The Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program helps people who need financial aid. Food is essential, and with a California EBT card, you can buy food even with a low income.
Which restaurants in California take EBT? Many do! Below, we’ll explore some restaurant options and provide important information about the EBT program in California.
Key Facts About the EBT Program
In California, the EBT program is called CalFresh. Once approved, you will receive a debit card that looks like any other card.
Many restaurants will have a sign outside indicating they accept EBT, while others will mention it on their website. Researching beforehand will help you know where you can use your EBT card for dining out.
You need to apply for CalFresh to get an EBT card and enjoy its benefits. Here are some categories of restaurants you should know about.
Popular Fast Food Picks
Fast food restaurants are great for EBT options in California. It’s easy to grab a quick bite between your kids’ online school when you have go-to fast food spots.
Some of these are national chains that accept EBT everywhere, while others are regional or decide by franchise location. Here are some verified fast food places in California that accept EBT.
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Carl’s Jr.
If you love burgers, Carl’s Jr. is the place to go. They have many locations in California, from Southern California to the Bay Area and more.
Here are some tasty choices: Famous Star with Cheese, Western Bacon Cheeseburger, The Big Carl, and the 1/3 Pound Thickburger.
They also serve natural cut fries, Crisscut fries, and onion rings. Many customers enjoy their chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches.
Carl’s Jr. is famous nationwide for its breakfast. They serve great sausage biscuits, bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits, and the breakfast burger.
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Fat Burger
Fat Burger is a popular burger spot in California. Many tourists make it a point to visit Fat Burger before they leave.
This fast food place offers high-quality ingredients with lots of flavors, toppings, and styles. The burgers are hand-pressed and never frozen.
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El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco offers a convenient and healthier alternative to typical fast food. They specialize in fire-grilled chicken and provide a variety of choices.
They have family dinners with whole chicken pieces and sides like broccoli, beans, and rice. It’s a great place to use your EBT card, especially for feeding your family quickly through the drive-through.
El Pollo Loco also has chicken tacos, burritos, nachos, and Pollo Fit Bowls.
Cozy Sit-Down Restaurants
You can visit some casual sit-down restaurants when you want to eat. These places accept EBT:
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Denny’s
Denny’s is a famous American restaurant open 24 hours for breakfast. You can enjoy various pancake options that are sure to delight your taste buds.
The buttermilk pancakes are a favorite, but they also offer special options like chocolate pancakes with bananas, cinnamon roll pancakes, and double berry pancakes.
Denny’s is famous for its “Slam” breakfast options. Enjoy tasty choices like the All-American Slam, French Toast Slam, Build Your Own Grand Slam, and Hearty Breakfast Slam.
Moreover, Denny’s menu includes omelets, crepes, and various lunch and dinner options such as Philly cheesesteak subs, beef burgers, and chicken fingers.
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Golden Corral
Visiting a buffet is a great, affordable choice for the family.
Everyone can fill their plates with a variety of foods, including fried chicken, lasagna, ham, healthy greens, Asian fried rice, pizza, and macaroni and cheese.
Golden Corral offers many drink choices and a wide selection of desserts. Using your EBT card at this large buffet restaurant gives you the best value for your money.
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Subway
If you love sandwiches, you’ll be happy to hear that Subway takes EBT. You can customize your sandwich from scratch.
At Subway, you can pick from various bread, sauces, toppings, and more. You can enjoy a meal inside the restaurant with your family.
Smoothie & Specialty Shops Galore
Many specialty restaurants in California accept EBT. Here are some you might want to try:
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Jamba Juice
People who love juices and smoothies will enjoy Jamba Juice. They offer healthy choices that help you and your family get needed nutrients.
Whether you want just fruit smoothies or those mixed with vegetables, you will get lots of nutrients.
Juices with leafy green vegetables are full of fiber and can lower your cholesterol. These drinks also give you Calcium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A. You can add boosts for extra protein, immunity, and other benefits.
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Fuego 360
Fuego 360 is a restaurant offering slow-roasted chicken. The chicken is juicy and tender.
You can pick between 1/4 or 1/2 chicken, with choices of white or dark meat. These come with sides like beans, rice, macaroni and cheese, and mixed greens
Finish your meal with pita bread, or a corn or flour tortilla.
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Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market offers some of the healthiest and tastiest foods. They have many fresh, locally sourced options for every taste.
Eating lots of green vegetables improves blood flow, brain health, and heart health. Whole Foods Market is also a great place to buy healthy bulk foods.
Whole Foods Market partners with Amazon, so you can use your Prime membership for in-store discounts and online deliveries.
Smoothie & Specialty Shops Galore
Now that you know which restaurants accept EBT, you can explore your options better. Whatever your taste, you can enjoy trying these California restaurants.
Return to learn more about CalFresh Program eligibility, the application process, and other helpful programs.
If you qualify for EBT, you might also be eligible for free Lifeline phone service.
