9 Ways to Save Money When Eating Out

1. Coupons

Coupons can be clipped from numerous sources, including newspapers, direct mailings and the phone book. One of the best sources for coupons is the internet – numerous blogs, websites & retailers offer great deals. Clip these coupons or print them as you find them to save money when you are hungry.

2. Frequent Eaters Discounts

Many chains offer discounts to diners who eat there often. The largest subway chain in the nation often offers a discount card that diners have punched each time they eat there. When the diner eats there five times, the subway chain gives the diner a free sandwich. Free is always good! Keep these cards in your wallet or purse so when you decide to eat there at the last moment you have the card handy.

3. Sign Up for Emails and Text Alerts

Many restaurants offer email programs. When a restaurant offers these programs, make sure and sign up. Often, the best discounts can be found in these newsletters. Other restaurants offer text alerts with special discounts for mentioning a code word. Make sure you are on these lists.

4. Time Your Visit Right

Many restaurants offer highly discounted meals when eating out early in the week. Learn when the best time to eat at your favorite restaurant is. Even if you have to pick up the food then and warm it up later, your wallet will thank you. Others offer deep discounts for eating out at certain times of the day, such as from 2 PM to 4 PM.

5. Share a Large Meal

The larger the meal you order, the cheaper your portions are. This is great for sharing in the restaurant or taking some home for consumption later. The more you order at one time the cheaper each item can be made. Say a breakfast option is two huge scrumptious pancakes, four fluffy scrambled eggs, two buttery slices of toast, and a chicken fried steak. You could order this and still take the chicken fried steak home for lunch.

6. Have Breakfast

Many people enjoy breakfast at any time of day. It is also usually the cheapest meal to eat out. Find out what restaurants offer breakfast all day and frequent those establishments. Smaller mom and pop diners are a great place to eat breakfast at night and also often offer great local coupons.

7. Drink Water

Restaurants depend on the profit from sodas to help them make money. Instead of ordering soda, drink tap water with your meal. You will be healthier and your wallet will be heavier.

8. Don’t Have Dessert

Unless you have a coupon for dessert, skip it. After you walk away from the table, you will forget you didn’t have dessert. Usually, the serving size is small for desserts in restaurants. Dessert is the often most expensive part of the meal.

9. Get to Know the Management

Some of the best deals happen at any restaurant when you eat there frequently. Make sure and visit with the management each time you go into the restaurant. They will appreciate your regular business and often give you additional discounts or free food as an award.

---

Amber Jenkins enjoys writing about fine dining, cooking & Buy.com Coupon Codes.

Tagged as: Coupons, Finances