Finding the perfect spot for a group dinner can be tricky—especially when you’re trying to keep it affordable, avoid split-check confusion, and ensure everyone finds something they like. Whether you’re planning a birthday dinner, a team outing, or a friends’ night out, certain restaurants are better equipped than others to handle large parties without inflating the bill.
Here are some of the best chain and casual restaurants that strike the right balance of price, variety, and group-friendly vibes.
- The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is a classic choice for groups thanks to its massive menu, large tables, and generous portions. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta, burgers, Asian fusion, or salad, there’s something for everyone—including more than 30 types of cheesecake to split for dessert.
Why it works for groups:
- Huge variety (great for picky eaters)
- Large portions that are ideal for sharing
- Accommodates reservations and large tables at most locations
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse offers a relaxed atmosphere with a crowd-pleasing mix of pizza, burgers, pasta, and their famous Pizookie desserts. With rotating craft brews, happy hour deals, and frequent promotions, it’s a go-to for birthday dinners or casual celebrations.
Why it works for groups:
- Extensive shareable appetizer menu
- Group-friendly booths and large tables
- Regular meal bundles and promotions
- Olive Garden
Olive Garden has long been a reliable spot for affordable Italian meals and unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks. Their Create Your Own Pasta stations and Tour of Italy platters make ordering flexible and budget-friendly.
Why it works for groups:
- Family-style dining available
- Endless breadsticks to keep the table happy
- Budget-friendly lunch and dinner specials
- Maggiano’s Little Italy
Maggiano’s is built for big group energy. Many locations offer “Family Style” dining, where platters of appetizers, pastas, and entrees are served for the whole table to share. It’s a great value if you want a multi-course meal for a set price per person.
Why it works for groups:
- Family-style menu options
- Inclusive pricing helps avoid awkward bill splitting
- Comfort food with wide appeal
- Korean BBQ and Hot Pot Spots
If your group is up for something interactive, Korean BBQ and hot pot restaurants offer a fun, social way to dine. Chains like GEN Korean BBQ and The Boiling Crab are becoming increasingly popular for large group outings.
Why it works for groups:
- Communal cooking keeps the table engaged
- Often all-you-can-eat pricing
- Shareable format reduces individual costs
- Local Taprooms and Food Halls
Many cities now have food halls and taprooms with multiple vendors, communal tables, and open seating. This setup allows everyone to order what they want while still dining together. Check out options on Eater or local guides for your city.
Why it works for groups:
- Flexibility for dietary preferences
- Casual seating and no reservations needed
- Great for informal meetups or spontaneous dinners
Group Dining Tips to Keep Costs Down
- Order platters or bundles to split rather than individual entrées.
- Choose restaurants with shareable appetizers or family-style menus.
- Discuss how you’ll handle the check ahead of time—some places will split evenly or allow multiple payment methods if requested early.
- Book ahead if you’re dining with a large party, especially on weekends.
With the right venue and a little coordination, group dinners can be easy, fun, and affordable.
