5 Surefire Ways To Save Money When Dining Out
Think being on a budget means an end to your dining out days? If you know how to save money when dining out, enjoying restaurant food and ambiance doesn't have to be a thing of the past. Knowing where to find deals and how to use them is key in living the good life with a shoestring budget.
• Be Part of the Club
Many restaurants now have clubs that you can sign up for through their website. These clubs offer everything from exclusive coupons, discounts, or even rewards programs. If you frequently dine at one restaurant, a rewards program can add up to completely free meals. This is most beneficial when the meals that count towards the rewards accrual are also discounted.
• Skip Dinner Out
Breakfast and lunch tend to run cheaper than dinner. In fact, lunch menus are often nearly identical to dinner menus, but with slightly smaller portions offered at a lower price. Since restaurant portions already run very large, you likely won't miss the extra given in a dinner portion. Pair a more financially reasonable lunch price with a coupon or other discount to multiply the savings.
• Supply Your Own Alcohol
If you're used to having a glass or two of wine with your meal, you can slash the cost of your meal by choosing restaurants that allow you to bring your own. Considering the fact that wines on a restaurant's wine list are typically marked up as much as 300%, it's clearly to your benefit to bring your own. Not only will you save money, but there will be no limits on your selection. If you have a favorite wine that doesn't make it to many wine lists, now's your chance to enjoy your meal out with your drink of choice.
• Ask for Tap Water
If you'd like a glass of water with your meal, the restaurant is going to automatically bring you bottled mineral water and charge you an exorbitant price. Any restaurant that serves alcohol is required by law to offer tap water free of charge, so specifically ask for tap when ordering a glass of water. Even if you only dine out once per week, this change could save you over £100 every year!
• Use Vouchers & Discount Codes
The first thing you should do when looking for a deal at a restaurant is find out if there are any printable restaurant vouchers or discount codes available for the establishment.
You can start by looking at the restaurant's website for any coupons that may be offered. Next, check some of the leading websites for finding discounts in the UK by searching in Google. With just a bit of strategic planning, you can continue to enjoy an evening dining out without putting a strain on your wallet.
Change your dining habits only slightly, and remember to search for vouchers before heading out to a restaurant and you can save hundreds every year!
• Be Part of the Club
Many restaurants now have clubs that you can sign up for through their website. These clubs offer everything from exclusive coupons, discounts, or even rewards programs. If you frequently dine at one restaurant, a rewards program can add up to completely free meals. This is most beneficial when the meals that count towards the rewards accrual are also discounted.
• Skip Dinner Out
Breakfast and lunch tend to run cheaper than dinner. In fact, lunch menus are often nearly identical to dinner menus, but with slightly smaller portions offered at a lower price. Since restaurant portions already run very large, you likely won't miss the extra given in a dinner portion. Pair a more financially reasonable lunch price with a coupon or other discount to multiply the savings.
• Supply Your Own Alcohol
If you're used to having a glass or two of wine with your meal, you can slash the cost of your meal by choosing restaurants that allow you to bring your own. Considering the fact that wines on a restaurant's wine list are typically marked up as much as 300%, it's clearly to your benefit to bring your own. Not only will you save money, but there will be no limits on your selection. If you have a favorite wine that doesn't make it to many wine lists, now's your chance to enjoy your meal out with your drink of choice.
• Ask for Tap Water
If you'd like a glass of water with your meal, the restaurant is going to automatically bring you bottled mineral water and charge you an exorbitant price. Any restaurant that serves alcohol is required by law to offer tap water free of charge, so specifically ask for tap when ordering a glass of water. Even if you only dine out once per week, this change could save you over £100 every year!
• Use Vouchers & Discount Codes
The first thing you should do when looking for a deal at a restaurant is find out if there are any printable restaurant vouchers or discount codes available for the establishment.
You can start by looking at the restaurant's website for any coupons that may be offered. Next, check some of the leading websites for finding discounts in the UK by searching in Google. With just a bit of strategic planning, you can continue to enjoy an evening dining out without putting a strain on your wallet.
Change your dining habits only slightly, and remember to search for vouchers before heading out to a restaurant and you can save hundreds every year!
