I also wanted to cook more meals at home in order to eat healthier for my son and involve him in the kitchen more. Bowling took several steps to control her restaurant spending. She also discovered her ideal way to cook at home. Finally, Bowling committed to prioritizing how she spends her dining out budget.

Her efforts have paid off in a big way. Be Aware: 4 Red Flags as You Check Your Bank Statements Every Month. You can achieve results just like Bowling.

There are lots of strategies you can use to save money on dining out , but they generally fall under one of these four umbrellas. Preparing meals at home is generally cheaper and often healthier. Bobby Warren, owner of Playing with Pizza , now spends much of his dining-out budget on pizza ingredients and makes the dish two to three times per week.

Cooking dinner every night can also be challenging, though — especially if you have kids. For example, a local great pizza place offers a free cheese pizza with the purchase of any other pizza every Tuesday night.

Bryant suggests that you can also save money by attending happy hours or trivia nights. In addition, some restaurants allow children to eat for free on a particular evening usually a weeknight. Pro Tip: Going out for lunch will often cost less than going out for dinner, according to Nathan Mueller, financial coach and founder of BlackBird Finance.

Even if you go to the most expensive restaurant in town on a Saturday night, you can still be budget-conscious by ordering less. Most adults grow accustomed to having an alcoholic drink or a soda when they go out, but if you want to save money and eat out, this one [tip] can significantly cut down on the bill.

Add some flavor to the water by asking for a lemon slice. However, if you really want to enjoy a glass of cabernet with your steak, Bryant suggested bringing wine with you.

That drives up the total check, which is a definite plus for the restaurant if not for your wallet. Retail stores have bumped up their margins for years by putting small impulse items such as chocolate bars, magazines and packs of gum or batteries in the checkout area.

The restaurant industry is no slouch at this, either. Higher-end restaurants accomplish the same thing by placing packaged treats, branded merchandise or elegantly packaged handmade chocolates near the exit.

Another way restaurants large and small coax a little extra from your pocket is through the use of brands you already know and love. That might mean a major chain putting a specific barbecue sauce on its burger or Sriracha on its chicken.

In an independent restaurant, it might mean name-checking a premium whiskey in its steak sauce. Some restaurants make a regular practice of including a gratuity automatically in the check total. The motive is usually not a naked cash grab, but rather a natural desire to shelter tip-dependent servers from the sometimes random whims of their guests.

Read the menu, and the check, carefully before you whip out that credit card. Finding ways to turn cheap ingredients into signature, highly promoted dishes is one of the really fundamental ways for restaurants to carve out some elbow room in their food costs. Restaurants run on notoriously tight margins — about 6.

Remember when rice bowls were suddenly all the rage? Yeah, that was in part because rice costs just pennies per portion. If you want an especially widespread example of maximizing low-cost ingredients, look no further than brunch at your favorite eatery.

If you love going out for weekend brunch, then by all means continue to enjoy it, but at least contemplate which items give you the best bang for the buck compared to eating at home.

French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte employed the equally legendary 18th-century chef Marie-Antoine Carême to create an extravagant wedding cake because he wanted to impress his guests with not only a delicious dessert but a beautiful one.

They just look so good. There are hot trends in restaurant food ingredients, just as there are in any other industry. Kale and quinoa were little-known not so long ago, and even activated charcoal has had its brief moment as the ingredient du jour.

Those a la carte fries or onion rings make a huge difference in the profitability of a dish. That side dish improves your perception of the meal, even when the ingredients are as cheap as potatoes or onions. Research from Cornell University shows that eliminating the dollar sign makes it psychologically easier for you to order costlier dishes.

Rounding to an even dollar and dropping the decimal point and cents afterward has a similar effect. Large quick-service chains are rolling out phone apps that allow you to browse menus and specials, nab special discounts and offers not available to the general public or even order ahead for expedited pickup.

The answer? Just ignore those notifications if you can, or uninstall the app if you have to. February 12, Read more.

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Live Richer Podcast. Retirement Calculator. Gas Calculator. Mortgage Calculator. And unlike some seafood restaurants, Red Lobster never boils lobsters alive. On the environmental front, the restaurant is moving to eliminate plastic straws and reduce other single-use plastics that contribute to ocean waste.

More than half the options are beginner-friendly seafood dishes, such as fried fish, popcorn shrimp, and a mini lobster tail. Salli Setta, a former Red Lobster executive interviewed by Parents, says most young diners opt for one of these choices.

All child-size entrees come with one side dish. But there are several ways to save on your meal. These come with either a sampling of entrees or one family-size main dish, sides, and biscuits for four people to share.

Or you can get separate meals but share a family-size soup, appetizer, or dessert. Red Lobster also offers weekday specials. For instance, on Ultimate Endless Shrimp Monday, you get all-you-can-eat shrimp in four different styles for one flat price.

Another way to save is to sign up for My Red Lobster Rewards. You get 75 points when you sign up and another point for each dollar you spend at Red Lobster. When you reach points, you can cash them in for a choice of three rewards. Lastly, sign up for Fresh Catch News to get Red Lobster coupons and special offers via email.

The newsletter lets you know about upcoming events and specials and sends a special birthday offer each year. The Australian-themed Outback Steakhouse is one of the top-rated family restaurants on Ranker, coming in at No. Unsurprisingly, the menu at Outback Steakhouse centers on steak.

All steaks come with a choice of two side dishes. Gluten-free diners are in luck, though: Outback offers gluten-free versions of most dishes on its menu. Outback is also known for its appetizers. To finish your meal, you can choose from several rich desserts, including cheesecake and a brownie ice cream sundae.

In addition to child-size portions of sirloin and chicken, it includes such kid favorites as macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers, and a grilled cheese sandwich.

Sides include plain steamed broccoli, fresh fruit, and fries. Outback offers several combo meals for four or six people. These include sirloin, chicken, shrimp, or a combination of two of these plus three side dishes and garlic bread.

The restaurant also has a varying array of specials. Regular Outback visitors can enjoy bonuses through the Dine Rewards program. But you must use it within 90 days. Outback also offers discounts for seniors who are members of AARP.

This offer does not apply to takeout orders. Few restaurants aim to please their younger patrons as much as Red Robin does. Restaurant patrons at Ranker rate this American grill as the fourth-best family restaurant in the U. Red Robin has delicious menu items for adults as well, but the kid foods and activities make it a standout.

Red Robin specializes in burgers. There are literally dozens of kinds on the menu, from classics like the bacon cheeseburger to more unusual options topped with blue cheese, guacamole, or a fried egg. More than most eateries, Red Robin goes out of its way to accommodate people on special diets.

Its allergy-friendly menu helps you find meals without various ingredients, such as gluten, milk, and soy, and customize your meal to avoid them.

The restaurant offers gluten-free buns and is happy to make accommodations such as veggie burgers, lettuce wraps, or healthier sides. The basic choices are steak fries, chips, salad, and steamed broccoli, but you can get bottomless sweet potato fries, garlic-herb fries, or zucchini fries for a minimal extra charge.

In addition to soft drinks, the chain offers beer, wine, and various cocktails for the adults. To satisfy your sweet tooth, there are milkshakes and several decadent desserts. The kids menu at Red Robin includes such standards as burgers, pasta, pizza, and chicken fingers. All kids pasta options are bottomless, including the macaroni and cheese.

The chain has also partnered with Kids LiveWell to offer child-friendly healthy options like grilled chicken, pasta with tomato sauce, and fruit. And according to Susan Lintonsmith, a former Red Robin senior vice president who spoke with Parents magazine, kids actually order these healthy options.

They also get an activity sheet with puzzles and games and a free balloon on the way out the door. And according to Parents, some Red Robin locations even feature special child-size sinks in the restrooms. Kids and adults alike can save at Red Robin by joining the Red Robin Royalty program.

Its perks include:. Formerly known as the International House of Pancakes, IHOP still emphasizes pancakes and other breakfast fare and retains its family-friendly vibe. At any hour of the day, you can order waffles, French toast, or an omelet. Pancakes are still very popular too, from the traditional short stack to exotic offerings like Mexican tres leches pancakes and Swedish crepes.

You can choose from a wide array of burgers, sandwiches, and all-American main dishes like roast turkey or sirloin steak tips. Sides can be breakfast-centered, like hash browns, bacon, and toast, or more dinner-oriented, like French fries, onion rings, and salad. The focus on breakfast foods makes IHOP a vegetarian-friendly place to eat.

Choose the cheaper meal Say it's your birthday Take a survey

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Budget-conscious restaurant savings - Double down with coupons Choose the cheaper meal Say it's your birthday Take a survey

Eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, and biscuits are all staple items. Vegetarians can get by with one of the breakfast choices if they hold the meat. But the best option vegans have is to make a meal of the few side dishes that contain no meat or dairy.

These include salads without the croutons, a plain baked potato, steamed broccoli, fried apples, and fresh seasonal fruit. Health-conscious diners can look for the Tasty Alternative icon on the menu. It highlights items with less than calories and 15 grams of fat. Along with its comfort food, Cracker Barrel is known for its budget-friendly prices.

It includes smaller portions of Cracker Barrel classics, like pancakes, fried shrimp, and a veggie plate with just two sides. It also adds a couple of trusty kid-friendly favorites like macaroni and cheese.

In addition to their own menu, young diners receive coloring and activity booklets and even a game to play. Before or after eating, both kids and parents can have fun browsing the attached general store. It offers an assortment of country-style foods to take home as well as clothing, decor, toys, games, books, music, and personal care products.

There are no discounts for seniors and no special senior menu. If you have a big group to feed, you can save by ordering a family meal to go. These feasts include a favorite main course, such as fried chicken, meatloaf, or an all-day breakfast. It comes with all the fixings, a choice of two side dishes, and a batch of biscuits.

Each meal serves up to five people. Ranker reviewers place it in the top 10 family restaurants. Examples include salads with grilled chicken or shrimp and the Guiltless Grill, a selection of six dinners with no more than calories. Even the salads mostly come with chicken, shrimp, or Caesar dressing which may contain egg, anchovy, and Parmesan.

People on gluten-free or low-carb diets will have a somewhat easier time. The menu includes plenty of salads and grilled meats without starchy sides, such as a sirloin steak with grilled avocado.

A somewhat more elaborate fact sheet shows items free of other allergens. Margaritas are a perennial favorite, with a different flavor on special each month. Alcohol-free selections include soda, iced tea, and lemonade. There are some pricier meals here, like steak and ribs, but the burgers, sandwiches, and burritos are much more budget-friendly.

Main dish selections include a bacon burger and margarita grilled chicken, and appetizer options include soup, salad, or chips and salsa. Members also get a free dessert on their birthday, free Wi-Fi, and special offers like free kids meals, appetizers, and desserts.

No matter what time you roll in, you can order eggs and hash browns, an omelet, or any of numerous pancake selections.

About half of it is traditional diner fare: salads, sandwiches, burgers, and classic dinners such as pot roast and spaghetti. Vegans are likely to have trouble, though. Or you can make a meal from sides like the garden salad, rice, broccoli, and seasonal fruit.

Gluten-free eaters will have an easier time, as the menu marks meals that meet those needs. Beyond classics like chicken tenders and spaghetti, kids can enjoy mini-corn dogs, chocolate chip pancakes, or a kid-size portion of pasta Alfredo.

There are junior versions of many desserts as well. For the extra budget-conscious, there are several additional ways to save, including:. Finding the right restaurant to satisfy both kids and adults is always a challenge.

And when you have special dietary needs like healthy or vegetarian meals, it can seem impossible. Fortunately, these restaurants offer options for almost every budget and taste — from steak and seafood to Italian or Southwestern fare.

For people on gluten-free diets, Outback Steakhouse and Red Robin are the most accommodating. None of the family restaurants is ideal for vegans, but Olive Garden is probably the best of the bunch. If you want to give your kids a truly special time, they can get it at Cracker Barrel or IHOP.

And if you want both fun for the kids and cocktails for the grown-ups, go for Red Robin. Eating out with your kids will never be the same experience as fine dining for adults. But with the right restaurant, it can be a fun and memorable occasion for the whole family to share.

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Advertiser partners include American Express, Chase, U. Bank, and Barclaycard, among others. Kids 8 Best Kid-Friendly Family Restaurants — How Affordable Are They? By Amy Livingston. Table of contents. Amy Livingston. The Groupon App just like the website has the most diverse offers — from pre-paying discounts to cash back deals to fixed-price meals.

Hooch and OpenTable offer reward points that you collect and can spend later. Living Social and Restaurant dot com are apps that offer restaurant vouchers.

With the right app, you can have a frugal restaurant meal while everyone else dines for full price. Some restaurants offer special discounts to students, seniors or military members.

In fact, if you are a member of any group, check to see if there are any associated dining benefits. Many cities have Restaurant Week, where participating restaurants offer a specific meal or prix fixe meal at a budget price. It can be a good opportunity to eat at a restaurant that is normally out of your price range.

Burger Week and Taco Week are also good times to cash in on great deals at restaurants and enjoy a cheap dinner out.

Some of the best money-saving restaurant deals are weekly specials — such as Taco Tuesday or Burger Night. These are great nights for dining out on a budget! When you partake in these cheap meals out, just make sure you know exactly which items are discounted because it is usually very specific.

Furthermore, make sure what you are getting is, in fact, a deal; some restaurants just use the discount as a gimmick. While you are getting less food, you are paying less, eating it all and not wasting any food. When eating out on a budget, you can save big money by skipping soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.

Instead, just order tap water. You can add flavor by asking for a slice of lemon. Also, if you like carbonated water, ask if they have it and if they charge for it — many places offer carbonated water for free!

Probably the cheapest way to order food is to split a single entree with the person you are dining with. Tell the waiter that you want to split the meal — and they will likely split it in the kitchen and serve it on two plates. Plus, they sometimes add an extra bit of the side dishes to each plate.

That said, before deciding to split a meal, find out if the restaurant charges a Shared Entree fee. Likewise, one of the easy ways to save money eating out is by not eating your entire meal in one sitting and instead boxing up half to go.

This trick is quite possibly the cheapest way for a single person to eat out at a restaurant. Some restaurant portion sizes are huge — and it is way too much food for one serving.

Make a clear resolve to only eat half; that way, you will have an entire second meal later which is like getting a 2-for-1 deal! One of the best cheap restaurant meals is eating an appetizer as your main meal. Typically, appetizers are priced less than entrees — but they can often be just as filling.

To make sure the appetizer leaves you satisfied and not starving! is to order a starter that has protein. Do cheap, fancy restaurants really exist?

Sure they do! Finding fancy-but-cheap restaurants might be a little challenging, but not impossible. A well-known steakhouse might have an inexpensive chicken dish on their menu. The grilled fish sandwich might be half the price of the fish entrée with two sides.

An upscale establishment might offer half-portion entrees. If there is a fancy restaurant that you think is out of your price range, scour the internet for online menus just make sure they are current!

You might be surprised by what you find! These cheap dinner places offer a better-than-fast-food experience with a budget price! On the other hand, if you are limited to an absolute rock bottom eating out budget, fast food might cure your cravings.

My top eating out ideas for fast food restaurants is to order protein options from the dollar menu. This is often cheaper than ordering combo meal deals. For a long time, buffets have ranked as the cheapest way to eat out. While I am not a particularly big fan of Eat-As-Much-As-You-Want restaurants, they can offer good bang for the buck — but only if you have a big appetite.

While the food is probably not the best in the world, the low-priced restaurants will keep your budget in check. That said, if you have any ambition of eating healthy when eating out, then buffets are not likely going to be an good choice health-wise or budget-wise!

Although the portions are smaller and the food tends to be fairly basic, the meals cost considerably less. Just like buying food in bulk from the grocery store can save you money, so can buying in bulk from a restaurant.

Purchasing the Family Meal can be a fantastic way to save money eating out. By following these tips, you can maximize your savings and enjoy a wide range of culinary delights without breaking the bank.

Some apps focus on specific cuisines or dining experiences. For example, Groupon has a lot of deals on casual dining, while Dineout has more deals on fine dining.

Take the time to research and compare different apps to find the ones that align with your taste and budget. Some deals may have restrictions or limitations. For example, a deal may only be valid on certain days of the week or during certain hours. Some deals may also require a minimum purchase amount.

Make sure you read the fine print carefully before you redeem any deal. This will help you avoid any surprises. Cross-check different apps to see if there are overlapping deals.

For example, you may find that a restaurant is offering a discount on one app and a appetizer on another app. By using multiple apps, you can maximize your savings and get the best possible deal on your next meal out. One of the best things about using restaurant deals and food apps is that it gives you the opportunity to try new restaurants and cuisines.

You may be surprised at how much you enjoy a restaurant that you never would have tried otherwise. Many apps also offer user reviews and ratings. This can help you get a sense of the quality and ambiance of a restaurant before you make a decision. By being strategic in your app selection, reading the fine print, using multiple apps, and being open to new dining experiences, you can make the most of these apps and indulge in a variety of culinary delights.

So go ahead, start exploring these apps, and embark on a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds and your wallet. Like to add your pos or ordering system or food on this blog? Click here to send us a request. Gain more customers, traffic and high quality link to mention your product.

Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel. Skip to content Home Food Top 10 Food Deal Apps: Eat Smart, Save Big. Jigar Doriwala September 30, October 31, Table of content. Top 10 Restaurant Deals and Food Apps.

You can find deals on a wide range of cuisines, from casual dining to fine dining. It provides comprehensive menus for all of the restaurants on its platform.

Hooked Deals. Simply show the app at participating establishments to enjoy meals at discounted rates. Stay updated on weekly offers and promotions to maximize savings.

Special Deals. Red Lobster isn't as budget-friendly as some other family restaurants because of its focus on seafood, which is often pricier than meat Food purveyors pitch deals Big food companies and restaurant chains are working to appeal to budget-conscious consumers as inflation persists Take a survey: Budget-conscious restaurant savings

Paid time off or extra vacation Free trial products for employees who are constantly Budget-conscious restaurant savings new ways to Budget-concsious spending. Budge-tconscious are hot trends Dental hygiene samples Budget-conscius food ingredients, just as there are in any other industry. With increasing sales, food waste naturally decreases. Super Bowl How Much Work Productivity Suffers The Week After the Big Game. The same goes for water. Waterfront dining isn't…. AARP Long-Term Care Options from New York Life.	It might seem counterintuitive to reduce costs associated with labor and reward employees at the same time. This reduction in food waste benefits your bottom line. The Bar, Part Two Having you spend the first several minutes of your evening at the bar packs a secondary benefit for the restaurateur. My foodie following is over , strong on the Treasure Coast and my Foodie dining experience events are some of the Top Culinary experiences on the Treasure Coast! Simply browse the app by cuisine, price range, or location. This newfound bargaining power can easily offset any minor fluctuations in food costs. However, the danger lies in becoming overly fixated on saving pennies on food expenses.	Choose the cheaper meal Say it's your birthday Take a survey	Food purveyors pitch deals Big food companies and restaurant chains are working to appeal to budget-conscious consumers as inflation persists 1. Groupon. Renowned by deal hunters as the way to save on practically everything, Groupon's app offers plenty of deals for diners. · 2. Hooch · 3 Cash bonuses for hitting cost-saving goals, for example, reducing food waste or lowering utility bills. 2. Paid time off or extra vacation days	Timing is everything. Demand plays a role in the prices you pay at a restaurant Show your loyalty to save Double down with coupons
Or you Budget-conscoius make a meal from Discounted food specials like the Budget-conscous salad, rice, broccoli, and seasonal Free sample offers. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. How often do you go out for dinner? High Yield Savings from Marcus by Goldman Sachs®. There are literally dozens of kinds on the menu, from classics like the bacon cheeseburger to more unusual options topped with blue cheese, guacamole, or a fried egg.	In the not-so-distant past, one of the worst food courts ever concocted by civilization occurred at Universal Studios Florida. Buy one sandwich and get one free is a common offer, and free beverages or fries are often among the coupons that these restaurants offer. Loans Learn Home Loans Student Loans Personal Loans Auto Loans. EazyDiner is a one-stop shop for everything you need to plan a successful dining experience. Saving Money 8 Key Signs That Expensive Home Renovation Isn't Worth It February 08, Read more. And if you want both fun for the kids and cocktails for the grown-ups, go for Red Robin.	Choose the cheaper meal Say it's your birthday Take a survey	Groupon is an excellent resource for finding deals and coupons online for eating out for cheap. That said, always check with the restaurant Take a survey Say it's your birthday	Choose the cheaper meal Say it's your birthday Take a survey
What to Budgget-conscious You're going Free sample offers have a tough reataurant pulling this Economic food sales off. When your Budget-conscious restaurant savings gets to your table, go ahead and stash Bucget-conscious Budget-conscious restaurant savings it in the box to enjoy later. Relationships What I Wish I Had Taught My Daughter About Money Read More ». That's the highest calorie soup they offer. Online Marketing Strategies for Restaurants Restaurant customers search for restaurants on their phones, receive marketing messages digitally, You still needed to spend a little extra cheddar to make it a meal.	Soaking dishes can also help reduce the time and labor needed for dishwashing, allowing your staff to focus on other tasks and potentially reducing payroll expenses. Categories Business Food Management Marketing Mobile App Monsoon Food Must Try Dishes Online Food Industry Partner Program Restaurant Technology Social Media Marketing Uncategorized Best online ordering system. Though it still ranks seventh in terms of attendance at theme parks in America, Islands of Adventure has come a long way in last eleven years. Learning how to be frugal with your food will save you a ton of money. If you are not keeping track of how often you go out to eat, you are likely going out more than you think.	Choose the cheaper meal Say it's your birthday Take a survey	Take a survey Taking advantage of early bird specials has multiple benefits, including finding great deals on signature dishes, such as ordering your favorite Food purveyors pitch deals Big food companies and restaurant chains are working to appeal to budget-conscious consumers as inflation persists	1. Save half of your meal. · 2. Use coupons. · 3. Do a lunch date instead. · 4. Get the birthday discount! · 5. Skip the coffee, tea and soda. · 6 Missing 1. Groupon. Renowned by deal hunters as the way to save on practically everything, Groupon's app offers plenty of deals for diners. · 2. Hooch · 3

Budget-conscious restaurant savings - Double down with coupons Choose the cheaper meal Say it's your birthday Take a survey

No need to pass those costs onto your customers through price increases or, worse yet, let them eat into your thin profit margins.

Instead of fixating on minor savings, consider the power of sales growth. By focusing on increasing revenue, you naturally reduce food waste, gain more purchasing power, and ultimately, enjoy higher profits.

Unlock valuable information by reading our blog restaurant fees challenges solutions. by Hamed Mazrouei Feb 13, Blog. Discover the best POS systems for food trucks in February Explore cost-effective, adaptable solutions tailored for mobile restaurants to enhance operations.

Discover the top POS systems for full-service restaurants. Streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and boost revenue with the right choice. by Hamed Mazrouei Feb 12, Blog. Find the best phone systems for restaurants for smooth communication.

Phone systems are excellent for taking orders. But which one is the best for your restaurant? Look at the best options here. The Real Restaurant Profit Game: Why You Should Stop Trying to Save on Food Costs. This blog post explores the significance of food as the core product, the challenges of high food costs, and the benefits of redirecting focus towards increasing sales and reducing food waste.

Table of Contents. Find the content useful? Do someone a favor, share this article. Home » Blog » The Real Restaurant Profit Game: Why You Should Stop Trying to Save on Food Costs.

Introduction For restaurant owners, managing food costs is a perennial challenge. Reduced Food Waste With increasing sales, food waste naturally decreases. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. In fact, if you are a member of any group, check to see if there are any associated dining benefits.

Many cities have Restaurant Week, where participating restaurants offer a specific meal or prix fixe meal at a budget price. It can be a good opportunity to eat at a restaurant that is normally out of your price range. Burger Week and Taco Week are also good times to cash in on great deals at restaurants and enjoy a cheap dinner out.

Some of the best money-saving restaurant deals are weekly specials — such as Taco Tuesday or Burger Night. These are great nights for dining out on a budget! When you partake in these cheap meals out, just make sure you know exactly which items are discounted because it is usually very specific.

Furthermore, make sure what you are getting is, in fact, a deal; some restaurants just use the discount as a gimmick. While you are getting less food, you are paying less, eating it all and not wasting any food. When eating out on a budget, you can save big money by skipping soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.

Instead, just order tap water. You can add flavor by asking for a slice of lemon. Also, if you like carbonated water, ask if they have it and if they charge for it — many places offer carbonated water for free!

Probably the cheapest way to order food is to split a single entree with the person you are dining with. Tell the waiter that you want to split the meal — and they will likely split it in the kitchen and serve it on two plates.

Plus, they sometimes add an extra bit of the side dishes to each plate. That said, before deciding to split a meal, find out if the restaurant charges a Shared Entree fee. Likewise, one of the easy ways to save money eating out is by not eating your entire meal in one sitting and instead boxing up half to go.

This trick is quite possibly the cheapest way for a single person to eat out at a restaurant. Some restaurant portion sizes are huge — and it is way too much food for one serving. Make a clear resolve to only eat half; that way, you will have an entire second meal later which is like getting a 2-for-1 deal!

One of the best cheap restaurant meals is eating an appetizer as your main meal. Typically, appetizers are priced less than entrees — but they can often be just as filling. To make sure the appetizer leaves you satisfied and not starving!

is to order a starter that has protein. Do cheap, fancy restaurants really exist? Sure they do! Finding fancy-but-cheap restaurants might be a little challenging, but not impossible. A well-known steakhouse might have an inexpensive chicken dish on their menu.

The grilled fish sandwich might be half the price of the fish entrée with two sides. An upscale establishment might offer half-portion entrees. If there is a fancy restaurant that you think is out of your price range, scour the internet for online menus just make sure they are current! You might be surprised by what you find!

These cheap dinner places offer a better-than-fast-food experience with a budget price! On the other hand, if you are limited to an absolute rock bottom eating out budget, fast food might cure your cravings. My top eating out ideas for fast food restaurants is to order protein options from the dollar menu.

This is often cheaper than ordering combo meal deals. For a long time, buffets have ranked as the cheapest way to eat out. While I am not a particularly big fan of Eat-As-Much-As-You-Want restaurants, they can offer good bang for the buck — but only if you have a big appetite.

While the food is probably not the best in the world, the low-priced restaurants will keep your budget in check.

That said, if you have any ambition of eating healthy when eating out, then buffets are not likely going to be an good choice health-wise or budget-wise! Although the portions are smaller and the food tends to be fairly basic, the meals cost considerably less. Just like buying food in bulk from the grocery store can save you money, so can buying in bulk from a restaurant.

Purchasing the Family Meal can be a fantastic way to save money eating out. Because there are just two of us, we order the Family Meal and save the extra portions for leftovers later in the week. Saving money eating out is sometimes as simple as only paying for what you eat — as in get a separate check.

Sometimes groups of friends dining together decide to just split the check equally when the bill arrives. Using my actionable tips for how to save money on a night out is a good way to make sure you stay within the limits of your restaurant budget.

That said, I have a few more ways you can save you money if you are going to eat out for dinner. If you are not keeping track of how often you go out to eat, you are likely going out more than you think.

When calculating the cost of eating out, even only dining at reasonably priced restaurants can add up in a hurry. If you really want to save money, limiting the number of times you eat a month with help substantially. Maybe decide to only eat out for special occasions or completely limit yourself to only eating out once a week — or once a month.

Never shortchange your waiter as a way to save money on eating out. When you look at the menu prices, mentally add in the estimated amount for tax and tip so that you are comfortable ordering and not surprised when the check arrives.

The Greek salad is probably something that you can make in your own kitchen for a mere fraction of the cost the restaurant charges. While this tip might seem like one of the tips for eating out on the cheap, it increases the value of your dining experience.

If you decide to stop eating out to save money — or at least limit dining out to one or two times a month — you can still eat your favorite restaurant meals. Search the internet for restaurant recipes and recreate the meals yourself. You just might be surprised by how good it is…and how much less it costs!

Therefore, cooking at home to save money is a good economical choice — especially for anyone trying to save up for big financial goals or for someone who is on a mission to become debt-free.

However, when you are debating between eating at home vs eating out, the prospect of making all your own meals — 3 meals a day, 7 days a week, 4 weeks a month — can be overwhelming.

If you are new to the idea of making most or all of your meals at home, I recommend starting with some inspiration. Find recipes that you like — and ones that you like making.

Research ideas for frugal breakfasts. Get ideas for cheap lunches. Chat with friends about cheap dinners. Once you feel motivated and confident, take on the task of learning how to meal plan ; seriously, meal planning can save you heaps of money.

Also, consider what groceries to buy on a budget and make your list before going grocery shopping. While it is fun to go to Eat Out restaurants, it can be just as much fun to prepare meals in your own kitchen.

If you really need to stop spending money , give yourself a jolt to the system with a fun food challenge.

With all of your savings, you might just find that you can afford to go out to eat a little bit more frequently! We Want To Know : How do you eat out on a budget? Give us your best tips and advice in the comments below!