Dining out can be a treat, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. No matter if you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a sit-down meal, the costs can quickly add up. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save money while still enjoying your favorite restaurants.
With a little planning and a few savvy strategies, you can dine out more often without overspending.
Here are some practical and easy-to-follow money-saving tips for dining out.
- Sign Up for Restaurant Rewards Programs
- Look for Happy Hour Deals
- Share Meals or Order Appetizers as Entrees
- Check for Coupons and Discounts
- Eat During Off-Peak Times
- Skip the Extras
- Take Advantage of Kids’ Eat-Free Deals
- Use Cashback and Discount Apps
- Consider Takeout Instead of Dining In
- Be Mindful of Tipping
- Final Thoughts
Sign Up for Restaurant Rewards Programs
Many restaurants offer rewards programs that give you access to exclusive deals, discounts, and freebies. By signing up for your favorite restaurant’s loyalty program, you can earn points for every purchase that leads to discounts or free items.
In some cases, you’ll even get a free meal or drink just for joining!
Pro Tip: Always check if the restaurant has an app. Most rewards programs operate through their apps, and they often include app-only specials or offers.
Look for Happy Hour Deals
Happy hours aren’t just for drinks… Many restaurants also offer discounted appetizers, entrees, and small plates during these hours. Plan your dining out around happy hour to get more food for less money.
Be sure to ask your server about happy hour specials, as they often include hidden gems that aren’t listed on the main menu.
Pro Tip: Check both food and drink specials during happy hour. You might score a combo deal that makes the meal even more affordable.
Share Meals or Order Appetizers as Entrees
Portion sizes at many restaurants are often large enough to share, so consider splitting an entree with a friend or family member. This not only cuts the cost in half but also prevents food waste. Alternatively, some restaurants serve appetizers that are big enough to function as a main meal. Ordering an appetizer as your entree can save money while still giving you a satisfying dining experience.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about portion sizes, don’t hesitate to ask your server. They can recommend which dishes are best for sharing.
Check for Coupons and Discounts
Before heading out to eat, take a few minutes to search online for coupons, promo codes, or special offers. Websites like MFreebies often feature deals on restaurants where you can get a meal for a fraction of the regular price. Some restaurants also offer discounts on certain days of the week or have special promotions for seniors, students, or military members.
Pro Tip: Subscribe to our email list to receive alerts when discounts become available.
Eat During Off-Peak Times
Eating out during lunch or early dinner can be much cheaper than dining during peak hours. Many restaurants offer special lunch menus or early bird specials with reduced prices on meals. If you’re flexible with your dining schedule, choosing these off-peak times can help you save a considerable amount.
Pro Tip: Restaurants usually promote their early bird or lunch specials on their websites or social media pages. Check these platforms before heading out.
Skip the Extras
One of the easiest ways to save money when dining out is by skipping extras like appetizers, desserts, or specialty drinks. These add-ons can significantly increase the total cost of your meal. If you’re looking to treat yourself, consider choosing just one extra item or sharing it with the table.
Pro Tip: Drink water instead of soda or cocktails. Drinks are often marked up heavily at restaurants, and you can easily save a few dollars by opting for free water.
Take Advantage of Kids’ Eat-Free Deals
If you’re dining out with the family, look for restaurants that offer “Kids Eat Free” promotions. These deals are often available on certain days of the week and can help cut down on costs, especially if you have more than one child.
Pro Tip: Plan family meals around these deals to maximize your savings. Call ahead or check the restaurant’s website to confirm the availability of the promotion.
Use Cashback and Discount Apps
There are several apps available that offer cashback on dining out, such as Rakuten or Ibotta. Some credit cards also provide cashback or bonus points for dining purchases. By combining these offers with other discounts, you can save even more on your meal.
Pro Tip: Check your credit card rewards program to see if they offer bonuses for dining out. Many cards offer 2-3% cashback on restaurant purchases, which adds up over time.
Consider Takeout Instead of Dining In
Sometimes, takeout is a cheaper option than dining in. Without the added cost of drinks, tips, and upselling, ordering takeout can help you stick to your budget while still enjoying restaurant-quality food. Many restaurants also offer family-sized takeout meals that provide more food at a lower price per person.
Pro Tip: Some restaurants offer exclusive takeout discounts or promotions, so always ask if there’s a deal when ordering.
Be Mindful of Tipping
While tipping is important to show appreciation for great service, it’s also important to budget for it when dining out. In general, aim to tip between 15% to 20% of your total bill. However, if you’re ordering takeout or dining at a counter-service restaurant, tipping is typically not required, although it’s always appreciated.
Pro Tip: If you’re on a tight budget, consider dining at places where tipping isn’t expected, like fast-casual restaurants.
Final Thoughts
Dining out doesn’t have to drain your wallet if you plan ahead and use these money-saving tips. By joining rewards programs, looking for coupons, and making smart choices about when and what to order, you can enjoy your favorite meals without overspending. With a little creativity and some flexibility, you can make dining out both enjoyable and affordable.
Happy dining and saving!
