7 restaurant chains still serving big portions at small prices
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There’s nothing more frustrating than spending good money at a restaurant only to receive a tiny plate that barely counts as a meal.
For many diners, value means more than flavor—it’s about leaving the table satisfied and maybe even taking some leftovers home.
In today’s world of rising prices and shrinking portion sizes, finding restaurants that still deliver hearty servings is a welcome relief.
At The GrayVine, we know that stretching a dollar matters, especially for families and older adults living on a budget.
That’s why we’ve rounded up seven chains where you’ll still get plenty of food for your money.
Golden Corral has built its reputation on variety and abundance.
For one price, you can fill your plate with fried chicken, pot roast, mashed potatoes, and then head back for more.
The endless buffet also includes a dessert bar that keeps customers coming back.
As one diner summed it up: “Golden Corral— all you can eat.” Enough said.
Known for its rocking chairs and country store, Cracker Barrel also delivers when it comes to value.
Their sampler platters are so large many people report getting two or three meals out of one order.
Plus, their $5 take-home meals make it easy to stretch your dollar.
As one fan raved, “That is so much food and it was only $15 for the meal.”
If you’re craving hearty comfort food, Texas Roadhouse delivers oversized steaks and generous sides.
Their family takeout meals can feed several people for the cost of a single entrée elsewhere.
And of course, the warm, buttery rolls with cinnamon honey butter keep diners coming back.
One customer noted, “A family takeout meal of chicken strips is $40 and can make several meals.”
Olive Garden is famous for its unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad that come with entrées.
Many customers eat the starters and save the main course for another meal.
Their “Buy One, Take One” specials make it even easier to stretch your dining dollar.
As one fan put it: “So good for multiple meals.”
Applebee’s has built its brand on affordable combo platters and meal deals.
Their $25 special—an appetizer plus two entrées—remains popular for its value.
Portions are hefty, whether you order wings, pasta, or mozzarella sticks.
As one diner said: “The portion sizes are big, in my opinion.”
Claim Jumper is known for meals so large they often last for days.
Diners describe meatloaf portions “as big as your head” and salads large enough to share.
Desserts come in boxes that rival shoeboxes in size.
One customer explained, “It fed you for like 2-3 days.”
Black Bear Diner prides itself on serving portions that guarantee no one leaves hungry.
From stacks of pancakes to oversized plates of chicken-fried steak, their mission is to deliver hearty, comforting meals.
As one diner confirmed: “They give you a ton of food.”
In an era of “shrinkflation,” when many restaurants serve less food for higher prices, these chains stand out by delivering value.
For older adults living on fixed incomes, families feeding several mouths, or anyone who appreciates leftovers, generous portions remain a real draw.
Finding a good deal at a restaurant can make dining out feel more rewarding.
Whether you’re after an all-you-can-eat buffet, a pasta dinner with free breadsticks, or a steak big enough to share, these chains prove value is still on the menu.
Read next:
Do you have a go-to restaurant where the portions never disappoint? Share your favorites with The GrayVine community!
For many diners, value means more than flavor—it’s about leaving the table satisfied and maybe even taking some leftovers home.
In today’s world of rising prices and shrinking portion sizes, finding restaurants that still deliver hearty servings is a welcome relief.
At The GrayVine, we know that stretching a dollar matters, especially for families and older adults living on a budget.
That’s why we’ve rounded up seven chains where you’ll still get plenty of food for your money.
Some restaurant chains still serve hearty, budget-friendly meals that leave you satisfied and with leftovers to enjoy later. Image Source: Pexels / Jep Gambardella.
Golden Corral: the buffet king
Golden Corral has built its reputation on variety and abundance.
For one price, you can fill your plate with fried chicken, pot roast, mashed potatoes, and then head back for more.
The endless buffet also includes a dessert bar that keeps customers coming back.
As one diner summed it up: “Golden Corral— all you can eat.” Enough said.
Endless buffet choices at Golden Corral keep diners coming back for hearty portions. Image Source: YouTube / Mashed.
Cracker Barrel: southern comfort, family-style
Known for its rocking chairs and country store, Cracker Barrel also delivers when it comes to value.
Their sampler platters are so large many people report getting two or three meals out of one order.
Plus, their $5 take-home meals make it easy to stretch your dollar.
As one fan raved, “That is so much food and it was only $15 for the meal.”
Cracker Barrel pairs comfort food with classic country charm and generous servings. Image Source: YouTube / TODAY.
Also read: Step back in time: The oldest restaurant in every US State
Texas Roadhouse: big steaks and bottomless rolls
If you’re craving hearty comfort food, Texas Roadhouse delivers oversized steaks and generous sides.
Their family takeout meals can feed several people for the cost of a single entrée elsewhere.
And of course, the warm, buttery rolls with cinnamon honey butter keep diners coming back.
One customer noted, “A family takeout meal of chicken strips is $40 and can make several meals.”
Olive Garden: pasta, breadsticks, and more pasta
Olive Garden is famous for its unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad that come with entrées.
Many customers eat the starters and save the main course for another meal.
Their “Buy One, Take One” specials make it even easier to stretch your dining dollar.
As one fan put it: “So good for multiple meals.”
Olive Garden’s unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad make every entrée stretch further. Image Source: YouTube / Mashed.
Also read: A beloved family restaurant closes after 92 years—and a neighborhood feels the loss
Applebee’s: big plates, bigger deals
Applebee’s has built its brand on affordable combo platters and meal deals.
Their $25 special—an appetizer plus two entrées—remains popular for its value.
Portions are hefty, whether you order wings, pasta, or mozzarella sticks.
As one diner said: “The portion sizes are big, in my opinion.”
Claim Jumper: giant entrées, legendary portions
Claim Jumper is known for meals so large they often last for days.
Diners describe meatloaf portions “as big as your head” and salads large enough to share.
Desserts come in boxes that rival shoeboxes in size.
One customer explained, “It fed you for like 2-3 days.”
Also read: Dining out just got more complicated—what to know about new restaurant surcharges
Black Bear Diner: meals you can’t finish in one sitting
Black Bear Diner prides itself on serving portions that guarantee no one leaves hungry.
From stacks of pancakes to oversized plates of chicken-fried steak, their mission is to deliver hearty, comforting meals.
As one diner confirmed: “They give you a ton of food.”
Also read: Restaurant insiders reveal: Are you making this dining mistake that servers secretly hate?
Why generous portions still matter
In an era of “shrinkflation,” when many restaurants serve less food for higher prices, these chains stand out by delivering value.
For older adults living on fixed incomes, families feeding several mouths, or anyone who appreciates leftovers, generous portions remain a real draw.
Also read: "Old b****es" remark on receipt leaves senior diners shocked and furious—are you at risk of this shocking restaurant insult?
Tips for stretching your restaurant meal
- Split an entrée: Portions are often large enough for two.
- Take leftovers home: Box up half your meal for tomorrow.
- Look for specials: Early bird or weekday deals can add even more value.
- Check for take-home options: Restaurants like Olive Garden and Cracker Barrel make it easy to stock your fridge.
Finding a good deal at a restaurant can make dining out feel more rewarding.
Whether you’re after an all-you-can-eat buffet, a pasta dinner with free breadsticks, or a steak big enough to share, these chains prove value is still on the menu.
Read next:
- Exposed! Find out which restaurant chains are ruining your dining experience with poor service
- Pizza night gone wrong: At least 85 people fall ill after mix-up at restaurant
- Big changes hit a longtime restaurant favorite—what fans need to know
Do you have a go-to restaurant where the portions never disappoint? Share your favorites with The GrayVine community!
