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Pre pandemic, sit down prices were $16-22 for mains and $28-30 if you're ordering something really fancy like fresh fish or a steak (non steakhouse). If you go out now, a simple pasta will cost you 20+ and the fancier ones go north of $40. Eating out is now a luxury.

But at the same time, fast food is also not cheap. Ordering for two from Burger King or Wendy's or Chipotle can easily cross $40 if you're not careful.

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Not being from the US, it would be helpful if you could include some extra context here. Do these prices include taxes and expected tips?

Edit to add: Those prices do sound expensive compared with here in NZ. I would currently expect to pay all up about 20-30nzd and maybe 25-40nzd for fish or steak. Fast food has also become similarly expensive here relative to other options. This is after some pretty steep inflation over the past couple of years.

I live in the bay area, but yes a main is $15-25+ and anything fancy can go to ~$50. You need to add 9-10% sales tax + 15-20% tip.

That's pretty pricey.

No, these would be prices listed on the menu; i.e., excluding taxes and tip.

no OP but likely does not include taxes or tip.

FYI, 20 NZD is 12 USD.

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