How to spend less to eat outside, finance experts say

Take advantage of an excellent meal and all the atmosphere at a fraction of the price with these 9 tips.


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You do not imagine it - going out, like all the rest of life, has become more expensive . Thanks to the increase in rent rates and increasingly expensive ingredients, catering bills exceed inflation. Actually, Enjoy your meal Recently went so far as to say that the high cost of eating "killed the joy of trying new restaurants".

However, if you like to eat outside, but hate to empty your bank account with each visit, do not give up yet. Finance experts say that there are several ways to reduce costs while attending your favorite places. By making only a few minor adjustments, you can always enjoy an excellent meal - not to mention the whole atmosphere. These are their nine best tips to spend less money and each time you eat in a restaurant.

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1
Buy bulk restaurant gift cards.

A gift card and cash.
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If you generally eat in restaurant channels, there are several ways to spend less to eat outside. Andrea Woroch , A Consumer savings and budgeting expert , said that a big way to save is to buy bulk restaurant gift cards.

"Way shops like Costco sell bulk packages from the restaurants of the nearby and national channel at around 20% to 30% on average. For example, you can get two $ 50 gift cards in Macaroni Grill for only $ 75 (take advantage of an instant $ 25 discount on your meal), or two $ 50 gift cards at California Pizza Kitchen for $ 80 (a saving of $ 20!).

In some cases, you can also win free restaurant gift cards using a free reward application like Fetch , Said worch Better life : "By downloading photos of your various receipts for grocery store, gas and other essential daily elements, you will earn points that can be exchanged for gift cards with a variety of restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings, California Pizza Kitchen, Chipotle, Cheesecake Factory, Panera Pain, Uber eats and many others.

Finally, do not forget to browse select sites of gift card such as Increase For their best offers. "Here you can review the entire category of restaurant gift cards as 4.5% reduction on Panera Bread gift cards, almost 20% reduction on Ruby Tuesday cards and 25% reduction on cards- COLD Stone CREAMERY gifts, "she said.

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2
Divide an aperitif and an entry rather than ordering separately.

A couple eating tacos at a restaurant
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The portions of restaurants have increased spectacular over the years, it is unlikely that you are hungry if you decide to share with your comrades.

"The portions of the restaurants are huge, so divide a small plate to start and an ordinary meal rather than two entries when they are with a friend or a partner," explains Woroch. "It will probably be more than enough and cheaper!"

Aaron Cirksena , founder and CEO of MDRN capital , said that this strategy is even easier with a larger group. "Consider the" family style restaurants "where several dishes are served to share around the table. It is a great way to save money and eat outside," he says Better life.

3
Dinner during restaurant weeks.

Food on wood table in restaurant, including pasta, burger and fries, and chocolate cake
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According to Danielle Desir Corbett , A Budgeting expert Who directs the Travel and Personal Finance blog The reflection card , another economic alternative is to explore the promotions of restaurant week, which are specific periods where eating is made more affordable.

"These weeks are often organized several times a year and have special menus with two -course lunches and three -course dinners from $ 25 to $ 60 +. It is an excellent opportunity to try new restaurants or enjoy From a meal in your favorite location at a reduced price, "she says.

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4
Look for restoration certificates at reduced prices.

Woman in yellow sweater smiling while looking at her computer
Carlosdavid.org / istock

Websites specializing in daily offers on activities can also be useful for eating. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Daily transaction sites like Social living And Group are always an ideal place to recover restaurant certificates from a discount for approximately 50% reduction on average, "explains Woroch." You can also find catering certificates at reduced prices via Restaurant.com By entering your postal code. ""

5
Register for the awards and the money back.

Group of friends smiling at waiter in restaurant
Singe Images / Shutterstock

Many restaurants offer Loyalty It makes you something for your regular purchases, says Woroch. Most often, the whole restaurant will ask in return is your email address.

"For example, California Pizza Kitchen's reward program offers a small free plate when you register, a free dessert for your birthday, and gives you a point for every $ 1 that you spend, which comes to a reward of $ 5 When you reach 75 points, "said a budget expert.

Reseinder applications such as Dushy Can also help you win rewards when you link your card and pay with one of their partner restaurants, explains Woroch.

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6
Skip alcohol.

Shot of a unrecognizable person pouring water into a glass outside around a table
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Cirksena says that another great way to spend less to eat outside is to jump alcohol and other expensive drinks, order water instead.

"A typical fountain drink is about $ 3. Alcoholic beverages will be much more than that (ranging from about $ 8 to $ 20 a drink according to the type). This will easily increase the bill," he said.

Woroch should be one of the simplest ways to reduce costs in a restaurant, but says that it should not mean abstaining completely. "Alcohol prices are marked from 60 to 100%. Have a glass of wine at home before or after your outing," she suggests.

7
Look for the "children eats" offers.

Little boys eating pasta and pizza in restaurant
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Many restaurants offer free meals to children with a paying adult. However, Worch notes that the dates and hours of these types of promotions will vary, so it is advantageous to familiarize yourself in the calendar of this offer in your local restaurants.

"For example, children can eat for free at Denny from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, and Johnny Rockets offers a free children's meal to buy an adult entry and drink on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 4 p.m. And 8 pm ", she said she remarks. "Meanwhile, Firehouse Subs offers two free children's meals (with dessert and drink!) For each adult meal bought on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Baja Fresh says you can buy an adult meal and get a Free children's meals on Sundays. "

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8
Make sure to take advantage of any delivery linked to employment or age.

mature woman eating dinner at a restaurant
istock

Many people can also be eligible for reduced catering rates depending on their work or their senior status, notes Corbett.

"Popular chain restaurants to gastronomic establishments, teachers, health workers, the police, soldiers , students and the elderly can all be eligible for discounts on restaurants, "she explains." Although these discounts are not often publicized, calling or asking your host or your hostess can unlock discounts. Even AARP members can benefit from reduced prices or even free items on the menu. ""

9
Make a lunch date rather than a dinner.

Romantic couple enjoying lunch in a restaurant, eating pasta and drinking red wine.
Istock / Bobex-73

Each date should not be a dinner. Woroch suggests saving money by making plans earlier during the day.

"You get larger portions for less and many places provide lunch offers because they are slower. The leftover brunette bags to eat later for dinner - it's like two meals for one!" she says.

Many restaurants also have early special offers, HAPPY HOUR or night that can help you spend less during the restaurant. Call in advance to find out if your favorite restaurants offer such economic offers.

Best Life offers the most recent financial information of the best experts and the latest news and research, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the money you spend, save or invest, always consult your financial advisor directly.


Categories: Smarter Living
Tags: / food / Saving Money
By: liz-szabo
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