Popeyes vs Don Tequilas: Complete Menu & Price Comparison Guide
Choosing between Popeyes and Don Tequilas depends on your budget, time, and craving. Popeyes offers Louisiana-style fast food (chicken sandwiches $5.99-$6.99, combos $10-$13) with quick service averaging 5-10 minutes. Don Tequilas provides sit-down Mexican dining (fajitas $16-$20, tacos $13-$17) with full-service meals taking 30-45 minutes. Popeyes suits quick lunches and tight budgets; Don Tequilas fits leisurely dinners and group celebrations.
Restaurant Overview
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Founded in 1972 in New Orleans, Popeyes operates as a fast-food chain specializing in Louisiana-style fried chicken. With over 3,000 U.S. locations, it offers counter service, drive-through, and delivery. Average meal time: 10-15 minutes from order to table.
Service style: Quick service, minimal wait times
Best for: Solo meals, quick lunches, takeout
Atmosphere: Fast-paced, minimal seating
Don Tequila Mexican Restaurant
Don Tequila is a regional Mexican restaurant chain offering authentic cuisine in a casual dining environment. Locations vary by region with full table service, bar options, and family-style dining. Average meal time: 45-60 minutes.
Service style: Full table service with waitstaff
Best for: Group dining, celebrations, leisurely meals
Atmosphere: Festive, family-friendly, bar available
Price Comparison: What You’ll Actually Spend
Popeyes Pricing (2025)
Individual meals:
- Chicken sandwich (classic): $5.99
- Chicken sandwich (spicy): $6.99
- Sandwich combos: $10-$11
- 2-piece chicken combo: $9.39-$13.19
- 3-piece tenders combo: $10.09-$16.19
- Cajun fries (regular): $3.99
- Biscuit: $1.29
- Apple pie: $1.79
Family meals:
- 8-piece chicken: $19.99-$24.99
- 12-piece family meal: $34.99-$39.99
- 16-piece family meal: $44.99-$49.49
Average per person: $8-$13
Don Tequilas Pricing (2025)
Entrees:
- Steak fajitas: $16-$20
- Chicken fajitas: $14-$18
- Carne asada tacos (3): $13-$17
- Burritos: $12-$16
- Enchiladas (3): $12-$15
- Quesadillas: $10-$14
Appetizers & sides:
- Queso dip: $6-$8
- Guacamole: $7-$9
- Chips & salsa: $3-$5 (often complimentary)
- Mexican rice: $3-$4
- Refried beans: $3-$4
Desserts:
- Churros: $6-$7
- Flan: $5-$7
- Sopapillas: $5-$6
Drinks:
- Margaritas: $6-$12
- Beer: $4-$7
- Soft drinks: $2.99-$3.99
Average per person: $15-$25
Value verdict: Popeyes costs 40-50% less per person. Don Tequilas includes larger portions with table service and complimentary chips/salsa.
Head-to-Head Menu Comparison
Chicken Sandwich vs Fajitas
Popeyes Chicken Sandwich
Crispy buttermilk-battered chicken breast on buttered brioche bun with pickles and mayo. Classic ($5.99) or spicy ($6.99) options.
- Prep time: 3-5 minutes
- Calories: 700-740
- Portion: Single serving, no sides
Don Tequilas Steak Fajitas
Grilled steak strips with bell peppers and onions served sizzling. Includes rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and tortillas ($16-$20).
- Prep time: 15-20 minutes
- Calories: 800-1,200 (with all accompaniments)
- Portion: Shareable or full meal
Winner: Depends on context. Popeyes wins for speed and budget. Fajitas win for experience and value per ounce of food.
Tenders vs Tacos
Popeyes Chicken Tenders
Hand-battered Louisiana-style tenders marinated 12 hours. Available 3-piece ($7.99), 5-piece ($10.99), or 8-piece ($15.99). Blackened option available.
- Flavor: Bold Cajun seasoning, crispy coating
- Sauce options: Bayou Buffalo, Sweet Heat, Honey BBQ, Ranch
- Sides: Cajun fries, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, mac & cheese
Don Tequilas Street Tacos
Soft corn tortillas with grilled meat (carne asada, al pastor, carnitas, fish), onions, cilantro, and house salsa. Served with rice and beans ($13-$17 for plate of 3).
- Flavor: Authentic Mexican spices, charred meat
- Toppings: Lime, radish, pickled onions, multiple salsas
- Sides: Mexican rice, refried beans or black beans
Winner: Tacos offer more variety and authentic flavors. Tenders win for crunch and consistency.
Sides: Cajun Fries vs Queso Dip
Popeyes Cajun Fries
Battered fries seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper. Crispy exterior, soft interior ($3.99 regular).
- Serving: Individual portion
- Calories: 268-390 depending on size
- Best paired with: Any chicken item, ranch dressing
Don Tequilas Queso Dip
Warm white cheese dip with hint of jalapeño spice. Served with unlimited tortilla chips ($6-$8).
- Serving: Shareable appetizer (2-4 people)
- Calories: ~600-800 for full order
- Best paired with: Any entree, margaritas
Winner: Cajun fries for solo dining. Queso for sharing and table experience.
Desserts: Apple Pie vs Churros
Popeyes Cinnamon Apple Pie
Fried pastry pocket with cinnamon apple filling, sugar-glazed crust ($1.79).
- Temperature: Served hot
- Calories: 240
- Texture: Crispy exterior, gooey interior
Don Tequilas Churros
Fried dough sticks dusted with cinnamon sugar, served with chocolate or caramel sauce ($6-$7).
- Serving: 4-6 pieces
- Calories: 400-500
- Texture: Crispy outside, soft inside
Winner: Popeyes wins on price. Churros win on presentation and authentic flavor.
Nutritional Comparison
| Category | Popeyes (typical meal) | Don Tequilas (typical meal) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 800-1,200 | 1,000-1,500 |
| Sodium | 2,000-3,500mg | 1,800-2,800mg |
| Protein | 30-50g | 35-60g |
| Fat | 40-70g | 45-80g |
| Carbs | 60-90g | 80-120g |
Healthier options:
- Popeyes: Blackened tenders (no breading), green beans, corn on the cob
- Don Tequilas: Grilled fish tacos, chicken fajitas (skip tortillas), side salad
Both restaurants are high in calories and sodium. Neither is ideal for daily consumption.
When to Choose Each Restaurant
Choose Popeyes When:
Budget constraints:
- $8-$12 per person vs. $15-$25
- More food per dollar for individual meals
Time-sensitive:
- Drive-through or quick pickup
- Average wait: 5-10 minutes
- Ideal for lunch breaks
Solo dining:
- Individual combo meals
- No tip required
- Portable, less mess
Craving specific flavors:
- Louisiana Cajun spice
- Extra crispy fried chicken
- Buttermilk-battered coating
Choose Don Tequilas When:
Dining with groups:
- Shareable appetizers (queso, guacamole)
- Family-style portions
- Multiple entree options for varied tastes
Special occasions:
- Sit-down atmosphere
- Margaritas and full bar
- Celebratory vibe
Leisurely meals:
- Not rushed
- Enjoy table service
- Relaxed conversation setting
Mexican cuisine cravings:
- Authentic fajitas, tacos, enchiladas
- Fresh ingredients
- Multiple flavor profiles (not just Cajun)
Customer Experience & Reviews
Popeyes Reviews (Average: 4.2/5)
Pros:
- Consistently crispy chicken
- Famous chicken sandwich lives up to hype
- Fast service when not busy
- Affordable prices
Cons:
- Service quality varies by location
- Can be slow during peak hours
- Limited seating at many locations
- Inconsistent food temperature
Most praised items: Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Blackened Tenders, Cajun Fries
Don Tequilas Reviews (Average: 4.5/5)
Pros:
- Large portions (often take home leftovers)
- Friendly, attentive waitstaff
- Festive atmosphere
- Complimentary chips and salsa
Cons:
- Slower service during dinner rush
- Higher prices than fast food
- Some locations inconsistent with authenticity
- Margaritas vary in quality by location
Most praised items: Fajitas (steak and chicken), Queso Dip, Street Tacos, Happy Hour Specials
Money-Saving Tips
Popeyes:
- Download the app for exclusive deals
- Tuesday specials vary by location
- Family meals offer best per-piece value
- Skip combo, buy à la carte (often cheaper)
- Refillable drinks save $1-$2
Don Tequilas:
- Lunch specials ($8-$12) available 11am-3pm weekdays
- Happy hour margaritas ($4-$6) save 40-50%
- Monday “Kids Eat Free” at many locations
- Combo platters (#1-#12) better value than à la carte
- Complimentary chips/salsa fill you up—order less
Dietary Accommodations
Popeyes:
Gluten-sensitive options:
- Blackened tenders (no breading)
- Green beans
- Corn on the cob
- Red beans and rice (check for cross-contamination)
Allergen concerns:
- All fried items share fryers (cross-contamination risk)
- Breading contains wheat, soy
- Check allergen menu online before ordering
Don Tequilas:
Gluten-free options:
- Most fajitas (skip tortillas)
- Corn tortillas available
- Rice and beans
- Grilled meats without sauce
Vegetarian options:
- Veggie fajitas
- Bean burritos
- Cheese enchiladas
- Multiple meat-free sides
Allergen note: Cross-contamination possible in shared cooking spaces. Inform server of allergies.
FAQs
Yes, Popeyes averages 5-10 minutes from order to food, while Don Tequilas typically takes 30-45 minutes for full-service dining. Popeyes offers drive-through; Don Tequilas does not.
Popeyes family meals ($34.99-$49.49 for 8-16 pieces) serve 4-6 people at $6-$10 per person. Don Tequilas averages $15-$25 per person including appetizers and drinks. Popeyes is 40-50% cheaper for families.
No sit-down Mexican restaurant matches fast-food speed. Consider takeout from Don Tequilas (order ahead, 15-20 minute pickup) or choose fast-casual Mexican chains (Chipotle, Qdoba) for comparable speed.
Both are high in calories and sodium. Don Tequilas offers more grilled options and fresh vegetables. Popeyes’ blackened tenders (no breading) are the healthiest protein option between both restaurants.
Yes, most Don Tequilas locations have full bars with margaritas, beer, wine, and cocktails. Popeyes does not serve alcohol at any U.S. location.
Popeyes excels at takeout—food travels well in containers and stays crispy. Don Tequilas takeout works but sacrifices the sizzling fajita experience and warm chips. Order items that reheat well (tacos, burritos).
