I’m not sure there are many things I love more than trying new restaurants. Between you and me, I might eat out several times a week if our budget would allow it. Also I would hire a babysitter because really it’s just more fun that way.
But I digress…
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average family spent $208.75 a month eating out in 2010. Our entertainment and dining out budget is $125, and admittedly this feels tight for our family of 4. But let’s be honest: it might be unrealistic to not eat out at all, so I’ve put together some ideas for saving some dough while still having some fun and dining out:
1. Get Social.
By following a restaurant on Facebook or Twitter, you will likely get access to discounts that you would otherwise not receive. Some restaurants post incentives just for liking or following them, others post passwords you can tell your server to access special deals.
2. Time Your Meal.
Many restaurants have specials to attract guests during their down times. So check for lunch or late night specials at your favorite restaurants.
3. Check In.
Check in on Yelp or Foursquare via your smartphone to access more deals.
4. Get Your Happy On.
Many restaurants offer a Happy Hour for discounted appetizers or small bites, which are great ways to sample the restaurant’s menu without having to fork over extra cash for one main entree. In fact, it’s become a tradition for Andrew and I to grab a seat at the bar for a Happy Hour at one restaurant, then go to another on our list for a light dinner.
5. Sign up for Email.
Yes, I know email can clutter your inbox. BUT, if you sign up for a select few email newsletters from restaurants you enjoy and that offer specials or birthday deals, I say do it! That way you can earn additional discounts or receive a little something on your birthday or anniversary.
6. Bring Your Own Wine.
By bringing your own wine to a restaurant with a minimal corkage fee, you can save a bundle even over the cost to buy a bottle full-pop at the restaurant. Let’s say the corkage fee is $15 and your bottle is $10, it’s likely still less than buying a bottle of wine at the restaurant and paying full price.
7. Check Out Online Deal Sites.
It’s become quite popular for restaurants to incentivize new guests by offering deals through Groupon, Living Social, and Restaurant.com. Typically you can save 50-75% by pre-buying through these sites. But you have to act fact or the deal might disappear.
8. Kids Eat Free.
A number of places offer Kids Eat Free on certain nights, when accompanied with a parent. Here’s a kids eat free site I found that might be helpful.
9. Think Before You Order.
I realize these things are kind of a given but here are a few tactical ways you can save when dining out:
- Skip dessert and grab a bowl of ice cream when you get home.
- Share with the kiddos instead of getting them their own kids meal.
- Opt for water instead of alcohol or soft drinks.
- Order a large meal and share (and tip well, for the sake of your server
What are your strategies for eating out on a budget? Do tell…
from the comments, back then.
I like to pick up those free newspapers you see outside the grocery story, gas station, etc. They are usually full of coupons for small, local restaurants that want your business. Just recently took advantage of a deal at a new Italian deli – 2 foot long subs for the price of one. You can feed 4 to six people with those sandwiches!
By the way, you said you spend $125 a month on groceries? For four people? I know you’ve been giving us weekly menus, but I’d like to know more about how you do this. What do you eat for breakfast and lunch? Snacks? How do you manage this amazing feat?
This is good to know when you have a family that likes to eat out on the weekend.
It looks like $125 per month on the “dining out and entertainment” budget. If that was the grocery budget I’d want to know the secrets. My wife and I are doing our best to get by on a $100/week grocery budget.
Thanks for the tips, especially about the wine. Buying drinks when dining out is certainly where you bump into budgetary pain. A $15 meal can easily turn into a $50 one…
Fantastic tips there, thank you. I’m not sure if UK restaurants let you bring your own wine though
We have a restaurant near the seaside that does not have a license for alcohol, so we are very fortunate enough to bring our own drinks. Definitely cheaper plus it brings the restaurant more customers too.
We occasionally join their loyalty programs (if there’s no fee or they give it back in a meal discount). Even if we end up not going back for quite a while, it’s still an option.
How can you spend only $125 per month in food for four people ?
Love this, I’m always looking for ways to cut the cost when I eat out. Really helpful
Some major cities also organize an annual restaurant foodie type of event for 1-2 weeks, where several restaurants will offer fixed price meal deals or similar to attract new customers. Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary has this.
When we travel over 50% of our hotels, tend to be places that offer breakfast. Useful since we’re cyclists and we need bigger breakfast to cycle for at least half of the day to get to next place!
Would you really pay $25+ for a bottle of wine in a restaurant? I mean, I know one can, but if eating on a budget would you. I don’t drink wine, but I’m sure restaurants here in the UK have decent wine at £10-£15 a bottle.
I like restaurants that offer deals – one local one has a “two courses for…” – much more useful to lone eaters like me than 2for1 offers!
Great! Those chops were really good and super light. Enjoy!
Great suggestions. I’m always looking for an excuse not to make dinner at home, yet not spend a lot out.