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.
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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.
One of my favorites is Añejo Restaurant. They have happy hour every Thursday from 3 PM to 5 PM, with tacos for just $4 each (regularly $6). I always look forward to it—such a great deal and super tasty too!
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!
I’m not a big fan of drinks, so I usually just stick with water instead of cocktails (which are around $12 each). If I eat out twice a month, that simple choice adds up to $288 saved in a year—money that stays in my pocket instead.
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.
For example, the McDonald’s app often gives out free fries with any purchase, and Starbucks Rewards lets you earn points toward 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.
For 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 and help prevent food waste.
When my best friend and I eat out, instead of both ordering a $30 meal, we usually share one large $30 dish and add a smaller $15 item to split. It always saves us money—and we never leave hungry!
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.
For example, a kids’ chicken bowl at Chipotle costs around $15.40, while the adult version is about $26.25. The portion is big enough for a medium-eating adult, so I always go for the kid’s bowl—and it’s always satisfying!
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.
If you’re a pizza lover, don’t miss Domino’s famous Two for Tuesday deal! Every Tuesday, you can get two pizzas for the price of one—exclusively through their app (available on Apple & Android). It’s an easy way to cut 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.
I always pay for my meals with the Amex Cobalt Card to earn 5X points on dining. Plus, when Rakuten offers an extra 3% cashback, it’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.
At my favorite Italian restaurant, a pasta dish might cost $25 at dinner but only $20 at lunch—that’s a $5 savings per meal! My partner and I love doing weekend lunch dates to save a little extra.
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.
For 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.
My partner and I usually order takeout instead of dining in, and by skipping the standard 18% tip, we save about $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.
I used to add bacon and avocado to my burger, which would increase the price by $5. But once I realized the basic version is just as tasty, I stopped ordering those add-ons altogether!
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!
