Apex High School is surrounded by a variety of fast food places that cater to students looking for a quick, tasty, and budget-friendly lunch. No matter what kind of food you’re craving, there’s something for everyone within a short drive or walk from the school. Here’s a roundup of the best places to grab lunch around Apex High School, with a focus on those offering student discounts and great value deals. 

I conducted a survey among the junior and senior student body at Apex High School where I had them rank the following food spots from 1-8, based on how frequently they have their lunch there.

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1. Bojangles’

Location: 1320 E Williams St, Apex, NC
Type: Fast Food (Southern, Chicken)
Price Range: $
Student Discounts/Deals: Bojangles offers affordable combo meals that provide excellent value. Their famous “Cajun Filet Biscuit” or “Chicken Supremes” combos are filling and won’t break the bank. The value menu also offers budget-friendly choices, making Bojangles a solid option for students looking for comfort food on the go. Most AHS students tend to go here because it is a short walk from the campus, creating easier access. 

2. Taco Bell

Location: 1125 Olive Chapel Road, Apex, NC
Type: Fast Food (Mexican)
Price Range: $
Student Discounts/Deals: Taco Bell is well-known for its value menu, where students can score delicious and filling items like the Beefy 5-Layer Burrito or Crunchwrap Supreme at low prices. Additionally, Taco Bell often runs promotions and offers discounts through its app, making it a great spot for students on a tight budget. With Taco Bell being located right next to the Bojangles, it comes in a close second place for the most popular spot among AHS students. 

3. Zaxby’s

Location: 933 US-64, Apex, NC
Type: Fast Casual (Chicken)
Price Range: $$
Student Discounts/Deals: Zaxby’s offers delicious chicken tenders, wings, and salads, with great value for the portion sizes. Zaxbys offers a student discount for those who show their school ID with a purchase of the Big Zax Snack, taking the price from $8.89 to $7.99. Zaxby’s is ideal for students craving a hearty meal of crispy chicken with plenty of dipping sauces, and it’s one of the better-value fast food spots in the area. For those who are looking for a healthier meal, Zaxby’s also offers their famous “Zalads” at a good price. 

4. Wendy’s

Location: 1191 E Williams St, Apex, NC
Type: Fast Food (Burgers, Chicken)
Price Range: $
Student Discounts/Deals: Wendy’s regularly offers value deals, such as their 4 for $4 meal deal, which includes a sandwich, chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink. Wendy’s promotions and affordable meal options make it one of the best fast food spots for students on a budget. A student favorite is the “Free Fry Friday”, where you can get a free fry of any size with any purchase made on any Friday. 

5. Panera Bread

Location: 1210 Aversboro Rd, Apex, NC
Type: Bakery Café (Soups, Sandwiches, Salads)
Price Range: $$
Student Discounts/Deals: The “You Pick Two” option is a great deal for students. You can choose half of a sandwich, soup, or salad, offering a balanced and reasonably priced meal. Panera also runs promotions and has a rewards program for regular customers, allowing students to save money with each visit. Most students talked about the “Sip Club”, which allows students to get any drink for free every 2 hours at Panera. This is great for students who just want a quick drink to take on the road, or those that are big fans of coffee, tea, or lemonades. 

6. McDonald’s

Location: 1695 E Williams St, Apex, NC
Type: Fast Food (Burgers, Chicken)
Price Range: $
Student Discounts/Deals: McDonald’s is another student favorite thanks to its extremely affordable value menu. You can score burgers, fries, and drinks for just a few dollars. They also offer frequent promotions via the McDonald’s app, where you can find special discounts and deals, including free items or discounted combo meals. McDonald’s is perfect for a quick lunch if you’re in a hurry and need something filling without spending much.

7. Five Guys

Location: 1675 Beaver Creek Commons Dr, Apex, NC
Type: Fast Casual (Burgers and Fries)
Price Range: $$
Student Discounts/Deals: Five Guys is commonly known for their large portion sizes and the prices show that. The fries are especially well-loved, and you get a lot of food for your money. If you’re looking for a filling lunch, Five Guys is an excellent choice—though it’s slightly more expensive than other fast food options, the quality and portion sizes justify the price.

8. Costco Food Court

Location: 3500 Apex Peakway, Apex, NC
Type: Fast Food (Pizza, Hot Dogs, and More)
Price Range: $
Student Discounts/Deals: Costco’s food court is a hidden gem for students looking for low-cost, filling meals. While Costco doesn’t offer specific student discounts, the prices are hard to beat. A giant hot dog and soda combo for $1.50 is legendary, and the pizza slices are huge and affordable, making it one of the best values in town. The Costco food court is perfect if you’re in the mood for something quick and extremely budget-friendly. Alongside the classic pizza and hot dogs, they also serve treats like cookies, ice cream and parfaits. 

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If you’re an Apex citizen need a quick, budget-friendly lunch, you’re in luck! Whether you’re craving crispy chicken, fresh burritos, or a hearty burger, there are plenty of options within a short drive or walk from the Apex High School campus. Most of these spots offer great value for the price, and many run special promotions that help students save even more. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between classes or meeting friends for lunch, these restaurants around Apex High School provide a range of delicious, wallet-friendly choices.

So, next time hunger strikes, try one of these local spots to get a great meal without breaking the bank!