Going out to eat is super fun and enjoyable but it can also add up so fast. Rather than say we should never eat out here are all the best ways to save money on eating out without breaking the bank.
Eating out is so very appealing and it is on the rise among millenineals. Eating at restaurants is at an all time high but it is still, much, much more expensive than eating at home. You are paying for the ingredients, the cooks, the servers, all the way down to the building you’re eating in.
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Make Eating Out a Treat
I just have to say it: the best and easiest way to save money on eating out is to not do it. I know that is unrealistic though. So, the next best way is to cut back on it. Make it a special occasion only activity and it will start to feel extra special when you do eat out.
Keep Coupons in The Car
You know those annoying adds that clutter your mailbox every week? Well, although your first instinct might be to throw those straight into the trash I have a better idea.
Keep them in the glove box of your car. That way when you are out and busy and you realize that you haven’t eaten yet all day the coupons are easily accessible and ready for use. Just pull them out and pick a place and you never have to worry about leaving the coupons at home again.
Restaurant Apps
This is my personal favorite way to save on fast food restaurants! Especially if its Chick-fil-A, they always have deals and even FREE FOOD occasionally.
You simply download the app (there’s often a special deal just for signing up) then shop like you normally would. Restaurants will put up deals and coupon codes all the time in one easy location. If a restaurant has loyalty point it will track them here and notify you when you have enough to redeem for an item!
I use Pizza Hut, Chick-fil-A, and Buffalo Wild Wings the most. But in reality almost every restaurant has one now so check your favorites!!
Happy Hours
Another great way to save money on eating out is to go for happy hour! It’s all about manipulating existing deals to work for you. Just head to dinner a little earlier than normal and enjoy all the happy hour deals on food AND drinks.
Social Media Deals
Social media may have its own devils but it has plenty of upside too! By following your favorite restaurants on social media you’ll have access to extra discounts.
These deals posted on social media are often short lived and short notice but if you’re already in the market for eating out they can save you money.
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In-House Specials
Take advantage when restaurants run specials! They can offer some great deals. Olive Garden runs a special occasionally where you can get a buy one, take one when you order specific dishes.
Always ask your waiter if there are any specials going on when you sit down.
Split a Plate
My husband is not a fan of this method but it really works! Rather than ordering two separate plates, cut your costs in half and split a large plate of food. The portions of food served at restaurants are often much larger than the recommended amount for one person.
Splitting a plate is healthier portion control in addition to saving you money
Join the Birthday Club
Many restaurants have a birthday club or a loyalty program. By using these you can get free food on your birthday which is always awesome. And an extra reason to celebrate.
Plus members of the loyalty club will usually get special deals and coupons emailed directly to their inbox the rest of the year for even more savings.
Buy Discounted Gift Cards on Raise
Raise is a really awesome app where you buy (or sell) gift cards at a discount. That is free money! This way if you already know you are going out to dinner you can check the app for gift cards up to 30% off. Then you’ll spend a fraction of what you would have other wise.
There are hundreds of stores to buy from (not just restaurants) including Starbucks, Olive Garden, Chipotle and so much more. Make sure you use this link for an extra $5 off your first purchase.
Eat at Home
I don’t mean to not eat out, I do mean to get the food to go. This way there is no tipping involved and you won’t be tempted to purchase extras you don’t really need like appetizers and desserts.
You can even get food delivered using apps like Door Dash (use link for $15 off, $5 off your first 3 orders) and UberEats (use code eats-rachelp20093ue for $7 off your order).
GRUBHUB, use this link for $12 off your first order!
Just remember that there is normally a delivery fee.
Pick Up Your Food
Taking the above point a step further I encourage you to pick up your own take out. I know it is a little extra work but by picking up your food rather than having it delivered there is no delivery fee or tipping involved. Thats all money back in your pocket.
Easy Foods to Make at Home
Pay with Cash Back Credit Cards
This is a rule I live by in life, to pay for everything possible with a credit card that gives cash back. This way I am always saving money. I simply pay off my credit cards each week and all the cash back I earned is money back in my pocket. It isn’t a lot but every little bit counts.
So make sure if you have a card that gives cash back that you use it to pay for all trips to eat out.
Kids Eat Free Nights
Free food! Plenty of restaurants designate one night a week when kids eat free. Take advantage of this and cut down on eat out costs for the whole family by choosing to eat out on those days.
Use Groupon
A great place to find extra deals or coupons for your night on the town is Groupon! All you have to do is open the app and search “restaurants near me” and it will pull up dozens of places near you offering discounts on food! There is a huge variety of cuisines so you’ll be sure to find something you’ll love.
You can also try using Rakuten to get cash back from purchases although I don’t find good deals on food here as often.
Go Out for Lunch, Not Dinner
Most restaurants have separate priced menus for lunch and dinner. If you have the freedom to choose when you go out to eat, then eating out at lunch will save you quite a large chunk of change.
There are also often lunch specials that occur to get you even more savings.
Take Home Leftovers
I have always done this and it caught me off guard when I found out that not everyone does. By taking your leftovers home you can have a snack or an entire extra meal to stretch your savings even further.
Portion sizes at restaurants are much bigger than most people need to eat in one sitting. For better portion control and for a full meal the next day ask your server for a box with your food and put half your meal in the box before you start eating.
Drink Water or BYOW
When going out to eat a great way to cut down on your bill (and be healthier) is to just drink water. Soda’s have a HUGE markup that makes them a big waste of money. The alcoholic drinks served also have a pretty big markup, I mean just look at the difference between when you buy a bottle of wine yourself vs. buying one from a restaurant.
I don’t drink so I have never tried this myself but apparently many restaurants will let you bring your own wine (BYOW). Just call before you go and verify with the individual restaurant to see if they allow it. This could offer huge savings when you eat out.
Save Money on Eating Out
I love eating out. It means less mess, less dishes and its easier than making dinner. However, it is less healthy and costs significantly more. I hope you’ll use all these tips to save money when you do decide to eat out.
If you are looking to alternatives to eating out I recommend frozen dump meals. You can make several in advance (I made 10 the one time I did it) and then the morning you want to make it you dump the bag in the crockpot. By the time you come home dinner is ready to go. Super easy and super convenient.
Otherwise quick, easy and yummy meals you always have ingredients for are the next best prevention to eating out. This snap pea and chicken stir-fry one pan meal is my go to.
This blog about 17 Ways to Save Money on Eating Out.
has helped me enormously, is a very good topic.
Kiss you All!
I am so glad to hear that! Hope you have a great day.