If you’re watching your spending, checking the **on the border lunch menu with prices** helps you pick a satisfying meal under budget. You don’t want to overpay for tacos or enchiladas when you’re just grabbing a quick bite. This guide breaks down every item, its cost, and what you get for your money. We’ll cover combos, sides, drinks, and even some hidden deals. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to order without any surprises at the register.
On The Border is known for its Tex-Mex style, which means big flavors and generous portions. But lunch should be affordable, right? Their lunch menu is designed for that exact purpose—smaller portions, lower prices, but still the same great taste. Let’s walk through it step by step.
On The Border Lunch Menu With Prices
This section gives you the full breakdown of the lunch menu. Prices can vary slightly by location, but these are the typical ranges you can expect. We’ll cover appetizers, main courses, sides, and drinks. Remember, tax and tip are not included in these numbers.
Appetizers And Starters
Starting your meal with a snack is always a good idea. The lunch menu includes a few smaller options that won’t break the bank. These are perfect for sharing or for a light meal.
- Tableside Guacamole: $8.99 – Made fresh at your table. You get avocado, lime, and your choice of add-ins like jalapeño or tomato.
- Queso Dip: $4.49 – A warm, creamy cheese dip served with chips. It’s a classic starter.
- Chicken Flautas: $6.99 – Crispy rolled tortillas filled with shredded chicken. Served with sour cream and guacamole.
- Nachos Supreme: $7.49 – Tortilla chips topped with refried beans, cheese, and your choice of chicken or beef. Add guacamole for an extra $1.50.
These appetizers are good for two people to share. If you’re dining alone, one order of queso and chips is plenty to start. The flautas are a bit heavier, so you might skip a main course if you order them.
Lunch Combos
The lunch combos are the heart of the menu. You pick two or three items from a list, and they come with rice and beans. This is where you get the best value for your money. Prices range from $7.99 to $10.49 depending on how many items you choose.
- Two-Item Combo: $8.49 – Choose any two from: crispy tacos, soft tacos, enchiladas, burritos, tamales, or chalupas.
- Three-Item Combo: $9.99 – Same choices, but you get three items. This is a lot of food for the price.
- Lunch Fajitas: $10.49 – Sizzling chicken or beef fajitas served with tortillas, rice, and beans. This is the priciest lunch option, but it’s very filling.
Each combo comes with a side of rice and refried beans. You can upgrade to black beans or charro beans for an extra $0.50. The combos are customizable, so you can mix and match your favorites. For example, you could get one crispy taco and one enchilada.
Burritos And Enchiladas
If you want something bigger than a combo, the burrito and enchilada plates are a good choice. These are full-sized portions, so they’re more expensive than the combos but still reasonable for lunch.
- Lunch Burrito: $8.99 – A flour tortilla filled with your choice of meat, beans, and cheese. Topped with red or green sauce. Served with rice and beans.
- Lunch Enchilada Plate: $9.49 – Three enchiladas (cheese, chicken, or beef) topped with sauce and cheese. Served with rice and beans.
- Lunch Chimichanga: $9.79 – A deep-fried burrito, crispy on the outside. Filled with chicken or beef. Comes with rice, beans, and sour cream.
These plates are hearty. The chimichanga is especially filling because it’s fried. If you have a smaller appetite, the burrito might be too much. You can ask for a half portion at some locations, but it’s not guaranteed.
Tacos And Quesadillas
Tacos are a lunch staple, and On The Border offers several varieties. Quesadillas are also popular for a quick meal. Prices here are lower than the combo plates, making them a budget-friendly option.
- Street Tacos (3): $8.29 – Small corn tortillas with grilled chicken or beef, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Served with rice and beans.
- Crispy Tacos (2): $7.49 – Hard shell tacos with ground beef, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. Simple and satisfying.
- Soft Tacos (2): $7.99 – Flour tortillas with your choice of meat, lettuce, and pico de gallo.
- Quesadilla: $8.49 – A large flour tortilla filled with cheese and your choice of chicken or beef. Served with sour cream and salsa.
The street tacos are a lighter option, but they’re still flavorful. The quesadilla is great if you want something cheesy and easy to eat. All of these come with rice and beans, so you don’t need to order sides separately.
Sides And Add-Ons
Sometimes you just want a side dish to round out your meal. These are available a la carte. They’re also good for adding to a combo if you want extra variety.
- Mexican Rice: $2.49
- Refried Beans: $2.49
- Black Beans: $2.79
- Charro Beans: $2.99 – These are whole beans cooked with bacon and spices.
- Guacamole (side): $2.99
- Sour Cream: $0.99
- Extra Tortillas: $1.49
If you’re ordering a combo, you already get rice and beans. But if you want guacamole or extra tortillas, these add-ons are affordable. The charro beans are a favorite among regulars—they have a smoky flavor from the bacon.
Drinks And Desserts
Drinks are not included in the meal prices. You’ll pay separately for beverages. Desserts are also available, but they’re not part of the lunch menu specials.
- Soft Drinks: $2.49 – Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, etc. Free refills.
- Iced Tea: $2.49 – Unsweetened or sweetened. Free refills.
- Lemonade: $2.79
- Horchata: $3.29 – A sweet rice milk drink with cinnamon.
- Dessert (Sopapillas): $4.99 – Fried dough with cinnamon sugar, served with honey.
- Dessert (Churros): $5.49 – Crispy fried dough sticks with chocolate sauce.
If you want to save money, stick with water or iced tea. The horchata is delicious but adds to your total. Desserts are tempting, but they can push your bill over $15. Save them for a special occasion.
Lunch Specials And Deals
On The Border sometimes runs lunch specials that aren’t on the regular menu. These can change by location and season. It’s worth asking your server if there are any current deals. Here are some common ones:
- Lunch Express: A smaller combo for $6.99 – Usually one taco and one enchilada with rice and beans. Available only on weekdays.
- Happy Hour: 3 PM to 6 PM – Discounted appetizers and drinks. Not exactly lunch, but good if you eat late.
- Kids Eat Free: Some locations offer this on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult meal. Check your local restaurant.
These deals are not advertised widely. You might need to ask or check the restaurant’s website. The Lunch Express is a great value if you want a quick, cheap meal. It’s not on the printed menu, so always ask.
How To Save Money On Your Lunch
You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy a good lunch here. Here are some practical tips to keep your bill low:
- Stick to combos. The two-item combo is the best value. You get two main items plus rice and beans for under $9.
- Skip the appetizers. If you order a combo, you don’t need queso or guacamole. The meal itself is filling.
- Drink water. Soft drinks and horchata add $2.50 to $3.50 to your bill. Water is free and healthy.
- Ask about the Lunch Express. This is the cheapest option at $6.99, but it’s not always listed.
- Share a dessert. If you want something sweet, split a sopapilla with a friend. It’s enough for two people.
Using these tips, you can keep your total under $10 including tax. That’s a good deal for a sit-down Mexican lunch. The portions are generous, so you won’t leave hungry.
Nutritional Information
If you’re counting calories or watching your sodium, the lunch menu has some lighter options. The street tacos are a good choice because they’re smaller and have less cheese. The crispy tacos are also moderate in calories. Here’s a rough guide:
- Street Tacos (3): Approximately 450 calories, 20g fat, 900mg sodium
- Crispy Tacos (2): Approximately 500 calories, 25g fat, 1100mg sodium
- Lunch Burrito: Approximately 700 calories, 35g fat, 1500mg sodium
- Quesadilla: Approximately 600 calories, 30g fat, 1300mg sodium
These numbers are estimates. Actual values may vary based on ingredients and preparation. If you have dietary restrictions, ask your server for a full nutritional guide. Some locations have it available on request.
What Customers Say About The Lunch Menu
Regular customers often praise the value of the lunch combos. Many say the two-item combo is enough for a filling meal. The street tacos are also popular for their fresh taste. Some complaints include inconsistent portion sizes and occasional long wait times during peak hours. Overall, the lunch menu gets positive reviews for its affordability and flavor.
One common tip from frequent diners: order the enchiladas with green sauce instead of red. The green sauce is spicier and more flavorful. Also, ask for extra chips if you’re sharing an appetizer. The staff usually brings them for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cheapest item on the On The Border lunch menu?
The cheapest item is usually the Lunch Express combo at $6.99, but it’s not always listed. The two-item combo at $8.49 is the next best option.
2. Are there vegetarian options on the lunch menu?
Yes. You can order cheese enchiladas, bean burritos, or a veggie quesadilla. The combos also allow you to choose bean-based items. Just ask for no meat.
3. Can I get a lunch menu item for dinner?
Generally, no. The lunch menu is only available from 11 AM to 3 PM on weekdays. Some locations might offer it on weekends, but it’s not guaranteed.
4. Does the lunch menu include free chips and salsa?
Yes, all dine-in customers get complimentary chips and salsa before their meal. This is a standard offering at On The Border.
5. How do I find the On The Border lunch menu with prices for my local restaurant?
You can check the restaurant’s website or call them directly. Prices vary by location, so it’s best to confirm before you go. Some third-party sites also list menu prices, but they may not be up to date.
Final Thoughts On The Lunch Menu
The On The Border lunch menu is a solid choice for a budget-friendly Tex-Mex meal. With combos starting under $9, you get a lot of food for your money. The key is to stick to the combos and skip extras like drinks and appetizers. If you’re really watching your spending, ask about the Lunch Express deal. It’s not advertised, but it can save you a couple of dollars.
Remember, prices can change, so always check the menu at your local restaurant. The information here is a general guide. If you’re planning a lunch outing with friends, the combos are easy to customize. Everyone can pick their favorites without breaking the bank. So next time you’re in the mood for tacos or enchiladas, give the lunch menu a try. You’ll get a satisfying meal that fits your budget.