Beginning with food costs squeezing family budgets tighter each month, going out to eat can feel out of reach. A family dinner at a casual restaurant now costs around $75 or more, making it challenging to balance making memories with managing expenses.
You’ve looked through countless websites and apps trying to find restaurant deals, but most lead to expired coupons or endless email subscriptions. All you want is to take your family out for a nice meal without stressing about the bill.
Here’s the good news – finding legitimate restaurant discounts doesn’t require endless searching. These 12 proven methods will help cut your dining costs, giving you more opportunities to enjoy meals out with your family.
12 Best Restaurant Coupons and Discounts
1. Download Restaurant Apps
Restaurant apps offer exclusive deals unavailable anywhere else. Many national chains provide a free menu item when you first download their app. Install apps from places your family enjoys, then set up notifications to receive alerts about new offers. You’ll often find deals like BOGO meals, free appetizers, or percentage-off discounts.
2. Join Birthday Clubs
Birthday clubs give you freebies and discounts during your birthday month. Sign up about 30 days before your birthday to ensure you receive all available offers. Create a dedicated email address for restaurant offers to keep these separate from personal emails. Many restaurants extend birthday offers to the entire family, multiplying your savings potential.
3. Use Cash Back Apps
Cash back apps return a percentage of your restaurant spending. Popular options include Ibotta, Rakuten, and Dosh. Simply link your payment card or upload receipts after dining. These apps work at both chain restaurants and local eateries, putting money back in your pocket for meals you’re already buying.
4. Check Your Receipt
Restaurant receipts often include survey links at the bottom. Most surveys take less than 5 minutes to complete and reward you with discounts ranging from $5 off to free menu items on your next visit. Write down the survey code and completion deadline directly on your receipt to track these opportunities.
Also See: 33 Restaurant Copycat Recipes That Will Make You Drool
5. Follow Social Media
Restaurants share exclusive offers on their social channels. Look for posts during weekday mornings and early afternoons when businesses aim to increase customer traffic. Facebook and Instagram typically feature the most restaurant deals, particularly for local establishments in your area.
6. Sign Up for Email Lists
Restaurant email lists deliver coupons directly to your inbox. Choose 4-5 restaurants your family visits regularly and join their email programs. Many offer an immediate discount for signing up, plus regular promotions throughout the year. Watch for special offers during slower seasons and holidays.
7. Use Restaurant Coupon Sites
Popular Sites: RetailMeNot, Restaurant.com, and Entertainment.com compile restaurant deals in one place. These sites feature both national chains and local restaurants. Check these resources before dining out to find current promotions and printable coupons.
8. Check Weekly Specials
Restaurants run regular weekly promotions to attract customers during slower periods. Monday through Wednesday typically offer the most deals. Many places feature kids-eat-free nights, buy-one-get-one entrees, or discounted appetizers on specific days. Ask your server about weekly specials when dining out.
9. Leverage Credit Card Rewards
Look for credit cards offering bonus points or cash back on dining purchases. Several cards provide 3-5% back at restaurants. Some also include annual dining credits or special access to restaurant reservations and events. Always pay the balance in full each month to maximize these benefits.
10. Time Your Visits
Restaurants adjust prices throughout the day to attract customers during slower periods. Early afternoon between lunch and dinner rushes often features reduced prices. Many establishments also offer early evening specials with smaller portions at lower prices while serving the same quality food.
11. Stack Multiple Offers
Combine different discount types to maximize savings. Start with a restaurant gift card purchased at a discount. Add a coupon or promotional offer, then pay with a rewards credit card. Finally, upload your receipt to a cash back app. Each layer of savings reduces your total cost.
12. Get Employee Discounts
Many employers provide restaurant discounts as part of their benefits package. Healthcare workers, educators, military members, and first responders often qualify for these programs. Check your employee benefits portal or ask your HR department about available restaurant discounts in your area.
Make Every Meal Out Matter
These money-saving techniques become second nature with regular use. Begin by implementing one or two methods that fit naturally into your routine. As you become comfortable, add additional strategies to increase your savings. You’ll discover that dining out remains possible while staying within your budget.
Turn these restaurant savings strategies into everyday habits. When you reduce spending on dining out, you free up money for other priorities – whether that’s building your emergency fund or creating space in your budget for family activities.