Oh how I love eating out. There is just something so fulfilling about being able to sit down at a table, not having to prepare any food or clean up the mess that three children can make. But as we all know, in this economy, eating out is pretty much a luxury and can get pretty costly. We are a family of five and we’ve found ways to make it possible to enjoy dining out while still staying within our budget.
- Skip the soda or alcholic drink and drink water. Not only is it better for your budget, your waistline will thank you. Just by drinking water, my family of five saves at least $10 while dining out.
- Go to a restaurant that offers free starters or appetizers. One of my favorites is Texas Roadhouse because their rolls are amazing and most Mexican restaurants offer free chips and salsa. No more ordering $8 appetizers!
- Sign up for your favorite restaurants email list. Not only will you receive specials for use on your birthday, you will usually receive exclusive emails with coupons throughout the year. Remember to sign up everyone on the email list — even the kiddos. They deserve free meals on their birthdays too.
- Purchase a full-size entree and have the children share. Instead of purchasing multiple kids meals — for our family I’d have to purchase three — purchase one full size-entree and ask for extra plates so that the children can share.
- Go to restaurants that offer “Kid’s Eat Free” promotions. Some restaurants offer specials for a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entree. This can save some major cash. Make sure to call the restaurant to check on their policy before heading out.
- Skip dessert and pick up a Snickers on the way home. That is, unless you have a coupon for a free dessert that you got by signing up for the restaurants email list.
- Choose a restaurant where you don’t have to tip. Restaurants such as Chipotle or Panera offer great food, but you don’t have to leave tip. This saves at least 15%, given you’re a tipper.
- Choose restaurants that offer rewards for your purchases or frequent visits. Restaurants such as T.G.I Friday’s offer a reward for each $100 spent in the restaurant.
We eat out more than I’d like to admit, but using these tips has allowed us to enjoy dinner away from home but still stay within our budget.
What are your tips for eating out on a budget?
monique says
We do the water thing. My 5 year old hates it. She likes everything but water, but that’s our rule for eating out – unless the kid’s meal comes with a drink.
Nichol says
Great tips. We also do water only, and I never buy Zoe a plate. She eats like a bird so it’s a waste of money. The bread and salad is my appetizer:)
Annie @ Mama Dweeb says
Love these tips!! I was going to say let the kids share too. They really serve HUGE portions for the kids, mine can hardly ever finish one.
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
Great tips, thank you 🙂
Melinda says
we save money by not taking the kids LOL
Crystal says
LOL, love it!
Dee says
Great tips to saving money.
Penelope says
Those are some great tips (though I leave something for the staff when I go to Panera’s- they make like $7 an hour- not a living wage)
Thanks for the ideas!
Kasandria Reasoner says
GREAT tips. I do the water one sometimes and I LOVE me some Snickers.
Kas
Louise says
Lots of great tips!
Kelly says
I love the kids sharing a full size entree idea! I’ll have to use that when my daughter gets older. For now, we always have a cup for my daughter and she just nibbles on whatever we eat since she’s so picky anyway.
Katie says
those are great tips! (and I LOVE Texas Roadhouse!) I sign up for all the clubs and stuff on websites. My birthday was last week and I ate or drank something for free every day.
We are also “regulars” at a local place and because we are in so often (once or twice a week) we get tons of free beers, kids meals, whatever.
My daughter and I will also often split and entree (she’s 2) – but sometimes she loves it so much that she eats most of it!
Mnemosyne says
Great article! As a waitress, I’d just like to add that I get paid about $2 an hour by the restaurant. I can certainly appreciate being thrifty about eating out (I use coupons and take advantage of deals all the time!) but people should keep in mind that “minimum wage” isn’t the same for servers as it is for people in other positions! I definitely agree that if you don’t want to budget for a tip, it’s nice to choose places where the people assisting you make the actual standard minimum wage.
I come from a family of 5 kids and water was definitely the only drink we were allowed to order at restaurants! 🙂 My husband comes from a much smaller family and I just can’t seem to get him to understand how quickly $1.99 sodas add up in the long run.
Crystal says
I always tip at least 15% but if I see that my waiter/waitress is doing an exceptional job and is friendly, I’ll tip 20% or more.
I can’t believe that servers only make $2/hour…that is crazy and shouldn’t be allowed.
Lorie Shewbridge says
You listed the ones I was going to say… my favorites are the coupons and the one where you sign up for the specials.
There are some restaurants that you now can get specials right on your smart phone and you just have to show them your phone to get the special, Pizza Hut does it and we have gotten some great deals with them.
Sarabeth says
Great strategies! Thanks for sharing. My husband and I would share even at places like Chipotle. Sometimes the portions are so big, it is enough for both of us. But a while bck I found out I am allergic to gluten, so everything has to be gluten-free for me now, which makes it a bit more challenging.
Stephanie Phelps says
Oh my goodness so many wonderful ideas. I never thought about how much we spend on our soda and tea when we go out but that true with the 6 of us. Thank you so much. I am definitely going to be changing this. My hubby and I share already most of the time.
Jenn says
I always order water as a drink, I just can’t see paying $1.99 or more for a soda!