10 Red Robin Alternatives as the Company Considers Closures

If you've decreased your eating-out budget over the last few years due to rising costs, you're not alone. According to a 2024 report by IPSOS, about a third of Americans have cut down on their restaurant spending, and some once popular restaurant chains have had to pay the price.

The all-American casual dining chain Red Robin is unfortunately one of them, with current plans to shut down 70 locations. If you're on the hunt for your next go-to burgers and fries joint, fortunately there are still many similar restaurant alternatives to help you stretch your restaurant budget instead.

It's no surprise that TGIFridays makes this list. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the popular American restaurant and bar chain has several new meal deals, including two entrees for only $19.65. 

With burgers, loaded potato skins and everything in between there's something for everyone.

Plus, with its seasonal cocktails and $5 Happy Hour, every day feels like a Friday.

Looking for something Italian and affordable that isn't Olive Garden? Bertucci's offers delicious pizza and Italian cuisine, perfect for anyone on a budget. From spaghetti and clams and shrimp rossini to grilled salmon and margarita pizza, Bertucci's has everything you could ask for and more.

Pro tip: grab an unbeatable Game Day Deal of two large pizzas, 24 wings, a 2-liter soda, garlic knots, your choice of salad and cannoli for just $69.99

From its beloved baby back ribs to its signature hand-shaken margaritas, Chili's has been an American favorite since its inception in 1975. Besides saving on your restaurant bill, you can get free chips and salsa or a non-alcoholic beverage if you sign up to become a My Chili's Rewards member.

With an average per-person bill of around $14, Chili's prices are hard to beat.

If you're more in the seafood mood, Bonefish Grill is the perfect spot to curb your cravings while still maintaining your dining out budget. Starting at only $15.90, diners can enjoy a three-course meal including a choice of salad, entree, and dessert.

To earn rewards, sign up for Dine Rewards and enjoy a complimentary $10 bonus towards your next meal.

Enjoy nearly every type of cuisine from the popular Ruby Tuesdays, including seafood, burgers, pasta and more. RubyReward members can earn 10 Rubies for every $1 spent and receive access to member-only deals.

Among other affordable daily deals, customers can snag a sandwich and fries for only $5.99.

Who doesn't want a free appetizer just by signing up for a rewards program? Guests at Carrabba's can grab complimentary calamari when they join Dine Rewards and even earn five points for every dollar spent.

That means it's time to try out some of the chain's newest drops like lemon cream asparagus, grilled lamb chops or shrimp scampi.

If you're looking to save on your restaurant budget but don't want to sacrifice taste, The Cheesecake Factory will always be a safe bet. Not only can you choose from over 30 types of cheesecake, but you can even earn a free slice from Doordash when you spend over $30 on your takeout order.

Given its expansive menu, Cheesecake Factory can still be an affordable dining option, with some dishes (which are often more than large enough to share) priced as low as $14.95.

It may not be football season, but that doesn't mean Buffalo Wild Wings can't deliver a delicious, affordable meal. Dine in on Tuesdays, when you can purchase a six-, 10- or 15-count order of traditional wings and get the same order free.

Grabbing a meal for the whole family? For only $16.99, you can pick up 20 boneless wings and fries.

You may know Applebee's for its iconic $5 Mucho Cocktails and $10 Drink Buckets, but did you know the chain also offers buy-one-get-one half off entrees on Wednesdays and Thursdays?

Diners can also enjoy a 2 for $25 menu, including delicious skillet dishes, like the hot honey glazed chicken and bacon skillet and the garlic sirloin skillet.asd

In 2024, Red Lobster announced the closing of at least 99 locations, so consider this your sign to stop by this beloved chain if they're still around in your area and stock up on everyone's favorite cheddar bay biscuits.

Every weekday, Red Lobster diners can enjoy a new special, such as Tuesday Crab Your Way, when a full pound of snow crab legs is available for only $28 and Thursday Dinner for Two for $66.

While we may be mourning the loss of 15 percent of Red Robin's storefronts, we can still enjoy our meals out with some of our other favorite chains.

Ideally, if you want to avoid wasting money, you should prioritize meal planning and grocery shopping to cut back on spending. While eating out is enjoyable, the bills always add up. Try making your restaurant meals a special treat as opposed to a regular habit.