Did you know that Americans eat out four times a week on average?!? The costs can quickly add up over a short period of time. However, there are ways to save money when dining out.
- Order off the Kids Menu
- Keep coupons in the car
- Split larger portions
- Visit during Happy Hour
Join Email Lists
More often than not your favorite restaurants offer email clubs. When you sign up you’ll benefit from free appetizers just for joining, free dessert for your birthday and money saving coupons throughout the year.
Kids Eat FREE Nights
The hustle and bustle of car pooling kids to soccer practice, gymnastics and everything in between often calls for a quick dinner. Take notice of Kids Eat FREE nights in your area. There may be limitations such as two free kids meals for each paying adult and specific hours, so be sure to take note!
To get you started Applebee’s offers free kids meals on Monday nights. Uno’s, Bob Evans & Texas Roadhouse (all kids meals $0.99) offers Kids Nights on Tuesday. In addition, kids eat free all weekend long at your local Steak-N-Shake restaurants! Be sure to check with your local eateries for correct days and times.
Order What’s Necessary
When ordering keep it simple. Do you really need to pay $1.50 for every family member to have a soda? Order water instead, it’s free and healthier! In the instance you need an appetizer to keep the tots busy, skip the $7 appetizer and ask your server for croutons, crackers or shredded cheese.
Purchase Deals & Coupons
You can save your family 50% or more when utilizing restaurant deals on sites like Groupon, Living Social and Amazon Local. Another great site to keep bookmarked is Restaurant.com. Several times a year you are able to purchase a $25 gift certificate for less than $2! Now there are stipulations for eating at your local businesses, but, you are supporting them and able to try new places without breaking the bank. These are perfect for date night!
Throughout the year there’s plenty opportunities to purchase coupon books at some of your favorite restaurants like Wendy’s, McDonald’s and Frisch’s. Coupon books are often sold for just $1 and you receive 10-12 free menu items.
Speaking of coupon books, order a local Entertainment book. Keep the book in the car that the family is often seen in to ensure the savings add up over the year. These also make great gifts for friends and family members.
How do you save your family money when dining out?
