Looking back at old prices has a way of pulling you into another time where things seemed easier, or at least cheaper. The shockingly low prices hint at how different daily life was.
Comparing it to now, you can see how dining culture has evolved and how prices skyrocketed through the years. Meals were simpler, marketing was better, and coins lasted longer.
This is a look back at a time when you didn’t have to splurge to have a good meal.
1
McDonald's Mac Tonight cup, 1980s
95 cents and you can keep the cup? Amazing.
2
China Inn, 1940s
Full dinner for under a buck.
3
Captain D's shrimp deal, 1980s
All-you-can-eat shrimp just for five bucks, dangerous offer.
4
Bob’s Big Boy, 1950s
Burgers for pocket change was the perfect world.
5
Taco Bell, 1960s
Everything's a quarter, perfect for a quick snack.
6
Caesars Palace, 1960s
Take us back to poolside burgers for $1.25.
7
Cat’s Meow, 1950s
Steak for three bucks sounds unreal.
8
McDonald’s Drive-Thru, 1970s
A big mac was basically free.
9
In-N-Out, 1950s
Fries for 20 cents, life really was better.
10
Knott’s Berry Farm, 1939
A full roast chicken dinner for insane value.
11
McDonald’s, 1950s
Burgers for 15 cents? Suddenly it's the happiest place on earth.
12
Popeyes, 1970s
You could get whole meals for under two bucks.
13
Blossom restaurant, 1930s
Eat like a king for the price of today's soda.
14
Ponderosa Steakhouse, 1970s
A full steak dinner for a latte.
15
Red Wagon Inn, 1950s
A kids menu that didn't make parents cry.
16
Shanghai restaurant, 1960s
Soup for 55 cents? Give me every flavor.
17
Warner Bros. Studio restaurant, 1963
Eating good before novelties.
18
Woolworth, 1970s
10 cents coke and you felt rich.
19
Casa Bonita, 1980s
Endless food for $3.45. A dream.
20
Pizza Hut, 1983
Back when $2 got you all the happiness.
