Here’s a list of NC restaurants with the best deals for diners, Yelp says
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Yelp identifies national chains offering value-focused deals across N.C.
- Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden and Pizza Hut highlight affordable meal options.
- Early dine specials run weekdays, typically before 6 p.m., with varied pricing.
North Carolina diners looking to stretch their dollars have plenty of options, according to a new report from Yelp.
The platform highlighted chain restaurants offering some of the best deals right now, with national favorites like Red Lobster, Texas Roadhouse and Pizza Hut making the list.
Yelp’s report points to discounts and promotions that give customers more value without sacrificing familiar flavors. Here’s a look at the chains where North Carolinians can find savings on their next meal out.
Famous Dave’s
Location: 917 Cabelas Dr #102, Fort Mill, SC 29708
Deal window: 3-6 p.m., Monday-Friday
Price: $4-$9
Famous Dave’s may not have a location in North Carolina, but you can get your barbecue fix just across the border in Fort Mill, right near Charlotte at the entrance to Carowinds. Dig into two “falling-apart” tender St. Louis-Style Ribs, Southside Rib Tips, a Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich, a Build-Your-Own Burger or a Traditional Wing Basket.
Golden Corral
Location: Multiple locations
Deal window: Hours very, but typically 1-3 p.m., Monday-Friday
Price: Varies by location, but typically $9.99
Golden Corral’s deal is reserved for diners 60 and older, letting them enjoy a drink alongside the all-you-can-eat buffet. Feast on a soup and salad bar, hearty pastas, proteins, sides and desserts — with plenty of options to suit low-carb diets, plant-based needs and other dietary concerns.
Olive Garden
Location: Multiple locations
Deal window: Until 3 p.m., Monday-Friday
Price: $12.49-$13.99
Olive Garden may not run an official early-bird special, but you can still enjoy its Lunch-Sized favorites on weekdays. Think Fettuccine Alfredo, Shrimp Scampi, Lasagna Classico, Chicken Parmigiana, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno and more. And let’s be honest: A bowl of soup or a crisp salad, plus those endless breadsticks, is basically a must.
Pizza Hut
Location: Multiple locations
Deal window: Before 5 p.m.
Price: $5 each
Pizza Hut is giving fans a taste of its new Crafted Flatzz flatbreads for just $5 each. These personal-size ovals come with a crispy crust and a lineup of tasty topping combos, including Nashville Hot Chicken, Pepperoni Duo, Three Cheese, Chicken Bacon Ranch and the “Ultimate” stacked with pepperoni, Italian sausage and veggies.
Red Lobster
Location: Multiple locations
Deal window: 3-6 p.m., Monday-Friday
Price: $2 off regular prices, about $9.99-$16.99
You can score discounts on select starters like Red Lobster’s the Lobster Flatbread, “unique, delicious, and loaded with toppings,” plus Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms, Mozzarella Cheesesticks, Crab Queso and Lobster Dip. Some locations even pair the deal with drink specials, though it’s best to check with your local restaurant since not every spot participates.
Texas Roadhouse
Location: Multiple locations
Deal window: 3-5 p.m., Monday-Thursday
Price: $11.99-$14.99
The Texas Roadhouse Early Dine menu features options such as a grilled six-ounce sirloin, hand-breaded country-fried sirloin with creamy gravy, a chicken Caesar salad and a pulled pork dinner smothered in the restaurant’s signature barbecue sauce.
Western Sizzlin
Location: Multiple locations
Deal window: 2-4 p.m., Monday-Thursday
Price: Varies by location, but typically around $11.50
At select locations of this Southern-style family steakhouse, you can wander the buffet line and pile your plate high with Western Sizzlin’s comfort-food favorites without breaking the bank. Think: crispy fried chicken, gooey mac and cheese, savory turnip greens, golden fried okra and sweet, gooey cobblers — basically all the Southern classics you’ve been craving.
