Family Fun for Less

Secrets to Dining Out for Less

Eating out is considered a luxury for many families, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. With these simple strategies for saving, you’ll be able to treat your family while keeping your budget in check at the same time.

• Dine at off-peak times to get the best discounts, specials and big savings. By eating out for lunch instead of dinner, you’ll automatically save money since most lunch menus offer many of the same dinner options, but at much lower prices.
• When ordering, take into consideration freebies like bread, tortilla chips and munchies brought to you before the meal begins. You’re often satisfied after eating them, allowing you to split a meal or order a smaller portion. Be careful, however, not to overeat on high calorie offerings — moderation is key.
• Sodas and alcoholic beverages can ruin your restaurant budget. Order a glass of water with a twist of lemon instead. If you’re dining at fast-food restaurants and want to order soda, always order the smallest size fountain drink and refill as needed.
• Not everyone needs their own entrée. When dining with your family, order a couple of entrées to share family-style, and fill in with low-cost side dishes or appetizers. To make the meal even healthier, order a side of steamed veggies. Or have the kids split an adult-size entrée instead of ordering two kids’ meals.
• Get a doggie bag. Restaurant portions are generally much larger than a normal-size meal. Fight the urge to consume the extra calories by cutting your meal in half when it arrives and saving the remainder for lunch the next day.
• Skip the tip. By all means, don’t slight your server, but instead look for places where tipping isn’t necessary. Panera Bread^®, Chipotle^® and other chain restaurants where you place your order and pick up your food at the counter can help save you some cash on a tip.
• Opt for a no-frills establishment. You won’t pay for the fancy atmosphere and décor, but by opting for a mom-and-pop place, you can often find delicious food at terrific prices.
• Check your local newspapers for restaurant specials.

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Other articles from this issue:

• Backyard (or Front Yard) Entertainment
• Fun Family Theme Nights
• Rainy Day Activities for Kids
• Secrets to Dining Out for Less
• Restaurant Freebies and Discounts
• Family Activities and Outings for Less
• Kids' Birthday Parties and Fun Gatherings for Less
• Creative Date Nights for Parents