3 Ways to Save Money While Dining Out

Julio Neves
December 7, 2024

Dining out is one of life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s grabbing a quick bite during your lunch break, celebrating a special occasion, or indulging in a spontaneous treat, eating at restaurants often feels like a luxury. However, it can also quickly strain your wallet if you’re not mindful of your spending.

The good news? With a few strategic habits, you can enjoy dining out without blowing your budget. Here are three tried-and-true ways to save money while eating out—without sacrificing the enjoyment and deliciousness of the experience.

1. Be Strategic With Your Choices

The first step to saving money while dining out begins before you even leave home. By being thoughtful about where, when, and what you eat, you can significantly cut costs.

Choose Restaurants Wisely

Not all restaurants are created equal when it comes to pricing. Fine dining establishments or high-end chains may offer incredible dishes, but they often come with hefty price tags. To save money:

• Opt for casual eateries: Local diners, food trucks, or smaller family-owned restaurants often offer delicious meals at a fraction of the cost of upscale establishments. You’ll often find these places provide better portion sizes and fresher, more authentic flavors.
• Look for specials: Many restaurants offer daily specials, combo deals, or discounted menus during slower hours. For example, many casual dining spots provide “early bird specials” for customers who dine before the dinner rush.
• Use restaurant review apps: Platforms like Yelp, OpenTable, or Google Reviews often highlight budget-friendly spots and promotions.

Time Your Visits

When you dine out can also impact the final bill. Timing is everything:

• Take advantage of happy hours: Many restaurants and bars offer discounted drinks and appetizers during happy hours, typically in the late afternoon or early evening. These deals can save you money while still letting you enjoy a social outing.
• Lunch over dinner: Dining out for lunch instead of dinner can make a huge difference. Many places offer smaller, more affordable versions of their dinner menu at lunchtime.
• Skip weekends: Dining out during the week can save you money since weekends tend to be the busiest times for restaurants, and they’re less likely to offer discounts.

Be Mindful About Menu Choices

What you order matters just as much as where you go. Consider these tips:

• Skip the extras: Appetizers, desserts, and add-ons like extra cheese or bacon can quickly inflate your bill. Stick to the main course and split extras if you want to try them.
• Drink wisely: Alcohol, soft drinks, and specialty beverages are among the most marked-up items on restaurant menus. Opt for water—it’s free and often healthier—or limit yourself to one drink.
• Look for value meals: Some restaurants offer fixed-price menus or meal bundles that provide better value compared to ordering à la carte.

By planning ahead, choosing wisely, and being mindful of your timing and selections, you can enjoy a satisfying dining experience without overspending.

2. Use Discounts, Rewards, and Coupons

A little effort can go a long way when it comes to finding discounts and deals for dining out. Taking advantage of rewards programs, online offers, and promotions can dramatically lower your costs.

Sign Up for Loyalty Programs

Many restaurants and chains offer loyalty programs that reward frequent diners. These programs can include:

• Free items or discounts: After a certain number of visits or dollars spent, you might earn free menu items or exclusive discounts.
• Birthday perks: Many loyalty programs offer free meals, drinks, or desserts on your birthday.
• Point systems: Earn points with every visit, which you can redeem for discounts or free meals in the future.

Sign up for your favorite restaurants’ email lists or download their apps to ensure you don’t miss out on these benefits.

Look for Coupons and Deals

Coupons aren’t just for groceries—they’re also fantastic for saving money at restaurants. Here’s where to find them:

• Online coupon sites: Websites like Groupon, LivingSocial, and RetailMeNot often feature deals for local restaurants. You can score discounts like “two-for-one meals” or “50% off your bill.”
• Direct promotions: Check the restaurant’s website or social media pages for exclusive deals.
• Dining cards and passes: Some cities offer dining discount cards that give you access to reduced prices at participating establishments. For instance, “City Dining Cards” provide discounts at select local spots.

Credit Card and Membership Rewards

Credit cards often come with rewards programs that can include dining discounts. Here’s how to leverage them:

• Dining-focused credit cards: Some credit cards offer cashback or points for dining-related purchases. Use these strategically to earn while you eat.
• Membership benefits: Organizations like AAA, AARP, or Costco sometimes partner with restaurants to offer members discounts or promotions.

By stacking discounts and rewards, you can significantly lower the cost of dining out without much effort.

3. Make Smart Splitting Decisions

Dining out with family or friends can be one of the most enjoyable ways to eat out, but it’s also where costs can add up fast. Sharing meals, splitting bills, and choosing group-friendly strategies can help keep spending in check.

Share Dishes

Many restaurant portions are large enough to share, making this an easy way to save:

• Order family-style: Sharing a few larger plates instead of individual meals allows everyone to try different dishes while cutting costs.
• Split appetizers and desserts: Instead of each person ordering their own, share a few appetizers or desserts with the table.
• Opt for half-portions: If sharing isn’t an option, some restaurants offer smaller portions of their entrees at reduced prices.

BYOB Restaurants

Bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) restaurants can be a lifesaver if you’re dining with wine or beer lovers. These establishments allow you to bring your own alcohol, often charging only a small corkage fee. This can save you significant money compared to buying drinks off the menu.

Manage Group Bills Wisely

Splitting the bill can be tricky, especially when everyone orders differently. To avoid overspending:

• Discuss splitting beforehand: Decide as a group whether you’ll split the bill evenly or pay for your own items. This avoids confusion and ensures fairness.
• Use apps for bill splitting: Apps like Venmo, Splitwise, or Tab make dividing a check easy, ensuring no one pays more than their share.

Bonus Tip: Embrace Takeout or Delivery

Sometimes, you can save even more by skipping the dine-in experience altogether. Ordering takeout or delivery often eliminates tips, service charges, or markups on drinks. Here’s how to maximize savings:

• Pick up your order: Avoid delivery fees by picking up your meal directly from the restaurant.
• Utilize delivery deals: Many platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub offer free delivery promotions or discounts for new users.

Final Thoughts

Saving money while dining out doesn’t mean you have to cut corners or miss out on enjoying delicious meals. By being strategic, leveraging discounts, and making smart choices, you can stretch your dining dollars without compromising on quality or experience.

The next time you’re planning a meal out, try incorporating one or more of these tips. You might be surprised at how much you save while still indulging in your favorite culinary experiences. After all, dining out should feel like a treat—not a financial burden.