Are you one of the millions of Americans who rely on the EBT program for access to daily meal? Are you looking for restaurants where you can enjoy a lovely family meal outside of your home?
Fortunately, more and more restaurants are starting to accept EBT, providing a much-needed solution for those who struggle with food insecurity with SNAP benefits.
- What is The Restaurant Meals Program?
- Who can use SNAP Benefits at Restaurants?
- Restaurants that take EBT
- What foods can you buy with EBT at a restaurant?
- Restaurants That Accept EBT by State
- Arizona(650+ restaurants)
- California(200+ restaurants)
- Hawaii
- Illinois(5 restaurants)
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan(20+ restaurants)
- Rhode Island(2 restaurants)
- Virginia
- States Currently Implementing the Program
- Types of restaurants that accept EBT
- FAQs
It can be confusing to know which restaurants accept EBT, as some will take it from all EBT card holders, but others are part of a special program called the Restaurant Meals Program.
his program is a part of the federal food stamps law and lets certain eligible individuals use their food stamp benefits to buy meals at specific restaurants.
What is The Restaurant Meals Program?
The Restaurant Meals Program is a government program that allows eligible participants to purchase meals from participating restaurants using EBT benefits.
This program is designed to help people who don't have a lot of money get access to healthy and good-for-you foods.
People who are eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program get a special card that they can use to buy food at participating restaurants.
Who can use SNAP Benefits at Restaurants?
To qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), individuals receiving SNAP benefits must have state SNAP certification and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be elderly, aged 60 years or over.
- Be homeless.
- Be disabled, receiving disability or blindness payments, or receiving permanent disability retirement benefits from a governmental agency.
- Be the spouse of a SNAP beneficiary who is eligible for the RMP.
Restaurants that take EBT
Getting access to the Restaurant Meals Program is harder than you might think. The federal government gives each state the power to decide whether or not to participate in the program.
Unfortunately, most states have chosen not to take part. Below is a list of seven states that currently participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
Did you know that there are over 1000+ restaurants that accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) nationwide? That's a lot of places to eat! Some of these restaurants are small, family-owned businesses or food trucks. Others are well-known, established chain restaurants.
- Arby's
- Applebee's
- Baja Fresh
- Burger King
- Carl’s Jr.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Del Taco
- Denny's
- Dickey’s BBQ Pit
- Domino's Pizza
- Dunkin' Donuts
- El Pollo Loco
- Firehouse Subs
- Hardee's
- Jack in the Box
- KFC
- Little Caesars Pizza
- McDonald's
- Olive Garden
- Panera Bread
- Panda Express
- Pizza Hut
- Popeye’s
- Sonic Drive-In
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- Wendy's
- Wingstop
What foods can you buy with EBT at a restaurant?
Once you have confirmed that a restaurant is authorized to accept EBT payments, there are still restrictions on the types of food that can be purchased with EBT.
Generally, EBT benefits can only be used to purchase hot, prepared meals that are meant to be consumed on the premises. This means that you cannot use EBT to purchase cold or packaged food items that are meant to be taken home and consumed later from grocery stores.
- Sandwiches and burgers - If a restaurant offers hot, prepared sandwiches or burgers that are meant to be consumed on the premises, then these items can be purchased with EBT benefits.
- Pizza - In some states, EBT benefits can be used to purchase hot, prepared pizza that is meant to be consumed on the premises.
- Fried chicken - If a restaurant offers hot, prepared fried chicken that is meant to be consumed on the premises, then this item can be purchased with EBT benefits.
- Soups and stews - Hot, prepared soups and stews that are meant to be consumed on the premises can be purchased with EBT benefits.
- Tacos and burritos - In some states, EBT benefits can be used to purchase hot, prepared tacos and burritos that are meant to be consumed on the premises.
- Breakfast items - Hot, prepared breakfast items such as pancakes, eggs, and breakfast sandwiches that are meant to be consumed on the premises can be purchased with EBT benefits.
Restaurants That Accept EBT by State
We’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of options in each state. Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other restaurants in your area that accept EBT that are not included.
Also, Each state can set their own requirements for choosing how many and which restaurants they want to allow to participate in their state's RMP.
Arizona(650+ restaurants)
In September 2007, Arizona introduced the Restaurant Meals Program as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The Arizona Restaurant Meals Program was created to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy healthy and balanced meals, even if they don't have the means or resources to cook at home.
So, if you live in Arizona and qualify for the Quest EBT, you can have the convenience of dining out. The list of participating restaurants and fast food places that accept SNAP EBT benefits in Arizona include:
- Blimpie
- Blue Seas Express Restaurant
- Burger King
- Burger Shoppe
- Captain Tony’s Pizza
- Carl’s Jr
- Chix N Mex
- Classic Cooking Academy
- Dairy Queen
- Diamond Creek Restaurant
- Domino’s Pizza
- Dorsey B’s Fish and Fixins
- Eat Fresh Mexican Food
- El Pollo Loco
- Fat Sub
- Figami Asian Fresh
- Firehouse Subs
- Harris and Smith Coffee Co
- Helpings Cafe and Market
- Hungry Howies
- Jack in the Box
- Jimmy and Joes Pizzeria
- Krispy Krunchy Chicken
- KFC Taco Bell
- La Perla Sports Cantina
- Latino Restaurant 2
- Lennys Burger
- Love Hawaiian BBQ
- Maskadores Taco Shop
- McDonald’s
- Nk Gyros
- Paradise Mexican Food
- Perfectto
- Rags Real Chicken and Waffles
- Rally’s Hamburgers
- Senor Sushi
- Smoke Dem Bone Barb BQ
- Speedy Street Taco
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- Tasty Box
- Un Mujer
- Uncle Sams
- Yum Pizza
California(200+ restaurants)
The California Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) began as a small test in San Francisco County, California, during the early 2000s. Since a law passed in 2019, the RMP expanded and is now available all across the state.
This means that eligible individuals in California can now enjoy meals through CalFresh benefits to buy prepared meals at participating restaurant.
- A&T Burgers
- Alma’s Cookies & Company Restaurant
- Ameci Pizza Kitchen
- Angelo’s Burger
- Arby’s
- Arnold’s Burgers
- Art’s Famous Chili Dog
- B&R’s Old Fashion Burger
- Baby Brother Pizza
- Banh Mi Che Cali
- Bayou Grille
- BBQ Express
- BBQ King
- Big Al’s Pizza
- Bobo’s Hamburger
- Bonnie B’s Smokin BBQ
- Boy’s Hamburgers
- Bravo Burger
- Broadway Food Corner
- Brother’s BBQ
- Burger King
- Cafe Creole
- California Cheeseburgers
- California Steak & Fries
- Campus Ktichen
- Captain Tony’s Pizza and Pasta
- Carl’s Jr
- Carnitas Michoacán
- Casa Sanchez
- Ceiba Restaurant
- Chabelita’s Restaurant
- Chavez Polo & Burger
- China Beauty Food Express
- Chinatown Express
- Chinese Express
- Church’s Chicken
- City Hall Market Restaurant
- Classic Burger
- Cliff’s Texas Style Burritos
- Corner Kafe
- Covina Burgers
- Crazy Falafel
- Curry Time
- Cypress Best Burgers
- D’s Original Take Out Grill
- Daily Donuts House
- Del Taco
- Deli Robert’s Pizza
- Denny’s
- Dinna’s Mexican Food Restaurant
- Dickey’s BBQ Pit
- Dino’s Burgers
- Dominguez Pizza
- Domino’s Pizza
- Dono’s Fish & Chicken
- Doublz
- Downtown Catch 21
- Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen
- El Arka Bakery & Restaurant
- El Huero
- El Merendero
- El Pollo Loco
- Jack in the Box
- Le Pardis Bakery and Cafe
- New York Pizza
- NYC Deli & Grill
- Nikko’s Family Restaurant
- Primo Burgers
- Taqueria El Torero
- and more!
To access a comprehensive list of restaurants in California that accept EBT, you can refer to this restaurant locator tool.
Hawaii
The restaurant meals program in only offered in restaurants in Honolulu.
- Burger King
- Carl’s Jr.
- Church’s Chicken
- Domino’s Pizza
- Great Steaks
- Jamba Juice
- Chiken Cradle
- U & M Produce
Illinois(5 restaurants)
According to Illinois Department of Human Services there are 5 restaurants that participate in RPM.
- BJ’s Market and Bakery
- Doughboy’s Chicago
- Firehouse Bakery and Grill
- JJ Fish and Chicken
- Ocean Wave Soul & Seafood
- S2 Express Grill
Maryland
The Maryland Restaurant Meal Program is a special program that helps people get healthy meals when they need them.
The maximum amount that you can spend on a single meal is $5.00. DHS is piloting the Restaurant Meals Program in the Calvert County. The DHS is actively seeking restaurants to participate in the RMP.
- 2 Soul Sisters Restaurant, Lusby, MD
Massachusetts
Massachusetts announce during COVID that they will participate in Restautant Meal Program. This program would let restaurants and food trucks accept snap benefits for ready-to-eat food that comes in packages.
The Massachusetts Restaurant Meal Program is currently in its pilot phase and is only available in select cities and towns in Massachusetts.
To find participating restaurants, you can visit the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance website or call 1-800-841-2900.
Michigan(20 restaurants)
The Michigan Restaurant Meal Program provides certain individuals who receive food assistance program benefits (FAP) with the ability to use their Michigan Bridge card to purchase prepared food from participating restaurants.
Food Assistance Program (FAP) recipients may use their benefits to purchase prepared food in certain authorized restaurants
- Foundry Bakehouse and Deli
- Emma's Coffee House
- Sparty's Kabob Restaurant
- Just Munchies
- Siraj Cuisine
- Wing Heaven Sports Haven
- McDonald's
- Burton Village BBQ Company
- Wing Heaven Moo Gobble Burger
- Sally's Whatta Pizza
- Dee's Pizza Pad
- Constantine's Harvey House
- Toarmina's Pizza Dearborn
- Breadless
- ERR'Thang Smoked
- Market Fresh Deli
- Ray's Pizza and Chicken
- Sheeba Express
- The Congregation Detroit
- Holy Cow! Creamery
Rhode Island(2 restaurants)
The Rhode Island Restaurant Meal Program, eligible SNAP recipients can use their SNAP benefits to buy prepared meals from participating restaurants.
- Federal Hill Pizza Restaurant in Providence
- Subway
Virginia
Virginia is recognized by the federal USDA as one of the states participating in the Restaurant Meals Program. However, I couldn't find any further details on their official state website.
To gather more information, I have contacted the SNAP Program Manager in Virginia.
States Currently Implementing the Program
As of 2024, the following states are currently in the process of implementing the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP):
- Alaska
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Maine
- New Mexico
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Types of restaurants that accept EBT
Finding restaurants that accept EBT can feel confusing, but don't worry! We're here to make it easier for you and give you the information you need to choose where to eat.
Let's explore the wide range of restaurants that happily welcome EBT recipients.
Fast food restaurants
Fast food restaurants are famous for their speedy service and budget-friendly meals.
Surprisingly, there are fast food chains that accept EBT as a valid payment method. These locations provide a convenient and easily reachable dining choice for individuals and families relying on government cash assistance.
Here are few fast food chains that accept Food Stamp:
- Subway
- Papa Murphy's (participating locations)
- Dominos (participating locations)
- Carl's Jr.
- Church's Chicken
- Sonic Drive-In
- Taco Bell
- El Pollo Loco
- Golden Corral
- Pizza Hut
- Jack in the Box
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Burger King
Sit-down restaurants
Sit-down restaurants provide a dining experience where you can enjoy table service and a diverse selection of dishes. Although not all sit-down restaurants accept EBT, there are some that value inclusivity and accessibility.
By accepting EBT, these restaurants can cater to customers who depend on government assistance, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their meals without any limitations.
Here are few Sit-down restaurants that accept Food Stamp:
- Denny's
- IHOP (International House of Pancakes)
- Carl's Jr.
- El Pollo Loco
- Subway
- Church's Chicken
- Domino's Pizza
- Jack in the Box
Convenience stores
There are currently no convenience stores that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
The RMP is a state-run program, and it is only available at certain restaurants that meet certain requirements. Convenience stores are not typically considered to be restaurants, so they are not eligible to participate in the RMP.
However, there are some convenience stores that sell prepared foods that can be purchased with an EBT card. These foods are typically sold in the deli or hot food section of the store. Some examples of prepared foods that can be purchased with an EBT card include:
- Sandwiches
- Salads
- Hot dogs
- Pizza
- Soup
FAQ
1. How do I know if a restaurant accepts EBT?
Restaurants that accept EBT will typically have a sign posted in their window or at the register. You can also check with the restaurant directly to see if they accept EBT.
2. What can I buy with EBT at a restaurant?
You can use EBT to purchase hot, prepared meals at participating restaurants. You cannot use EBT to purchase prepared foods that are not hot, or any other items that are not considered food.
3. How much can I spend on EBT at a restaurant?
The amount of money you can spend on EBT at a restaurant is limited by your SNAP benefits. You can use your EBT card to purchase up to the amount of money you have on your card.
4. What if I don't have enough money on my EBT card to cover the cost of my meal?
If you don't have enough money on your EBT card to cover the cost of your meal, you can pay the difference with cash or another form of payment.
5. Do I need to show my ID to use EBT at a restaurant?
Yes, you will need to show your ID when you use EBT at a restaurant. Your ID must have your name and photo on it.
6. What if I am denied service at a restaurant because I am using EBT?
If you are denied service at a restaurant because you are using EBT, you should contact your state's SNAP agency. They may be able to help you resolve the issue.
7. Can EBT be used for delivery or takeout orders?
Yes, EBT benefits can be used for delivery or takeout orders at participating restaurants. However, it's important to note that not all restaurants accept EBT for delivery or takeout, so it's advisable to check with the specific restaurant beforehand.
8. Can I use EBT to pay for alcoholic beverages at restaurants?
No, EBT benefits cannot be used to purchase alcoholic beverages at restaurants or any other location. EBT benefits strictly prohibits the use of these benefits for purchasing alcohol, tobacco, or any non-food items.
9. Can EBT benefits be used for restaurant gift cards?
No, EBT benefits cannot be used to purchase restaurant gift cards. The purpose of EBT benefits is to help individuals and families access nutritious food for their household.
10. Can EBT benefits be used for meals served at homeless shelters or soup kitchens?
Only Homeless people can use SNAP benefits to pay for meals at soup kitchens and homeless shelters that are authorized to accept SNAP benefits.