Going out to eat is one of the few luxuries parents have left. We’ve lost sleep. And quiet. And personal space. But at least once in a while we can pay for someone else to make food for our families. However, eating out can get pricey—especially if you have a few kids in tow. Here are some tips to help you save pennies when dining out in the KC area.
1. Check the restaurants around you for “kids eat free” days or discounted days for kids meals.
Check out our comprehensive “KC Kids Eat Free Guide.” And always double check before visiting, as business may change their policies.
2. Visit restaurants that offer a points or rewards system.
For example, you can join the “Circle of Crust” at Pie Five or EClub at Noodles & Company to accumulate points that can be applied to future purchases. Also, check out websites for the restaurants you frequent. Chances are you’ll find an option to join their mailing list and receive coupons, deals and promotions.
3. Find places that offer special deals with your purchase.
Our favorite pizza joint is Spin Pizza, where our kid get a free ice cream with their meal! They get pizza and dessert to make our night out a bit more fun.
4. Use coupons or discount cards.
If you have kids, chances are they’ve sold either coupon books or Major Saver cards (or both) as fundraisers. Buying these is a great opportunity to support your children’s schools and save money when dining out! I leave them in my car, and when we are grabbing a bite, I check to see which coupons we have yet to use as we decide where to eat. Many coupons offer either a percentage off your bill or a BOGO option. Also, lots of coupons are available online—check out ValPak.com and search for your favorites.
5. Pay your bill with a credit card that offers cash back incentives.
You’re paying that bill either way, so you might as well make some extra change while you do it! Many credit card companies like American Express, CitiBank, Capital One and Chase offer cash back incentives or let you accumulate points toward future purchases. Think smart when swiping that plastic!
6. Go out to eat during happy hour.
Lots of restaurants offer food and drink specials before 7:00, which is probably when your kids are hungry anyway.
7. Make smart choices when ordering.
If your kids tend not to finish an entire kids meal, try ordering them one adult meal to share. Ask the wait staff to skip the bread—your kids are likely to fill up on it and not eat their meal. Or order them each their own adult meal and bring home the half they don’t eat for tomorrow night’s dinner. That’s two nights you don’t have to cook and no food was wasted!
8. Use appetizers wisely.
Consider skipping appetizers so your kids are hungry enough to finish their entire meals. A different option is to skip the meal and only order a few appetizers for everyone to share. We’ve done this a few times and, more often than not, everyone leaves with a full tummy!
Money’s being tight doesn’t have to keep you from going out to enjoy a restaurant meal with your family. Do a little homework, make smart choices and enjoy some happy hour specials! They are usually pretty tasty!
Olathe mom Karen Johnson has three kids, ages 8, 6 and 4. She writes at The21stCenturySAHM.com.