Eating out might be a great way to save time, but it is not usually a great way to save money. But if you don’t want to stop eating at your favorite restaurants and cafes, don’t worry too much about wallet because it is possible to eat out without it eating up your wallet! Below are some of the best tips to help you save money while you indulge in your favorite pastime—eating.
1. Become a Happy Hour Hero
Happy hour isn’t just for drinks; it’s a golden opportunity for budget-friendly dining. Many restaurants offer discounted food menus alongside those drink specials during their less busy hours. From half-off appetizers to budget-friendly combo deals, you can enjoy the ambiance and flavor without the full price tag. Pro tip: Make happy hour your dinner hour. Who says you can’t dine at 5 PM? Only your late-eating friends, and they need to see the light anyway.
2. Let Loyalty Programs Cut the Cost
If loyalty programs were people, they’d be the kind that always remember your birthday and bring you cake. Many restaurants have loyalty programs that reward you with points for every dollar you spend. Accumulate enough, and you’ll be dining for free. Plus, they often send out special deals or freebies for your birthday and anniversary of joining the program. Sign up, keep track, and reap the rewards.
3. Let’s Go Halfsies
Sharing is caring, especially for your wallet. Dining out with a friend? Consider splitting a large entrée or a couple of appetizers instead of each ordering separately. Not only do you save money, but you also avoid overeating. It’s a win-win! Plus, it’s an excuse to order that dessert you two “will just try a bite of” and then completely demolish.
4. Skip the Drinks—Both Kinds
Beverages can bloat your bill faster than you can say “I’ll have a water, thanks.” Alcoholic drinks have high markups in restaurants, but even soft drinks can add a surprising amount to your total. Stick with free tap water, and watch your dining costs drip away. Not only is water great for your health, but your wallet will thank you too.
5. Become a Coupon Clipper
Thanks to the internet, you don’t actually have to clip coupons anymore (unless you want to rock that nostalgic vibe). Websites and apps like Groupon, LivingSocial, and Restaurant.com offer meal deals and discounts that can significantly cut down the cost. Be on the lookout for “buy one, get one free” offers or major discounts on meals.
6. Surf the Social Media Wave
Follow your favorite eateries on social media to stay in the loop on flash deals, special promotions, or surprise discounts. Restaurants often reward their social media followers with exclusive deals or the heads-up on upcoming specials. It’s like being in a delicious secret club!
7. Off-Peak Perks
Dining out on off-peak days (think Tuesdays and Wednesdays) can be a lot cheaper. Many restaurants offer mid-week deals to attract more customers on typically slow days. Not only do you save money, but you also enjoy a less crowded dining experience. Check out restaurant websites or call them to find out if they offer such deals.
8. Embrace the Leftovers Lifestyle
Portion sizes in many restaurants are more than enough for one meal. Consider intentionally ordering larger portions with the plan to take half home for another meal. This way, you’re essentially getting two meals for the price of one. Plus, some dishes taste even better the next day.
9. Kids Eat Free—Seriously
If you have children, look for restaurants that offer “kids eat free” nights. Typically, you can get one free kid’s meal per paying adult. This can significantly reduce the cost if you’re dining out with the family.
10. The Art of the Appetizer
Sometimes, all you really want is a taste of several dishes. Opt for a meal made entirely of appetizers instead of one large entrée. This not only saves money but also lets you sample more of the menu. It’s like a culinary adventure on a dime!
11. Dessert Elsewhere
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, consider skipping the often overpriced restaurant desserts. Instead, head to a local café or bakery for your sugar fix. You’ll likely save money and enjoy a wider range of sweet treats.
12. Attend Local Food Festivals
Food festivals offer a fantastic opportunity to sample a variety of dishes at a fraction of the cost you would pay at a restaurant. These events often feature smaller portions at lower prices, allowing you to try multiple dishes without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s a great way to discover new favorite spots in your area.
13. Dine Out During Restaurant Week
Many cities host a “Restaurant Week” where eateries offer special fixed-price menus at reduced rates. This is an excellent time to check out higher-end restaurants that would normally be outside of your budget. You get to enjoy a multi-course meal for significantly less than usual prices.
14. Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB)
Look for restaurants that offer BYOB with little to no corkage fee. This can save you a considerable amount over ordering from the wine list. It’s a great way to enjoy your favorite drink with your meal without the usual markup that restaurants add to alcoholic beverages.
15. Use Cashback Credit Cards
If you dine out regularly, consider using a credit card that offers cashback on dining. Some cards offer as much as 3% to 5% back on restaurant purchases, which can add up over time. Just be sure to pay off the balance each month to avoid interest charges that could negate your rewards.
16. Sign Up for Email Alerts
If you have an email address, and most of us do in this day and age (but if you haven’t, they’re free to set up so get on it) you can sign up for email newsletters and special events, that will see you receive various exclusive discounts from many restaurants throughout the year. It’s a simple way to ensure you don’t miss out on those big deals and get your dinner for less once in a while.
Hopefully, you have found this article useful because, as you can see, dining out doesn’t have to drain your bank account if you play things savvy. Bon Appetit!
