Yakima Valley Dining Out Budget Hacks You Can Use Right Away

TL;DR: A quick drive-thru trip on Nob Hill or Lincoln Ave shouldn't cost more than an hourly wage! Some locals have revealed a few hidden gems in Yakima and Union Gap that serve up massive family portions that won't break the bank.

What used to be less than $15 to feed two people in a fast-food restaurant here in the Yakima Valley now costs twice that and even triple that to eat in many dine-in restaurants-- yes, even in our smallish towns along the Valley!

I find it outrageous that feeding two people at most fast-food places cost more than what most people make in an hourly wage. I'm looking at you, Nob Hill Blvd, Yakima Ave, Lincoln Ave, and Union Gap!

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Local Secrets for Large Portion Budget Meals

JESSIE'S SUSHI & TERIYAKI

Ask for "the lunch special." I went here the other day with one of my besties because she said the word is out: you can get a really good lunch for only ten bucks! I ordered the spicy chicken yakisoba (marinated grilled chicken, steamed rice, and yakisoba noodles). It even came with a small salad. I had to take home my leftovers because the portion was so big, and I was happy as a (spicy) clam!

Hot Tip: If you don't order a soft drink, your meal at Jessie's will be exactly ten dollars plus tax and tip, and if you go between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., expect a big lunch rush.

2304 S 1st St, Yakima

A quick look on my social media feed the other day gave me even more hidden gem places we can go for hot food to-go-- that won't have us wincing too hard when it's time to pay. This list includes spots in Union Gap, Yakima, Sunnyside, and Toppenish. (Shout out to all the peeps in the WTF Yakima group on Facebook!)

Fish Bones (1211 S 7th St in Yakima, open Tuesdays thru Saturdays inside the Henry Beauchamp Center)

Pop's Chicken (511 N 1st St #103 in Yakima, open Saturdays and Sundays)

New York Teriyaki & Burger (2518 Main St in Union Gap (210 S 72nd Ave in Yakima)

Famous Burger & Teriyaki (401 W Lincoln Ave in Yakima)

Dragon Sushi & Teriyaki (1801 S 1st St in Yakima)

Nino's Mexican Grill for $1 tacos (4001 Summitview Ave in Yakima)

Head to the Grocery Store Deli Section, Too

Locals in Facebook groups are saying:

The deli at WinCo Foods has some of the best deals in town. 2425 Longfibre Rd, Union Gap
Safeway's "Cheep Chicken Mondays" special. Various locations: 5702 Summitview Ave, 1610 W Lincoln Ave, 2204-A W Nob Hill Blvd, 905 E Mead Ave, and 205 N 5th Ave in Yakima; 711 W 1st Ave in Toppenish; 613 S 6th St in Sunnyside.
The deli counter at Fiesta Foods offers family trays of enchiladas, rice, beans, tortillas, chips, and salsa for less than $30 (and they reportedly can feed a family of four or five). 1008 E Nob Hill Blvd and 2010 Yakima Valley Highway 7 in Sunnyside.

Fast-Food Deals $20 and Under

KFC: One local says you can get a $20 Family Meal on the app. 110 N 40th Ave, 107 S 5th Ave, and 2325 S 1st St in Yakima; 1928 Yakima Valley Highway in Sunnyside.
Buffalo Wild Wings has buy one, get one deals on a six-piece boneless wings on Thursdays for dine-in, take-out, and delivery. 2529 Main St in Union Gap.

If you check out the restaurant and stores mentioned above, it looks like you're going to find a better and more affordable food deal the next time you want to go out to eat!