Ways to Save Money ~ Eating Out

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Sunday, March 29th, 2015 at 2:00 PM
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eatoutDining out is still considered a luxury for our family.  It’s rare that we actually do it because we save more eating at home. But there are ways to save money eating out too! And with the kids in school and parents running around from event to event, eating out is sometimes a necessity. And let’s admit it, it’s nice eating out because there is no prep time, no dirty dishes and no menu planning.

Here are some obvious and not so obvious ways to save:

Restaurant Deals Tab

Perhaps the easiest thing you can do is look under our restaurant deals tab where we post some of the hottest new deals and coupons to help you save!

Dine midweek and Early-bird specials

Weekends means crowds.  Many restaurants try to entice customers to dine on slower nights midweek by offering specials that can save you a lot of extra money.  Geno and I often have date nights during the week as it is less expensive eating out and cheaper getting a babysitter!

Eating before 6 p.m. can save you money with early bird specials! Most are available to all customers and offered at many dining establishments.

Kids Eat Free

Take advantage of the kids eat free offers all throughout the week.  That can be a great savings when you just have to pay for adults.  We have a full run down of places where kids eat free!

Eat at the bar

A number of restaurants offer a special bar menu that is considerably cheaper than the regular menu. Also, many restaurants offer a happy hour every afternoon, which includes drink specials and appetizer deals.

Sign up for emails and text alerts

Many restaurants offer email or text programs. When a restaurant offers these programs, make sure and sign up. Often, the best discounts can be found in this way.

Discounted gift cards

Mid-priced restaurants are becoming more and more promotional in recent years in an attempt to get customers in the door. Some chain restaurants, are directly discounting their gift cards as a backdoor way of lowering menu prices. Keep an eye out for offers like a $100 gift card discounted to $80. Another option is to take advantage of gift card programs like Tom Thumb where you get extra gas rewards for buying the gift card.

Get social

Follow the Facebook page or Twitter feed of your favorite restaurants and eateries. Many post exclusive deals and coupons, so give these social media outlets a quick glance before heading out the door.

Use coupons

We post coupons every Friday on the best coupons available.  Just look under our restaurant deals tab and scroll down and look for Weekend Restaurant coupons.  You can also search for a discount or coupon online. After all, there’s no sense paying full price on your next meal when a coupon is available for the taking.

Search For The Discount & Local Offers

Many sites such as Groupon offer discounts on popular restaurants in your area that you can widen your palate with new options in eating out.  Many restaurants also offer discounts to senior citizens, teachers, military personnel, college students, kids/toddlers, and others.

Drink water

Restaurants depend on the profit from sodas to help them make money. On average, a soda or tea costs about $1.75 – $2.00 not including tax. Instead of ordering soda, drink tap water with your meal. You will be healthier and your wallet will be heavier.

Dine out for lunch

Lunch menus are 25% cheaper than dinner menus.  Eat your BIG meal at lunch and smaller servings/meals at dinner.

Skip Dessert

Unless you have a coupon or free dessert, skip it!  Dessert is the often most expensive part of the meal.

Know the Management

Some of the best deals happen at any restaurant when you eat there frequently. Make sure and visit with the management each time you go into the restaurant. They will appreciate your regular business and often give you additional discounts or free food as an award.

Happy Hour Specials

Some restaurants give you deals like 1/2 off appetizers or reduced-priced meals during certain parts of the day (typically from 5 – 7 PM).

Get It To Go

To avoid paying a 18-20% tip on your bill, get the food to-go from the restaurant and eat it at home.  You should ALWAYS tip at least $1-3 dollars though on your to-go bill though!

Make It A Tapa Party

If you are with friends, have everyone order an appetizer or salad for everyone to split on separate plates and then divide the check by the total amount of people.

Share a large meal

Take advantage of big portions by splitting one with a dining companion.

Frequent Eaters Discounts

Many chains offer discounts to diners who eat there often. Keep these cards in your wallet or purse so when you decide to eat there at the last moment you have the card handy.

 

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