9 Tips to Save Eating Out

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So, how can you eat out and save money? Sound like an oxymoron, but it doesn’t have to be.

In our pursuit of saving money and becoming more frugal, my family does not eat out as often, however, there are several ways that we have found to enjoy eating out, without breaking our budget. Here are a few tips that have worked for my family:

2) Use Coupons: I’m sure you’re not surprised I’m suggesting this, but honestly, it can really save you money buy only going somewhere that you have a coupon for. Many restaurants have coupons in the Sunday paper, and of course I post any coupons that I come across. Of course, the best coupons are the B1G1.

3) Buy an Entertainment book- This is really linked to #2 with using coupons, but I love our Entertainment book. There are many coupons for all types of restaurants from fast-food to sit-down. (And since the Entertainment books are only $15 with FREE shipping right now, it would be a good investment to save in the future)

4) Kids Eat FREE: If you have children, then finding a restaurant and a night where kids eat FREE can really save you. Plus, there are some restaurants where the kids meal is “all inclusive”, meaning that it comes with a drink and a dessert. (Chevy’s and Old Spagetti Company are a few) For a great list of kids eat FREE (and the day of the week), visit Kids Meal Deals.

5) Use Restaurant.com Gift Certificates. They offer $10, $25, $50, and $100 gift certificates. The popular $25 gift card is only $10, but there is usually a coupon code to save even more (I post these each week). You need to watch to see if/what is the minimum order at a restaurant, but especially when you buy one of these using a coupon code- you save big.

Also, these gift certificates are valid for a year, and make great presents for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, or any other special day. You don’t have to worry about shipping and can use the gift certificates immediately by printing them from your computer as soon as you order them.

6) Visit Happy Hour: Many restaurants (like Applebee’s) have Happy Hour specials on appetizers so you can get food for 50% off during Happy Hour. Most appetizers are huge and by ordering 1 or 2 and splitting, you get variety, and save money.

7) Skip the Drink: No matter what it is, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, drinks can really add up on the bill. I’m always shocked when I see the price of drinks (soda, juice or milk) on the menu. Plus, how many of us actually drink enough water in the day? Ordering water can save you money and be much healthier.

If I want the kids to have something besides water, I usually bring it myself, too. Not only will it save me money, but I don’t know that the juices served at a restaurant are 100% pure juice. And I have a hard time spending $2 on a glass of milk when I pay less than that for a gallon!

Go for Dessert: If going out for the whole dinner will cost too much, why not just go for dessert? If you go later, you’ll miss the dinner rush and you could cut costs even more if you split the dessert as well.

9) Know your budget: The best tip is to know what your budget is, especially for eating out. If you can’t afford it, just don’t go. Eating at home will ultimately save you the most, and will probably be the healthiest, too. Even if you can afford it, I recommend setting a monthly budget of “Eating Out” so that you know exactly what you are spending and on what.

And for a list of all the current Restaurant Deals and Freebies, go Here and Here.

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