Are you tired of staying home and cooking meals for yourself every single day? Why not treat yourself to a nice dinner out? If the only thing stopping you is the cost, don’t worry—there are plenty of smart, money-savvy ways to enjoy your night out without going over your budget. Remember these tips next time you get a craving for your favorite restaurant!
1. Grab a Bite During Happy Hour
Many restaurants offer discounts on drinks, appetizers, and meals during happy hour. These lower prices can be a great way to save money, as you’ll find deals you wouldn’t be able to find at other times of the day.
For example, Outback Steakhouse offers discounts on some food and beverages during Happy Hour, including small plates for $4 to $5.99 and cocktails for $5 to $6.
2. Check the Menu for Specials
Many restaurants offer daily specials at low prices. These unadvertised options are typically posted on a chalkboard or sign or enthusiastically delivered by the waiter. Ask about them before settling on a regular menu item, or see if they’re listed on the restaurant’s website or social media.
3. Instead of Dinner, Go for Linner
Olive Garden dinners cost $12 to $20, but their lunch entrees cost $7 to $13. Instead of going for dinner, why not try having linner? Many restaurants have different menus for lunch and dinner, with the primary differences being portion size and cost. Ask your waiter if you can order dinner from the lunch menu—many restaurants will be happy to accommodate you.
4. Brunch on the Weekends
Brunch is not just one of those trendy experiences you see on social media. Restaurants that serve brunch during the weekends offer special deals that allow you to try some really good food and drinks for a reasonable price.
Dining out in the city can be expensive, but plenty of restaurants offer brunch without breaking the bank. You can get your brunch fix for less than $30 at some spots, from classic French cuisine to waffles.
5. Join Online Clubs for Restaurants
Many restaurants offer online clubs that provide coupons and discounts via email. Consider joining them, as they often offer exceptional, quality discounts. Sometimes you can receive these coupons and offers as texts to your phone as well.
However, while redeeming any offers, stick to them and avoid getting lured in by more expensive choices in the restaurant.
6. Use Those Coupons
Are you a frequent coupon user? Many restaurants offer coupons with great dining deals! Many options are available online, or you can call to see if there are any available and if you can use them that day! Additionally, if you subscribe to the restaurant’s membership, you’ll periodically receive coupons and deals for selected plates.
7. Skip the Appetizer
Taking action on what we order can make a difference if we want to save money. You could save a lot by skipping an appetizer, which usually costs between $7 and $30, depending on the location.
8. Limit the Number of Drinks You Order
It’s hard not to love strawberry lemonades and fancy cherry sodas! But if they don’t offer free refills, consider choosing tap water to keep your budget in check. Look at it as a way to help your body as well—cutting out excess sugar is never a bad idea. Stay healthy while staying on budget.
9. Kids Eat Free
On certain nights of the week, some restaurants offer free (or almost free) meals for kids under 12. Pack their dinner for lunch the next day if they don’t finish it that night. Take advantage of these deals to save money and still get a wonderful meal for your family.
10. Get Dessert Instead
Consider eating at home and going out only for desserts (and maybe a coffee) if you enjoy going out but want to spend less. The smaller bill can still give you the same restaurant atmosphere. It’s both budget-friendly and fun.
11. Use Your Birthday Discount!
Have you ever dined out on your birthday with friends or family? Most restaurants and bars offer birthday discounts as a part of their rewards programs!
Sign up for their online birthday club if you already know where you want to go on your special day. That way, you can enjoy all the perks on your big day. A very happy birthday to you!
12. Go During Lunchtime
If your budget is tight for the week, consider having lunch out instead of dinner. Get good food and better deals! Additionally, you can usually get extras like soup or salad for less than the price of a main dish at dinner.
Saving While Enjoying Is the Goal
The point of having a budget is to limit excessive spending. However, there should always be room in your budget for the things you enjoy. Getting brunch with friends or having a date night out shouldn’t be out of reach. Hopefully, these tips will help you have fun without stressing too much about spending.