Eating out is a nice break from cooking, but the bill can climb pretty quickly. A meal that looks affordable on the menu can cost quite a bit more after you add drinks, appetizers, dessert, extra sides, and the tip.
You don’t have to stop eating out to spend less. You also don’t have to order the cheapest meal every time you go. A few simple habits can help bring the total down while still letting you enjoy going to your favorite restaurants.
If you’re trying to eat out without spending quite so much, these tricks are worth trying.
Look for Specials and Happy Hour Deals
Check the restaurant’s website or social media before you go. Many places have daily specials, early dinner deals, or happy hour menus with lower prices than the regular menu.
Happy hour often falls in the late afternoon or early evening, and some restaurants have late-night specials too. If your schedule is flexible, moving your meal by an hour or two could save you a decent amount.
Related: 10 Dinner Party Guests Hosts Wish They Had Never Invited
Join Loyalty Programs
If you have a few restaurants you visit often, signing up for their rewards programs can pay off.
Restaurant apps and email lists may offer points, coupons, birthday freebies, or discounts that aren’t available to everyone. You don’t have to join every program you come across. Pick the places you already visit and let the rewards build up over time.
Share a Meal
Restaurant portions can be much bigger than one person needs. If you’re dining with someone who’s willing to share, splitting an entrée can cut the cost of the meal without leaving either person hungry.
You can also order a couple of appetizers and share them instead of buying two full entrées. This gives everyone a chance to try different foods and can leave less food sitting untouched on the table.
Related: How to Eat Out for Less Without Giving It Up, According to Budget-Savvy Diners
Take Leftovers Home
If you have half a meal left at the end of dinner, take it home.
That leftover pasta, rice bowl, sandwich, or chicken can make an easy lunch the next day. One restaurant meal can turn into two meals, which makes the original price feel a little easier to swallow.
Get the leftovers into the refrigerator within two hours, or sooner if the food has been sitting somewhere very warm.
Choose Breakfast or Lunch Instead of Dinner
Dinner menus tend to cost more than breakfast or lunch at many restaurants. If you have some flexibility, going out earlier in the day can be an easy way to spend less.
Lunch specials and combo meals can give you plenty of food for less than you’d pay during dinner service. You’re still getting the restaurant experience without paying the higher dinner prices.
Skip Expensive Drinks
A couple of cocktails or specialty drinks can add a surprising amount to the final bill.
Water is free at many restaurants, and iced tea, regular coffee, or another less expensive drink can also keep the total down. If you’re trying to cut the cost of a meal, drinks are one of the easiest places to start.
Related: The 5 Dinner Foods Everyone Ate in the ’80s That Wouldn’t Fly Today
Skip or Share Dessert
Dessert can be tempting after a good meal, but it can also add another $8, $10, or more to the bill.
If you really want something sweet, split one dessert with the table. You get to try it without paying for several separate desserts. Some restaurants also offer a free dessert for birthdays or other special occasions, so ask if there’s an offer available.
Order From the Kids’ or Smaller Plates Menu
If you don’t eat large portions, there’s no reason to order a huge entrée just because it’s listed under the main menu.
Some restaurants have smaller plates, half portions, or kids’ meals that may be enough for an adult with a smaller appetite. Policies vary, so check whether adults can order from the kids’ menu before assuming it’s an option.
Try Seasonal Menus
Seasonal dishes can sometimes give you a better deal than ordering from the regular menu. Restaurants may feature ingredients that are plentiful at that time of year, and limited-time dishes may come with special pricing.
Look at the specials board or ask your server what’s being featured. You might find something you like for less than your usual order.
Related: Why Takeout Tipping Is So Confusing—and What Staff Want Customers to Know
Consider All-You-Can-Eat Options
Buffets and all-you-can-eat meals can make sense if you’re dining with people who want different foods or if you have a larger appetite.
Lunch buffets are often cheaper than dinner, and weekday prices may be lower than weekend rates. Just compare the price with what you’d normally order before deciding. A buffet isn’t a bargain if you’re paying more for food you won’t eat.
Related: Free Always Tastes Good: 84 Restaurants That Offer Free Birthday Food
Use Discount and Cashback Apps
Before heading out, check whether your credit card, rewards app, or cashback service has an offer for the restaurant you’re visiting.
Some programs give you points or cashback for restaurant purchases, while others offer a set discount. These offers change often, so it’s worth checking before you pay.
Look for BYOB Restaurants
BYOB restaurants let customers bring their own beer or wine instead of buying drinks from the restaurant.
Some charge a corkage fee, but that fee can still be less than buying several drinks from the menu. Check the restaurant’s rules before bringing anything, since policies vary from one place to another.
Take Advantage of Takeout Deals
You don’t always have to sit down at a restaurant to enjoy its food.
Some restaurants offer cheaper takeout meals, family bundles, pickup specials, or other deals that aren’t available for dine-in customers. Ordering takeout also lets you skip the temptation to add extra drinks, appetizers, and desserts while you’re sitting at the table.
Ask About Hidden Specials
Some of the best deals aren’t listed on the main menu.
Ask your server if there are any daily specials, early-bird prices, combo meals, or discounts available that day. Restaurants may also have different promotions during certain days or hours.
There’s no harm in asking. You might find a cheaper option that you wouldn’t have known about otherwise.
Check for Student, Military, or Senior Discounts
If you qualify for a student, military, or senior discount, ask whether the restaurant offers one before ordering.
You may need to show an ID, and the discount may not apply to every item. Still, a 10% or 15% discount can make a noticeable difference, especially on a larger bill or if you eat out often.
