Dining out is fun! It’s so nice to get dressed up and enjoy a tasty meal (that you didn’t have to cook) with good company. You relax, drink some wine and then, when you’re full and ready to go home, you of course, ask for the bill.
That’s usually when reality sets in and the fancy dinner, all of a sudden, didn’t seem like such a good idea.
Restaurants can be pretty expensive but there are several ways you can reduce your bill when you do go. Here are fifteen savvy ways to save money at restaurants.
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How To Save Money Eating Out At Restaurants
Split A Meal
Order a meal and split it with someone. Restaurants sometimes serve huge portions so you can divide a dish and still leave satisfied. Alternatively, you can order a platter which is bigger than a regular-sized meal and enjoy that.
Go For Lunch
If a restaurant offers separate lunch and dinner menus, go for lunch. Lunchtime menus are way more reasonably priced than dinner. So, you’ll be able to enjoy a nice meal for a fraction of the cost.
Use Discounts
You can find discounts everywhere. You just need to know where to look. Check mobile apps like Groupon, websites e.g. Ebates and the social media pages of your favourite restaurants. Try signing up for email alerts as well. These are great ways to get exclusive coupons and savings.
Take advantage of status discounts that may apply for certain groups e.g. students, senior citizens etc. Before you select a restaurant, see if there’s special pricing you can use to reduce your bill.
Cash Back Credit Card
While a cash back credit card doesn’t give you large or immediate savings, you can still save on dining out. Simply use the card to pay your restaurant bill and enjoy your rebate later.
You’ll receive a flat percentage back or varying cash back rates depending on the purchase. Check your card to find out. Just be sure to pay off the balance immediately to avoid being slapped with those high credit card interest rates!
Skip The Drinks
The prices of beverages in restaurants are ridiculous. Even soda is expensive. When you take a look at the wine and cocktail menus? Yikes!
The next time you’re dining out, drink water instead of splurging on expensive cocktails. Drinking water means you’ll also skip the extra sugar, empty calories and you can have as much of it as you like. Bonus!
Tap Is Best
Sparkling and mineral water can also have hefty price tags attached so stick to tap water. Your wallet will thank you.
Happy Hour
Lots of restaurants and bars have a happy hour. During this short time period, you can save big on drinks and enjoy special food offers. If you don’t mind eating early, definitely keep this option in mind.
Skip The Appetizer
Skipping a course is a great way to save money when dining out. I usually forego the appetizer and just eat the entrée and maybe dessert. Who needs an appetizer anyway when there’s a whole basket of bread on the table? Yum!
Only Eat Appetizers
The alternative to skipping the appetizer is to only eat appetizers. If you just want something light, the appetizer is the way to go. You’ll be able to eat for a fraction of the cost of the main meal.
If you want something a little more substantial, pare the appetizer with a side like a salad. This will bulk up your meal and you’ll probably still spend less than on the entrée itself.
Get It To Go
There are times when you want to enjoy a nice dinner out without actually eating out. This can actually save you money and you may even get more food. I’ve found that the takeout containers are filled more than if I actually ate in the restaurant. On top of that, I can skip a huge tip.
To save even more, split the meal and make a salad at home to pair with the food you bought.
Avoid Holidays
Holidays like Valentine’s Day, Christmas Day etc. always seem like great times to eat out. But, you know what? You’re not the only one that feels that way.
For this reason, some restaurants hike up their prices for those extra busy days. Skip the holidays and eat at home. You’ll avoid crowded restaurants, long waits and agitated staff.
Go On Slow Days
There are some days of the week like Tuesdays that are always slower than the rest. Restaurants often have special offers to attract customers on these days. While the restaurants are busy filling their seats, you can fill your belly at a lower price.
Special Events
Some restaurants have special offers for birthdays and anniversaries. So, if you’re celebrating something big, call up the restaurant and find out what specials they have for your particular situation. Hey, at the very least, you might get some free cake.
Have A Snack First
When you go out to eat, I bet you’re starving. This is a normal way of thinking. You’re going to get food so go hungry, right?
The problem is when you get there and you have to wait a long period of time for your meal, you’ll end up ordering other things just to stave off your hunger. So to avoid this, eat a snack before you leave home. Just have enough so you don’t feel like you’ll keel over because you’re famished.
Check the Bill
At the end of the night, when you receive your bill, check and double-check it. Waiters are human and they make mistakes. Sometimes, additional items may be added onto your bill that you never ordered or you may even receive the wrong bill altogether. It happens!
Side note: Once, I was at the gas station and the attendant accidentally added an extra zero onto my bill when I paid with my debit card. That additional zero would have made a huge difference to my total.
Many people don’t even check receipts after paying with a card so look at the itemized food bill as well as your card receipt. If you notice any discrepancies, speak up and get them taken care of.
There you have it—Fifteen savvy ways to save money at restaurants. Eating out is a nice experience and just because you’re budgeting doesn’t mean you can’t do it every once in a while. Use these tips to have fun dining out on a dime.
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