Going out to eat can be one of the simple pleasures in life. It can also be quite costly, depending on the restaurant. Before you go, know Fortunately, there are ways to be a little frugal while dining out. Don’t break the bank next time you sit down to order by following some of these dining hacks.
1. Check the Restaurant’s Website and Apps
A lot of the time, a restaurant will offer some great perks on their website or app. Sometimes, if you sign up for the app or are a first-time visitor, you can enjoy a free appetizer or dessert. You can earn points for future deals if you keep using the app.
2. Know the Specials
Many restaurants have different specials throughout the week. It’s smart to learn those specials. I used to work for a gastro pub that offered discounted burgers on Tuesday, a notoriously slow night of the week. It was barely mentioned, but those who knew about it were there almost every week.
3. Kid Discounts
I’m not telling you to order off the kid’s menu, but some restaurants will offer a free kids’ meal with the order of an adult entree. This is a great deal, as I have worked in many restaurants; kids are often picky and rarely finish their meals, leaving parents to pay for wasted food. Plus, you can enjoy a meal without cooking for one night.
4. Birthday Freebies
This is another great reason to sign up for the restaurant’s app. Many of these big chain restaurants will reward you with a free meal or an appetizer. I went to one of my favorite burger joints during my birthday month and got a free cheeseburger! It was one of the best birthdays of my life.
5. Share With Friends
One of the best parts of visiting a restaurant is trying their delicious food. But, of course, that can be pricey. Instead, pick an appetizer and an entree and share with a friend. Sometimes, the portions are too big for one person anyway. You can try two or three different dishes without spending the extra money.
6. Ditch the Soda
Soda can be a treat, but that fizzy beverage should be the first to go if you are trying to save some money. Sometimes, a soda can cost upwards of $5. Water is a healthier choice anyway. And unless it’s a fancy occasion, skip the alcoholic beverages as well.
7. Groupon
Groupon is a website that offers discounted experiences and restaurant deals. Often, you can find deals on pre-fixed menus at your local restaurants and cafes. For instance, my partner and I got a 3-course meal with a wine pairing for half the price it would have been. It saved me money to tip our waitress a little more than usual.
8. Gift Card Promos
This is a secret hack you can use around the holidays. If you have a restaurant you frequent and know you will be back, see if they have gift card deals. Some places will offer a free $10 gift card with a $50 gift card. You can do the math; that is free money right there.
9. Share Dessert
I know these can be fighting words for some readers out there. Sure, you want that sweet piece of cake or pie all to yourself, but sharing might be an easy way to lower that bill if the portions are huge. Plus, you won’t feel guilty about it. After all, calories only count if you eat the whole thing. You can also sneak extra bites when the rest of the table isn’t looking if you are fast enough.
10. Become a Mystery Shopper
Most of these big chain restaurants will hire people to come in and enjoy a free meal as long as they provide feedback on the quality and service of the staff. That sounds too good to be true, but it is totally accurate. Sign up and see if you qualify to be a mystery shopper. Just promise me you will go easy on the server if they are having a bad day.
11. Lunch Hours
Do you want to try the newest restaurant in your neighborhood, but the prices on the menu seem a little high? Go during the lunch hours. Many of these places have a discounted lunch menu to drive in business. There might be different items available or smaller portions of the dinner menu. Still, it’s a good way to try the new spot.
12. Coupons
Yes, coupons still exist these days. You can check your local paper or town newsletter for coupons or specials. Sometimes, you can find a buy-one-get-one-free option. Restaurant owners put these coupons out because many people pass them up when they are so easily available.
13. Happy Hour
Everyone loves a good happy hour. Discounted drinks, discounted food, and a group of friends—what could be better? If you want to eat and enjoy a few adult beverages, happy hour is the way to go. You will most likely get to try a bunch of food if your friends are cool with sharing, and you might end up doing karaoke in front of a group of strangers.
14. Plan Your Other Meals
If you want to go to a fancy restaurant and enjoy the night, just do it. Save some money in other ways, like bringing your lunch to work or avoiding the coffee shop for a few days. Spend some money on a nice dinner and find a way to cut out other daily spending. You’ve earned it.
15. Respect the Staff
Here is a pro tip from a former bartender of 15 years: If you are a regular, tip well, and get to know the staff, you will most likely find yourself with some freebies here and there. You could get anything from a free dessert to a fully comped meal if you treat the staff respectfully. Restaurant workers work long, hard hours, and you will be surprised how much better they treat the guests who make them feel valued.