I think McDonalds is still something like $3 and way better than Starbucks. We have several gas station chains that have the self grinding machines that let you choose your coffee, those are typically pretty cheap and good too. I grew up working construction and drinking cheap coffee, I don’t need the Starbucks fofo nonsense.:)

I don't do fast food often, but lately on Weds evenings after pickleball I have been rolling thru a McDonalds for the $5 Meal Deal which features your choice of a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, small fries, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets and a small soft drink – all for just $5. Sure beats $10-$15 for most other fast food meals.

$5-$7 is what fast food should cost IMO.

$4.25 for an IN & Out cheeseburger, hold the onions, extra toasted bun with pickles and chopped peppers. Park car, turn on radio, enjoy the fresh as can be meal.

My wife and I eat out a lot.

Every Friday is date night, so a nice meal and back home and that is all I will mention on line. It is from 45$ at the right Mexican food place, to $100 for a prime rib and great salad on the high end.

Breakfast can be $45 and that is what blows me away the most. Breakfast of basic American meal used to be really cheap. The bird flu reduced the egg supply and the prices went way up.

The cheapest meal is a Chinese food place 1/2 a mile away. We can each get enough to have a great meal, and have enough leftovers for a second meal, and my wife often gets three meals out of one order. All for $25 or so for both full dinner meals.

I don't get this either. Never had a bad cup of coffee at Dunkin Donuts or McDonalds, never had a good cup of coffee at Starbucks.

Why does Starbucks insist on burning their coffee, both in the roasting and in the preparing?

We definitely eat better at home...but we DO like to eat out, generally about once a week. We ate out a lot more during COVID...we tried to do our best to keep our local eateries open.

There is a bar/restaurant near me, near the bike trail that offers a 'cup and a half' every day for lunch. It's a half sandwich of your choice along with a cup of soup of the day or their own made chili.
I get the BLT and Chili at least twice a week for $8.50. It's delicious. I feel it's a very fair price.
Of course the beer is extra.