Here are 10 tips to save money at restaurants. Saving money might make you happy. Enter: happy hour. Even though happy hours might not be the most convenient times to eat, you could fill up on your favorites for less.

So pick a restaurant that offers big portions for a reasonable price and has options your dining companion would be excited to split with you. If the restaurant charges a plate-sharing fee, make sure splitting is still worth it.

If dinner also involves drinks, see if there are any local restaurants that allow you to bring your own bottle. BYOB can help you avoid hefty restaurant markups, giving you that drinks-out experience without the financial hangover. Not every area permits BYOB, though.

Self-ordering kiosks and apps might encourage you to order more. Yes, these tips are about saving on dining out, but your costs go beyond the restaurant bill.

If you need child care, could a grandparent, other relative, or friend offer free babysitting? Think about getting there and back too. Or look for restaurants within walking or biking distance. Then, once the charge posts to your credit card statement, check that it matches the photo.

Fine dining usually comes with a fine price tag. But there are ways to get that white-tablecloth experience on a budget if you plan ahead.

Although these occasions can sometimes be full price, many restaurants discount their dishes for this trial period or even give out free meals. To get on the list, call the restaurant a couple months before they open and ask to be included.

Or go up to the restaurant space during construction, and ask if you can have a table at any opening events. These can provide a unique experience with great food. More than half of US restaurants have loyalty programs that give you rewards, such as free food or drinks, for being a regular customer.

Loyalty programs vary. You might use an old-school punch card in some restaurants, and in others, there might be an app that allows you to redeem points for free drinks, entrées, merch, and more.

Feeding a family can mean a big bill, even if kids order off their own menu with smaller portions and lower prices. A budget-friendlier move? Timing your restaurant meals to when your favorite place comps kids. Be prepared for crowds with the same idea. So celebrate the day before or after the rush to get the regular menu with regular prices.

Create a flexible plan you can adjust to your life. The third parties mentioned herein and Fidelity Investments are independent entities and are not legally affiliated. The views expressed are as of the date indicated and may change based on market or other conditions.

Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the speaker or author, as applicable, and not necessarily those of Fidelity Investments. The third-party contributors are not employed by Fidelity but are compensated for their services.

Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC , Salem Street, Smithfield, RI Skip to Main Content. com Home. Customer Service Profile Open an Account Virtual Assistant Log In Customer Service Profile Open an Account Virtual Assistant Log Out. Why Fidelity. Financial essentials Saving and budgeting money Managing debt Saving for retirement Working and income Managing health care Talking to family about money Teaching teens about money Managing taxes Managing estate planning Making charitable donations.

Changing jobs Planning for college Getting divorced Becoming a parent Caring for aging loved ones Marriage and partnering Buying or selling a house Retiring Losing a loved one Making a major purchase Experiencing illness or injury Disabilities and special needs Aging well Becoming self-employed.

Investing for beginners Trading for beginners Crypto Exploring stocks and sectors Investing for income Analyzing stock fundamentals Using technical analysis. ETFs Mutual funds Stocks Fixed income, bonds, CDs Closed-end funds.

Using margin Trading options Advanced trading strategies Using Active Trader Pro Options Strategy Guide Technical Indicator Guide. Upcoming events On-demand webinars Market briefings Trading Strategy Desk® coaching Trading Strategy Desk® classes.

July 06, Close Popover. Great, you have saved this article to you My Learn Profile page. How to save money on dining out. Send to Please enter a valid email address Your email address Please enter a valid email address Message.

Thanks for you sent email. Key takeaways Dining out is a major expense for many Americans, but there are ways to trim the bill without sacrificing the experience. Timing is everything for spending less at restaurants.

Shifting when you go out to eat by just a little bit could cook up savings. Feed your brain. Fund your future. Subscribe now. Hit up happy hour Saving money might make you happy. BYOB If dinner also involves drinks, see if there are any local restaurants that allow you to bring your own bottle. Be careful on self-service tablets and apps Self-ordering kiosks and apps might encourage you to order more.

Eat at restaurants-in-training Fine dining usually comes with a fine price tag. Join restaurant loyalty programs More than half of US restaurants have loyalty programs that give you rewards, such as free food or drinks, for being a regular customer.

Check out kids-eat-free days Feeding a family can mean a big bill, even if kids order off their own menu with smaller portions and lower prices. Get organized, hit your goals. Get started. Who better to give money-saving tips when eating out than a restaurant owner and manager?

Everyone wants a good deal when dining out, but sometimes it pays to be a little creative when visiting restaurants.

It also helps if you are flexible in your dining habits. As a former restaurant owner who co-owned and managed restaurants for over 10 years, here are a few of my tips on how to plan ahead and tweak your dining style, so you can take advantage of the many deals that different types of restaurants offer.

Beverages, especially alcohol, drive up the cost of the bill considerably. But if you do order a beverage, ask for ice in a separate glass. This way, you can control the amount of ice in your drink.

If you decide to eat cheaply and share a dish, go early. Subscribe to get money-saving content by email that can help you stretch your dollars further. Twice each week, you'll receive articles and tips that can help you free up and keep more of your hard-earned money, even on the tightest of budgets.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time. At some Asian restaurants, you may be able to order an extra bowl of rice for free. Look around at the other customers and see whether they are ordering refills.

Then ask your server about their policy. At lunch time, you can probably get a similar-tasting meal with a slightly smaller portion as dinner. The cook is often the same person for lunch and dinner.

Small, ethnic family restaurants can be real gems. These types of restaurants often have a limited marketing budget and tend not to advertise heavily. They offer more bang for your buck. However, once they get popular, they may raise prices. Go when they are still relatively unknown. Ask for a senior citizen discount , especially at chain restaurants.

These discounts are often not given at small family restaurants. The required age varies with locations and with the particular establishment. Some start at 65 and some at Get the recipe to conquer your debt and regain control of your finances.

If you are going to a restaurant for the first time, explain to the server when you enter that you only want to order an appetizer.

Avoid tasting menus but do look for set menus, particularly at lunch Skip the snacks

Money-saving dining suggestions - Limit your alcohol intake rather than cutting booze out altogether Avoid tasting menus but do look for set menus, particularly at lunch Skip the snacks

If you find yourself never finishing your plate, you can ask the waiter if half portions are available. They may not appear on the menu, but you can often get a smaller portion for a smaller price if you ask. Like I said, doggie bags are a great way to stretch a meal, and if you want to enjoy everything that comes before your main course, such as bread and salad, go for it.

It can fit into most budgets if you allow yourself to follow a few simple tips. The whole of the experience is unchanged, but your bill will be much lower. So go ahead, treat yourself to a night out! You deserve it. org ®. Michael G. Peterson is a co-founder and Spokesman of American Credit Foundation, an IRS c 3 non-profit consumer credit counseling organization that has assisted thousands of individuals and families with their financial situations through seminars, education, counseling services, and, debt management plans.

For more information, and free consumer resources visit www. This article may be freely distributed as long as the signature file and active link are included. Self-Help Articles.

Go for lunch. Drink water. Hit the buffet. Save dessert for way after dinner. Some restaurants occasionally offer bonus gift or reward cards with a minimum purchase of an original gift card at a certain price.

The Nashville Originals consortium of local restaurants has regular gift card discount offers. If you want restaurant food but don't care about the restaurant experience, consider ordering your meal to go and enjoy it at home, a park or another venue.

That way, you save on the tip and drink and still get to enjoy a special treat. Take advantage of discounts that you are entitled to. If you are a senior, eat up the discounts.

Some of these senior deals kick in at age 50, so don't be shy. I say, we seniors might as well get something for being so mature! To find out about senior discounts, check the restaurant websites or call to ask. Look for other discounts — like military, student, AAA, AARP, etc.

I have a friend who is in the habit of eating restaurant food almost every meal. Not only can that habit get super expensive, but it takes the "special" out of special occasions. My advice is to go out for a splurge, not as a convenience. Portion sizes are often so large that you and your lunch or dinner mate could split an entree.

This works great at places like The Cheesecake Factory, which is known for gigantic servings. Some restaurants have a charge for sharing, but most are happy to accommodate you. If you think it won't be quite enough, order a side dish or salad to add to the mix. Cheap: Guide to Summer 94 free things to do around Nashville.

Deliberately order more than you intend to eat, so you have leftovers to take home for a second meal for yourself. There is nothing wrong with dividing tonight's dinner to save enough for tomorrow's lunch before you dig in.

I've heard of people who go to restaurants with a salad bar, and they eat the salad bar as their dine-in meal and box up the entree to take home. Two for one. If you are a wine drinker, find BYOB restaurants, like Mamma Mia's near Grassmere, where you can take your own bottle of wine.

Nashville drink prices soar. Plain ol' water is better for you anyway, and most establishments will throw in a refreshing slice of lemon if you ask. Pay attention to what your table mates are and are not ordering. If someone doesn't want part of the order that comes with their meal, take it for yours.

My best menu matching example that used to drive my family crazy took place at Waffle House, where my husband would always order a bacon and egg breakfast plate and tell the waitress he didn't want the grits or toast. I took his grits and toast and ordered one egg and coffee to essentially have a free meal.

I had one lucky day when my lunch mate ordered her salad without avocado, and I asked if I could have her avocado on my salad. Glad I asked. Creative ordering can save you money. I have a friend who always orders a couple of side dishes or an appetizer for a nice lunch when we go to Midtown Cafe.

Video