Fast food lunch that won't cost more than a five-spot

HOUSTON – Fast food is supposed to fast and cheap; but by the time you order an entree, side and a drink, you can easily spend $8 or more. Consumer expert Amy Davis scoured fast food menus to show you how you can fill up for $5 or less.

There are a lot of fast food chains now offering $5 deals. Those didn't make Davis' cut because you'd need more than $5 after taxes. We wanted to see which fast food chains could fill up our tanks mid-day if we have nothing more than a five dollar bill.

Forget about those combo meals, we discovered piecing together your own menu items to make a meal will save you more money every time.

Wendy's 4 for $4 deal is the stand-out. For $4, you get a Junior Bacon Cheeseburger or a Crispy Chicken BLT, 4 chicken nuggets, fries and a drink.

McDonald's Break menu is also a good value. You get 2 items for $2.50. Fountain drinks are $1.
A cheeseburger, small fry and a drink is only $3.50 plus tax.

Burger King beats that right now by giving you 2 cheeseburgers, small fries and drink for just $3.49. It also pays to download both Burger King and McDonald's apps.

Both offer good coupons like a 10 piece chicken nuggets & large fries for $3 at Burger King.  McDonald's app had 10 offers when we checked, like free fries and a drink when you buy any Signature Crafted sandwich.

Right now at Popeye's Chicken, you can get a quarter pound popcorn chicken with fries for just $4. You don't get a drink with this deal. 

Arby's sliders are just a 1.49. Pair them with small curly fries and a drink and your meal is $4.38 plus tax.  If you eat a late lunch or early dinner between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. the sliders are only $1 each.

Share your favorite fast and inexpensive lunch deals on our Facebook page. Channel 2 staffers have already posted some of their go-to deals that won't break the bank.


About the Author:

Passionate consumer advocate, mom of 3, addicted to coffee, hairspray and pastries.