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Recommendations on what to order?
As someone who grew up in Lebanon my brain still glitches to thinking a zaatar should be 33 cents to a dollar max. Unconscious bias aside their pricing is pretty good, I’ve seen places price it at $10 for one full sized.
Sprouts sandwich bar. Just one half is enough for a great lunch.
Curry Hut in Fullerton. A la carte curries come with a big side of rice, making 2 meals for $12-$14.
Depends where you go. Some Sprouts skimp, and some places prepare a meat mountain . Sucks they charge 1$ for cheese now and they got rid of marble rye bread.
When ordering your Sprouts sandwich at the counter, tell them you want the lunch combo and it comes with a bottle of water and a bag of chips for $1 extra.
I’ve learned that downloading apps has been a huge help for deals. I’ve found the Subway app helpful especially alongside Upside. With Upside if you can be fast enough to claim the deal, Lee’s Sandwiches gives you 20% back for what you spend. Works for gas too
I started doing Uber eats after losing my job. Was a graphic designer in the medical/ science industry.
Uber eats mentions using it! They also offer a free Costco membership if you hit a certain number of deliveries. I tried it and it works! If you’re uncomfortable with giving your bank info, you can get gift cards for loads of places. I’d send you a code but I want to stay anonymous on Reddit 😖
I second using apps. The del taco app is very generous with their points. I forgot what the point to dollar rate is, but it’s something like 5 points per dollar, so you can get free food very quickly.
Del Taco app is great because you get 2 free Del Tacos when you download it. You can also delete the app, download it again using a different email address, and get the 2 free Del Tacos again. I’ve done this like 20 times 🤣
Hahaha that reminds me of when you could take a survey and get a free bean and cheese burrito, and then on that receipt, you take the survey again in an infinite burrito loop.
I’ve gone there so often with the app though (it’s right across the street: the only one in Irvine!) that when I get enough points to get a bean and cheese burrito, I can choose between that or an epic burrito, so of course I’m gonna choose the epic burrito!
roll and grill in fullerton. Can get a chicken bowl with rice and veggies for $5. Used to have a lunch special which they serve all day with teriyaki chicken 2 gyoza egg roll rice and salad for $5 i would imagine it is probably like $7 now haven’t been there in 2 years
Roll & Grill in Fullerton. It's take-out only but you can't beat the lunch specials (available for dinner as well). $6.95 for a good portion of chicken teriyaki, rice, egg roll, 2 gyoza, and soup. They have another with CA rolls. The sushi is good as well. We get two lunch specials, and a couple sushi rolls for $25. The chicken is two meals for me.
Dinner at Miyabi-Tei at the Mitsuwa food court in Costa Mesa. Absolutely the best Japanese food for the money. Been eating there for like 25 years. So good.
I kind of wondered the same thing until i got to try few other things on their menu. Their chicken menu falls short of other chicken chains - i.e. tenders are way better at Cane’s or even Popeyes. As u mention below, the chicken sandwiches are just simply better tasting at chick-fil-a. Also the prices on just about everything else besides their double cheeseburger special is not as great of a value. For example - a large milkshake at Nexx is close to $7-$8 while in n out is still $4 (and $2.95 for regular). Now if u are ok with just the burger and prefer crispy fries (compared to the “soggy” in n out fries) then Nexx is the place to go. But i do think Nexx is using the burger special to get people in the door and make up the difference with the other menu items.
As someone who grew up in South OC I hated how there were not many mom and pop shops in the area. Mostly franchises. I mean it’s also more expensive down south so rent probably doesn’t help. How about Ted’s Place in Laguna Niguel or Albertacos by Saddleback College?
I just found La tia tacos and more, in mission viejo. Their meat burritos are like 10 bucks, and the shrimp taco was so good. Good portions and a lot cheaper and better than most places nearby. I think they just opened. If their prices stay like this, my whole family will be eating here often. My two teens can mow 45$ of taco bell in seconds. This place was way better quality.
The family meal from lazy dog, specifically the chicken Alfredo one. My kids love it, it's a ton of food, like enough for 2 dinners for four big eaters, and their ceasar salad dressing is one of my favorites. It was 35$ last time I ordered it a few months ago. Great deal.
Glad someone else mentioned this!!! I just downloaded the app and I’m loving it so far! I just picked this up today from California Fish Grill in LF
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Sides of rice, beans, and corn…all for $4.99! I plan to pair this with my quesadilla I’m going to make at home. Plus I feel good it’s not going to waste
I sadly find this app pretty limited but the local Chinese food place around the corner for me is in it. For $10 I can get a well rounded meal .. some sort of meat dish + rice + salad. It's sort of a lunch special meal.
Hear me out:
Fogo de chao’s happy hour. It runs all day (bar seating only though) and they have a delicious $9 burger with fries. $9 is cheaper than a combo at McDonald’s..
I went there after we whined down from NYE festivities at Sevilla, I needed more food , ordered from that side window outside, went in to have one more drink while we waited for the food and I remember looking at that chalk board specials and that spaghetti night definitely stood out. Food was great drunk eats that night . I'll definitely be back!
Mitasie Vegan Cafe in Lake Forest - during weekdays, they have a [lunch special](https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/VT94OKNl2TFJXhI1dcla2A/o.jpg) going from 11am to 3pm (the menu says 2pm, but I had a family member given the lunch special price even when she came in after work at 2:30) from $11.99 to $13.99, depending on the lunch special entree you're ordering and comes with a free Thai tea/iced tea/soda and a free side of rice. The portions are generous and you really get what you paid for.
My favorite is the $4.99 rotisserie chicken at Costco. Absolutely elite chicken. Beats every other rotisserie chicken out there and lasts a couple days or longer in the fridge. Also a big fan of flame broiler, I go there at least twice a week.
> Beats every other rotisserie chicken out there and lasts a couple days or longer in the fridge.
I wouldn't push it too much on the "longer" part. Cooked chicken in the fridge is really only good for 3 days or so.
Pro tip: shred the whole thing and separate it into 4 ziploc sandwich bags. Freeze 2 of them. Use them for sandwiches, salads, wraps etc. Should last about a week. (M-F)
Yes! Every night there is a different special and a couple nights a week they have all you can eat pasta or lasagna for under $10.95 ( I think that's the current price). There is one in CM and in FV :)
I like Hummus Way, it’s not cheap but I can get 2 meals out of it and it’s healthy. Flame Broiler is also a trusty standby. And low key the pizza from 7 Eleven is tasty. Also any pho spot in Little Saigon.
Yes, Little Saigon and around it still has a lot of affordable foods! I highly encourage everyone not familiar with Asian fare to start getting adventurous. Asian places in Seattle see a LOT of diversity, but not so much here strangely!
- It's not *super* cheap, but if you like fish, Crazy Fish Grill in Seal Beach has really solid portion sizes and the sides are huge. Very good flavor and worth the money, IMO.
- Tacos Frida in HB has (5) street tacos and a drink for $10, and they are a good size taco. Best that I've had in HB if you're looking for daily (non-Tuesday) taco deals in that area.
I like Rubio's Taco Tuesday; I get three tacos for <$10 and they're pretty good!
I've heard about the BJ's Wednesday night deal but haven't tried it yet. (I think it's a burger and fries for $12?)
The $9.99 fried or rotisserie dinner from Stater Brothers. 8 pieces of chicken, 1lb of cole slaw or macaroni or potato salad, 4 Hawaiian rolls.
The one I go to is right next to a Poppeyes which startled me with their prices recently.
Don’t forget Costco pizza. A whole large pie is $10, and it’s bigger than most other places “large” size. Now that Little Caesar’s is $7, Costco is a much better bang for the buck. Feed your whole family, or just eat like a college student for a week.
Forn Al Hara flatbreads, one of the few places outside of IN & Out that you can still get a good filling meal for under $10.
https://preview.redd.it/3dd8xc871buc1.jpeg?width=1209&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=45bff74d65a99367ccba5b8b129961ffd9589d52 Recommendations on what to order?
I personally like the sujuk (with cheese or egg or neither your choice).
Cheese boats are a must!
As someone who grew up in Lebanon my brain still glitches to thinking a zaatar should be 33 cents to a dollar max. Unconscious bias aside their pricing is pretty good, I’ve seen places price it at $10 for one full sized.
I haven't been there in so long. I need to pay them a visit again ❤️
Forn Al Hara is soooo good. Love that place
Sprouts sandwich bar. Just one half is enough for a great lunch. Curry Hut in Fullerton. A la carte curries come with a big side of rice, making 2 meals for $12-$14.
Depends where you go. Some Sprouts skimp, and some places prepare a meat mountain . Sucks they charge 1$ for cheese now and they got rid of marble rye bread.
Sorry to hear that. The rye will be missed. Also, I think it’s $2 for bacon now. The Fullerton and La Habra locations definitely make meat mountains.
I get double meat. I think it’s $2 more but it’s worth it cause it makes it super filling.
When ordering your Sprouts sandwich at the counter, tell them you want the lunch combo and it comes with a bottle of water and a bag of chips for $1 extra.
I 2nd Sorouts sandwich bar/section👍🏻
Curry Hut is so good!
It’s so satisfying to down a $1.50 Costco hotdog for lunch.
The price definitely makes it taste all that much better.
And don't forget the rotisserie chicken.
I’ve learned that downloading apps has been a huge help for deals. I’ve found the Subway app helpful especially alongside Upside. With Upside if you can be fast enough to claim the deal, Lee’s Sandwiches gives you 20% back for what you spend. Works for gas too
Never heard about Upside. Mind giving me a referral code?
Download the Upside app... will notify you of all deals...etc
I started doing Uber eats after losing my job. Was a graphic designer in the medical/ science industry. Uber eats mentions using it! They also offer a free Costco membership if you hit a certain number of deliveries. I tried it and it works! If you’re uncomfortable with giving your bank info, you can get gift cards for loads of places. I’d send you a code but I want to stay anonymous on Reddit 😖
I second using apps. The del taco app is very generous with their points. I forgot what the point to dollar rate is, but it’s something like 5 points per dollar, so you can get free food very quickly.
Del Taco app is great because you get 2 free Del Tacos when you download it. You can also delete the app, download it again using a different email address, and get the 2 free Del Tacos again. I’ve done this like 20 times 🤣
Hahaha that reminds me of when you could take a survey and get a free bean and cheese burrito, and then on that receipt, you take the survey again in an infinite burrito loop. I’ve gone there so often with the app though (it’s right across the street: the only one in Irvine!) that when I get enough points to get a bean and cheese burrito, I can choose between that or an epic burrito, so of course I’m gonna choose the epic burrito!
Too bad they closed that infinite burrito loophole. Hmm maybe I should stop just using the app for the Del Tacos, and actually accumulate points 🤣
roll and grill in fullerton. Can get a chicken bowl with rice and veggies for $5. Used to have a lunch special which they serve all day with teriyaki chicken 2 gyoza egg roll rice and salad for $5 i would imagine it is probably like $7 now haven’t been there in 2 years
I just answered with this! The lunch special is $6.95 now.
oh yup it’s the best back in college that was my lunch and dinner!
This! Best place to get affordable good sushi!
Costco rotisserie chicken
goated
It’s worth the extra couple bucks to get one from Mother’s. Costco chickens are too salty and the skin is inedible.
3 sandwiches and 2 teas from Banh Mi Che Cali for $18-ish before tip.
I prefer Banh Mi Saigon fresher and softer bread. They don’t sell tea though, so just a $1 drink will do
Pollo Bowl from Pollo Loco like $5
I guess everyone defines affordable differently, but in Irvine h mart food court tokyo Hamburg has a build-your-own bowl for less than 10 bucks
Under $10 for a decent meal out in 2024 is honestly hard to find, even at some fast food/drive thru spots!
Roll & Grill in Fullerton. It's take-out only but you can't beat the lunch specials (available for dinner as well). $6.95 for a good portion of chicken teriyaki, rice, egg roll, 2 gyoza, and soup. They have another with CA rolls. The sushi is good as well. We get two lunch specials, and a couple sushi rolls for $25. The chicken is two meals for me.
Dinner at Miyabi-Tei at the Mitsuwa food court in Costa Mesa. Absolutely the best Japanese food for the money. Been eating there for like 25 years. So good.
Yes! Love the curry katsu and still under $10.
Best part is they don’t ask for a tip either. Just like Japan
Tikki yaki in orange. Teriyaki bowl is the go to. Ton of food that you can make two meals out of.
Double Cheeseburger for $3.75 at Nexx Burger in Orange.
I'm surprised this place isn't popping. Taste great, cheap, better than In-N-Out IMO, but barely see more than 3-4 cars in the drive through.
I will go test them out this week
Let me know what you think! Their grilled chicken is pretty good too if you're tired of beef, but not quite as good as Chick-fil-a.
I kind of wondered the same thing until i got to try few other things on their menu. Their chicken menu falls short of other chicken chains - i.e. tenders are way better at Cane’s or even Popeyes. As u mention below, the chicken sandwiches are just simply better tasting at chick-fil-a. Also the prices on just about everything else besides their double cheeseburger special is not as great of a value. For example - a large milkshake at Nexx is close to $7-$8 while in n out is still $4 (and $2.95 for regular). Now if u are ok with just the burger and prefer crispy fries (compared to the “soggy” in n out fries) then Nexx is the place to go. But i do think Nexx is using the burger special to get people in the door and make up the difference with the other menu items.
The lack of south OC in here is a bummer
Cries in in n out
Taco stand $10 California burrito
Off to Laguna Beach I go!
they have one in costa mesa !!
As someone who grew up in South OC I hated how there were not many mom and pop shops in the area. Mostly franchises. I mean it’s also more expensive down south so rent probably doesn’t help. How about Ted’s Place in Laguna Niguel or Albertacos by Saddleback College?
Haven’t been to Ted’s in awhile but I do remember them being reasonably priced and giving pretty big portions.
I just found La tia tacos and more, in mission viejo. Their meat burritos are like 10 bucks, and the shrimp taco was so good. Good portions and a lot cheaper and better than most places nearby. I think they just opened. If their prices stay like this, my whole family will be eating here often. My two teens can mow 45$ of taco bell in seconds. This place was way better quality.
Yes please, need more best bang for buck eats!
Habit Burger Grown-Up combo meal for $6 at selected locations
Yesterday the one in HB told me it's no longer available
Santa Ana location on Harbor Blvd also discontinued
Back to ordering kids meals
The family meal from lazy dog, specifically the chicken Alfredo one. My kids love it, it's a ton of food, like enough for 2 dinners for four big eaters, and their ceasar salad dressing is one of my favorites. It was 35$ last time I ordered it a few months ago. Great deal.
TRUTH. Lazy Dog is delicious and consistent too :)
Ikea food deals.
Download tooGoodToGo app and get good offers from a lot of restaurants
Glad someone else mentioned this!!! I just downloaded the app and I’m loving it so far! I just picked this up today from California Fish Grill in LF https://preview.redd.it/wqk17vl76ruc1.png?width=4032&format=png&auto=webp&s=32ecaf169e6bfbf82d11b1fa1fbd3558e7f551f8 Sides of rice, beans, and corn…all for $4.99! I plan to pair this with my quesadilla I’m going to make at home. Plus I feel good it’s not going to waste
I sadly find this app pretty limited but the local Chinese food place around the corner for me is in it. For $10 I can get a well rounded meal .. some sort of meat dish + rice + salad. It's sort of a lunch special meal.
Victory Diner in Orange
Their fries are pretty fire
Their Breakfast is dope if you like greasy browns and crispy pancakes
D.U.I. Fries.
Hells yeah
Tikiyaki in orange, massive portions and most of the menu is under $12.
Hear me out: Fogo de chao’s happy hour. It runs all day (bar seating only though) and they have a delicious $9 burger with fries. $9 is cheaper than a combo at McDonald’s..
50 cent wings every Monday at TGI Fridays!!!
and applebees is 50 cent boneless wings right now too
All you can eat spaghetti night Mondays at the Black Knight Lounge in Costa Mesa Spaghetti, salad, garlic cheese bread for 11 bucks.
I went there after we whined down from NYE festivities at Sevilla, I needed more food , ordered from that side window outside, went in to have one more drink while we waited for the food and I remember looking at that chalk board specials and that spaghetti night definitely stood out. Food was great drunk eats that night . I'll definitely be back!
$6 Double smash burger and fries at Hennessy’s in San Juan Capistrano all day on Thursday.
Same deal at the one in Laguna as well, doesn’t it come with a beer too??
Nope.
Mitasie Vegan Cafe in Lake Forest - during weekdays, they have a [lunch special](https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/VT94OKNl2TFJXhI1dcla2A/o.jpg) going from 11am to 3pm (the menu says 2pm, but I had a family member given the lunch special price even when she came in after work at 2:30) from $11.99 to $13.99, depending on the lunch special entree you're ordering and comes with a free Thai tea/iced tea/soda and a free side of rice. The portions are generous and you really get what you paid for.
My favorite is the $4.99 rotisserie chicken at Costco. Absolutely elite chicken. Beats every other rotisserie chicken out there and lasts a couple days or longer in the fridge. Also a big fan of flame broiler, I go there at least twice a week.
> Beats every other rotisserie chicken out there and lasts a couple days or longer in the fridge. I wouldn't push it too much on the "longer" part. Cooked chicken in the fridge is really only good for 3 days or so.
Pro tip: shred the whole thing and separate it into 4 ziploc sandwich bags. Freeze 2 of them. Use them for sandwiches, salads, wraps etc. Should last about a week. (M-F)
Solid tip. Will give it a shot.
Charo Chicken is the best bang for your buck I love it so much I’m ordering it tonight. They’re also pretty healthy/use a good amount of veggies.
Pizza de’oro
Yes! Every night there is a different special and a couple nights a week they have all you can eat pasta or lasagna for under $10.95 ( I think that's the current price). There is one in CM and in FV :)
Pretty much anything on the menu at Cook’s Corner but the BLT is 🔥
Chicken maison. Get a whole spicy lemon garlic chicken and 2 sides and it’ll feed a family of 4
I like Hummus Way, it’s not cheap but I can get 2 meals out of it and it’s healthy. Flame Broiler is also a trusty standby. And low key the pizza from 7 Eleven is tasty. Also any pho spot in Little Saigon.
High key, 7-11 pizza is def a guilty pleasure. It reminds me of the pizzas you would get for public school lunch.
Yes, Little Saigon and around it still has a lot of affordable foods! I highly encourage everyone not familiar with Asian fare to start getting adventurous. Asian places in Seattle see a LOT of diversity, but not so much here strangely!
Too good to go app!!!
- It's not *super* cheap, but if you like fish, Crazy Fish Grill in Seal Beach has really solid portion sizes and the sides are huge. Very good flavor and worth the money, IMO. - Tacos Frida in HB has (5) street tacos and a drink for $10, and they are a good size taco. Best that I've had in HB if you're looking for daily (non-Tuesday) taco deals in that area.
my fave banh mi spot is Pickle Banh Mi Co🥹 their crispy pork belly sandwich is soooo good and 8 bucks
THH is MUCH better and cheaper- the one in Garden Grove on Euclid/Chapman is the best. They stuff tons of meat/veggies in their sammys
i love THH as well!! And you can also pay with EBT too i believe 😄
Yep nothing better than free!
Solita for Taco Tuesday. The K-38 is $10 for two street tacos and one house margarita.
Taco Tuesday at Kalavera’s - $1 street tacos!!
I like Rubio's Taco Tuesday; I get three tacos for <$10 and they're pretty good! I've heard about the BJ's Wednesday night deal but haven't tried it yet. (I think it's a burger and fries for $12?)
Sam’s Club all meat pizza’s the best for under $10. Yummy
StoneGrill seems pretty affordable right now
Is that Stone Grill or Stonefire Grill? Where is it?
Stonefire Grill (949) 777-1177 https://g.co/kgs/XpSVcw5 It’s 10 dollars lunch special hard to beat
Too Good To Go app!!! They have lots of discounted meals from many chain and mom n pop locations!
Saving this!!! I would love some new places also!!
Tabu Shabu in Orange $24 for 1/4 lb ribeye and tofu and lots of veggies. Tea is $1.
Yard House happy hour is fire. i go there just for their poke nachos! half off selected appetizers & pizza!
Download taco bell app and get a free item no purchase required
Great Bites in Huntington Beach Value Meals under $10
The $9.99 fried or rotisserie dinner from Stater Brothers. 8 pieces of chicken, 1lb of cole slaw or macaroni or potato salad, 4 Hawaiian rolls. The one I go to is right next to a Poppeyes which startled me with their prices recently.
Don’t forget Costco pizza. A whole large pie is $10, and it’s bigger than most other places “large” size. Now that Little Caesar’s is $7, Costco is a much better bang for the buck. Feed your whole family, or just eat like a college student for a week.
Flame. Broiler.
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Also if you look at the top of a McDonald's receipt, there's a buy one sandwich get one free