My husband, kids, and I like to travel, and we like to eat well when we travel. We’re willing to pay for good food, but it’s possible to eat well and not pay a fortune for it, which is good if we’re all traveling together. Even if we go to a fast-food restaurant, unless we just want something off their dollar menus, the average cost of the meal, per person, is $8-9. Since we don’t consider fast food “eating well,” here are some other places you can go that aren’t fast-food restaurants, and they won’t break your bank.

1. Cheddars – You can get a variety of foods at Cheddars. They have a long list of appetizers. Two of my favorites are their Texas Cheese Fries and the Onion Rings. You can get pasta dishes, sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and salads. Most of these choices are less than $8. Add your drink, and you can have a meal for $10-11.

2. Five Guys – If you want something besides a hamburger and French fries, go somewhere else, but if you’re in the mood for a great hamburger and fries, go to Five Guys. The hamburgers at Five Guys are made fresh and put those of fast-food restaurants to shame. You can add a variety of toppings to your burger, and you can get your fries regular or with Cajun seasoning. Again, you can get your total meal for about $10-11.

3. Johnny Carino’s – Here you can get a variety of Italian dishes, and if you go during their lunch hours, you can get an entree with a soup or salad for $7.95. They have a rather large selection of menu items available for this great lunch price. I’m particularly happy because my favorite dish, bowtie festival, is available, and the lunch portion is just the right size that I can finish it all without having to get a to-go box. And, once again, even with your drink added in, you have a meal for abour $10-11.

There’s nothing wrong with having fast food every once in a while. But if I’m given the choice, when I consider I’m only going to be paying another $2-3 for my meal and will be able to enjoy much better food, then I’m going to go to one of the three restaurants listed above. And if anybody has other choices where I could get a meal for around $10-11, please share with me. I’d love to give them a try.