Top 10 Best Fast Food Deals of 2009

I feel the need…the need for GREASE!  And, I want it fast and cheap.  Well, it seems that the recession has also resulted in deeper deals being offered to ”drive thru afficionados” and “fast food junkies” (see my last post on Restaurant Recession Specials Means Big Savings for Diners).   Yes, my dear diners, it is still possible to feed a family of 3 for under $10-$12 when you order your food through a speaker and drive around for your total.  Of course, you could always walk in, but that would mean you have to get out of the car…and that kinda defeats the purpose of “fast food”, right?

When it comes to fast food, I have a few tried and true favorites that always leave some extra dining dough in my wallet when I am too busy (or too lazy) to stop and get out of the car.    Here are the  Diner Dave’s top 10 best fast food deals of 2009 (prices and participation may vary in your area):

1. Arby’s -  Get a roast beef sandwich, curly fries, and a drink for less than $5.  Plus, now until the end of June 2009 you can get freebies every Wednesday!
2. Dairy Queen - Featuring “Sweet Deals” with low pricing on multiple menu items - 2 for $3, 3 for $4, and 4 for $5.  That’s only $5 for a burger, onion rings, drink and a sundae!
3. Jack in the Box - Jack calls them mini sirloin burgers, but they’re called sliders (or slyders) in the other restaurants.  Either way, they are deeeelish and you can get 3 of them for under $2!
4. Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) - I’m loving the new GRILLED chicken on the KFC menu!  Unfortunately, they are no longer offering a piece of this scrumptious chicken for free.  You can, however, get 2 pieces of grilled chicken and 2 sides for only $3.99!  Plus, they have the KFC Value Menu with several items under $1!
5. McDonalds -  Billions and billions served…and no wonder with prices like these!   McDonalds invented value combo meals and they are still one of the cheapest fast food joints in town!  You can get just about any sandwich, fries and a drink for under $5 (does not include super sizing).
6. Quizno’s - Get one of 5 foot long toasty torpedo sub sandwiches for only $4!
7. Subway - Select foot long subs are only $5!  Foot long sub = lunch for TWO = healthy lunch = happy campers.
8. Taco Bell - “Yo quiero Taco Bell” with their 79 cent, 89 cent and 99 cent menu.  Me gusta chicken burrito or chicken soft taco for only 89 cents and a cheesy double beef burrito for only 99 cents.
9. Wendy’s - The Wendy’s ubiquitous “3conomics” TV commercials just scratch the surface of all the value menu items available.  You can get a crispy chicken sandwich, double stack burger, jr. bacon cheeseburger, chili, small french fries, baked potato, and a chocolate frostie for 99 cents each!  “It’s waaaay better than fast food!”
10. White Castle - See also: Krystal.  Either one of these mini burger joints can get you at least 3 of those tasty little sliders with fries and a drink - all for under $5!   If you prefer 1 big burger to 3 small ones, you can get the big angus basket meal with a big angus burger, fries and a drink for only $3.99 at Krystal.

Caution:  Eating fast food everyday can result in “super sizing” of the waist (I hate to admit it, but I’m living proof). There are ways to eat fast food frequently and STILL be healthy.  You can find menu items from these and other fast food joints that are low in calories and fat grams at HealthyDiningFinder.com.

Speaking of analyzing your food, have you ever wondered what ingredients restaurants use to create your favorite dish or make that special sauce?  I will be discussing how you can find these top secret restaurant recipe secrets in my next post.  Stay tuned!