I agree...going to lunch with girlfriends is like therapy. Plus, it's healthy to pull away from work to recharge. I go out to lunch at least twice a week with co-workers. Our favorites are Sierra Grill (a chicken taco, chips/salsa and a water is only $2.75), Crazy Sushi, Farrah's (Mediterranean), J.J's Bistro and of course, French Pantry. They are all quick, affordable and delicious.

Lunch at any price is still cheaper than a therapist...and after all, we use our lunches for therapy don't we?  Fun and theraputic at the same time as getting a great lunch!  Or an early happy hour!

Ale House has daily specials for $5.95; Mimi's serves enough lunch for 2...so split something!  And Chili's has 2-4-1 all-day every-day...have that with their bottomless chips & salsa and you'll be perfect and stress free by the time you leave!

Check out the new Maggiano Special - Two Maggiano's Meals, One Price ... Choose from a selection of pasta & baked specialties and Maggiano's will send you home with another selection to enjoy tomorrow! Now... I don't think you can take a friend to lunch and give other meal to them, but this is a great special.  The portions are typically HUGE @ Maggiano's ... I plan to try this special for dinner ... Since it is just my husband and I, we could probably split 1 and then have a free dinner for the next night or lunch for one of us for the next day!

We need to suggest to French Pantry that they have coupon day!

I buy an Entertainment book every year. The book is $25.00, but it is worth it. The coupons in there are mostly buy one get one free. The friend and I who I go to lunch with will order two meals and split the check. Today we ate for seafood, and only paid 6.00 each when we split the cost.

Just picked up FREE milkshakes from Chick-Fil-A using coupons!  I'm also a new fan of the .99 cent meals at Wendy's and McDonald's now that I'm on a really tight budget.  I agree with not giving up the girl's lunch.  A group of co-workers got together today and we shared things that would make the other tables squirm!  So much fun...  Nothing like bonding over chips and salsa.

I just love Crispers for lunch. It's quick, healthy and the outside seating is perfect because I am always cold inside restaurants. Their salads are always fresh and come with lots of "accessories" as my husband calls them. But recently Crispers has cut their portions and raised some of their prices. This has made me frequent them less and I'm starting to look for other healthy, quick options for lunch. Any ideas?

Funny that as I'm reading this, I'm eating my leftovers from La Napolera! My friend and I went there last night for dinner. We probably go there once or twice a week!

Other places to frequent for lunch... TacoLu, Cruisers, Chick-Fil-A!

My favorite restaurant on a budget is La Napolera. Great food and I can get 2 chicken tacos for $3.99! Can't beat that!

I have signed up to be on email lists for several restaurants I frequent, and they'll often send buy-one-get-one free offers, or other coupons to print and reedem.  I don't always use them, but enjoy having the option, and love being able to reedem them while dining with a friend so that we can both take advantage of the discount.  Plus, it makes choosing where to go that much easier! :)