14 Ways To Save Money Eating out (Without Looking Cheap)

The cost of dining out seems to be getting more expensive. Although rising costs are pushing the tab for many restaurantgoers, there are some ways to stretch your restaurant budget without looking cheap.

Here are some options to help make your dining experience more affordable.

1. Opt for lunch

When you choose to eat lunch instead of dinner at a restaurant, you might be surprised by more affordable price points for popular menu items.

If you can squeeze a lunchtime date into your schedule, your wallet might thank you.

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2. Look for coupons

Many restaurants offer coupons to loyal customers and new customers. Consider setting up an email address just for coupons to help you keep track of deals without cluttering your main inbox.

Depending on where you go, you can order directly through an app, so no one will know you’ve used a coupon.

3. Go out for just dessert

If you want a night out without the price tag, consider going out only for desserts. In general, this will lead to a much smaller bill because you’ll already have eaten your main meal at home.

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4. Take some of your meal home

Restaurant meals are often oversized. If you can take around half of your meal home, it’s a double win. Not only will you get two meals out of one dinner, but you’ll also save your waistline.

5. Go on a Tuesday

Many restaurants are slow on Tuesdays, which leads to special deals. If you want a cheaper meal, seek out the deals around town. You’ll likely find a wide selection of meal deals on Tuesday nights.

6. Find ‘kids eat free’ nights

Some restaurants offer free meals to children on certain nights of the week. Of course, the goal is to get parents to pay full price for a meal. But when you factor in free food for your kid, the savings might make it a better deal.

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7. Jump to the main course

Appetizers can be tempting. But if possible, stick with the main entrees and skip the appetizer section to avoid a ballooning bill.

Sometimes, restaurants offer free apps, like bread or chips and salsa. Ask if the offered option is free before accepting.

8. Only go for appetizers

On the flip side, only eating appetizers is one option for a cheap night out. Instead of jumping to the main course, pick a few appetizers to split.

This might work best if you eat a snack before going out. You’ll still get to enjoy quality time out without sticker shock at the end of the night.

9. Skip the fancy wine

If you opt for a glass of wine with dinner, consider skipping the fanciest bottle on the menu. In many cases, a more affordable wine will still taste delicious.

10. Seek out happy hour

Happy hour isn’t strictly for alcohol. Restaurants often offer half-priced appetizers as part of their happy hour deals. Heading out early for dinner could help you save big on your night on the town.

11. Pay attention to the specials

Many restaurants offer specials to keep the menu exciting. Sometimes, the specials are more affordable than the meals listed on the main menu. Paying attention to the specials can help you find a better meal with a lower price tag.

12. Ask about refills

Although many restaurants offer free refills, that’s not always the case. I learned this lesson the hard way when paying the bill at my local Mexican restaurant.

I thought refills were free, but my two glasses of tea ended up costing me $7. If free refills aren’t mentioned on the menu, ask your server about the refill policy before agreeing to another glass.

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13. Sign up for birthday deals

If you want to eat on the cheap during your birthday month, sign up for different birthday clubs at your favorite restaurants. The coupons could make your celebrations especially affordable.

14. Opt for a more affordable restaurant

Different restaurants have different price points. If possible, head to a more affordable restaurant. Once there, the menu will be more in line with your budget.

Bottom line

Going out to eat can be a real treat. But it pays to be intentional about your choices if you want to keep your spending in check while dining out.

You can also save money by paying for dinner with one of the best cash back credit cards , which will put more cash in your wallet later.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).