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    Dining Out on a Budget

    By Andy Hough | U.S.News & World Report LP – Fri, Feb 10, 2012

    Restaurant dining is often one of the biggest unnecessary spending items in your budget. This indulgence is usually one of the first things people cut when they need to tighten their budget. Here are a few ways you can still enjoy dining out without breaking the bank.

    [See 50 Ways to Improve Your Finances in 2012.]

    Social buying sites. With the advent of Groupon and other social buying sites you can enjoy significant bargains on restaurant meals. These deals are available in most major metropolitan areas and are even becoming available in smaller cities. It doesn't cost anything to join a social buying site and there are several deals a week, although they are not all dining-related. Over the course of a month, you should have a chance to get deals at a variety of restaurants. Getting a meal at a 50 percent discount is not uncommon.

    Restaurant e-clubs. Many restaurants offer deals if you sign up for their email lists. It is common for them to offer free food on your birthday. In addition to birthday deals, you also can get other frequent buyer specials, such as two-for-one offers.

    Early-bird or lunch specials. Many restaurants offer lunch specials or early-bird specials to help draw in customers before the typical dinner rush. The discounts can be about 30 to 40 percent off the dinner price for the same food. Another benefit is that you will be able to enjoy a less-crowded dining room and perhaps receive quicker service from the wait staff.

    [See 5 Ways to Stretch Your Grocery Budget.]

    Kids eat free. If you have children, you should definitely check out some of the many kids-eat-free offers that are available. There is no need for you to pay for an expensive entree that your picky eater will just barely nibble. Ask your favorite restaurant if they have a kids-eat-free day or have certain times that kids can eat free. Or you can search a site like KidsMealDeals.com to find a variety of kid meal deals available in your area.

    Following these tips should allow you to make a significant reduction in your dining-out budget. Dining out is still a luxury, but by using these tips, it can be an affordable indulgence.

    Andy Hough writes about frugality and living well on a small income at TightFistedMiser.com.

     

    6 comments

    • Louis
      Louis  •  De Leon, Texas  •  2 mths ago
      I find it difficult to believe there is a recession when every restaurant I pass has a full parking lot and when even the more expensive restaurants have a waiting list. There is 10% unemployment so are these people using credit to feed their "feeding" habit, or are we so accustomed to dining out that we will cut every expense but this one?
      • dulchenea
        dulchenea 2 mths ago
        the top ten percent wage earners do not change their habits.... mcdonalds and other fast food outlet patronage has syrocketed. check your facts.
    • willie
      willie  •  2 mths ago
      Take a bycycle because if you drive you won't be able to afford a Big mac let alone a dinner.
    • Jane
      Jane  •  Oklahoma City, Oklahoma  •  2 mths ago
      What original information you give.
    • G
      G  •  2 mths ago
      Being frugal is fine, but do servers and the whole world a favor: if you can't afford to tip 20%, then don't eat out.
      • been there
        been there 2 mths ago
        I am one of those who can't afford to eat out, and the extra cost of a tip knocks me out of the box. So, I dine at home out of respect for the servers.
      • curlyred
        curlyred 2 mths ago
        I agree, but conversely, if you are not willing to provide good service, please find another line of work. While there are many fine servers out there, there are twice as many who provide substandard service and why should that be rewarded with a 20% tip? Get real, a tip is a reward for a job well done not an entitlement!
      • Yahoo user
        Yahoo user 2 mths ago
        If you buy a car and the salesperson is really good and saves you 1500 bucks, are you gonna tip him /her 20%? sound like you wait.
    • Tallconnect.COM- Tall Peo ...
      Tallconnect.COM- Tall Peo ...  •  3 mths ago
      ^^^^^^^^^^^^Join this club if you want to have a tall BF or GF.^^^^^^^^^^^^

      So, yeah, there was no singing last night, not really. Ah, well. Let's talk about it anyway.
    • Food-n-FunWithFriends
      Food-n-FunWithFriends  •  2 mths ago
      When I want to eat out on a budget, I will take the kids for just an appetizer. You still have the eat-out experience, but a smaller bill. I also really like the Mexican restaurant...can get 2 taco's for $2.50. I can split those between the kids...and have an order to myself. Add a $4 queso dip with chips...and water for everyone. And yes, I always tip 20% or more...unless the service was just horrendous. My tight budget does not mean the server gets gypped. (My son is a restaurant server...I know the tips are his livelihood and his tuition money...his paycheck just covers the tax deductions for his tips)
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