12 Genius Money-Saving Tips to Spend Less When Eating Out

Follow these money-saving tips if you want to dine out more!

Food is the third-highest expense for most American households, trailing only housing and transportation, and it often becomes people’s most significant budget buster. The allure of a delicious meal prepared by a professional chef is strong, but sticking to a food budget is rather tricky when you love the experience of eating out. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the ambiance, the social connection, and the convenience.

Restaurant dining can get pretty expensive, with costs for ingredients, labor, and overhead all factored into the menu prices. With the general cost of living steadily climbing, it’s more important than ever to find smart, effective ways to save money on your food spending without feeling like you’re completely missing out. A single dinner for two can easily approach a hundred dollars, making it a luxury that can quickly derail a carefully planned budget.

So, if, like us, you’re not willing to entirely refrain from the simple pleasure of having someone else do all the cooking, plating, and, of course, the dreaded cleaning, for you, we’ve got you covered. Below are 12 genius money-saving tips that act as your ultimate guide to savvy dining. You can still indulge in your favorite culinary experiences, but you’ll learn how to keep your costs down the next time you eat out, turning an expensive habit into a manageable treat.

Money-saving tip: Use a discount gift card

This is one of the easiest ways to guarantee savings before you even sit down. Check online marketplaces like Raise.com, Gift Card Granny, or CardCash, as well as warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club, for discounted gift cards to your favorite local or chain restaurants. You can frequently find restaurant gift cards selling for 10-20% off their face value. This translates into an instant discount that takes a big chunk out of your bill without any extra effort at the restaurant itself. Think of it as pre-paying for your meal at a lower price.

Plan ahead by purchasing a few cards for places you frequent. That way, you’re always prepared for a spontaneous dinner out while locking in savings. Just be sure to check the terms and conditions, as some cards may have expiration dates or specific usage rules.

Money-saving tip: Order your food online and pick it up

Most restaurants nowadays accept orders online directly through their own websites or apps. This allows you to carefully select exactly what you want from the comfort of your home and often lets you take advantage of online-only discounts or combo deals that aren’t offered for dine-in service. By ordering for pickup, you get restaurant-quality food without the full restaurant price tag.

This method also helps you save in other ways. You avoid the significant markup on drinks, skip the delivery fees and driver tips associated with third-party services like Uber Eats or DoorDash, and are less likely to make impulse orders for extra appetizers or desserts that a server might suggest. It’s the perfect compromise when you crave a specific dish but don’t need the full dine-in experience.

Money-saving tip: Skip the dessert

We know, we know—that molten lava cake is calling your name. However, ordering dessert can significantly increase the cost of a meal, often adding $10 or more per person to the final bill. So, if you’re looking to save a bit more money and keep your budget in check, just skip it. Often, the desire for something sweet can be satisfied far more cheaply.

If you have a sweet tooth and simply MUST have a dessert, just plan to pick up a pint of your favorite premium ice cream or a fancy chocolate bar from the grocery store on your way home. You’ll spend less for a much larger quantity that you can enjoy for days. Alternatively, make dessert at home a special part of the evening routine after your meal out.

Money-saving tip: Download the app

Did you know that many restaurant chains, from fast-food giants to casual dining spots, have their own mobile apps nowadays? And the best part is that they usually load these apps with exclusive deals, rewards programs, and coupons you can only get by being a user. This is a direct line to savings that many people overlook.

Before you head out, take two minutes to search for and download your favorite restaurant’s app. You might find a coupon for a free appetizer, a BOGO (buy-one-get-one-free) entrée, or a point system that earns you credit toward future meals. These small digital coupons can help you save a few extra bucks with minimal effort, making the download well worth your time.

Money-saving tip: Go to an all-you-can-eat buffet

There’s no question about it…Buffets can seem expensive at first glance. But the reality is that nowadays, they’re becoming rarer, and when you find a good one, the value can be incredible. And even though you wouldn’t want to go every day, you’ll often be paying less per item than at normal restaurants where you’re charged for the presentation and the food in individual portions.

If you can find a quality buffet in your area, most stock a handful of pricey items, like prime rib, lobster claws, or crab legs, that make for a quick payback once you’ve had a few servings. Seafood and international buffets are generally an affordable indulgence if you approach them strategically. To maximize value, start with the high-cost items before filling up on cheaper carbs like bread and pasta.

The sheer variety of buffets is another good argument for going to one since there’s no way you could go to a typical restaurant and get so many different dishes on a single plate for that kind of money. It’s an excellent option for groups with diverse tastes or for those who love to sample a little bit of everything.

Money-saving tip: Become a mystery shopper

If you’re detail-oriented and willing to put in a little bit of extra work, you can get paid to eat at restaurants and give feedback as a mystery shopper. Companies hire you to dine anonymously and report back on your experience, from the cleanliness of the restroom to the timeliness of the service and the quality of the food. It’s a fantastic way to get a free or heavily subsidized meal while indulging in your favorite hobby.

This “work” does require you to be observant and objective, and you’ll need to fill out a detailed report after your visit. However, for those who enjoy analyzing their dining experiences anyway, it’s a perfect fit. Search online for reputable mystery shopping companies, sign up, and you could be dining out for free in no time.

Money-saving tip: Go for lunch rather than dinner

Dinner out is usually more expensive than lunch, as evening menus often feature larger portions and pricier ingredients. Many restaurants offer fantastic lunch specials specifically to draw in new customers and turn tables over fast during the midday rush. So, try to opt for a more affordable lunch date or a midday meal with friends rather than dining during prime time in the evening.

And remember to look for signs or menu sections explicitly labeled “Lunch Specials.” Restaurants have always featured lunchtime deals to attract more diners on strict budgets, including popular chains like Olive Garden, Applebee’s, and Outback. You can often get a smaller, more reasonably priced version of a popular dinner entrée for a fraction of the cost.

Some restaurants have terminated lunch service temporarily to focus on more lucrative dinners, but those who continue to offer both will likely have deals to entice you. Another related tip is to look for “early-bird” specials, where you can get dinner-sized meals at a discount if you dine before the main evening rush, typically between 4 and 6 p.m.

Money-saving tip: Use credit card discount offers

Don’t leave money on the table—check your credit card benefits! Certain credit card companies, including American Express, Chase, and others, offer reward points, cash back, or specific discounts at restaurants. If you use a particular credit card on a regular basis, log into your online account or app and check to see if any discount offers are available. Often, you have to “activate” the offer before you dine.

Additionally, many credit cards are designed for foodies, offering a higher percentage of cash back (typically 3-5%) on all dining purchases. Using a card like this for every restaurant meal is a passive and effortless way to save money throughout the year. Just remember, this strategy is only effective if you pay your balance in full each month, as interest charges will quickly erase any rewards you’ve earned.

Money-saving tip: Save some for later

Have you noticed that American meal portions seem to be getting bigger and bigger by the minute? Rather than trying to clean your plate, contributing to food waste, or simply feeling uncomfortably full, be proactive and ask for a to-go box when getting the check. Better yet, ask for it when your meal arrives and immediately box up half for later.

By splitting one entrée into two servings, you effectively cut its cost in half. You AND your wallet will feel so much better for stretching it into two meals. This simple habit not only saves you money but also provides you with a delicious, effortless lunch for the next day. It’s one of the most effective and healthiest ways to reduce your dining expenses.

Money-saving tip: Is it your birthday?… You’re in luck!

You might need to sign up for rewards programs and mailing lists, or you may even have to download an app, but it’s well worth the minimal effort. Many restaurants will give you some free food—like a free dessert, appetizer, or even an entrée—to help you mark your special day. Although the servers might insist on singing you a cheerful “Happy Birthday,” so brace yourself for the attention!

The main idea is that many places will be eager to see you walk through their doors on your birthday. They know you’ll likely bring friends and family who will be paying customers. Yet again, there’s another way to get free food on your birthday: simply spend it with friends and family who’ll want to treat you to a meal!

And since we’re on the subject of special days, did you know you could take advantage of “National Food Days?” To begin, there’s a National Cheeseburger Day. And did you know there’s even a National Pizza Day, a National Taco Day, and a National Ice Cream Day? The list is long and delicious.

Lots of restaurants, especially chains, often offer special deals, discounts, or freebies on these types of days. So, if you’re craving a particular food item, a quick online search will tell you if there’s a national day for it coming up. You might be able to get an even more affordable meal than usual just by planning your craving for the right day.

Money-saving tip: Sharing is caring

As mentioned earlier, dinner entrees are usually much larger portions than you would typically eat at home. A great strategy, especially for couples or close friends, is to consider splitting your meal with your dining partner to save some extra cash. Instead of ordering two separate $25 entrees, try ordering one shareable appetizer and one main course to split.

You’ll still get a satisfying amount of food and the fun of trying multiple dishes, all while keeping the bill down. Once you get home, you can easily round out the meal. Create a side salad with items from Amazon Fresh, or warm up some bread, and you’ve got yourself an entire second meal! Be aware that some establishments charge a small “plate-sharing” fee, but it’s typically just a few dollars and still far cheaper than a second entrée.

Money-saving tip: Check the menu in advance

Most restaurants nowadays post their full menus, including prices, online. Take advantage of this! Before you go out to eat, do a quick search and review the menu from the comfort of your own home. This simple step can aid you in budgeting for your meal better, and you’ll avoid the “sticker shock” of ordering something that turns out to be unexpectedly pricey.

Looking at the menu in advance, away from the pressure of a waiting server and the tempting aromas of the kitchen, allows you to make a rational choice. You might also be able to find a more affordable yet equally delicious food item to try on the lunch menu or even the kid’s menu that you might not notice when you’re in a rush to order. For diners with smaller appetites, a kid’s meal can sometimes be the perfect portion at a much lower cost.

The bottom line? Eating out can certainly get pretty expensive, but that doesn’t mean it has to be off-limits. It is absolutely possible to actually save money when eating at your favorite restaurants if you approach it with a plan. By following these twelve genius money-saving tips, you can protect your hard-earned cash and still enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal prepared by someone else.

So, the next time you plan a night out or get a craving for your favorite dish, keep these smart tips and tricks in mind. You’ll be able to stick to your budget like a pro and continue to enjoy the wonderful experience of dining out without the guilt or financial strain. Happy dining!

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