It feels great to have someone else do the cooking for you, but its not great for abudget.
Whether youre stopping at drive throughs or sitting down at your favorite restaurant,it adds up.
How Much Does it Cost to Dine Out at Restaurants?
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Inflation and food shortages have put restaurant prices on a roller coaster ride in the last few years.
Can You Survive 10 Days of Budgeting?
If you better wrangle your budget, it may be time to consider a savings challenge.
26 Ways to Save Money on Dining Out at Restaurants
1.
You might have to show a military ID.
Bring Coupons
After using at least 100 restaurant coupons I can tell you: Read the fine print!
Buy Discounted Restaurant Gift Cards
Many people dont realize you canbuydiscounted gift cardsfor restaurants online from sites likeCardCash.
Want to save even more?
Then, browse the map to find participating restaurants and gas stations near you and claim an offer.
Youll receive your money in two days or less.
Download the Upside appto get started its completely free, and works at more than 50,000 businesses.
That could cut your cost in half.
And dont forget to check out the kids menu at your favorite restaurant.
Often the portions are nearly as generous as adult dinner entrees for much less.
Dine Out on Your Birthday
Check out these places that give youfree stuff on your birthday.
Also be sure to fill out your restaurant rewards or diner club profile completely, including your birthday.
Sometimes restaurants send you a coupon for a free dessert or appetizer to celebrate.
So take a few moments to leave some feedback and pocket the savings.
Check for daily specials, which can help you decide which day to dine out.
you might also see menus for restaurants across the country (even some that have no website) atAllMenus.com.
Go Out to Eat During Happy Hour
Try eating at restaurant bars during happy hour.
Youll save on drinks and find half-priced appetizers at many places, often only in the bar area.
Seating is another advantage.
Lunch entrees range just a few dollars cheaper but those savings add up fast.
Drink Water When Dining Out
Wine and beer with dinner can quickly get expensive.
Make eating out about food, and save the drinking for when you get home.
We order water with lemon (always free).
Most restaurant meals provide more than enough food.
You brew coffee at home, you dont walk into Target and you refuse to order avocado toast.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
Dont have anyone to share with?
Order the Daily Special
Often the daily special at a restaurant is cheaper than the other entrees.
But beware, there are two kinds of daily specials.
The ones announced that day are often a way for a restaurant to use up old food.
The regular specials that rotate by day are a better bet for a fresh meal at a lower price.
Use Credit Card Card Special Offers
Search the benefits section on your credit card account page.
I also used my Amex card to buy a $10 printable gift card for Applebees.
The $10 credit appeared on my account within a few days, refunding 100% of my purchases.
Voila money to spend at Applebees!
Credit card benefits and incentives tied to specific restaurants are common.
Offers are tailored to individual accounts.
Join Rewards Programs
Many restaurants have a program for loyal customers, so sign up!
Youll get emails from local restaurants with special offers and maybe a free appetizer once in a while.
Heres a list of50 restaurant rewards programs.
Note that Open Table also offersrewards or dining pointsfor restaurants that are part of its reservation internet.
Check casino websites for upcoming events that offer free food, like slot tournaments.
Join a Vegan Group
Find vegan groups onMeetUpand join one that regularly has potluck dinners.
Total cost: $5.
They were a hit, and we ate 10 delicious dishes brought by others.
Even if youre not a vegan, youll be welcomed as a potential convert.
(Yes, you might drink as you shop.)
Ask employees in your local grocery stores if they have special sample days.
Costco is also famous for offering enough free samples to keep you satisfied long after you shop.
And those Costcofood court deals $1.50 hot dog, anyone?
are hard to beat.
But there are alsoways to save.
Pack snacks and drinks to avoid stopping at convenience stores every time somebody feels munchy.
Likewise, bring your own refillable water bottle to avoid purchasing water.
And when you get to your destination?
Hit the grocery store.
Eat at Buffets
Dining at an all-you-can-eat buffet is a way to get the most food for your money.
Eat at Two Restaurants
How do you enjoy the ambiance of a high-end restaurant without paying premium prices?
Order a Pizza or Pickup Meal
The old standby.
If your goal is just to have someone else cook, order pizzas or fast casual food for pickup.
A couple pizzas can feed four people for much less than dining out.
Ideally, youll also have a coupon.
If you really want to get out of the house, take the pizza with you (see No.
You might eat half-priced appetizers at a restaurant bar during happy hour using a discounted gift card.
Then have that second beer or glass of wine at home.
Is Your Paycheck Not Going As Far As It Used To?
We get it.Everythingis more expensive than it used to be, but your paycheck hasnt kept up.
When money is tight,these resourceswill help nearly everyone.
Steve Gillman is a former contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
Kaz Weida, a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder, contributed.
