As most loyal readers know, I’m a huge fan of secret menus at restaurants and fast-food joints. Delicious stuff that only people “in the know” can order. So I figured I would expand my horizons and taste test some “value or dollar menus” from various joints and grade the quality of the chow. What better place to start than with the legendary McDonald’s dollar menu. They break down their menu into price categories, $1, $2, and $3 items and I tried them ALL and somehow lived to write about it. Let’s get to it…

$1 Menu:

Sausage Burrito

This comes stuffed with scrambled eggs, pork sausage, cheese, green chiles and onion.

On first bite I was impressed, but then again I LOVE me a breakfast burrito.

I got a mouthful of melted cheese goodness with a nice touch of salt from the sausage and a bit of kick with the chiles.

Add salsa if you can as it adds a bit of huevo rancheros vibe to it.

I’d need at least 3 for a full breakfast because they definitely are on the smaller side.

Grade: A-

See Also: McDonald’s Secret Menu: Mickey D’s in a Whole New Light

McChicken Sandwich

OK, I realize it’s only a buck, but wow, it ain’t good folks, even for 100 pennies.

The “crispy” chicken is flavorless, the lettuce is soggy and the mayo is just plain gross.

The only redeeming thing is the bun which was toasted perfectly in my case.

Also, it’s a chicken “fillet” which means it’s basically a large McNugget and not real chicken breast but rather chicken parts molded together.

Grade: D

Cheeseburger

The Mickey D’s cheeseburger is a classic and the 2 cheeseburger meal is one of my go-to meals when I’m traveling and need a quick meal that’s not messy.

So the $1 cheeseburger holds a special place in my heart.

If you’ve never had it, it comes topped with American cheese, mustard, ketchup, pickle, and chopped onions.

I usually ask for it sans ketchup cuz I’m an adult and it ensures a freshly made burger.

Grade: A

See Also: Does McDonald’s Serve Breakfast All Day Long? I Got Answers

4 Piece McNuggets

Not every dollar menu has this but I’m lucky enough to live near a McDonald’s location that does.

At 25 cents each, this is a good value for sure, even if the McNugget is no chicken tender which is usually made from 100% white meat.

But the 4 piece McNugget is a great add-on to one of their value meals, especially if you’re really hungry and want to get your grub on.

Grade: B

Any Size Soft Drink

Any size drink for a buck? Wow, that’s a really affordable way to get diabetes.

The medium size should suffice for most unless you’re splitting it with 3 other adults or hosting a kid’s birthday party later in the day.

Grade: A (for value alone)

$2 Menu:

Sausage McGriddles

If you’ve never had a McGriddles they are kind of like a pancake with a taste of sweet maple syrup mixed in.

Then you add the sausage in between the griddle cakes and you get a nice mashup of sweetness and saltiness.

Pretty darn good actually and for only 2 bucks they are worth a try.

Grade: B+

See Also: These 10 McDonald’s Menu Prices Provide the Most Bang for Your Buck

2 Piece Buttermilk Crispy Tenders

OK, now we’re finally talking real chicken, unlike the bastard chicken known as the McNugget.

These Buttermilk Crispy Tenders have a nice crunch to them and are loaded with 100% white meat.

Mine were a little dry but it probably just depends on how long they stay in the fryer.

Ask for the “Signature sauce” as it makes for a fantastic dipping situation.

Overall I enjoyed them and would definitely order them again.

Grade: A-

Bacon McDouble

Any time you can get a double burger with bacon for $2 you’re clearly winning at life and the road to obesity.

So if your local McDonald’s has the Bacon McDouble on their dollar menu you GOTTA try it.

Aside from the extra patty and bacon, it comes with all the toppings you get on their regular cheeseburger.

I enjoyed the burger, not gonna lie. The cheesy goodness really accented the saltiness of the bacon.

In case you’re wondering, I DIDN’T eat all of these items on the same day, not sure I’d still be here to write this if I did.

I spaced them out over a couple weeks.

Grade: B

Small McCafe

Looking for an afternoon pick me up?

The McCafe Frappés, iced coffee, or Latte fits the bill perfectly, especially for only $2.

The small size is basically the same as Starbucks Grande making it a great value for only $2.

See Also: 10 Starbucks Prices That Actually Make Their Coffee Affordable

Grade: A-

$3 Menu:

Sausage McMuffin w/ Egg

$3 items…starting to get into Daddy Warbucks territory now.

But I must say, the Sausage McMuffin with Cheese is one of my all-time favorites.

For starters I love English Muffins, WAY more than toast.

Then you throw on that perfectly cooked round egg and sausage with a slice of American cheese and fo’get ’bout it.

I actually ordered two of these and made quick history of each.

Sure the $6 price tag was a bit steep but my fat cells were screaming as I drove up to the drive thru and I was a bit gluttonous.

Grade: A+

Classic Chicken Sandwich

The Classic Chicken Sandwich at Mickey D’s, not to be confused with the Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich, is a mainstay on their $3 menu.

Along with the crispy chicken, it comes on a toasted hamburger bun with pickles and their Signature sauce.

I liked this sandwich, not as much as Popeye’s version, but I liked it.

The chicken was moist and the meat to bun ratio was perfect.

I would have liked a little lettuce and tomato added to mine just to offset the large piece of chicken, but overall it was a good sammy.

Grade: B+

Triple Cheeseburger

The Triple Cheeseburger is 3 beef patties, 2 slices of American cheese, ketchup, mustard, and diced onions.

It’s a good burger, especially for meat lovers.

But for me it was simply too much beef and my bowels are still trying to recover.

I’d rather have 2 single cheeseburgers for $2 then this meat mountain.

Grade: C

Happy Meal

To the chagrin of many parents, I’ve been told the Happy Meal has been removed from most dollar menus in recent months.

Where else will parents find cheap toys to step on in the middle of the night?

Toys that seem to be kept way too long and inexplicably end up being stored under couch cushions until the kid moves away to college.

Don’t get me wrong, Happy Meals are not going away, just be prepared to pay closer to $5 for them.

Grade: B

Ask the Reader: What’s your go-to item off the McDonald’s dollar menu? Does your local “golden arches” have different items on their dollar menu? Let me know.

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Mike Mozart.

The REI return policy is the stuff of legend, especially pre-2013 when they had a lifetime guarantee on all the products they sold. But as with any return policy there are always caveats, pitfalls, and road bumps that you need to be aware before making a significant purchase. So before you buy that $545 tent or $3,200 kayak at REI, here’s everything you need to know about their current return policy.

How Many Return Days Does REI Allow?

365 days for REI Co-op Members and 90 days for non-members.

This only applies to products that were bought new.

REI calls this their 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and it used to be a lifetime guarantee but got dialed back in recent years.

Can I Return Stuff That I Used for 364 Days?

Yes.

But if the reason for the return has to do with normal “wear and tear” or damage caused by improper use, you CANNOT make the return.

Can You Return Without a Receipt?

Hold on to those receipts because it’s the easiest way to make a return on in-store purchases.

Without a receipt they can try to lookup your purchase using the credit card you used, but it’s not a guarantee.

Debit card and cash purchases are virtually impossible to lookup without a valid receipt.

For online purchases be sure to login to your account and print-out your receipt or online invoice.

See Also: Urban Outfitters Return Policy: Insider TIPS for Success

Any Exceptions to the 365 Days?

Yes, there are two exceptions.

1. Outdoor Electronics – Things like “activity monitors, GPS-enabled devices, bike trainers, emergency-communication devices, and cameras” must be returned within 90 days of purchase.

2. Used Gear – Anything that you buy used from REI comes with a 30 day return policy.

Is There Anything I Can’t Return to REI?

Yes, you CANNOT return any REI Garage Sale Merchandise as it’s all final sale.

Garage Sale stuff is used and sold “as-is” and if you try to return something it will be mailed back to you.

Is There a Different Policy on REI-Branded Items?

No, it doesn’t matter if the product was made by REI or not, the same return policy applies.

What About Returning Worn Boots and Clothing?

Yes, you can absolutely return clothing and boots that you’ve worn but decided you didn’t like.

As long as the reason for the return is NOT due to normal wear and tear you’re good to go.

This policy is very generous and essentially lets you “test drive” stuff to see how it fits before you decide to keep it.

Does REI “Grandfather In” Certain Products Into the Lifetime Warranty?

As most avid REI customers know, their return policy used to be a Lifetime Warranty but was switched to 365 days back in 2013.

So the question arises when it involves products that were purchased before their policy switched to 365 days, are they eligible for the lifetime warranty?

The answer is a definitive MAYBE.

Meaning that if you’re willing to stand in the store and argue your case to the manager you may have some success.

But it’s safe to assume that your mileage will vary depending on how nice the manager on duty is that day.

See Also: Dick’s Sporting Goods Return Policy: Here’s How It Actually Works

Can I Have My Return Refused?

Yes.

REI will monitor your returns and if they feel you’re abusing their lenient policy they reserve the right to deny your return.

This happens most frequently when a customer claims an item “didn’t satisfy their needs”, even when they’ve worn the shirt or boots for 6 months and the item appears clearly “worn out” from extensive use.

Can I Return Online Purchases In-Store?

Yes, just bring the item in for a refund or even exchange to any REI location.

Not only can you return online purchases in-store, but you can return any item by mail regardless of whether you bought it online, in-store, or via the phone.

Who Pays the Shipping Fess on Online Returns?

You do.

If you opt for the online return option, be aware that you’ll be charged a $5.99 return shipping fee when using the prepaid shipping label.

Are REI-Outlet Returns Handled the Same Way?

Since REI Outlet stores don’t exist anymore this question is mute.

The REI Outlet is now online only and is essentially a clearance department, but the savings are pretty darn good with deals ranging from 20% off all the way up to 75% off the original retail price.

REI Policy Hacks:

1. Become a Co-Op Member: For only $20 you become a lifetime member with REI and you’ll NEVER need to keep your receipt again.

This is because your purchases will be automatically tracked and you’ll even earn 10% back on all full-priced purchases.

2. Used Gear Bargains: When used items get returned, they go to their Used Gear Program and are sold at a major discount.

Take advantage of these deals! Many of the items are basically brand new and the savings goes up to 75% off the original price.

3. Don’t Abuse their Policy: According to this Reddit thread, an REI employee actually had a guy try to return a water filter that he had urinated in and claimed it didn’t remove the “flavor of his urine” from the water. Don’t be that guy.

Ask the Reader: Are you a fan of the return policy at REI? Let me know if I’m missing any pertinent policy tidbits.

By Kyle James

I can remember as a kid we would eat Kentucky Fried Chicken often enough that my parents would keep the big buckets and use them for storage. Seriously, no joke. I remember one KFC bucket in particular that held mismatched nails and screws that my Dad would use around the house. But over the years I grew a bit tired of their chicken and I really wish I had known about the KFC secret menu as it would have been a great way to try new food and get some different flavors. With that said, here’s how the secret menu at Colonel Sanders currently breaks down. Bon appétit.

1. Bacon…On Anything

“Bacon…on Anything” is pretty much my life’s mantra, especially when chowing down at Kentucky Fried Chicken.

A little known KFC secret is that you can get bacon added to whatever you want, all you gotta do is ask.

Get in the habit of adding bacon to any bowl, sandwich, or entree and your life will improve by exactly 67%.

Price and availability differs by location….but ask about it and you’ll probably have your lifelong wish of “more bacon” granted.

2. Biscuits on the Side

How many times have you wished you had a biscuit to soak up all the gravy, juices, and crumbs left on your plate?

Well it turns out you can buy a biscuit (or 2, or 17) ala carte.

The price per biscuit varies by location but they aren’t expensive and totally worth it IMO.

See Also: The Chick-Fil-A Secret Menu: Fun Ways to Spice Up Your Next Meal

3. Build Your Own Bowl

If you’ve ever had a bowl at KFC you know just what a yummy concoction it can be.

But did you know you can create pretty much ANY bowl you want?

You just ask for it and they’ll build it.

Have them throw some fries in it, or maybe some bacon, or even some Nashville Hot sauce if you want to spice up your bowl.

The possibilities are literally endless.

4. Double Down

The Double Down was once on the regular menu at KFC, and still is in some locations.

If you’re not familiar with this bad-boy, it’s a chicken sandwich but instead of using a boring bun, they use 2 flat chicken fillets that are fried to crispy perfection.

Then in the middle you add melted cheese, some bacon, and a little of the ol’ Colonel’s secret sauce.

Dang, I think I can almost hear my fat cells screaming “I WANT”, “I WANT”.

5. Devil’s Canyon Bowl

Order the standard bowl at KFC but add Nashville Hot sauce and green beans.

It will have some kick for sure and the beans will add a nice crunch to an otherwise bland bowl.

You can also substitute the beans for corn if you’d like.

6. Hot Pocket Bowl

I can’t think of a Hot Pocket and not think of Jim Gaffigan.

But anyways, if you’re a fan of the hot pocket, some KFC locations can whip you up a bowl with cooked dough, chicken, cheese, corn, and of course, lots of GRAVY.

Just a heads up, your mileage will vary greatly on this one as most KFC locations don’t have all the needed ingredients.

7. Poutine

On my brother-in-law’s advice, I tried poutine for the first time ever last year and was immediately HOOKED.

This Canadian treat is made with french fries, cheese curds, then smothered in gravy.

Sounds different I know, but trust me, it’s a REALLY yummy combination and now you can order it at KFC too.

If the employee has no idea what you’re talking about, just tell them the 3 ingredients and they’ll hook you up with this secret item.

See Also: The Ultimate Chipotle Secret Menu is Awesomely Delicious

8. Triple Down

This heart stopper is essentially the Double Down (mentioned above) but they add a THIRD piece of chicken to the center along with the bacon, cheese, and sauce.

While I’ve never ordered this monstrosity, I’m guessing you’ll need to eat it with a knife and fork unless you were born with a hinged jaw.

9. Zinger Stacker

If you’ve ever had the Zinger Chicken sandwich at KFC you know it’s quality grub.

Order the Zinger Stacker from their secret menu and you will score twice the chicken and cheese.

Specifically, you’ll get a slightly toasted bun, 2 fried chicken fillets, both topped with cheese, along with chili relish and their spicy “super charger sauce”.

Sounds amazing, just stay close to a bathroom if at all possible.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever ordered anything from the secret menu at KFC? Maybe you know of an item that I didn’t include. Let me know about it so I can do the “work” required to test it out.

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Mike Mozart.