How to Save Money Eating Out

Source: http://billcutterz.com/blog/2013/08/how-to-save-money-eating-out/

Coupons & Discounts
Eating at an expensive restaurant doesn’t have to be so expensive. There are heaps of websites that offer tons of great coupons. Using sites like Groupon.com and DealCatcher.com you can find tons of coupons for your favorite eatery. At Restaurant.com and CouponMom.com you can buy a $25 gift certificate for around $10, and sometimes even less.

Get Savings Right from the Source
Many restaurants have coupons and deals posted right on their website. Check out any promotions they may be having at the time or see if your favorite place has a frequent diner program. It may be a little bit busier during these times, but the savings are worth it.

Many eateries also offer discounts when you buy gift cards. They may offer a free meal or shave a few dollars off the gift card order. You can even sign up for birthday freebies. They’ll send you all kinds of great deals and all it costs is the occasional email or newsletter.

Smart Dining
There are many ways that you can save money at the restaurant as well. Try to bypass the sodas and other costly drinks and just get water. Not only is water free, but it’s much healthier and helps fill you up faster, keeping you from over-ordering.

Split a meal if you can. Most restaurants offer larger portion sizes anyway and splitting can cut spending down by a lot. If you’re still feeling slightly peckish, ordering a side salad or soup is much cheaper than another entrée.

By eating a small snack before going out, you leave less room for your hungry eyes to order more than you can eat. This will cut down on the cost of a big meal and the waste it can leave behind.

When and Where
Many restaurants allow kids to eat free. This can be a perfect way to keep you and your children happy and full.