5 Tips to Save Money Dining Out This Spring
Introduction
I, like many others, love to eat out. Not only do I get the night off from cooking, but I also enjoy getting a bit dressed up and trying a new culinary experience. However, eating out can be pricey. By using a few tricks, you can keep the check from getting out of hand. Being frugal when dining out also allows you to do it more often, so it’s well worth the effort. Here are five easy tips to save money while dining out.
1. Choose Casual Dining Over Fine Dining
We all dream about the white tablecloth, multiple forks, and maybe a Michelin star or two, but fine dining should be reserved for super-special occasions. While I love a fancy meal, most of the time I venture out to a casual but high-quality restaurant. With the rise of the ‘fast casual’ experience, you don’t have to sacrifice the quality of food for a lower bill.
Tip: Look for BYOB Options
I've been to many restaurants that are BYOB (bring your own beverage), which can save you a lot of money. If the restaurant doesn’t offer that option, make sure you check out their drink prices beforehand.
Image Description: Illustration of a casual dining restaurant with patrons enjoying their meals.
2. Cut Back on Drinks
The fastest way to run up the tab is by ordering multiple drinks. While we all like a refreshing cocktail or nice wine with dinner, you can easily spend more on drinks than the actual meal. Try limiting yourself to one drink or sticking to a nonalcoholic alternative which is typically cheaper.
Tip: Kid-Sized Drinks
If you have kids, ask if they offer kid-sized drinks, which are usually half the price. Alternatively, have them split one drink.
Image Description: Infographic showing the cost savings of cutting back on drinks when dining out.
3. Tap Restaurant Rewards
Many popular restaurants offer coupons to attract customers. Make sure to check online for discounts, freebies, and deals from your local establishments. Many restaurants also run deals during happy hour or have early bird specials. If you have kids, eating at 5 p.m. is actually preferred.
Tip: Loyalty Programs
Join restaurant loyalty programs to earn points or discounts on future meals. These programs can provide significant savings over time.
Image Description: Illustration of a mobile phone showing restaurant reward apps and discounts.
4. Share Your Meal
Another easy way to sample the menu and save is by ordering an appetizer and entrée to share. Most restaurants serve huge portions, so sharing will still leave you full. If you don't feel like sharing, you can always take leftovers home, which can become lunch the next day, saving you money on another meal.
Tip: Split Appetizers
Opt for splitting appetizers as they are often cheaper and allow you to try more menu items without overspending.
Image Description: Infographic showing the benefits of sharing meals to save money.
5. Find a Credit Card that Rewards You for Dining Out
Some credit cards offer points or cash back for restaurant dining. If you use that card when dining out, you will be making money every time you decide to splurge on a restaurant meal.
Tip: Research Rewards Cards
Look for credit cards that offer the best rewards for dining out and align with your spending habits.
Image Description: Illustration of a credit card offering rewards for dining out.
Conclusion
Eating out is fun, entertaining, and a wonderful social experience. Just because you are watching your wallet doesn’t mean you can’t occasionally splurge. Use these tips so that when you just don’t feel like cooking, you can confidently head out and give the kitchen a break.
One of the easiest ways to track how much you can spend on eating out is through a budget. This easy downloadable spreadsheet can get you started.