October is not just the month for spooky Halloween treats—it’s also a time when some of the most popular restaurant chains across the country release exciting new menu items to attract customers.
From fast food giants to casual dining favorites, restaurants are rolling out limited-time dishes that promise to tantalize taste buds.
Whether you crave bold flavors, comfort food, or healthier options, this October’s menu reveals are something food lovers don’t want to miss. Here are 10 restaurant chains launching thrilling new items this month.
10 Chains Unveil October Menus
McDonald’s: Boo Buckets Make Their Return
McDonald’s is bringing back one of its most iconic Halloween-themed items this fall—the beloved Boo Buckets.
Since 1986, these festive pails have delighted customers, doubling as both Happy Meal packaging and trick-or-treat buckets.
This year, starting October 15, you can collect the Boo Buckets in four unique colors: white, orange, green, and a brand-new blue version.
Each bucket is decorated with updated monster designs and comes with themed stickers to customize your pail. Be sure to visit McDonald’s early as the Boo Buckets are only available for a limited time at participating locations.
Taco Bell: The Double Decker Taco Is Back!
Taco Bell fans rejoice—your favorite Double Decker Taco is returning for a limited time this October. Discontinued in 2019, this fan-favorite is making a short comeback from October 10 through October 30, just in time for Taco Bell lovers to get their fix.
The Double Decker Taco features a crunchy taco shell filled with seasoned beef, lettuce, and cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a soft tortilla with a layer of refried beans. At a suggested price of just $2, it’s a bargain meal that’s sure to satisfy cravings.
Burger King: A Halloween Menu Inspired By The Addams Family
Burger King is known for introducing festive Halloween items, and this October, they’ve pulled inspiration from The Addams Family for a spooky menu makeover. Launching on October 10, Burger King’s new menu features:
- Wednesday’s Whopper: The classic flame-grilled Whopper gets an eerie upgrade with Swiss cheese and served on a purple bun with black sesame seeds.
- Thing’s Rings: Onion rings served in special packaging inspired by Thing.
- Gomez’s Churro Fries: Churros coated in cinnamon sugar with chocolate dipping sauce.
- Morticia’s Kooky Chocolate Shake: A rich chocolate shake with black and purple cookie pieces.
Burger King is also rolling out limited-edition King Jr. Meal toys inspired by characters from The Addams Family animated films, available while supplies last.
Dunkin’: Halloween Sweets And Treats
Dunkin’ is adding more spooky items to its menu just in time for Halloween. Starting October 16, Dunkin’ will offer the brand-new Potion Macchiato, featuring layers of espresso, milk, and a marshmallow ube flavor with a pink hue.
Additionally, Dunkin’ is bringing back its popular Spider Donut, but this year, the frosting is purple instead of orange to complement the new drink.
To make things even more festive, Dunkin’ will launch the Halloween Munchkins Bucket—a pail filled with 50 doughnut holes, including the new Halloween sprinkle-covered Munchkin.
This special treat is ideal for sharing, whether you’re hosting a spooky gathering or just indulging in a seasonal snack.
Whataburger: Turn Up The Heat With The Bacon Blaze Jalapeño Double
For those who love spice, Whataburger’s new Bacon Blaze Jalapeño Double is sure to impress. Available from October 1, this limited-time burger packs a punch with two beef patties, jalapeño ranch, jalapeño cream cheese, crispy bacon, and aged cheddar.
The burger is topped with jalapeño slices, making it the perfect fiery option to warm you up as the weather cools down. It’s available in both regular and Jr. sizes to accommodate all appetites.
Sonic: Witch’s Brew Slush Float
Halloween is never complete without a ghoulish treat, and Sonic is delivering with the Witch’s Brew Slush Float.
This limited-time beverage, available through November 3, combines green apple slush with salted caramel bubbles and creamy soft serve.
The vibrant colors and unique texture make it a fun, seasonal drink for Halloween enthusiasts. If you want to keep it budget-friendly, Sonic is also offering medium Slushes for just 79 cents every Monday throughout October.
KFC: Introducing Original Recipe Tenders
KFC is introducing a brand-new take on their chicken tenders this October. Starting October 14, customers can try Original Recipe KFC Tenders, which are double-breaded and seasoned with the 11 secret herbs and spices that have made KFC famous worldwide.
These new tenders are designed to offer the same bold flavor as KFC’s nuggets, which launched last year, and pair perfectly with KFC’s signature dipping sauces.
California Pizza Kitchen: Burnt Ends BBQ Pizza
Pizza lovers are in for a treat this National Pizza Month, as California Pizza Kitchen introduces a Burnt Ends BBQ Pizza to their menu.
This delicious new pie is topped with smoked brisket burnt ends, BBQ sauce, smoked gouda, mozzarella, and pickled red onions, all finished off with fresh cilantro.
Additionally, the Bacon & Brussels Pizza is returning to the menu, making it a great time for pizza enthusiasts to try out these new flavors. Throughout October, you can also score a free Take & Bake pizza when you order one of these specialty pies.
Blimpie: The Ultimate Meatball Sub
Blimpie is stepping up their sandwich game this fall with the launch of the Ultimate Meatball Sub.
Available through February 2025, this limited-time sandwich includes meatballs, marinara sauce, provolone cheese, pepperoni, caramelized onions, and spicy giardiniera on parmesan-seasoned bread.
Blimpie is also permanently adding two mac and cheese options to their menu: a Classic Mac & Cheese and Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese, making comfort food even more accessible this fall.
Applebee’s: Halloween Cocktails Galore
To celebrate the spooky season, Applebee’s is bringing back the Dollar Zombie, a fan-favorite cocktail that combines rum, passion fruit, pineapple, cherry, and lime for just $1.
In addition to the Dollar Zombie, Applebee’s is launching 32-ounce Boozy Buckets for $10, perfect for sharing.
Customers can also enjoy a $6 Modelo Especial draft or the $5 Boo Lagoon Cocktail, a tropical concoction made with Bacardí Superior Rum, Malibu Coconut Rum, and blue curaçao.
Conclusion:
This October brings a wave of excitement for food lovers as 10 popular restaurant chains launch delicious new menu items.
Whether you’re craving Taco Bell’s nostalgic Double Decker Taco or indulging in McDonald’s Halloween-themed Boo Buckets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
From spicy burgers at Whataburger to festive beverages at Sonic, these limited-time offerings showcase a variety of flavors perfect for the season. Make sure to try these exciting treats before they disappear from menus!
