I’ve mentioned before that we don’t go out to eat much. The cost of dining out with a family of 6 is quite high! We have found a few ways to reduce the cost of an occasional meal out at a restaurant, and by eating out infrequently it makes it seem more like a “special occasion” when we do go. Here are a few methods that have worked for us:
1. Use the local Entertainment book. There are a lot of coupons for restaurants in the Entertainment book. These are specific to any given area. These coupons can grant the diners things such as free appetizers or even a free second entrée which is perfect for couples. Look for your area’s “Entertainment Book” in grocery stores, in school fundraisers, or online.
2. Eat lunch out instead of dinner. Lunch menus often feature discounted pricing. As a bonus, since lunch portions are usually a little smaller than dinner portions, you won’t be tempted to over-eat at these meals.
3. Choose a “special”. Be sure to look for the specials listing at the restaurant. When new menu items are introduced they are often given a lower introductory price. Restaurants who receive a good price on something from their suppliers they often pass that savings on to their customers by featuring a related menu item. Look for these specials on message boards in the restaurant lobby, on tabletop displays, or on the front of the menus.
4. Skip the alcohol drinks. Restaurants charge notoriously high prices for alcoholic drinks. If you’re willing to forego these beverages in favor of soft drinks or water, you will see significant savings on your restaurant tab.
5. Find restaurants where kids eat free. This can save you a substantial amount if you eat dinner at a restaurant where children eat free. Of course, there are limitations on this but generally the policy is one free kid’s meal per adult meal purchased. Some restaurants have certain days of the week they run this promotion. Check out MyKidsEatFree.com to find participating restaurants in your town.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I encourage people to completely opt out for any drinks period. This includes soft and alcoholic drinks. Even a couple of soft drinks can add up to 10.00 more on your bill if you include tip and tax. 3.5+3.5+ 1.5 tip+.8tax=9.30.
It can be more if its a speciality or alcoholic drink.
Go healthy. Save money. Drink water.
Hi, my name is Kim and I just ran across your blog for the first time! I’m really looking forward to reading more interesting posts from you guys.
Eating out can cost so much for a family so what I try to do is check out Restaurant.com as often as possible and see where they offer local deals. That way I’m trying out a new restaurant, got a deal on it, and I’m supporting new local businesses.
Great stuff, howver, I would be vey wary of “the special”.
I worked in restaurants for almost twenty years. Trust me, 90% of the time, the “special” costs way more than anything on the regular menu. granted, it is usually worth it, but it is there to help boost the restuarnat sales.
Get a price on it if interested–lots of times they will say it is “market price” if its seafood.
Helloooo there!
Great site, I’ve got it bookmarked.
Take a look at my blog ‘Bob Versus’. I challenge things. My latest blog is about how I took on Christmas! I got presents for my entire family without spending a penny and it’s all legal! Have gander:
http://bobversus.com/?p=256