Eating out is a guilty pleasure for many of us. There’s just something about enjoying a meal you didn’t have to cook, trying new flavors, or catching up with friends over dinner. But let’s be honest—eating out regularly can take a serious toll on your wallet.
If you love dining out but don’t love how much it costs, don’t worry! Here are 12 tips to save money when eating out without sacrificing your favorite meals or social outings.
Table of Contents
1. Take Advantage of Happy Hour Deals
Happy hours aren’t just for drinks! Many restaurants offer discounted appetizers and small plates during certain hours, usually between 3 PM and 6 PM. If you’re flexible, you can grab an early dinner and enjoy delicious food for half the price.
💡 Example: Instead of going to your favorite sushi spot for dinner, check out their happy hour menu. You might find sushi rolls for $5 instead of $12!
2. Skip the Drinks and Opt for Water
Ordering drinks—whether it’s soda, juice, or alcohol—can quickly inflate your bill. A $5 soda or a $12 cocktail might not seem like much, but they add up fast. A simple swap to free tap water can save you $5-$15 per person per meal, plus it’s healthier!
💡 Example: If you and a friend skip cocktails (which cost around $12 each) twice a month, that’s an extra $288 a year in your pocket.
3. Use Restaurant Apps and Loyalty Programs
Many restaurants offer discounts, freebies, and rewards through their apps or loyalty programs. Signing up can give you access to free meals, discounts, and even birthday freebies.
💡 Example: The McDonald’s app frequently offers free fries with any purchase, and Starbucks Rewards lets you earn free drinks over time.
4. Order an Appetizer Instead of an Entree
Sometimes, restaurant portions are huge, and an appetizer can be just as satisfying as a main course but for half the price. If you’re not super hungry, opt for an appetizer and pair it with a side dish or salad.
💡 Example: At a casual dining restaurant, an entree might cost $18, while an appetizer costs $9. That’s a 50% savings while still enjoying a great meal.
5. Share a Meal
Portions at restaurants are often large enough for two. Splitting a dish with your dining partner can cut your bill in half while preventing food waste.
💡 Example: Instead of both ordering a $30 meal, you and your partner share one for $30, saving you $30 each time you dine out.
6. Look for Kids’ Meal Deals (Even If You’re Not a Kid!)
Some places let you order from the kids’ menu, which often includes a drink and side for a lower price. Many fast-food and casual dining spots don’t mind adults ordering kids’ meals, especially for takeout.
💡 Example: A kids’ chicken bowl at Chipotle costs around $15.40, while an adult meal is about $26.25.
7. Dine Out on Special Discount Days
Many restaurants offer “BOGO” (buy one, get one free) or discounted meals on specific days. Taco Tuesdays, Wing Wednesdays, or Pasta Night specials can help you save money when eating out.
💡 Example: On Tuesdays, you can enjoy Domino’s famous “Two for Tuesday” deal—available exclusively on their app (Apple & Android). This effectively cuts your pizza cost in half!
8. Use Credit Card Rewards and Cashback Apps
If you’re going to eat out, you might as well get some money back. Using a cashback or dining rewards credit card like the Amex Cobalt Card can help you earn rewards on every meal. Pair this with cashback apps like Rakuten to double your savings.
💡 Example: If you pay for your meal with the Amex Cobalt Card, you’ll earn 5X points on dining. Plus, if you use Rakuten for an extra 3% cashback, that’s like getting 8% off every restaurant meal!
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9. Choose Lunch Over Dinner
Lunch menus are often much cheaper than dinner menus for similar items. If you’re craving a fancy meal, try visiting during lunch hours for the best deals.
💡 Example: A pasta dish at an Italian restaurant might be $25 at dinner but only $20 at lunch. That’s a $5 savings per meal!
10. Check for Coupons and Promo Codes
Before heading to a restaurant, do a quick search for coupons or discount codes. Websites like Rakuten, or even the restaurant’s website often have promotions that can help you save a few bucks.
💡 Example: A 20% off promo code can bring your $40 dinner bill down to $32—a savings of $8 just for checking online first.
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11. Consider Takeout Instead of Dining In
Eating at home cuts out additional costs like tips and service fees. Plus, you can pair your restaurant meal with drinks from home for even more savings.
💡 Example: If you order takeout instead of dining in and skip the 18% tip, you save $9 on a $50 meal.
12. Be Mindful of Extras and Add-Ons
Little extras like extra cheese, guacamole, or premium toppings can make your bill skyrocket. Be mindful of these add-ons and ask yourself if they’re worth the extra cost.
💡 Example: Adding bacon and avocado to a burger could increase the price by $5—sometimes, the basic version is just as tasty!
Final Thoughts
Eating out doesn’t have to drain your budget. By using these 12 tips to save money when eating out, you can still enjoy restaurant meals while keeping your spending in check. Whether it’s taking advantage of happy hour deals, sharing meals, or using cashback rewards, small changes can add up to big savings over time.
What are your favorite ways to save money when eating out? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your tips!
