Saving Money While Eating Out
~ Posted by San Diego on the Cheap Publisher, Sheri McGregor
Food in grocery stores has risen at an average approximate rate of 8% over the last year for consumers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For restaurants, the price of food rises less sharply (due to supplier deals, bulk buys, etc), but count on restaurant prices to rise anyway. According to a recent Bloomberg News article, restaurants routinely watch the prices of food for staples at the grocery store because they know that if they raise menu prices when food is on the rise, customers are more accepting and excuse the hikes. So what’s a spend savvy diner to do? Here are a few on-the-cheap tips for eating out.
It’s Time to Eat
Take advantage of timing. Restaurants often have less expensive lunchtime versions of the same meals they feature for dinner. Check with the individual restaurant for their cutoff time. Most consider 3pm or 4pm the dividing line. Lunch versions may have one less side dish, or skip the included desert. Don’t add that back in and you’ll save calories as well as dollars. Bonus: you may lose weight!
Specials for Savings
Take advantage of the specials. Restaurants that offer daily meal specials often have sharp drops in pricing for those selected meals. Some have a routine for what they offer, so if you like the meatloaf, dine out on the day it’s featured and eat for less. Also, the economic downturn has meant less discretionary income for customers, so restaurants are running deals to get people in. Offers like a set price for two (think Applebees’ 2 for $20. deal).Pay attention to TV ads, and check your favorite restaurant’s website for special offers you might not know about. Also watch the local paper and sift through your junk mail. You might be surprised what you’re tossing into the trash.
Entertainment Savings Book
The Entertainment Book can save you dollars on restaurants you know and love, plus ones you don’t. I’m a San Diego native yet there are hundreds of restaurants I’ve never tried. Each year though, the Entertainment Book helps me save money while I try a new place. One meal with savings can pay for the book. With discounts on restaurants, hotels, and activities, the Entertainment Book also makes a great gift. Get your Entertainment Book today! Discounts on dining, hotels, and fun!
And let’s not forget about Restaurant.com savings. Deals change weekly with savings of up to 90% off some of your San Diego County restaurant faves. Who needs a San Diego restaurant coupon when this discount restaurant site allows you to get deals on your favorite restaurants?
Add-ons and Ala Carte
Sometimes, the complete meal isn’t the best deal. Sure, ordering a dinner plate is convenient, but check your prices. Ordering a small side or dinner salad in addition to an ala carte item might make your meal less costly. Take the time to really peruse the menu, even if it means asking the wait staff for a bit more time to decide.
I hope these savings tips will help you get the most of your meals out — even when prices are going up.
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