A fall 2015 report from Tufts University cited the US Census Bureau in saying that Americans spent more money on eating out in December 2014 than they did on buying groceries for the first time in history. Now that it has been established that Americans spend a lot of money on going to restaurants, the next step is figuring out how Americans can continue dining out as much as they like, but spend less money doing so.
There are several outstanding frugal bloggers who have set out to do just that. We’ve carefully combed through their suggestions and selected the top 10 eating out savings hacks. See our list below:
Opt for an Appetizer, Instead of an Entree
Depending on how hungry you are and what appetizer portions the restaurant offers, this is an excellent way to save a few bucks. Oftentimes, restaurant appetizers are just as filling as their entrees and sometimes even tastier. Plus, as Lisa from Fun Money Mom points out, “Sometimes you can even order two appetizers and still pay less than you would for an entrée.”
Take Advantage of Groupon or Living Social
Though not as many restaurants are offering as many killer vouchers through Groupon or Living Social as they might have a few years ago, there are still tons of deals to be had. Plus, you can use Groupon promo codes or Living Social promo codes found on Dealspotr to get even bigger discounts on these vouchers. Plus, as Jen from Frugal Living Mom puts it, “Sometimes you will even find your favorite restaurant.”
Stick to the Specials
Restaurants regularly discount various menu items on different days and at different times. Take the time to figure out when a few of the local restaurants you like to frequent run their specials and it could save you big bucks in the long run. John from Money Saving Dude offers this handy tip, “Having the menus to your local spots can help you decide where you might want to dine out when you’re trying to hold on to a little change.”
Go to the Buffet
This piece of advice is especially useful when you are starving and want a big portion. It’s no secret that the quality of some buffets is sometimes not as high as that of traditional restaurants, but that’s not always the case. There are buffets that offer good prices and good food to boot. As Mel from Broke Girl Rich opines, “There is nothing wrong with finding the best buffet in your neighborhood and cramming it all down.”
Be on the Lookout for a “Trial Night”
Not many people realize this, but it’s quite common for new restaurants to offer a “Trial Night” right before they officially open. It gives them a chance to do a dry run of sorts. The bonus? Whoever gets in on it typically eats for free or at a very reduced rate. Madison from My Dollar Plan writes the only thing to keep in mind is that, “Often there is a limited menu to give the staff a chance to practice.”
Save Some Leftovers
Restaurants frequently serve substantial portions, which gives you the opportunity to consume half on site and preserve the other half for lunch or dinner tomorrow. Getting a doggy bag is an easy way to turn your meal into a BOGO (buy one, get one free) opportunity. Denise from Shopper Strategy accurately declares, “Restaurant leftovers are just as delicious the following day.”
Watch for Coupons and Redeem Them
People often think of coupons being for the grocery store or drug store, but there are tons of restaurant coupons as well. In fact, it’s rare to go through a newspaper insert or a promo code site like Dealspotr and not find at least a few restaurant coupons in the mix. Ruth from Living Well Spending Less wisely recommends you, “Sign up for your favorite fast food email lists for coupons each month and free stuff around your birthday.”
Sign Up for Loyalty Programs
This savings hack is the most valuable for restaurants you visit often. It’s a timeless practice that dining establishments have used for decades. They offer significant discounts or even free meals once you have eaten there a certain number of times. As Scott reveals it doesn’t take much effort, either. “[Just] ask the next time you are there. If they have a program they will be more than happy to tell you about it.”
Monitor Cardpool and Raise for Discounted Gift Cards
If you aren’t familiar with Cardpool and Raise, we suggest you check out those sites immediately. They serve as a marketplace for gift card resellers and often have gift cards for popular chain restaurants available at a huge discount. They are also reliable. Steve from The Penny Hoarder says, “I’ve never had a problem with printed digital cards or physical cards sent by mail.”
Skip the Drinks
One of the main ways restaurants make their money is on beverages, particularly alcoholic beverages. By ordering water, you can save yourself quiet a bit of cash, particularly over the long haul. Even if you do decide to order one drink, you can still conserve money by following up with water, instead of paying for a refill. Hank from Money Q&A admitted, “I also learned this lesson the hard way with my youngest son who orders chocolate milk everywhere we go, and most restaurants do not offer free refills on milk like they do for soda.”
