As someone who enjoys dining out but also wants to be mindful of my budget, I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out how to save money while still enjoying the experience. If you’re like me, you know that restaurant bills can quickly add up, and while it’s easy to let the costs spiral out of control, there are practical strategies to help keep things in check. In this article, I’ll share 10 effective ways to save money on restaurants without sacrificing the quality of your meals or the overall dining experience.
Table of Contents
1. Skip the Drinks and Appetizers
When I first started paying attention to restaurant bills, I noticed how often the drinks and appetizers could make up a significant portion of the total. I often found myself adding a glass of wine or a starter to my meal without really thinking about it. Over time, I realized that skipping the appetizers and drinks could help save a decent amount. Most restaurants mark up their drinks, particularly alcoholic ones, and appetizers often cost more than I expected for a small portion of food.
Let’s say I go out to a restaurant with a friend, and we both order an appetizer and a drink. A glass of wine can easily cost $8 to $12, and an appetizer might be priced between $7 and $10. If we both order one, that’s an additional $30 before even touching the main course. By simply skipping the drinks and appetizers, I could save at least $30 per meal.
2. Order Water Instead of Soft Drinks or Juice
While drinks like soda and juice can be refreshing, they are also often overpriced. For instance, in many restaurants, a soft drink can cost $3 to $5, and juices are often even more expensive. For a meal that costs around $15, this can be a significant markup on something that costs the restaurant very little to provide. Water is free and just as effective in keeping me hydrated.
I’ve made a habit of ordering water instead of paying for sodas or juices. If I go out with a group, the savings can quickly add up. A family of four ordering drinks could easily add $20 or more to the bill. Plus, water doesn’t come with extra sugar or calories.
3. Opt for the Lunch Menu or Early-Bird Specials
When I’m looking to dine out on a budget, I often check if the restaurant offers a lunch menu or an early-bird special. These menus usually feature smaller portions at lower prices compared to dinner menus. Many restaurants offer lunch specials that are 20% to 40% cheaper than their dinner counterparts.
For example, a sandwich and salad combo for lunch might cost $8, while the same sandwich for dinner could cost $14. Similarly, some restaurants offer early-bird specials where you can enjoy a three-course meal for $20 instead of $30 later in the evening. Timing my meals around these specials can make a big difference over time.
4. Use Coupons and Loyalty Programs
In today’s digital age, many restaurants offer coupons or have loyalty programs that reward me with discounts after a certain number of visits. Some apps even send me regular promotions or deals, which I can use to save money. A few examples include “buy one, get one free” deals, percentage discounts, or even free meals after a certain amount of spending.
For example, a loyalty program may reward me with a free appetizer after spending $100 at the restaurant. While it may seem small, accumulating these rewards can help cut down the cost of future meals. I’ve saved 10% to 20% on some of my regular restaurant visits simply by using loyalty programs.
5. Share Dishes
I often find that restaurant portions are too large for one person to finish, and I’m sure you’ve experienced this too. Sharing dishes with a friend or family member can reduce the cost significantly. I’ve shared everything from main courses to sides, and it’s often more than enough food for both of us.
Let’s consider a scenario: if I order a dish for $18, and my dining companion orders something similar, the total would be $36. But if we decide to share both dishes, we spend $18 instead of $36. The cost-saving here is clear, especially when the portions are generous enough to satisfy both people.
6. Look for Combo Meals or Set Menus
Many restaurants offer combo meals or set menus that include several courses for one fixed price. These meals typically offer better value compared to ordering each course separately. For example, a set menu might cost $25 and include a starter, main course, and dessert. If I were to order these items separately, the cost might be $10 for the starter, $18 for the main, and $7 for the dessert, bringing the total to $35 instead of $25.
I’ve noticed that some restaurants also offer family-style meals, where I can get a larger portion of food for a group at a discounted rate per person. These deals are a great way to save money while still getting a variety of food.
7. Avoid Ordering Desserts at the Restaurant
Desserts are another area where restaurants make a lot of money. While desserts are often tempting, I’ve learned to skip them at the restaurant and save them for later. Restaurant desserts can range from $6 to $12, and honestly, I can often make a more satisfying dessert at home for a fraction of the cost.
If I really want something sweet after a meal, I’ll either share a dessert with my dining companion or hold off and enjoy a more affordable treat later at home.
8. Check for Specials on Social Media or Websites
Before I head to a restaurant, I always check their social media pages or websites for any ongoing promotions or discounts. Many restaurants post daily specials or offer exclusive deals through their social media accounts. It’s a simple habit that can save me a lot of money.
For example, some restaurants post deals like “50% off on appetizers on Mondays” or “Free dessert on your birthday.” These offers can make dining out more affordable, and I’ve used them frequently to enjoy meals that would have otherwise been out of my budget.
9. Choose Less Expensive Restaurants
While fine dining has its appeal, I’ve found that there are many high-quality, less expensive restaurants offering similar experiences at a fraction of the cost. Casual dining spots and local eateries often have great food without the hefty price tag. By being more selective about where I eat, I’ve managed to cut down on restaurant expenses significantly.
Here’s a quick comparison of the average cost of a meal at three types of restaurants:
| Restaurant Type | Average Main Course Price | Average Drink Price | Total for Two People |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Dining | $30 | $12 | $84 |
| Casual Dining | $18 | $6 | $48 |
| Fast Casual Dining | $12 | $3 | $30 |
As you can see, switching from fine dining to a casual or fast casual spot could save me over $50 for two people. This might seem small for one meal, but over time, it adds up.
10. Avoid Upselling Items
Many restaurants try to upsell certain items like extra toppings, larger portions, or specialty dishes that are more expensive. I’ve learned to be mindful of these upsells and stick to the items that fit my budget. For example, a server might recommend upgrading my fries to truffle fries for an additional $3, or suggest a larger portion for just $5 more.
While these upgrades might seem small, they can significantly increase the bill, especially when combined with multiple upsells. If I stick to the standard menu, I can avoid these unnecessary additions and keep my meal affordable.
Final Thoughts
Dining out doesn’t have to be expensive. By being mindful of my choices and using these strategies, I’ve been able to enjoy great meals at a fraction of the cost. Whether it’s skipping drinks, sharing dishes, or taking advantage of specials, there are plenty of ways to save money without compromising on the experience. I hope these tips help you make smarter decisions next time you dine out. With a little planning and awareness, you can save a lot and still enjoy great food and company.