How To Save Money At A Pricey Restaurant

There is nothing like a fantastic dining experience to relax with a significant other or to celebrate an event. However, if you find yourself avoiding the nicer restaurants in your area because the cost of a dinner for your family is simply out of your price range, there are several ways that you can enjoy a delicious meal without breaking your budget.

1. Ask for discounts.

This may be one of the more difficult of the following tips. After all, it can take a lot of courage to ask your server or the manager to discount your meal. However, some pricey restaurants advertise discounts and special savings for certain guests, including senior citizens and AAA members.

2. Skip the extras.

While you might not want to miss out on alcoholic beverages, dessert and appetizers, doing so can help you save a significant amount of money. For example, if you and your spouse order two glasses of wine, one dessert and one appetizer, your bill may be $40 to $60 more, depending on your choices.

3. Search for coupons.

With all the frenzy surrounding the couponing industry, it is difficult to believe that one of the most often-overlooked places to use coupons is at a restaurant. Search for coupons in your local newspaper, online or on the restaurant’s website. While you might not find what it is you need, it is worth the effort to at least look around. You can also consider purchasing a discounted restaurant gift card at one of many online retailers; in some cases, you get buy a $25 for $2, a savings of 80 percent.

4. Order the special.

Examine the menu. Is there an entrée that allows you to order every dish you want at a discounted price? Simply because the restaurant is on the expensive side does not necessarily mean that specials aren’t available. If you do not see any specials listed on the menu, ask your server if the restaurant is promoting a specific meal that day.

5. Eat lunch, not dinner.

Regardless of how much they charge, many restaurants offer lower-priced meals at lunchtime. In most cases, patrons who dine before 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. may save more money than those who eat during peak dinner hours. While you might not want to eat dinner so early, you can still enjoy a delicious meal with loved ones without worrying about breaking the bank.