Save on Restaurants: Best Deals and Discounts for Foodies

Save on restaurants by using discounts, meal deals, and loyalty programs to cut costs while enjoying great food. Many eateries offer special promotions, happy hour pricing, and combo meals that provide better value. Consider dining out on weekdays when prices are often lower. Apps and websites like Groupon or Eat Out can help find the best deals. Take advantage of student or senior discounts if applicable. Opt for takeout instead of dining in to avoid service charges. Sharing meals or ordering smaller portions can also reduce expenses. With smart choices, you can enjoy delicious dining experiences without overspending.

Save on Restaurants

Saving on restaurants is a great way for foodies to enjoy their favorite meals without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best deals, discounts, and strategies to help you dine out for less:

1. Use Restaurant Loyalty Programs

Many restaurants offer loyalty programs that reward frequent customers with points, discounts, or free meals. Sign up for these programs (often free) to earn rewards over time.

Examples: Starbucks Rewards, Chick-fil-A One, Panera Bread MyPanera.
How it works: Earn points for every dollar spent, and redeem them for free items or discounts.

2. Leverage Coupon Websites and Apps

Websites and apps like Groupon, RetailMeNot, and Coupons.com often feature restaurant deals, including discounts, BOGO (Buy One, Get One) offers, and fixed-price menus.

How to use: Search for your favorite restaurants or explore new ones offering deals in your area.

Many restaurants send exclusive discounts and promotions to their email subscribers. Sign up for newsletters to receive:

Welcome discounts: Often 10-20% off your first order.
Birthday freebies: Free desserts, appetizers, or discounts during your birthday month.
Seasonal promotions: Special deals during holidays or off-peak seasons.

4. Take Advantage of Happy Hour Specials

Happy hours aren’t just for drinks! Many restaurants offer discounted appetizers, entrees, and even full meals during specific hours (usually late afternoon or early evening).

Tips: Check the restaurant’s website or call ahead to confirm happy hour times and deals.

5. Use Cashback and Rewards Apps

Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Dosh offer cashback or rewards for dining at participating restaurants. Simply link your credit card or check in at the restaurant to earn rewards.

How it works: You’ll earn a percentage of your bill back as cash or points.

6. Dine During Off-Peak Hours

Some restaurants offer discounts for dining during slower hours to attract customers. Look for:

Early bird specials: Discounted meals if you dine before a certain time (e.g., 6 PM).
Late-night deals: Reduced prices on meals after peak dinner hours.

Restaurants often share exclusive deals, flash sales, and promo codes on their social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter).

What to look for: Limited-time offers, giveaways, or special event discounts.

8. Use Credit Card Dining Rewards

Some credit cards offer dining-specific rewards, such as cashback, points, or statement credits for restaurant purchases.

Examples: Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Gold Card.
How to maximize: Use your card for dining expenses and redeem rewards for future meals.

9. Look for Kids Eat Free Deals

Many family-friendly restaurants offer "Kids Eat Free" promotions on certain days of the week. This can significantly reduce the cost of dining out with children.

Examples: Applebee’s, IHOP, Denny’s.

Restaurant portions are often large enough to share. Splitting an entrée or ordering appetizers instead of full meals can save money.

Bonus: Some restaurants charge a small fee for splitting meals, but it’s still cheaper than ordering two entrees.

11. Check for Local Discounts

Student discounts: Many restaurants offer discounts for students with a valid ID.
Military discounts: Active-duty military personnel and veterans often receive discounts at participating restaurants.
Senior discounts: Some restaurants offer reduced prices for seniors (usually 55+).

12. Use Meal Delivery Promotions

If you prefer dining at home, meal delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub often have first-time user discounts, BOGO deals, or free delivery offers.

Tips: Look for promo codes online or in the app before placing your order.

13. Attend Restaurant Weeks

Many cities host annual or seasonal restaurant weeks where participating eateries offer fixed-price menus at a discount. This is a great way to try high-end restaurants at a fraction of the cost.

How to find: Search for “restaurant week” in your city.

14. Buy Gift Cards at a Discount

Websites like Raise, Gift Card Granny, and Costco sell discounted gift cards for popular restaurants. You can save 5-20% on your meal by purchasing a gift card upfront.

Example: Buy a 50giftcardfor50giftcardfor40 and use it to pay for your meal.

15. Ask for Discounts

Don’t be afraid to ask if a restaurant offers any ongoing promotions or discounts. Some places may have unadvertised deals for first-time visitors or large groups.

16. Explore Fixed-Price Menus

Some restaurants offer prix-fixe menus, especially during lunch or early dinner hours. These menus provide a full meal (appetizer, entrée, dessert) at a lower price than ordering à la carte.

17. Take Advantage of Free Refills

At restaurants that offer free refills on drinks (like soda or coffee), take advantage of this perk to avoid ordering additional beverages.

18. Plan Ahead for Special Occasions

If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special event, check if the restaurant offers complimentary desserts or discounts for the occasion.

19. Use Restaurant-Specific Apps

Many chain restaurants have their own apps with exclusive deals, such as free items, discounts, or early access to promotions.

Examples: McDonald’s, Subway, Taco Bell.

20. Dine Out on Holidays

Some restaurants offer special deals or free meals on holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Independence Day. Check local listings for participating restaurants.

By combining these strategies, foodies can enjoy delicious meals at their favorite restaurants while saving money. Always remember to check the terms and conditions of food vouchers to ensure they align with your dining plans. Happy eating!

Save on Restaurants: Best Deals and Discounts for Foodies