Ten Ways to Save at Restaurants

Another oldie but goodie from Mary Hunt of www.debtproofliving. 


If the high cost of restaurant meals is eating up your cash, here are some great ways to keep your tab lean.



1. Discounts: Many restaurants offer a reduced-price menu for seniors and children. If you or someone in your party qualifies, be sure to inquire if this doesn't show up on the regular menu. Typically, these discounted menus offer smaller portions at significantly reduced prices.


2. Share: Splitting a meal these days is socially acceptable and economically savvy. While some restaurants charge a minimal fee for splitting, most are very accommodating. Some are so accommodating they'll split the meal in the kitchen rather than handing you an extra plate.


3. Specials: Many restaurants have daily specials that are not on the menu. Often, specials are priced below their menu price. Ask about any specials if the waitperson does not volunteer.


4. Early birds: Many restaurants, in an effort to build business during their quiet hours, offer half-off or some other enticingly priced meal, but only if you're there before the regular dinner crowd. Look in the newspaper and your mailbox for advertisements and information.


5. Skip the sodas: Skip the pricey drinks and dubious "free refills" altogether and you'll save at least $2 per person. Lisa B. rewards herself whenever she opts for water by stuffing two bucks into her savings account. One mom who wrote says she pays her kids $1 to order water. She figures it saves her a buck per child, plus gives them an incentive to break their soda habit.


6. Appetizers: Before you opt for a full meal, check the appetizer menu. You'll find generous portions minus the add-ons like salad or soup. And the price is right.


7. Coupons: Call your local high schools to find out who is selling restaurant-discount books, or go to www.entertainment.com to find one for your area.


8. Play tourist: It's not unusual for restaurants to have special offers directed at tourists that you can take advantage of as well. Stop in the lobby of a local hotel and peruse the attraction brochures. You'll find all kinds of offers for local restaurants. Google your city name plus "tourist" to see what comes up in the way of discount coupons.


9. Lunch menu: Many restaurants have a lunch menu that is slightly different from the one for dinner, the difference being the portion size and price. Ask the waiter if you can order from the lunch menu and you will save a lot.


10. Restaurant.com: You can buy gift certificates for selected restaurants in all parts of the country for half the face value at www.restaurant.com. A $25 gift certificate is $12.50, and one with a $10 face value is just $5. Certificates that do not sell on the site are auctioned on eBay for even less. This is a site worth checking out.