Budget-friendly advice typically suggests packing lunches
and having meals at home. You do not, however, have to accept a world of mushy
peanut butter and jelly.
Here are some tips for cutting costs while still enjoying
your favorite restaurants.
1. Request for discounts
Depending on who you are, you might be qualified for a less
expensive dinner. Children, retirees, students, and people in the armed forces
are some of the groups who apply for discounts the most frequently. Before your
waitress comes the check, look for the discounts offered by the restaurant
online or call. Asking doesn't cost anything.
When you purchase restaurant gift cards below face value,
you'll receive more bang for your dollars. For instance, the website
Restaurant.com offers gift cards for a small portion of their actual value. A
$25 gift certificate to your preferred Chinese restaurant can be available for
for $10. (minimum purchases could apply). Costco, a warehouse retailer, also
offers gift card packages for less than they are worth.
Keep in mind when choosing from the menu and figuring out
your total bill that you'll be expected to tip the server in a sit-down
restaurant in addition to settling your tab. If available, choose a lesser
portion size or look for dishes that are more reasonably priced (try ones that
use seasonal fruits and vegetables).
These days, people who desire your email address include
more than just bothersome marketers. Many restaurants use mailing lists to
inform consumers about news and promotions. To stay up to date, register.
Normal offers include one just for creating an account and another during the
month of your birthday. However, click "unsubscribe" if you discover
that the emails are encouraging you to eat out more.
5. Keep an eye out for National days
For just about any dish you can think of, there is a day of
celebration, from National Chicken Wing Day to National Ice Cream Day. To take
advantage of complimentary appetizers, entrees, or desserts, schedule your
meals around these specials. For specifics on promotions, keep an eye on social
media.
If a restaurant asks you to participate in a survey, take
them up on the offer since they are interested in learning about your
experience there. Sometimes, doing so will earn you free gifts or coupons.
Similar to this, the free app SurveyMini allows you to access discounts by
answering questions about eateries.
If a restaurant doesn't have a complete liquor license, you
may also be able to bring your own alcohol with you. Watch for BYOB signs, or
just phone and ask if you're unsure.
Corkage costs should be avoided, nevertheless. Although each
location has its own set of laws and costs, picking bottles of beer over a
bottle of wine for the table may result in you being charged per unit, which
means you'll have to spend much more money on the lager.
Additionally, some eateries only let you bring wine and
beer, while others are fine with you bringing a bottle of spirits and simply
charging you for the mixers.