Top Five Ways to Save Money in a Restaurant

In this tough economic time, going out for dinner in a restaurant may seem too much for your budget. It may be that meals in restaurants you could previously afford are now out of reach.

However, eating out can be done inexpensively, alleviating stress and adding more fun into your overall lifestyle.

Happy Hour Offerings

Eateries like this restaurant in West Linn, Oregon, offer a generous Happy Hour menu before and after the typical dinner rush. Take advantage of these Happy Hour specials, spending less money for more variety. If the idea of buying a drink with alcohol bothers you, opt for a soda or iced tea instead.

Two for One

My husband and I work hard to never go to a restaurant unless we can use a coupon while we’re there. There are many places to find restaurant coupons, including your region’s Entertainment® Book as well as locally published coupon books or monthly flyers. Challenge yourself to only go to restaurants where you can use a coupon or discount card.

Kids Eat Free

Many mainstream restaurants have begun offering deals where kids eat free with paying adults. The evenings of the week differ depending on the restaurant. A quick internet search of your favorite area eateries will help you narrow down the specifics, helping your whole family to eat cheap.

Share and Save

The portions served in restaurant meals are often bigger than we need to feel full. If dining with another person, find an entrée you can agree on and share it, saving you both calories and money. If you don’t want to share or are dining alone, ask for a box when you order and package up half of your meal to save for another time.

Order Water

Beverages, especially those containing alcohol, add up fast. Consider choosing drinks that come with free refills, like soda, coffee or lemonade. Order a glass of water with your beverage to quench your thirst and to avoid ordering more expensive drinks.

Lighten Up

To avoid eating a more expensive dinner, consider going out to lunch instead. Lunch portions are close to the same size as what’s served for dinner, but can cost up to half the price. Ask for a box when you order so you can package up half to take home!

Kelly Wilson is a freelance writer looking for cheap eats, like those found at this sports bar in West Linn, Oregon.