5 Tips for Saving $$$ When Dining Out
Going to a restaurant provides a great reprieve for tired moms and dads who don’t have the energy to cook and clean up after a full day’s work. But if you’re not careful, a night out can add up. Check out these five tips to indulge without breaking the bank!
- Sign up for special rewards. Did you know that most eateries, from fast food to fine dining, have savings clubs? It’s true! If you have a favorite go-to restaurant, ask if they have a discount club and sign up for their e-mails or texts. Most “e-clubs” offer everything from a percentage off the total purchase, a free side or seasonal product, free appetizer with entree, or best of all, a free meal on your birthday!
- Kids Eat Free. One of the best perks of midweek dining out is the variety of places that host kids-eat-free days! Keep your eyes out for daily specials throughout those low-traffic days and don’t forget to check out our comprehensive listing of Kansas City restaurants where kids eat free. There are several options available every night of the week!
- More Water, Please! One of the highest mark-ups is found on drinks. Pass on the soda and specialty beverages when you dine out and instead get water. Not only will your wallet thank you, but your blood sugar will, too!
- Be Tech Savvy. Utilize free apps that post links to specials taking place at chain restaurants and local hot spots such as the LocalEats or Valpak app. Follow your favorite restaurants on Facebook and Twitter, where you can find exclusive deals, coupons, and special code words (simply tell your server the code word for a freebie or discount!).
- Let’s Do Lunch! One of the smartest ways to stretch a dollar is to avoid the dinner rush and opt for lunch instead. Lunch portions are associated with being smaller, but not all are. The only thing guaranteed smaller is the tab. Call ahead to confirm when the switch from lunch to dinner is before heading out to your favorite eatery.
Lauren Greenlee enjoys heading to Ikea for dinner on Tuesdays (when her kiddos can eat for free!) and picks up restaurant gift cards at Costco for $20 less than their value. She writes from her Olathe home.