Best of Restaurants: Affordable Chain Restaurants

October 3, 5:09 PMRestaurant ExaminerShelley Owens

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Looking for affordable fare as you head out to eat this weekend?  Find one of these affordable favorites nearby.

Elephant Bar Restaurant : This California-based chain sports an upscale safari look, made-from-scratch fresh foods and 20 entrees under $10. Bring the family. Fifty-three restaurants, most in California with some in 12 other states.

O’Charley’s  : Want affordable? How about a Create-Your-Own Combo plate with two entrees for $12.49 and three entrees for $14.99. Maybe we’ll mix O ’Charley’s Butcher’s Cut Choice Sirloin, BBQ Ribs and Chipotle Chicken. It comes with a soup or salad, a side and freshly-baked rolls. Most meals cost even less. Now that’s affordable. Nashville-based O’Charley’s operates more than 230 restaurants in 21 states. O’Charley’s is also the parent company for Massachusetts-based chain Ninety-nine Restaurants, a chain of 115 affordable restaurants in New England.

CiCi’s Pizza :Who wasn’t surprised and delighted the first time they tried a CiCi’s Barbecue Pizza? It ain’t the Ritz but it sure is a good, super-cheap, all-you-can eat pizza, pasta, salad and dessert buffet. And it’s under $5. Texas-based CiCi’s has more than 600 restaurants in 29 states with more opening every day.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery: Huntington Beach, California-based BJ’s is not only affordable, it’s a microbrewery. And on the menu there is something for everyone from their specialty deep-dish pizza to fresh Atlantic Salmon and comfort foods such as Pot Roast.

La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill: California-based La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill is a fast-casual entrant with fast-food pricing. The Mexican “taquerias” serve seven different types of salsa in their 90 locations.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is another fast-casual concept with check averages under $9. Kids eat free on Sundays which makes it even more affordable. There are the usual slow-roasted barbecue favorites including chicken, turkey, beef brisket , ribs and pulled pork. And Dallas-based Dickey’s serves Polish Sausage. Dine in or take out by the meal or by the family-pack.

Shari’s Restaurant & Pie Factory: Open 24 hours a day, guest checks at Oregon-based Shari’s Restaurant & Pie Factory average under $9. There are a number of items on the children’s menu. Plus Shari’s has a full page of items for guests 55 and up. Don’t forget Shari’s for signature pies and their own Arosta-brand coffee which they purchase from Rainforest Alliance Certified Farms which use sustainable farming practices.