That’s why we’ve compiled this list to help you find some reasonably priced and delicious options that are perfect for large groups.
Going out to eat with a group of people is so much fun! However, it can quickly get expensive. We know it’s hard to find a great place to have a great dinner without dumping money on your family. Finding inexpensive restaurants for groups is important for saving money on your budget.
On this list, you’ll find high-end restaurants and casual eateries. We’ve also included some that cater to people with food sensitivities and allergies. There is a wide variety of cuisines as well. We’re sure you’ll find something your entire group will love!
Here are some of the best inexpensive restaurants for large groups, keeping in mind family dining deals, average price per dish, and any ongoing specials. Bon appetit!
- The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is a famous American restaurant that offers a wide variety of dishes. While entrees are priced at $18 and up, it’s a great option to try a dish from their “small plate” menu.
Although they say it’s a small plate, it’s still a decent portion. If you’ve ever been to the Cheesecake Factory, you know their portions are huge. Prices range from $7.95 to $10.95, so this is a perfect price point for a group at a restaurant.
If you come during happy hour (4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday), the price of small plates and appetizers is reduced to $5.95 to $7.95. Cocktails are also priced as low as $6.95 during this time.
The Cheesecake Factory also takes reservations, so to cut down on wait times, be sure to use this feature on their website or call ahead.
- cheddar’s scratch kitchen
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen has an amazing menu too at fabulous prices. There are many “comfort food” type dishes for less than $10.
One of the best things about Cheddar Cheese is that they offer family packages.
The three currently listed on their website are.
The $24.99 Tender Chicken Combo: 16 tender chickens with dipping sauce, served with two family packages and six honey butter croissants.
Grilled Salmon Combo for $34.99:Four 5-ounce salmon fillets over seasoned rice, served with two family meals, bourbon sauce and six honey butter croissants.
The $32.99 Grilled Salmon and Chicken Tenderloin Combo:Two 5-ounce salmon fillets served over seasoned rice, eight breadcrumb-covered chicken tenderloins served with two family meals, bourbon sauce and six honey butter croissants.
The menu definitely varies by location, but you’ll probably find more options at your local Cheddar Scratch Kitchen. These deals are really good for a few people to share a great meal at a great price.
Another great option is that family packages are available for take-out, so you can enjoy them at home with friends!
- Aubrey’s
Steakhouses are known for being pricey, but Outback Steakhouse is usually less expensive but still offers high-quality dishes.
The best part is that you can also sample other cuisines there. So if you happen to not like steak, you can still enjoy chicken, vegetarian dishes, pasta, and more as a group!
While Outback Steakhouse doesn’t specialize in group meals, soups or salads, their (excellent) breads, and entrees are priced between $13- $14.
If your group is free, it’s even better to go during lunchtime. Monday through Friday until 4 p.m., you can get a side dish, soup or salad entree for just $9.99. You can also get unlimited soups and salads for $8.99.
- Prof. Chang’s
P.F. Chang’s is one of the best group restaurants if you want Asian food. Yes, it’s Americanized Asian food, but it’s absolutely delicious.
This restaurant has family packages for two, four, and six people. This could be a great place to hang out with friends or coworkers.
Here’s a breakdown of these bundles: the
Family Meal for Two ($38): one lettuce wrap, one soup, one noodle or rice, one main entracei
Family meal for four ($64): one lettuce wrap, one soup, one noodle or rice, two entracei
Family meal for 6 ($90): 1 lettuce wrap, 1 soup, 2 noodles or rice, 3 entrees
This means you can get a great dinner at a nice restaurant for only $15 per person. They also have a lot of options for those with different dietary restrictions if you need them.
- applebee’s restaurant chain
Applebee ‘s is known for its two meals for $20, so this restaurant and deal definitely had to make this list. Two entrees and an appetizer are just $20. Travel in pairs and enjoy a great meal for a low price.
Applebee ‘s also has an extensive menu. You can find pasta, tacos, meats, and more, so this is a great place to go with friends.
They also have a very fun and relaxed atmosphere, so it’s a great place to meet up for a drink or watch some games.
Happy hour deals vary by location, but most places have them, and you can also get discounted cocktails and appetizers at this time of year.
- Chili’s
Chili ‘s is also a popular place because you can’t turn down their deals. The deals here do rotate, but they’re almost always a great price for a lot of food!
The special they are currently running is a “3 for me” deal. So while it doesn’t have to be a family meal, everyone can enjoy a 3-course meal for as low as $10!
Use this formula to make your meal.
Drinks
Appetizers
Entrees
They have a lot of options, so you’re sure to find something for everyone there. They even allow you to upgrade your drink to a margarita or other cocktail, or swap your appetizer for dessert.
- Olive Garden
We certainly couldn’t complete this list without including Olive Garden. Unlimited fries? Yes, please!
This restaurant has so many locations, you’re bound to find one near you! The lunch specials are great, but the best deal is their take-home family meal.
The Olive Garden website currently has 20 different family packages for families of all sizes, price points, and flavors. You’re sure to find something that’s perfect for your group at this restaurant.
It’s by far one of the most popular places for this reason!
Their most famous “in the dining room” offer is the unlimited soup and salad meal. Add unlimited breadsticks and your group will be stuffed with a delicious meal (and at a great price!). .
Lunchtime also includes discounted items from their regular menu, so be sure to keep that in mind.
- Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is known for their Texas-sized portions. Unlimited honey butter rolls, huge steaks, hearty sides, and magnificent desserts. This place is a great place for a group to get together and share!
Order a half rack of ribs and fries, Buffalo wings, or grilled shrimp and toast from the appetizer menu for $10.99. If you compare the price to the portion size, it’s a real bargain.
They also have specials called family packages. They serve 4-6 people depending on the package. Some places allow you to eat in, others you can only order takeout.
The family packages include a protein, a topping for the protein, two family-sized sides, and a family-sized House or Cesar salad for as low as $34.99. They also have their famous Honey Butter Rolls.
There’s more food there than at any fast food restaurant, the quality is better, and it’s a much better atmosphere to have dinner with a group of people.
- Buffalo Wild Wings
If you’re looking for a great place for people to get together and play games, Buffalo Wild Wings is where you want to go. They have different specials every day of the week, so it’s a lot of fun if you’re planning a party.
Some of the favorites are the buy one get one free boneless wings on Thursdays and buy one get one 50% off bone-in wings on Tuesdays. This is a great thing for a family or group of friends to get together and enjoy.
They also have a special with 40 wings with sauce and a large order of home fries for $40.
- Phil’s.
This is a more casual place, but Chick-fil-A has great food and a fun party environment. If you have a place with a playground, this is perfect for a group of moms and dads to get together.
The family meals here are really neat and affordable. You can get 4 sandwiches, 4 orders of fries or mac and cheese and a half gallon of lemonade for $30. You can take them out to eat or eat them at home.
Deals vary across the country, so call and see what your local Chick-fil-A offers for a casual hangout that’s perfect for kids!
- red lobster
Red Lobster definitely has to be on this list because their specialties win. They know this too because their website says “different deals all day every weekday.” Add in the endless cheddar cookies and it’s a perfect place for groups to stop by!
Current weekday specials are as follows.
Ultimate Endless Shrimp Monday:Your choice of two entrees and one side for $21.99.
Two for Tuesday:Two lobster, shrimp and salmon entrees for $59.99 per side.
Steak and Lobster Wednesday:Sirloin and lobster, $24.99 for two sides.
Nostalgia Thursday:Shrimp, Pepsi or iced tea, plus two for $14.99.
Fish Fry Fridays:Hand-fried cod with fries and cole slaw for $13.99.
Plus Happy Hour where you can get inexpensive drinks and dinner. This is definitely a great location to enjoy a delicious dinner at a great price with a great atmosphere!
- Red Robin
If you’re looking for a place to watch a soccer game with friends or just go out for a burger, Red Robin is the place you want to meet. They sell out of their delicious burgers this season!
It’s one of their juicy, tender burgers with unlimited fries and a drink, priced at $10 on weekdays. If you’ve never had a Red Robin Gourmet Burger, you must try it. Upgrade your drink to a milkshake and you’ve got the ultimate treat at an excellent price!
There are always more deals to be had, but they vary by location, so be sure to get in touch with someone local to plan a perfect day to party at Red Robin!
- denny’s.
Denny’s is a great place to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner at an affordable price, especially if you’re looking for a place to dine late at night. This longtime group hangout is one of the best if you’re looking for amazing deals. They always have something going on!
They have so many cheap options and they have so much food!
For $5.99, you can get one of their Grand Slams, which comes with pancakes, French toast, cookies and gravy, and eggs, bacon, or sausage. You can also get a cheeseburger with all the toppings and a side of fries for $7.99. Seriously, it’s so cheap!
Oh, and did we mention you can play this all day or night? It’s a fun place to get together with a large group of people for a cozy meal!
- Northern Pike BBQ
If you’re looking for great seafood options, pasta, or even some great steaks with an amazing atmosphere, Bonefish Grill is the perfect place. This restaurant takes reservations, so be sure to take advantage of that to get your large group seated quickly.
On Tuesdays, they offer $6 bottles of martinis and other craft cocktails. They also have double protein entrees for under $20 and $10- $20 appetizers.
This is definitely a high end restaurant, so the prices are still great relative to the service and quality you get.
We can’t recommend Bone Fish Grill enough for a large group looking to celebrate a birthday, big event, or any other accomplishment.
Summing Up.
Whether you’re looking for a more upscale experience or something ultra-casual, Mexican, Italian, or American, we’re sure you’ll find something on this list of the cheapest restaurants to suit your needs.
We’d also like to remind you to call and make sure your local restaurant still has special specials before you visit.
