I went to a local place today and got a large chicken salad sandwich that was delicious…and included a bag of chips. $10.
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Chicken salad sounds delicious. But a personal preference I NEVER consider chips a valid side! I’d rather have a small salad, fries, a cup of soup or a pile of pickles!
Weird maybe but I do not want to pay for potato chips at a restaurant
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Yeah, but to be fair, that would probably last me all day, so it’s only like $14 a meal. 
Wonder how long they let you stay .
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That would be a bargain around here for the best weekend buffets.
This one could last you for days; it’s great.
This costs almost as much, but with fewer choices. Both have stellar views.
There is a dive bar nearby that has simple breakfasts (eggs, meat, bread) for under $12.
I generally agree on the potato chip comment. The exception I guess is that sometimes when traveling it is nice to have “leftovers” that don’t need refrigeration, a treat to save for later. (ditto for a wrapped cookie)
My husband agrees with @abasket on chips not being a valid side. I love chips and I don’t keep them in the house so I kind of enjoy a side of chips.
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I’d take chips made in house, but run-of-the-mill chips can’t replace fries or onion rings.
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agree on run of the mill chips
In house made or premium brand chips or even Kettle chips are a treat.
I’ll assume we’re done with the discussion of chips.
We just had breakfast at diner near our house. Ordered among the few items<$12 with tax. H got 2 eggs, 2 strips bacon, & toast. I got 1 egg, corned beef hash, toast & coffee. Each of us paid $11 + tax + tip.
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What is the definition of a restaurant for this topic? I wouldn’t consider fast food places or sandwich shops restaurants.
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If it has a counter or tables to sit at and eat and doesn’t sell groceries or stuff like dishwasher detergent and diapers! 
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When I originally posted it I did mean more of a sit down , non- fast food restaurant- even something like a chain restaurant (Olive Garden, Applebees would fit this or a local equivalent). I wasn’t thinking anything carry out. Partially because I wanted to see and people to maybe realize the limitation of a $12/less meal. Sure you can split a meal and achieve a $12/person price….but I was recognizing that for your own entree, $12 can be hard to achieve - especially for dinner.
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The better question for me is, can I eat clean and fill up my tummy with a budget of $12. 
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D2 has been staying at D1’s house taking care of her dogs this weekend. I met D2 yesterday and we had lunch at a local taco shop in D1’s neighborhood. We each had 2 tacos and a beer which came to $12 per person before tax. Tacos were delicious, but not large. If H had been with us he would have needed an additional taco.
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There is a great Chinese restaurant in our area that serves huge portions. One order feeds 2 people and many orders are under $24, so easy peasy.
That is what I took away from your first post. I think a sit down dine in restaurant is pretty difficult if you include a drink and tip. Sharing one meal isn’t in my opinion answering the original question.
I have looked at menus differently since @abasket started this thread. Last weekend my husband and I had a light late lunch after some errands. We didn’t want to eat a big lunch since it was already 2 o’clock. We each had one taco, mine fish and his pork from a go up and order and they bring you your food. Each taco came with fresh tortilla chips and fresh pico de gallo. I had an iced tea. It meets the criteria of under 12 but it wasn’t a full meal and it didn’t require a full 20% tip.
Friday we went to a cafe that serves healthy fare. We ordered a salad that had no meat, a grilled chicken sandwich on house made bread served with the dreaded chips again. I ordered an iced tea. My husband added a cup of pozole soup which added to the bill. It wasn’t an expensive place but once the tip was added still over $12.
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Adding I think a way to save is to drink water. I just looked and my ice tea at the natural cafe was $3.50.
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Very very few places that H and I eat at have entrees for $12 or less at all, even with drinking water. Some now charge for a cup if you drink water.
Hmmm… OP said “ Many of us don’t like dropping $50 for two people every time you go out” so, 2 people sharing portions that are humongous and clearly bigger than what one person can consume, seems to fit in. JMO