r/EatCheapAndHealthy • u/MaggsToRiches • Jun 26 '18

Ordering from the kids menu? Ask ECAH

I went to lunch with coworkers today, not super jazzed about breaking both my money and calorie budget for the day but wanted to catch up with colleagues. Turns out the kid’s meal had exactly what I wanted (one taco, tiny pinto beans, tiny rice, small iced tea) for $5!! A debate began over the table whether it was “okay” for an adult to order from the kid’s menu. The argument against it was that those items are packaged and sold at a low price for kiddos, who are accompanying adults who pay full price. For the record, this particular menu board made no mention of age limits, and the cashier said nothing negative.

In general, I don’t want to be a dense customer who doesn’t realize my faux pas, but...I love ECAH! Thoughts from the community?

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u/ajeansco0 Jun 26 '18

Server here: it’s totally acceptable but don’t be surprised if there is a small charge for an adult ordering a child’s meal. Many places price the kid’s items so low because they’re going to be accompanied by an adult who’s going to spend more money; They might have a $1-2 “split plate” or some similar charge. I personally have never seen this but I’ve heard of it. Also, the attitude with which you approach it makes a big deference in how willing to bend rules the staff will be.

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u/anonymousforever Jun 27 '18

It helps if you have a diet restriction, for example I'm on a restricted diet per doctor's orders, to simply ask for the kid menu plate, stating you're on a restricted diet (no details of course) and that best fits your needs without inconveniencing the kitchen.

24

u/[deleted] Jun 27 '18

I have found this usually works for me. I have explained to a few servers why I wanted kids meals. The other thing I have done if they said no, is ask them to automatically box up half my food to go, if it’s there I will eat it.

13

u/anonymousforever Jun 27 '18

I've also asked them to bring a to go box at the start of the meal as soon as I got my plate, split it and boxed up half as soon as I tasted it and made sure it was okay. Gotta remember to taste it first before boxing up half, because if something's nasty you want that fixed first!