We all love to dine out but it gets expensive. I have compiled a list of ways that I have saved money on restaurant meals. There are no super secrets in this list but I think it's a pretty useful tip sheet. I hope you find it helpful.
No. 1: Use coupons. Restaurants mail out coupons every now and then. I used to throw them away but I eventually learned to look for good deals. Some of the nicer bistros send out 20% coupons and to be honest that's a pretty good discount. You can read about some great restaurant coupon offers here.
Some restaurants hand out coupons when they first open. Keep your eyes open for those first month specials. They may appear in a local magazine or newspaper or they may hand them out in a shopping center.
No. 2: Use discount cards. I can buy discounted gift cards at Costco for some restaurants. But sometimes the restaurants themselves will offer you extra debit value if you buy their cards, like $5 on a free debit card if you buy a $25 gift card. Who says you have to give the gift card to someone else?
No. 3: Buy off the Happy Hour menu. If your favorite restaurant offers a happy hour and you don't mind eating in the bar area you can usually get really good food at a discount. The menu may not offer everything you get in the regular restaurant menu and the portions may be smaller or there may be no sides.
No. 4: Look for Daily Specials. Someone once told me that restaurants only offer specials to unload old food they could not sell but if it tastes good who cares? Sometimes you can save 10-20% on a daily special. I have never gotten food poisoning from eating a daily special.
No. 5: Use redeemable point cards. You don't see this very often any more but I still have a punch card for one local restaurant my family loves to eat at. You get a punch for every meal you buy and sometimes the manager is very generous with the punches. When the card is full you get a free meal.
No. 6: Join the loyalty program. Some restaurants ask for your email address or have you fill out a registration form online. They send you coupons and may offer you a free birthday dish or discount. Just remember to whitelist their weekly or monthly offers or you will miss some good deals.
No. 7: Order the "Lunch Portion". Some restaurants have a lower-price lunch menu. They may only serve lunch during certain hours but you can ask for a lunch menu or maybe eat dinner a little earlier than usual. Lunch portions are smaller than dinner portions.
Some restaurants also offer "lite" meals which consist of smaller portions for people who need to watch their weight. You can order a "lite" meal and still eat dessert to save money.
Some restaurants hand out coupons when they first open. Keep your eyes open for those first month specials. They may appear in a local magazine or newspaper or they may hand them out in a shopping center.
No. 2: Use discount cards. I can buy discounted gift cards at Costco for some restaurants. But sometimes the restaurants themselves will offer you extra debit value if you buy their cards, like $5 on a free debit card if you buy a $25 gift card. Who says you have to give the gift card to someone else?
No. 3: Buy off the Happy Hour menu. If your favorite restaurant offers a happy hour and you don't mind eating in the bar area you can usually get really good food at a discount. The menu may not offer everything you get in the regular restaurant menu and the portions may be smaller or there may be no sides.
No. 4: Look for Daily Specials. Someone once told me that restaurants only offer specials to unload old food they could not sell but if it tastes good who cares? Sometimes you can save 10-20% on a daily special. I have never gotten food poisoning from eating a daily special.
No. 5: Use redeemable point cards. You don't see this very often any more but I still have a punch card for one local restaurant my family loves to eat at. You get a punch for every meal you buy and sometimes the manager is very generous with the punches. When the card is full you get a free meal.
No. 6: Join the loyalty program. Some restaurants ask for your email address or have you fill out a registration form online. They send you coupons and may offer you a free birthday dish or discount. Just remember to whitelist their weekly or monthly offers or you will miss some good deals.
No. 7: Order the "Lunch Portion". Some restaurants have a lower-price lunch menu. They may only serve lunch during certain hours but you can ask for a lunch menu or maybe eat dinner a little earlier than usual. Lunch portions are smaller than dinner portions.
Some restaurants also offer "lite" meals which consist of smaller portions for people who need to watch their weight. You can order a "lite" meal and still eat dessert to save money.