Updated Oct 8, 2026· 10 min read

Key takeaways

  • Pair a half sandwich with soup when you want a warm, filling meal without ordering a full sandwich and a separate side.
  • Pair a half sandwich with salad when you want more volume from vegetables and greens.
  • Use a spud as one half when you need a substantial meal; toppings can make it as filling as a full entrée.
  • Check whether a drink, cookie, or side is included in a local combo before adding it separately.

McAlister’s menu with prices typically puts sandwiches and clubs around $9–$14, entrée salads around $10–$15, spuds around $8–$13, and pick-two combinations around $10–$16, with the best overall value usually coming from a Pick Two pairing or a large spud that can stretch across two meals. Prices, portions, available ingredients, and promotions vary by restaurant, so treat the figures below as current-style planning ranges rather than a guaranteed local quote.

For a filling order, choose the McAlister’s Club, a large stuffed spud, or a Pick Two with soup and a half sandwich. For a lighter meal, the Garden Salad, Caesar Salad, or half sandwich with broth-based soup is usually easier to manage. If price matters most, compare the cost of a half sandwich, soup, or salad against a Pick Two before adding drinks and sides.

McAlister’s menu with prices: quick comparison

Pick Best for Typical portion or format Approximate price range
McAlister’s Club Most filling sandwich choice Turkey, ham, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and condiments on sliced bread $11–$15
French Dip Hot sandwich fans Roast beef sandwich with au jus for dipping $11–$15
Pick Two Best variety and portion control Half sandwich, half salad, soup, or spud combination $10–$16
Choose Two large spud Maximum satiety Large baked potato with substantial toppings $9–$14
Chicken Caesar Salad Lighter meal with protein Greens, chicken, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing $10–$15
Soup and half sandwich Cool weather or moderate appetite One cup of soup plus half of a deli sandwich $9–$14
Half sandwich Small appetite or child-sized adult meal Half portion of a deli sandwich $6–$10
Tea or fountain drink Drink add-on Regular or large beverage, depending on location $2–$4

These ranges are useful for budgeting, but the restaurant’s ordering page or local menu is the final authority. Regional labor costs, franchise pricing, delivery markups, taxes, limited-time items, and size upgrades can all change the total.

Best overall: Pick Two

The Pick Two is the most flexible order for many diners because it combines two smaller portions instead of committing to one large entrée. Common combinations include half a sandwich with soup, half a sandwich with salad, soup with a spud, or salad with a spud. A typical total is about $10–$16 before tax, with premium sandwiches, larger salads, or add-ons sometimes costing more.

Choose this option when you want contrast, such as a half McAlister’s Club with chili or a half turkey sandwich with a garden salad. It is also a practical choice when a full sandwich feels too large but soup alone would not be enough. The trade-off is that the smaller portions may not always be cheaper than a regular entrée, especially when the selected pair includes premium ingredients.

How to get the best value from a Pick Two

  • Pair a half sandwich with soup when you want a warm, filling meal without ordering a full sandwich and a separate side.
  • Pair a half sandwich with salad when you want more volume from vegetables and greens.
  • Use a spud as one half when you need a substantial meal; toppings can make it as filling as a full entrée.
  • Check whether a drink, cookie, or side is included in a local combo before adding it separately.

Best filling choice: McAlister’s Club or a loaded spud

The McAlister’s Club is a dependable choice for a hearty cold sandwich. It generally combines turkey, ham, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise or mustard-style condiments. The typical price falls around $11–$15, depending on the location and whether the sandwich is ordered as a full size, meal, or delivery item.

A large loaded spud can be even more satisfying for the money, particularly when topped with chili, cheese, bacon, broccoli, or other substantial ingredients. Expect roughly $8–$13 for many potato-based entrées. The spud’s advantage is density and warmth; its disadvantage is that toppings can make the dish heavy, salty, or less convenient to eat on the go.

For a two-person lunch, a full sandwich or large spud may sometimes be stretched with a shared side, but portion size varies. Do not assume a single entrée is designed for sharing, and check the local menu if you are ordering for a group.

Best hot sandwich: French Dip

The French Dip is the better fit for diners who prefer a warm roast beef sandwich with au jus for dipping. Its usual price range is about $11–$15, before optional sides or beverages. Compared with a cold deli sandwich, it offers a more substantial texture and a richer flavor profile.

The main trade-off is portability. The au jus can make the bread softer during transport, and the sandwich is usually more satisfying when eaten soon after pickup. If you are ordering delivery, request condiments or dipping components separately where the ordering system allows it. That simple change helps preserve the bread’s texture.

Best lighter choice: salad or half sandwich with soup

A salad is often the easiest way to create a lighter McAlister’s order, although dressing, cheese, bacon, croutons, and creamy toppings can substantially change the meal. A Garden Salad or similar vegetable-forward salad commonly costs about $8–$12, while a chicken-topped salad is more often $10–$15.

The Chicken Caesar Salad is a reasonable middle ground for someone who wants greens with a recognizable protein topping. The Caesar dressing and Parmesan add richness, so ask for dressing on the side if you want more control over the final amount. A half sandwich with a cup of soup, usually around $9–$14, is another useful option when you want a moderate portion without choosing a full entrée.

“Lighter” does not automatically mean low-calorie or low-sodium. McAlister’s nutrition information, when available for the specific item and portion, is more reliable than judging by the item name alone.

Best budget strategy: compare the full meal price

The lowest menu price is not always the lowest cost per satisfying meal. A half sandwich may start around $6–$10, but adding a separate soup, side, and drink can bring the total close to a Pick Two. A regular sandwich may appear more expensive at $11–$15, yet be better value if it includes enough food to replace a second purchase.

Order pattern Example price calculation Approximate total When it makes sense
Small appetite Half sandwich $8 + water from home $0 $8 before tax You want a modest lunch and no extras
Balanced lunch Pick Two $12 + regular drink $3 $15 before tax You want two different foods
Full sandwich meal Club $13 + side or drink $3 $16 before tax You want one substantial entrée
Soup-focused order Soup $6 + half sandwich $8 $14 before tax You want warmth and moderate portions
Family-style spread Two entrées at $13 each + one shared side at $4 $30 before tax Two diners are sharing a side

Using those sample figures, a $12 Pick Two plus a $3 drink costs $15. If you would otherwise buy a $13 sandwich and a $3 side, the difference is only $1. The Pick Two offers more variety, while the full sandwich and side may provide a more predictable portion.

McAlister’s menu prices by category

Sandwiches and clubs

Most full sandwiches and clubs fall in the $9–$15 range. Turkey-based sandwiches are often among the simpler choices, while roast beef, French Dip, bacon-heavy clubs, and specialty builds may sit toward the upper end. A half sandwich generally costs about $6–$10.

Expect bread choice, cheese, bacon, sauces, and size upgrades to affect the total. If you are trying to keep the order affordable, begin with the base sandwich price and treat sides, premium proteins, and drinks as separate budget items.

Salads

Vegetable-forward salads commonly cost around $8–$12, and salads with chicken or other substantial toppings often range from $10–$15. Dressing may be served with the salad or separately, depending on the restaurant and ordering channel.

Salads are convenient for a lighter meal, but they can become one of the more expensive choices once protein, cheese, bacon, and a drink are added. A Pick Two may be better value if you also want soup or half a sandwich.

Soups and chili

A cup of soup or chili often lands around $5–$8, while a larger bowl may be approximately $7–$10. The available soups can change by day and location, so check the specific restaurant rather than assuming every listed variety is available.

Soup is most useful as part of a Pick Two or as an accompaniment to a half sandwich. Ordered alone, a cup may suit a small appetite, while a bowl is more appropriate when soup is the main meal.

Spuds

Large baked potatoes with toppings commonly cost around $8–$13. Simple toppings usually keep the price and richness lower; chili, cheese, bacon, and multiple toppings make the potato more filling but can push the item toward the upper end of the range.

A spud is a strong value choice when you want a hot, substantial entrée. It is less convenient for commuting or eating in a car, and the potato may lose texture during a long delivery wait.

Drinks, sides, and sweets

Fountain drinks and tea commonly add about $2–$4. Sides may range from approximately $2–$5, while cookies, brownies, and other desserts are often around $2–$4 each. Local combo deals can change whether these items are cheaper as an add-on or individually.

McAlister’s Famous Tea is a well-known drink option at the chain, but the size and price depend on the restaurant. If you are watching the total, check the drink size before accepting an automatic upgrade.

How to choose your order in three steps

  1. Set the food budget first. For a target of $12 before tax, look for a half sandwich, soup, or a qualifying Pick Two rather than starting with a full entrée and adding sides.
  2. Match portion to appetite. Choose a half sandwich or cup of soup for a small meal, a Pick Two for a moderate meal, and a full club, French Dip, or loaded spud for a larger appetite.
  3. Decide whether convenience matters. Choose a sandwich for easier transport, soup or a spud for a hot meal eaten promptly, and salad when you want ingredients that remain relatively easy to portion.

For example, someone with a $15 pre-tax limit who wants both variety and moderate portions could select a $12 Pick Two and skip the paid drink. Someone with the same budget who wants maximum fullness might choose a $13 club and use water already available at home or work.

What can change the advertised price?

McAlister’s restaurants are franchised and operate in different markets, so a menu price seen at one location may not match another. Delivery platforms may also display higher prices or additional service, delivery, and small-order fees. Taxes are normally added at checkout rather than included in the menu price.

Limited-time sandwiches, seasonal soups, catering packages, loyalty rewards, online-only offers, and local promotions can further change the final total. Before placing a larger order, confirm the price, serving size, substitutions, and pickup or delivery fees on the selected restaurant’s current ordering page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a typical McAlister’s meal cost?

A typical individual meal generally costs about $10–$16 before tax, depending on whether you choose a Pick Two, sandwich, salad, spud, drink, or dessert. A basic half sandwich or soup can cost less, while a full entrée with sides and a drink can cost more. Local restaurant pricing is the best final reference.

What is the best value on the McAlister’s menu?

The Pick Two is often the best value when you want two different foods and a moderate portion. A large spud can be the better value for maximum fullness, while a half sandwich is cheaper when your appetite is small. Compare the complete order, including drinks and sides, rather than comparing entrée prices alone.

What should I order if I want a filling meal?

Choose the McAlister’s Club, French Dip, or a large loaded spud. A Pick Two that includes a half sandwich and a substantial soup or spud is another filling option. Toppings, cheese, bacon, and sauces can increase richness, so choose according to your appetite and preference.

What is a lighter McAlister’s order?

A Garden Salad, chicken salad with dressing on the side, or a half sandwich with a cup of soup can provide a more moderate meal. “Lighter” depends on the exact toppings, dressing, portion, and drink, so review the restaurant’s nutrition information when those details matter. A salad with multiple rich toppings may cost and provide more than expected.

Are McAlister’s menu prices the same everywhere?

No. Prices can vary by location because of regional costs, franchise pricing, taxes, menu updates, and ordering channel. Delivery totals may also include separate fees or markups. Check the selected restaurant’s current menu before relying on any published range.

Does McAlister’s offer Pick Two combinations?

McAlister’s commonly offers Pick Two combinations that pair smaller portions of sandwiches, soups, salads, or spuds, although exact combinations and prices can vary. The option is useful for controlling portion size and getting variety. Confirm the available pairings and any premium-item surcharge at your local restaurant.

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