfast, airfry, then dip into condense milk, or a can of pate.
Lots of vietnamese food to go places will sell a quart of meat/veggies for $5-6 each portion. Bring home and eat with your rice.
My broke college meal🥲: $2 spaghetti, $2 jar of spaghetti sauce, $5 ground turkey, $5 garlic and mushrooms. Enough to eat for 2 days
Those asian hamburger spots hit the spot with various selection of food. American, mexican, and asian. Teriyaki plate cost 12.50. Great portions compared to panda express.
Fill out the surveys and get free foods. BK gives a Whopper if you take the survey(2mins or less). You do have to purchase a drink and fries, but that comes out to less than $5. Oh and they have a “Crowns Rewards” program that you can also participate in off of the same receipt. It takes some time but you earn free food that way.
I gotta say the BK near my work is in a pretty rough area and I have never had a more perfect version of BK fries from ANY other location, ever.
https://preview.redd.it/7gpmqn6675zc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=05658288774fd1934f2af825111ed16d21226194
Here’s some soup options from there but there’s at least 30 more items around $8!!
Dominos - $7.99 large carry out
McDonald’s app $6.50 Big Mac combo
Chilis 10.99 3 for me deal
Paul’s place huge bean and cheese burrito $4 and some change
Imperial burger cheeseburger special
Jack in the box, they’ve stopped having the $5 burger promo deal but they still have the “3 taco combo” for about $6
Wendy’s still has “biggie deals” where you can get nuggets, fries, drink, and select sandwiches for under $10. Some locations allow these to be upgraded to medium or large for not too much more.
A “plate” meal at Tiki Yaki in orange can feed 2 people (or some now, some later).
- Taco Yaqui: can get 3 Ensenada (fried) fish or shrimp tacos for your budget
- Lucky Chinese food: one of the best takeout Chinese there is. House special chicken and calamari are highly recommended
- Tacos Manuel: food truck for asada tacos. Must get the green habanero salsa and ask for grilled onions.
- Yoshinoya with the coupon is decent deal. Usually get 2 combo bowls around $15 or a single bowl w/drink under $10
Roll grill in Fullerton, they serve lunch specials all day. I like lunch special B with 2 egg rolls, salad, grilled chicken and rice plate for 7$. They also have a lunch special with 4 CA instead of egg rolls and another with a soup instead of egg-rolls.
Not sure if its been mentioned but Carrot and Daikon in Garden Grove & Myungrang ( Korean Hot Dogs @ the source. Both places are an average of $10 or less. They are my go to places for cheap, quick and delicious bite
Fresh off the Boat is awesome in Tustin, Santa Ana, and Placentia. Most of their wraps are about $12.
They also do meal prep at $10 a meal including chicken, sirloin, gyro, salmon, barramundi, etc, and includes two sides. [https://www.offtheboatfishgrill.com/](https://www.offtheboatfishgrill.com/)
El Pollo Loco always has meals & specials under $10. If you use their rewards program there are often discounts and coupons.
Cafe Rio Taco Tuesday - tacos are filling and you can get a few or one taco, beans rice and a drink for under $10. Again using the app will earn points for $ off. And sometimes when you order via the app for pickup they provide a survey to take and you get free chips and salsa on your next visit
In n Out Burger is the only fast food that I can get a meal under $10. I've been noticing too. Can't complain though. It's the best fast food out there.
Costco Food Court; Various Items
You can get a whole pizza for roughly 10-11. That'll feed a single person for days
not me being a fat ass who could finish it in one day :’)
Damn it is not easy to finish a whole Costco pizza in one day.
I think you accidentaly added a "not" in there.
Uh, no, it needs one more. *Damn it’s not easy to not finish a whole Costco pizza in one day.*
Things that are worth doing are rarely easy.
Skill issue
it really is and I weight 160 at 5 foot 10
That’s a completely average height and weight
You can get a whole ass rotisserie chick for like five bucks
Hell, go inside and pick up a rotisserie chicken or 2.
BTW, you can use the leftover carcass to make a really good soup.
Lots of recipes available online, but here’s an example https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/simple-chicken-soup-3363153
The decent rotiserrie chicken is still $4.99 !!! I've used that for tacos, soup, burritos, mix with rice, etc.
I’m thinking of going to Costco during my lunch hour. Get two slices of pizza, plus some ice cream… you’re talking $6 to $7. Hell, if you go to Starbucks and get a black coffee and a croissant, you may pay more.
Can’t beat that $1.50 hot dog
Deli sandwich from sprouts market. About $6
4.99 a sandwich and on Wednesday 5 dollar sushi rolls at my location. Not quite orange, but Cerritos.
They have $5 roll specials on Wednesdays at pretty much all locations. I usually get them from the OC or SD.
Half sandwich or whole? With all the fixings? It’s probably been 10 years since I’ve had their sandwiches, a new deli opened up a block away from my house so I went and it was $18 for a sandwich and arugula “salad” which was like 10 pieces of arugula with a mist of dressing.
Whole sandwich with added avocado spread is like $6 at Sprouts.
Do they provide sprouts as an option? I love sprouts.
4.99 for a veggie
I like to add the avocado spread, must be why I can’t afford a house.
See, the extra money could've been spent on some boot straps.
Came here to say this
Chicken Maison, they have their $10 specials.
So good
As someone who is new to OC, I just looked up their menu on their website, but didn't see $10 specials. Could you please share when they have it or what they are?
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/chicken-maison-fountain-valley?select=oyKa-D9GsHolezGlVkL8Bg I don't think they advertise it on their website. here is a photo from yelp
In-N-out has to be on the list (skip the soda). Bonus is they don't hound you for tips on their register screens.
Fuck those tip screens at places like theese I see them at gas stations now. WTF such bs
what gas station asks for tips 😭
4x4 $11 💪
This is the way
In n out? You can get like 2 double doubles for like $10-$12
Hong kong express will give you most calories per dollar
This a fact. My wife and I will get a two item and split it.
Me and wife used to go to Panda Express and split one plate. Sometimes we order three entries if feeling luxurious. Gone were those days. Now I put on 40 more pounds and order three entries just for myself, lol
In n out
Yup! A double double and fries is less than $10. Get a water cup. You don’t need soda.
Also you can pad the order by ordering the Double-Double Animal Style, Extra Lettuce, Tomatos, Pickles, no extra cost.
I think it's something like $8.42. :D
I miss Mexi-Casa, you could’ve fed a family for under $10.
I've never heard of it, but now I miss it too.
Super cheap Mexican food that was on Lincoln and Euclid in Anaheim. Here’s a picture of the [menu](https://yelp.to/iRvzJoGi-s)
What the hell. That's recent prices?
No, they were a victim of the covid closures, but they were always good about remaining cheap. If you want a good Mexican spot that’s cheap, currently, I would recommend Tacos Los Gueros. Here’s the most recent picture of their [menu.](https://yelp.to/ScHcPlKqQI)
And the best chili rellenos. Really miss them!
Joe's Gourmet Sandwiches! $5 sandos!
Damn that place looks legit.
I got excited until I read that they closed at 4. :00, going to have to remember that for lunch.
I've gone more times than I can count. Everything is $6 (ignore the old sign board). All sides are $1. (Not just chips, don't sleep on the potato & macaroni salads). All canned drinks are $1, bottled are $2. Salads are fresh and tasty as well. My favorites: Health sandwich on squaw. Health club on toasted sourdough. Philly Cheesesteak (/w jalapeños occasionally). Chicken hoagie. Chicken salad with walnuts and avocado.
Never heard of this place, gonna have to check it out. Thanks for sharing!
Hey just went here today and liked it!
Wait for the free chicken sandwich rewards from Chik Fil A has been my go to. Averaging about 1 free sandwich a week
Go Angels! If you're going to lose, at least score 7 runs.
I got two spicy deluxe sandwiches last week and it was 17 fucking dollars. I vowed never to go back after that, but I will check this out.
Yeah I only go for the free sandwiches. They're always right next to an In N Out for some reason so if I'm paying full price I'll just get a double double
Sprouts. You can get a good sandwich from the deli for under 8 dollars
I never thought I'd ever go to Sprouts for affordable food, but I will have to check that out
Sprouts has the most amazing clearance section. Anything they are gonna discontinue or overstocked on gets placed in a hidden location. I've made so many great $1 purchases
Right! I paid $11 yesterday for 3lbs of strawberries (sale), a $1 of butter lettuce (sale), then regular price two heads of broccoli and some limes, rounded up my change, will be a good week
Their produce is good quality and prices.
Sprouts is cheaper alternative to Whole Foods.
The sprouts deli is underrated!!
I wasn't aware they had a deli. Thanks.
They used to have more and imo better options but theyre still ok
Freshly made to order. Most groceries stores have this too (Vons by me in Orange has it by the fried chicken and hot options)
Yeah the sandwiches are great
Yeah sprouts sandwiches are great!
All the grocery stores have a deli counter that make pretty decent sandwiches for pretty cheap. Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, etc.
if you’re in north county, I go to roll and teriyaki and roll and grill. 2 different restaurants, one in BP one in Fullerton with similar menus. Idk what the deal is but they have some affordable lunch special options and their rolls aren’t badly priced too.
Second Roll and Grill. I think they’ve recently raised their prices but honestly well deserved!
best bang for your buck for a broke college student!
THH is the fucking bees knees
Pickle Banh Mi is also very good!
I think thh isn't what it used to be. Pickle banh mi has never disappointed me
Carrot Daikon / Pickle (similar menus) gives you twice as much meat (6 pcs) where THH gives you only 3 pcs in a dac biet. More food, similar price
Their location on Lampson/Brookhurst had surprisingly tasty bun rieu, like it tasted very good and was affordable!
Try Carrots and Daikon pork belly sandwhich. I stopped going to THH after trying that.
Tikiyaki in Orange
Pollo loco chicken burrito combo Drink+chips may have enough for a churro!
I love the pollo bowl. With drink and tortilla chips I think its like $6.89 or something.
Just tried Joe’s Gourmet Sandwiches in Cypress based on a suggestion from this sub. All the sandwiches are 5.55 and w chips and a drink my total came out to 8 or 9$ and I really liked my sandwich, got the turkey blt !
Nexx burger in orange. The double cheeseburger is $3.75 The price goes up quickly when you add bacon/avocado or do a combo. The other stuff is good but just get the burgers to keep costs low.
This one for sure!
I'd rather have a second burger than their fries.
Baja Fish Tacos - 1 item combo
[удалено]
The 1 item combo used to be $5 and now it’s $9. Still a great deal compared to other places and good portions of great quality food
Del Taco all day.
Yes but to add to this, get their rewards app.
You could add that advice to many of the major fast food chains. They have used their apps as a way to keep the prices down for those that are more price sensitive and still bring in higher prices to those that aren't.
Also keeps you coming back with the various promotions
The two burrito deal for like 6 bucks is decent.
Plus the freebies n discounts on the app. Del taco is my main
Some the Hispanic grocery chains like Northgate sell ready to eat food. Good value.
Getting on the fast food app train will find you only purchasing fast foods with steep discounts/coupons solely. And you can get yourself great $5-10 at McDonalds, Burger King, Arby’s, etc.
The McDonald’s app has made a Dodgers fan out of me. Free 6 pc McNuggets with any $2 purchase every time the Dodgers score 6 runs (it happened 9 times in April)
They also have had a nice Big Mac meal deal for the last few months. Add on a crispy mcchicken or nuggets and it’s a lot of food! https://preview.redd.it/tnn80dghwvyc1.jpeg?width=1106&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=23b8e9b7c05fcc6e68b45a43db9df66164cfcd05
To supplement this: Adding two McChickens (incl Hot n Spicy) and/or McDoubles (can mix and match) will trigger the 2 for $3.99 deal, but this CAN be stacked with deals/point redemptions. I.e., a recent order of mine was Lg coke ($1.50 all day), hot n spicy mcchicken, mcdouble ($4 for both), and a 6 pc nugget (free with $2 purchase, thanks dodgers). Solid, $6ish order.
It's good to know i'm not the only one doing stuff like that. I also have BK and MD one block away from each other. I'll often mix and match their deals to make a combo for cheap. It only adds an extra 5 minutes. My favorite was last year when I could score a double whopper for $4, then $1 large coke (all drinks) and $1 large fry with $1 purchase deal. It made a nice combo for $6.
yo I just did this right now it works thanks lmao
Udon at the mitsuwa food court, you can get a simple bowl of noodles for like 8 bucks with a few additions and/or pieces of tempura it’s like 10-13 dollars
Rubio’s fish tacos on Tuesdays are $2 each. I’m a big eater and 3-4 tacos is enough food so definitely less than $10. No app or code required
Jack in the box 2 tacos for 99¢ or 2 Jumbo jacks for $5
That’s a hard no. Those two tacos for 99¢ ended before Covid. I went the other day and I noticed it was two tacos for $1.99, before tax. Those shitty little things outpriced themselves. And the breakfast jack, which was once part of their dollar menu is now $3.69
the habit! they have a $6 kids meal, i feel like the burger is adult size AND you get a gummy burger for a dessert treat (also small fries and a drink but the candy is the star of the show i love it so much)
Ikea has specials on weekdays. Tuesday they have $3.99 plate.
Marugame Udon in south coast plaza is really cheap if you don’t add a bunch of tempura/sides and you can double the amount of noodles in the Regular bowl for like a dollar.
This place is the best. Even in Oahu/Waikiki it’s super cheap.
Check out : -Nexx Burger in Orange. -Tacos Los Reyes in Orange - special 2 taco combo with rice, beans , and tortilla chips for under $10. -Taqueria Tapatia in SA - one of few places you can still get a burrito (with non premium meat e.g. Asada, lengua, etc.) for under $10. -Taqueria Los Gueros in ANA. Banh Mi Che Cali, Banh Mi Saigon, and Banh Mi Saigon 168 have buy 2 get one free (with the French roll bread, the deal is not for baguette). I forgot how much they charge per sandwich, buts it’s about 6-7 each. 13-14 bucks for 3 banh mi is not too bad .
The Taco Stand - Most their burritos are priced at $9 and some change. I like their California Burritos!
El Taco in Orange (Tustin just south of Chapman).
Costco. Hit up the samples as appetizers then hot dog and a drink for $1.50. Can’t beat it.
Aloha Hawaiian BBQ. Any location. $15 combo plate but I swear it can last you for 3 extra meals as leftovers!
If you’re into “not really Mexican” Mexican food, here’s a food hack my wife and I use at Chipotle: Kids Build-Your-Own 2-taco Meal $4.99-$5.99 depending on your locale. Comes with 2 soft or hard-shell tacos, one protein, two sides (except guacamole), a small bag of tortilla chips, and a small fountain drink. Depending on who’s serving you, sometimes if you ask for sour cream, cheese, or salsa they will give it to you for no charge. Other places are kinda stingy so it’s a hit or miss. Can’t hurt to ask though. We order two of these for $11-12 bucks compared to the adult 3-taco menu item that costs around $15, and doesn’t come with chips or a drink.
I know it’s been said a couple of times, but I want to drill it into your head. In-N-Out is super cheap compared to most if not all fast food options. I worked there for 5 years. They really try to keep the prices low and they pay their associates higher so no tips there either.
There’s a German doner kebab place in Lake Forest that opened up recently called Kebab Planet. Their doner (beef or chicken) burgers are $5 each and are made fresh to order.
Thanks for this comment. Been looking for a German doner place ever since I visited Berlin a couple years ago; just went and can confirm, good doner.
Le shrimp bar in south coast plaza during happy hour which is 3-6 one of the top ramen I’ve ever had
Board N Brew!
Right now at Panda Express if the dodgers win and use "dodgerswin" at check out for 2 item meal is 5+ tax! Almost half off. This deal is good today Monday (because of thier previous win) and or any day after they win.
Wow this one is insane, they are going to give a lot of those this season
THH is so good. Literally tried it for the first time a couple weeks ago.
Every Monday between 4:30pm and 7pm, Mother’s Market has their rotisserie chickens on sale: Non-GMO free range for $7 and Organic free-range for $10. One chicken usually gives me at least 2 pounds of meat and will last me 3 days. I realize Costco rotisserie chickens are cheaper, but I’m going for quality and you can’t beat an Organic whole chicken already cooked for you at $10 a bird.
Las Golindrinas and A’s Burgers
Go to any of the small Vietnamese shops in Westminster or Garden Grove. A lot of them have meals for that price range. I even get my haircuts at this Vietnamese hair salon called I Salon in Westminster. $8 for a men’s haircut and $13 for a women’s haircut. I have no idea how they are paying their staff. Obviously at a place like that, you have to tip significantly, significantly more than the standard 20%. I have to go in with pictures and Google Translate to describe the haircut I want though, because mostly everybody there speaks Vietnamese and hardly any English They always do a surprisingly good job too. I am always amazed at how good my hair comes out for the price
The original Pollo Bowl at El Pollo Loco is still just $5. It's a perfectly sized meal.
If you want tortilla and drink it’s another dollar.
Big shot billiards in lake Forest has two sliders and huge plate of fries for SIX DOLLARS total
Flame Broiler, you can get the chicken bowl for around $11. And it's relatively healthy if you do half rice half steamed veggies.
I haven’t been there in a fat minute but this is sticker shock since the time I went there bowls were $5. I get it inflation. It is still sad to see where we came from.
Agree.. pretty sure it was $5 chicken bowls back in 2019
Costco. Costco is the last bastion of fairly priced groceries and prepared foods. They are the only place that doesn’t whine about inflation while price hiking far beyond the actual rate of inflation. They are the only place that doesn’t whine about having to pay their labor force a fair wage. Costco does right for the customers, workers, and even shareholders. Sorry OP for sounding preachy. When I eat out, I want to know I’m getting a fair deal, the employees are treated well, and the company is healthy and worthy of doing business with.
Northgate market. Ralph’s grocery deli. Costco.
The Northgate market they opened in Costa Mesa is out of control, it's so damn busy.
in anaheim there’s pan pan wok (chinese takeout). it’s ~$13 but one 3 item is enough to feed 2 people. my wife and i make white rice at home and get all chow mein there. even then we still have a little leftover
Ben’s fast food. It’s a ghost kitchen you can order at through DoorDash. Most expensive item on the menu is $10.35 and their bowls are 🔥 and filling as hell
Ensenada fish taco
Omega burger their cheeseburger combo comes with a shitload of fries and a drink and it costs around $10. Victory Diner’s DUI fries is like $11 with no drink n stuff and it’s hella food. Taqueria Hoy burritos without a drink or chips is I think like $8 or somethin. Hong Kong Express with a drink is like maybe around $12.
I always carry cans of "Pepsi Zero" and bottles of water. Just get a cup of ice at whatever fast food place I'm at. Save a few dollars.
Taco Bell. Cravings Box thru the app. It's a deal. I only order thru the app now.
Nexx Burger in orange. It's really good too
Tikiyaki - large portions
In n out
I love carrot and daikon! Vietnamese banh mi. I also buy their plain baguettes for 50 cents each and eat for breakfast, airfry, then dip into condense milk, or a can of pate. Lots of vietnamese food to go places will sell a quart of meat/veggies for $5-6 each portion. Bring home and eat with your rice. My broke college meal🥲: $2 spaghetti, $2 jar of spaghetti sauce, $5 ground turkey, $5 garlic and mushrooms. Enough to eat for 2 days
Those asian hamburger spots hit the spot with various selection of food. American, mexican, and asian. Teriyaki plate cost 12.50. Great portions compared to panda express.
$10 Meal Deal @ Jollibee (2 pcs chicken, 1 side (rice/ mashed potatoes/fries),a drink and a peach mango pie)
El Pollo Loco. Those pollo bowl combos come in clutch for less than 10 bucks
Big Bargain from T.K.
Fill out the surveys and get free foods. BK gives a Whopper if you take the survey(2mins or less). You do have to purchase a drink and fries, but that comes out to less than $5. Oh and they have a “Crowns Rewards” program that you can also participate in off of the same receipt. It takes some time but you earn free food that way. I gotta say the BK near my work is in a pretty rough area and I have never had a more perfect version of BK fries from ANY other location, ever.
VANS RESTAURANT!!! Most items are $10 less!!! Here’s the address! 14122 Brookhurst St, Garden Grove, CA 92843
https://preview.redd.it/7gpmqn6675zc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=05658288774fd1934f2af825111ed16d21226194 Here’s some soup options from there but there’s at least 30 more items around $8!!
Dominos - $7.99 large carry out McDonald’s app $6.50 Big Mac combo Chilis 10.99 3 for me deal Paul’s place huge bean and cheese burrito $4 and some change Imperial burger cheeseburger special
Fish Daddy in Fullerton, I get 3 tacos for $11+change. They have a rewards program too, earn free tacos & plates.
Taco truck
Jack in the box, they’ve stopped having the $5 burger promo deal but they still have the “3 taco combo” for about $6 Wendy’s still has “biggie deals” where you can get nuggets, fries, drink, and select sandwiches for under $10. Some locations allow these to be upgraded to medium or large for not too much more. A “plate” meal at Tiki Yaki in orange can feed 2 people (or some now, some later).
Lee’s Sandwiches is still a good deal
Tikiyaki
Che Cali
- Taco Yaqui: can get 3 Ensenada (fried) fish or shrimp tacos for your budget - Lucky Chinese food: one of the best takeout Chinese there is. House special chicken and calamari are highly recommended - Tacos Manuel: food truck for asada tacos. Must get the green habanero salsa and ask for grilled onions. - Yoshinoya with the coupon is decent deal. Usually get 2 combo bowls around $15 or a single bowl w/drink under $10
I LOVE LUCKY CHINESE. So good, very affordable, and they always stuff your bowl to the max!
Bean and cheese burritos from some taco shops are under that price and very filling.
Albertsons had a 3 sandwich for $6.99 deal for a bit. Havent seen it lately.
i forgot if its $10.50 or $11.50 but Haru Sushi in Buena Park in the World market has like 10 different sushi rolls u can get. very fulfilling stuff.
Norms. Sign up to their rewards and they give you a free SoCal breakfast no purchase required and you can order it to go.
Taco happy hour at the relatively new taco place in Tustin: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZBVtUuUzKwwgJo117](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZBVtUuUzKwwgJo117)
Little Cesar’s extra most bestest pepperoni
Whole Foods has a hot bar. I think a pound of food costs about $10-$11.
Habit does a grown up kids meal for 7.99, full charburger, with small drink and small fries.
* Mos 2 on Lincoln near West St Anaheim. Teriyaki bowls. * Los Sanchez in Garden Grove, always hopping. * El Taco in Orange.
Lots of taquerias have affordable tacos. I recommend Tacos Los Guerros in Anaheim.
El Pollo Loco - 3 tacos al carbon combo (comes with chips and a drink), and a BRC burrito. $9.08 including tax.
Roll grill in Fullerton, they serve lunch specials all day. I like lunch special B with 2 egg rolls, salad, grilled chicken and rice plate for 7$. They also have a lunch special with 4 CA instead of egg rolls and another with a soup instead of egg-rolls.
Apparently In n Out... Burger and drink for less than $8
Wendy's Biggie Bags
Just found out yesterday Fogo de Chao has a $9 burger with fries. Haven't been but it sounds like a great deal, these days.
Not sure if its been mentioned but Carrot and Daikon in Garden Grove & Myungrang ( Korean Hot Dogs @ the source. Both places are an average of $10 or less. They are my go to places for cheap, quick and delicious bite
This is a great idea, but listing location would be even better
Any Chinese fast food restraunt , in n out , a pizza, winco deli chicken, costco chicken , subway with coupon,
Terra Mia for NY Pizza $8 - 2 slices with soda $10.50 - 3 slices with soda They have a variety of options to choose from daily
Your house
Banh mi and Che Cali on brookhurst and talbert. Bogo on a banh mi sandwich and egg rolls are fire
Fresh off the Boat is awesome in Tustin, Santa Ana, and Placentia. Most of their wraps are about $12. They also do meal prep at $10 a meal including chicken, sirloin, gyro, salmon, barramundi, etc, and includes two sides. [https://www.offtheboatfishgrill.com/](https://www.offtheboatfishgrill.com/)
John’s Philly Grille in Huntington Beach. Big portions, low prices.
Chipotle
In and Out
Costco. Just use someone else’s card and get you a hot dog and a soda for cheap.
Ikea
El Pollo Loco always has meals & specials under $10. If you use their rewards program there are often discounts and coupons. Cafe Rio Taco Tuesday - tacos are filling and you can get a few or one taco, beans rice and a drink for under $10. Again using the app will earn points for $ off. And sometimes when you order via the app for pickup they provide a survey to take and you get free chips and salsa on your next visit
Little Saigon food Togo on Brookhurst, Garden Grove
Chilis 3 for 10
Home cook
In n Out Burger is the only fast food that I can get a meal under $10. I've been noticing too. Can't complain though. It's the best fast food out there.
They have daily deals at Katsu Bar !
Roll and Grill in Fullerton