Best Money Tips: How to Dine Out for Less
Discover proven strategies to enjoy restaurant meals without overspending, from smart timing to savvy ordering hacks.
Dining out can be a delightful treat, but restaurant bills often escalate quickly due to markups on drinks, appetizers, and desserts. With strategic planning, you can savor restaurant experiences while keeping expenses low. This guide compiles the best strategies from financial experts, drawing on real-world examples and proven hacks to help you dine smarter, not harder.
Research Restaurants and Special Deals Online
Before stepping foot in a restaurant, leverage the internet to scout deals. Visit restaurant websites, read reviews on platforms like Yelp or TripAdvisor, and check local publications for promotions. Look for sample menus, pricing insights, and limited-time offers such as Restaurant Week events, which feature prix-fixe menus at reduced rates.
Deal sites like Groupon or RetailMeNot often list coupons for buy-one-get-one entrées or percentage discounts. Following restaurants on social media or signing up for newsletters can unlock exclusive codes. For instance, many chains post flash sales on Twitter, turning a $50 dinner into $30.
- Compare lunch vs. dinner prices: Many spots slash rates midday.
- Search for ‘happy hour’ or ‘bar specials’ listings.
- Track seasonal promotions like holiday tasting menus.
Opt for Lunch Over Dinner
Fine dining and casual eateries alike offer substantial savings at lunch. Portions may be slightly smaller, but quality remains high, and prices can be half of dinner equivalents. In New York City, Bouley’s five-course lunch tasting menu costs $55, compared to $185 for the six-course dinner version.
Chicago’s Blackbird provides a three-course lunch prix-fixe for $25, cheaper than most dinner entrées, with a full lunch menu at half dinner prices. Los Angeles’ Little Dom’s runs a $15 three-course family-style dinner on Mondays—far below regular $30 entrées. Eat earlier in the day for breakfast or lunch to access reduced pricing on similar dishes.
| Restaurant | Location | Lunch Deal | Dinner Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bouley | NYC | $55 (5 courses) | $185 (6 courses) |
| Blackbird | Chicago | $25 (3 courses) | $50+ per entrée |
| Little Dom’s | LA | $15 (3 courses, Mondays) | $30+ per entrée |
Take Advantage of Happy Hours and Bar Menus
Bars in upscale restaurants provide cozy seating with exclusive deals to fill seats efficiently. Happy hours often feature discounted apps, drinks, and full bar menus at lower prices. Wolfgang Puck’s Spago in Beverly Hills offers ‘bar bites’ during 9-11 p.m. happy hour, keeping tabs under $50 per person versus $100-200 at tables.
Call ahead to inquire about bar seating availability and specials when reserving. Mention bar preferences to secure spots. These menus reward proximity diners with value-packed options like half-price cocktails and small plates.
- Arrive early for peak happy hour crowds.
- Combine bar bites with one drink for a full meal feel.
- Check for late-night bar deals post-dinner rush.
Explore BYOB Policies
Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) is gaining traction even at high-end spots, bypassing hefty wine markups. Chicago’s Goosefoot charges just a $10 corkage fee, allowing premium sips without inflated costs.
Research local BYOB lists or call restaurants directly. Calculate savings: Compare in-house bottle prices against your purchase plus fees—often a 50-70% discount. Confirm policies, as some limit bottles per table or require advance notice.
Observe and Plan Your Order Strategically
Upon arrival, survey the room: Note portion sizes, popular dishes, and order volumes. Avoid over-ordering by sharing apps and entrées, sampling more variety without excess.
Set a group plan—split a starter, entrée, and side. This prevents $50 in leftovers and promotes mindful spending. Apps as mains work well for lighter eaters.
Time Your Drinks Wisely
Alcohol markups can double bills, so delay ordering until food arrives. Pregame affordably at home or a cheap bar. Set a drink limit upfront to curb impulse upsells.
Skip restaurant drinks entirely—opt for water or shared soft drinks to halve beverage costs. More sobriety means fewer regrettable add-ons like extra rounds.
Skip Desserts and Finish Strong
Unless famed for sweets, bypass restaurant desserts ($10-20) and grab ice cream en route home. This extends the evening cheaply while trimming the check.
Use Coupons and Loyalty Programs
Don’t hesitate on coupons from PennySavers, ValuPacks, or apps. Many locals offer 20% off or free apps. Join loyalty programs for points toward free meals—follow chains on Twitter for insider deals.
- Clip digital coupons pre-visit.
- Redeem rewards on slower weekdays.
- Ask about unadvertised specials.
Share Meals and Drinks
Splitting entrées and soft drinks cuts portions and costs in half. Order apps as mains for budget feasts. Larger groups amplify savings via family-style platters.
Be Selective with Waiter Suggestions
Waitstaff upsell specials and wines—politely decline unless aligning with your budget. Stick to researched choices.
Become a Regular for Perks
Frequent spots earn comps like free apps or discounts. Build rapport for off-menu deals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the biggest saver when dining out?
Lunch specials and happy hours offer the steepest discounts, often 50% below dinner.
Is BYOB allowed at fine dining?
Yes, many charge low corkage; call to confirm policies.
Should I use coupons at upscale places?
Absolutely—many accept Groupon or offer their own.
How can sharing save money?
Split meals to try more for less, avoiding waste.
Are bar menus worth it?
Often yes, with deals like Spago’s bites under $50.
Additional Frugal Hacks
Eat during off-peak times for lower prices. Take leftovers home promptly. Track spending apps for post-meal reviews. Combine tips for compounded savings: Lunch at the bar with BYOB yields massive value.
These strategies transform dining from splurge to staple. Implement a few weekly to reclaim hundreds annually without sacrificing joy.
References
- 7 Tricks for Enjoying Fine Dining on a Budget — Wise Bread. 2013-approx. https://www.wisebread.com/7-tricks-for-enjoying-fine-dining-on-a-budget
- A Cheapskate’s Guide to Eating Out — Wise Bread. 2010-approx. https://www.wisebread.com/a-cheapskate%E2%80%99s-guide-to-eating-out
- Best Money Tips: Ways to Save on Eating Out — Wise Bread. 2012-approx. https://www.wisebread.com/best-money-tips-ways-to-save-on-eating-out
- Five More Tips For Eating In Restaurants And Sticking To A Budget — Wise Bread. 2009-approx. https://www.wisebread.com/five-more-tips-for-eating-in-restaurants-and-sticking-to-a-budget
- Tips For Eating Out Cheaply — Wise Bread. 2008-approx. https://www.wisebread.com/tips-for-eating-out-cheaply
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