Dining on a dime – Tips to save while dining out

One of my biggest expenses is dining out. I’ve been tracking my budget more carefully lately, and this is one of the areas where I can definitely improve. For example, I usually eat out about twice a week. At roughly  $20 a meal, that turns out to be about $160 that I’m spending on dining out every month. Yikes!

While I don’t want to sacrifice these nice occasions with my friends and family–it’s great to sit down and catch up over a warm, delicious plate of spaghetti–this is cutting into my savings and financial goals. That’s why I’ve developed a few ways to stash more cash while still enjoying a fancy meal now and then. Hope these ideas can help for you too.

1. Search for discounts and specials
Search your local newspapers and free regional publications for coupons to your favorite restaurant.  Also use the Internet; sites like Wow-CouponsValpak.com have the latest discounts for chain restaurants such as Quiznos, Subway and Papa Murphy’s. finds coupons and running specials for restaurants in your area. All you have to do is enter your zip code and it’ll run a search. (You can also search for discounts and coupons for local grocery stores, mechanics, even cable TV specials at Valpak.com)

And if you have an idea of where you’d like to dine, remember to visit that restaurant’s website. You could find a coupon there or learn about a nightly special that you might not be aware of. If you’re a regular at the spot, also request to get on their mailing list to receive coupons and discounts in the future.

2. Go out for lunch instead of dinner
Most restaurants have lunch specials, and those prices are usually less than what’s on the dinner menu. So if you can plan to have a late lunch and make it your biggest meal of the day, you can save money–lunch entrees are in the $10 range while dinner entrees usually run $15+. Here’s another bonus: you can avoid the evening crowds and slower service associated with peak periods.

3. Have your kids eat for free
If you’re planning a trip for the entire brood, look for places where kids can eat for free. For example, children 9 and under get a free meal at Fresh Choice on Wednesdays, as long as they’re with an adult who’s dining there. Search for similar deals at sites like KidsMealsDeals and MyKidsEatFree or call ahead to ask about kids’ specials.

4. Order appetizers
Appetizers are usually cheaper than full entrees but can be just as filling.  If you’re dining with a friend, you can order a couple of hot appetizers and share them. You still get the experience of a nice dinner (or lunch) without the hefty tab.

5. Skip the drinks and dessert
You could save a lot of money by asking for water instead of ordering cocktails–in fact, this habit could help you save enough for another meal!  If you want to round out your meal with a sweet treat, pick up something from the grocery store after dinner. Consider this: for about $5, you could buy a whole gallon of ice cream! That’s what you pay for 1-2 scoops at the restaurant.

6. Take home leftovers
Don’t feel like you have to finish your meal in one sitting. Box up your leftovers and take them home. You could eat leftovers for lunch, which means the savings carry over to the next day. Splitting your entree over several meals is also healthier, given the large portions many restaurants serve.

I hope these tips help. And remember to savor the experience and to enjoy yourself. Whether you choose to eat out for lunch or dinner, plan your money-saving strategy in advance so you won’t have to stress over the tab at the end of the meal. Because for most of us, going out to dinner is more than just eating food. It’s the social interaction that’s so important–the pleasure we get from spending time with friends and family. And for those of us who don’t cook (I’m guilty), it’s also about eating a good meal that you didn’t have to prepare! So ‘bo appetit’ as you grow your green!