0
0
Last updated: · By Laura Bennett
Frugal dining out means getting a good restaurant meal for less money without giving up the experience. You can lower your bill by asking about age and military discounts, using discounted gift cards and loyalty rewards, choosing menu items carefully, and eating at lower-cost times of day. These strategies work best together, and most of them take only a few minutes to check before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Food away from home made up 39.0 percent of all U.S. household food dollars in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, so restaurant spending is a major part of most food budgets.
- Household spending on food away from home rose 8.1 percent in 2023, about $294 more than in 2022.
- Some restaurants offer age-based or military discounts that are not advertised, so ask about them before you order.
- In 2018, households spent roughly five times more per week on dinner out than on breakfast or brunch out, so earlier or midday meals are a practical way to save.
- Sharing entrees, choosing water over sugary drinks and checking loyalty programs are among the simplest ways to lower the final bill.
How Much Does Dining Out Cost Your Budget?
Dining out is one of the largest costs in many household food budgets. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that food away from home made up 39.0 percent of all household food dollars in 2022, according to its Consumer Expenditures in 2022 report.
Restaurant prices also rose quickly. In 2023, household spending on food away from home increased 8.1 percent, about $294 more than in 2022, and the consumer price index (CPI), a government measure of how prices change over time, rose 7.1 percent for that category, as reported in BLS Consumer Expenditures in 2023. These are national averages, so your own costs will depend on where you live and what you order.
How do you set a realistic dining-out budget?
Start by adding up what your household spent on restaurants, coffee and takeout over the last two or three months, using your bank and card statements. Set a monthly limit a little below that total, and check your spending weekly so you can adjust before the month ends. For a broader approach to fitting restaurant meals into family fun spending, read our guide to preserving your entertainment budget on a frugal lifestyle.
Ask About Age, Military and Other Discounts
Many restaurants offer discounts to children, seniors, students and military members, and you usually have to ask for them. Discounts vary by chain and location, and some change by day or time, so confirm the offer before the bill arrives.
Which groups often get restaurant discounts?
Children, seniors, students and military personnel are the groups most often mentioned in restaurant discount programs. Some places also offer discounts to other groups, such as teachers or healthcare workers, but availability differs widely. Ask before you order, because some discounts apply only to certain menu items or require showing an ID.
Buy Gift Cards Below Face Value the Right Way
You can save by buying restaurant gift cards at a discount, but only from reputable sellers and only for places you already plan to visit. Warehouse clubs and some third-party sites sell certificates at reduced prices, though offers come and go. Treat discounted cards as a way to pay for meals you would buy anyway, not as a reason to spend more.
Before you buy, check the expiration date, any purchase fees, and whether the card has a minimum spend. Confirm the restaurant accepts the card at your location, since a discount only saves money if you can use it.
Join Loyalty Programs and Mailing Lists
Loyalty programs and restaurant newsletters can lower your costs over time through points, welcome offers and birthday rewards. The savings are real only if you visit regularly and actually redeem the rewards, so join the programs at places you already use.
Read the terms to learn how many points you need for a reward and whether points expire. Birthday offers usually require registration in advance, so sign up a few weeks before the date. If the emails pile up, you can unsubscribe at any time.
Make Smart Menu Choices That Lower the Bill
Smart menu choices can lower your bill and your intake of calories, sodium and added sugar at the same time. Start by reviewing the menu online, since many chains publish prices and nutrition information. Use these habits to keep costs down:
- Ask what is fresh or in season, since specials built on seasonal produce can be a better value than premium cuts.
- Order water or unsweetened tea instead of soft drinks or alcohol, which add to the bill and to your calorie intake.
- Ask whether a side can be swapped for vegetables or a salad, and check for any surcharge first, because policies vary.
- Ask about corkage fees before bringing your own bottle, since many restaurants charge them and rules differ.
- Skip appetizers and desserts you do not need, or split one dessert among the table.
Restaurant meals can be larger and higher in sodium than home cooking. If you manage high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease or another condition, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian about what to order before you change your habits. A frugal choice and a healthy choice often overlap, but they are not the same for every person.
Eat at Lunch or Earlier to Save
Lunch, brunch and early-dinner menus are often a lower-cost way to eat out than a full evening meal. A BLS analysis of 2018 data found that households spent roughly five times more per week on dinner out than on breakfast or brunch out. The report, Meal Appeal: Patterns of Expenditures on Food away from Home, describes spending patterns, so check current menu prices before you assume a saving.
Many restaurants run lunch specials or early-bird menus. Check the hours and menu online, since smaller lunch menus may not include every dish you want.
Share Meals and Compare Your Options
Sharing entrees and ordering fewer extras is one of the most reliable ways for a family to cut a restaurant bill. Many restaurants serve large portions that work well for two people, and family-style dishes often give more food per dollar than individual entrees. Compare the common tactics below before you choose.
| Tactic | Where the savings come from | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Discounted gift cards | Lower price for a set amount of food | Expiration dates, minimum spend, limited locations |
| Age or military discounts | Reduced price on your check | Eligibility rules; you must ask before ordering |
| Loyalty rewards | Points or free items over repeat visits | Points that expire; rewards that require a minimum spend |
| Lunch or early menus | Lower price per meal | Smaller menus and limited hours |
| Sharing entrees | Fewer entrees ordered | Split-check fees at some restaurants |
| Water instead of drinks | No beverage charges | Small amounts of added calories are avoided, but check any health needs first |
Ask for a plate or a to-go box when the food arrives, so you can divide portions or take leftovers home for lunch the next day.
Dine on National Food Days for Special Offers
National food days can bring restaurant promotions, but deals are set by individual restaurants and change from year to year, so do not count on them. Restaurants sometimes announce discounts or free items for holidays such as National Ice Cream Day or National Pizza Day through their social media accounts or newsletters.
Check the restaurant’s website or call ahead to confirm the offer, including any limits on time, location or menu items. Digital coupons from restaurant apps can also stack with some promotions, but terms vary.
Compare Dining Out With Cooking at Home
Cooking at home usually costs less per meal than eating out, but the gap depends on what you buy and how much time you have. The USDA updates the monthly costs of its four food plans using the Consumer Price Index, and its USDA Food Plans: Monthly Cost of Food Reports give a benchmark you can use to compare grocery costs with restaurant prices.
Most frugal families mix the two rather than choosing one. Use a weekly grocery plan for everyday meals and reserve restaurant visits for special occasions or convenience. For a practical starting point, see our $100 grocery list for a week of frugal meals.
Plan Family Restaurant Outings in Advance
Planning restaurant outings ahead keeps costs predictable and makes it easier to use discounts and rewards. Pick a restaurant, check its current offers and decide on a budget before you leave the house. Keeping a list of family favorites with their discounts in one place can help. Our guide to creating a family fun binder without spending a fortune shows how to organize that kind of list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do restaurant discounts require proof of age or status?
Many do. Senior, student and military discounts often require a card, ID or proof of status, and the rules differ by restaurant. Ask about the requirements before you order so you have the right documents with you.
Are discounted restaurant gift cards worth buying?
They can be, if you would spend the money at that restaurant anyway. Check the expiration date, fees and minimum-spend rules before buying, and confirm the card works at the location you plan to visit. Avoid buying cards you may not use.
Is eating out cheaper than cooking at home?
Usually not. Cooking at home generally costs less per meal, especially for families, though the difference depends on your local prices and how much time you have. Many households save most by cooking most meals and eating out occasionally.
Do loyalty programs actually save money?
They can if you already visit the restaurant regularly and redeem your rewards before they expire. They can also encourage extra spending if you order more than you planned to earn points. Track your visits to see whether the rewards are worth it.
Should I talk to a doctor about restaurant meals?
Yes, if you have a medical condition or dietary restriction. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease can make some menu choices more or less suitable. A doctor or registered dietitian can help you choose orders that fit your health needs and your budget.
Conclusion
Frugal dining out comes down to a few habits: ask about discounts before you order, buy gift cards only when you would spend the money anyway, join loyalty programs you will actually use, and share plates or choose lunch menus when they fit. These steps can lower your bill without taking the fun out of eating out. For more ideas on everyday savings, see our frugal living tips for saving money daily.
More on Frugal Dining Out
Related guides: The Ultimate $100 Grocery List for a Week of Frugal Meals · Best Way to Preserve Your Entertainment Budget on a Frugal Lifestyle · Homemade Bread vs. Store-Bought: Which Is Healthier and More Cost-Effective?
Free tools: 50/30/20 Budget Calculator
This article is general information, not financial advice. Prices and deals change: check current terms before you buy. Read our financial disclaimer and editorial policy.
