How to Eat Out on a Budget
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If you’re on a budget, money-saving advice tends to prescribe bagged lunches and dinners at home. But you don’t have to resign to a world of soggy peanut butter and jelly.
Here's how to save money and eat out at your favorite restaurants for less.
1. Buy gift cards and certificates below face value
You’ll get more food for your buck when you buy restaurant gift cards at less than face value. Restaurant.com, for instance, is a website that sells certificates for a fraction of their worth. You may be able to score a $25 certificate to your favorite Chinese place for just $10 (minimum purchases could apply). Warehouse store Costco sells gift cards for less than they’re worth as well.
2. Ask for a discount
You could be eligible for a cheaper meal simply based on who you are. Children, seniors, students, and active or retired military are some of the most common candidates for discounts. Research a restaurant’s discounts online or inquire before your server brings the bill. It doesn’t cost anything to ask.
3. Join the club
Marketers aren’t the only ones who want your email address nowadays. Many restaurants have mailing lists that they use to distribute news and promotions to customers. Sign up to stay in-the-know. You’ll usually get a special offer just for making an account and another keyed to your birthday. But if you find the emails are tempting you to eat out more, hit "unsubscribe."
» Learn how to save money on groceries
4. Make strategic menu choices
When you eat at a sit-down joint, you’ll be expected to tip the server in addition to paying your tab, so keep that in mind when making menu selections and calculating your total payment. To offset the cost, look for more affordable dishes (try ones with fruits and veggies that are in season) or opt for a smaller portion size if it's available. Watch out for upselling, such as suggestions to get an appetizer or dessert.
As for drinks, water is usually free, whereas soft drinks and alcoholic beverages can quickly add up. If you prefer a glass of wine with your meal, call ahead and ask the restaurant about corkage fees. Even with this fee, it may be more affordable for you to bring your own bottle than to buy one there.
5. Dine on national days
From National Ice Cream Day to National Chicken Wing Day, there’s a day of observance for just about any food you can name. Plan your meals around these offers to take advantage of free appetizers, entrees or desserts. Stay tuned to social media for promotional details.
6. Take a survey
Restaurants like to hear about your experience at their establishment, so if they ask you to complete a survey, take them up on the offer. You’ll sometimes be rewarded with freebies or discount coupons for doing so. Links are typically printed on purchase receipts and have a time limit for completing the survey and claiming the discount or freebie.
7. Leave room in your budget
If dinners out at your favorite diner are an important family tradition, you still might be able to make room for a handful of restaurant meals in your monthly budget — even if it isn’t a necessity, and even if you can’t get a deal. For easy ways to incorporate needs and wants into your spending plan, see our advice on how to budget for both.
