Let’s be real: we all love to go outside for dinner. Whether it’s catching up with friends, celebrating a special occasion or just avoiding another night of dishes, dining out can feel like a special treat.
It may be special but all those meals come with a good price. Because of the expenditure, many families don’t even get a chance of dining outside. Luckily, it doesn’t cost much to go outside for dinner if you know the right trick.
7 Ways to Save Money on Dining Out
When it comes to saving money we all should be clever. Even if you save $1 per day, it will becomes $30 in a month. That’s why don’t hesitate to save when there is a chance.
Today I’ll provide you 7 ways through which you can save money on dining out without missing the experience.
1. Hit Up Happy Hour
You can save money on groceries with coupons but you have to take advantage of happy hour to save money on meals and drinks. You can even save up to 50% on food and drinks by dining during happy hour.
Many restaurants offer discounts on drinks, appetizers, and even entrees during specific hours. It is usually in the late afternoon or early evening.
You can look for restaurants with extended happy hours that offer food discounts in addition to drink specials and then plan your dining experience around these times to enjoy high-quality meals at a fraction of the regular price.
2. Split Entrees or Order Appetizers as Main Dishes
Restaurant portions are often large and it obviously makes it hard for you to finish alone. It such case occurs then you can split it with your dining companion or even opt for a few appetizers instead of a full meal. This not only helps you to save money on dining out but also prevents food waste.
Choose few different appetizers or small plates to share with family or friends. This can be a great way to sample various dishes without overspending. You can ask your server if they offer half portions, especially at restaurants known for their large servings.
Splitting dishes or ordering smaller portions can help you cut your dining bill upto 30% or sometimes even more.
3. Use Restaurant Coupons, Discounts, and Reward Programs
If you are visiting popular restaurants that they may even provide you some special coupons or discounts through their website, applications, email newsletters or even loyalty programs.
If you want to take advantage of such discounts then you shouldn’t hesitate to join loyalty programs of your favourite restaurant to earn points for every dollar spent. You can eventually redeemed those points for free meals or discounts. In your free time, you can check coupon sites like Groupon or LivingSocial for deals on local restaurants.
If you use social media then you can follow your favorite restaurants on social media for exclusive promotions or discounts. By using coupons or taking advantage of loyalty programs you are likely to save upto 30% on your dining bill.
4. Skip the Drinks or Opt for Water
If you have a habit of drinking alcohols or soft drinks then they can significantly inflate your dining bill. In most of the cases, drinks can cost almost as much as a meal. A very simple way to save money on dining out is to skip the drinks or simply stick to water.
If your meal feels incomplete without drinks then you can consider ordering during happy hour or opting for a cheaper alternative like a house wine. You can ask for tap water instead of ordering bottled water or soda to save a few extra dollars.
The saving potential of this method may not be as high as other but it is still worth trying. To be Frank, you are likely to save around 20% by skipping drinks while dining out.
5. Dine Out for Lunch Instead of Dinner
If you are determined in saving money but also want to enjoy dining out then you can consider going out for lunch instead of dinner. There are restaurants which offers lunch menus with smaller portions and lower prices as compared to the dinner. It will allow you to enjoy the same food at a reduced cost.
Inorder to maximize your experience, you can look for restaurants with special lunch deals, where you can get a full meal at a discounted price. You can even take advantage of lunch buffets, which often provide a wide selection of food for a flat rate.
Dining out for lunch instead of dinner can help you save up to 30% on your meal. So, think about it. Whether you want to enjoy the same meal at higher cost or at lower cost.
6. Opt for Takeout or Delivery When Possible
Many people just want to enjoy the restaurant meal. It doesn’t matter whether they eat them at home or at the restaurant. If you are such person then you can save money on dining out by opting for takeout or delivery. Many restaurants charge less for takeout meals because you’re not using their facilities. By doing this, you can avoid the added cost of drinks and tips for table service.
If you are unable to find such restaurant then you can try looking for such restaurants through apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub. If you want to save further more then you can pick up your order yourself to avoid delivery fees.
This method is estimated to save you 10% to 20% on your overall dining costs by eliminating drinks, tips, and service fees.
7. Look for Prix Fixe or Special Menus
Some restaurants offer prix fixe menus, where you can enjoy a multi-course meal at a fixed price. These menus often provide great value, allowing you to enjoy a full dining experience at a lower cost than ordering each item individually.
Before planning your dining out, you have to do research if the restaurant offers a prix fixe menu or special deals on certain days of the week or not.
If we talk about the saving possibility then this method is expected to reduce your dining cost by 40%.
Conclusion
You don’t have to give up on dining out just to stay within your budget. By taking advantage of happy hour specials, using coupons, sharing plates and choosing lunch instead of dinner, you can enjoy your meal at low cost.
Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal with friends or trying a new restaurant. These tips will help you control food costs and enjoy dining out. You’ll learn that saving money on dining out doesn’t mean sacrificing fun or enjoyment of good food.
It’s all about smarter options that you can enjoy without spending too much.
