If you’re on a tight budget, it can be hard to dine out. But you don’t have to resort to endless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and ramen noodles just because you want to save money. Here are six ways to eat out at your favorite restaurants for less.
1. Buy gift cards below face value.
Restaurant.com is a website that sells gift certificates for less than their worth. You might be able to score a $25 gift card to Cheesecake Factory for just $10. Costco also sells gift card bundles for a fraction of their worth.
2. Ask for a special discount.
You might be eligible for a cheaper meal if you’re dining with children, senior citizens, students, or military members. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
3. Sign up.
Many restaurants have mailing lists they use to distribute coupons. Sign up to get those perks. You’ll usually get a special offer just for giving them your email address.
4. Make smart menu choices.
When you eat out, you’ll have to pay a tip, so factor that into your total cost. To stay on the affordable side, opt for cheaper dishes or smaller portion sizes. As for drinks, stick with water, which is usually free.
5. Dine on national “holidays”.
From National Ice Cream Day to National Pizza Day, there’s a day of observance for just about every food category. Plan your restaurant outings around these days to take advantage of free appetizers, entrees, or desserts. Social media is a great way to stay current on these offers.
6. Take a survey.
Restaurants enjoy hearing about your experience with their business, so if they ask you to complete a survey, do it. You’ll sometimes be rewarded with discounts or coupons.
