8 Tips To Dine Out Without Breaking the Bank

Are soaring restaurant prices looking less than appetizing? As today's consumers are faced with tough financial decisions, dining out may appear to be an indulgence when prioritizing budget essentials. In fact, more than 30% of respondents to TouchBistro's 2024 American Diner Trends Report said a price hike would significantly impact their choice to dine at a particular restaurant—and that number jumps to 40% among Gen Zers.¹

But let's face it: Dining out is one of life's great pleasures, providing an opportunity to unwind and socialize, so eliminating it can feel like a significant sacrifice. If you're one of those consumers feeling squeezed by steep restaurant costs, you may wonder how to enjoy affordable bites while keeping your finances on track. Fortunately, with some strategic planning, you don't have to choose between financial discipline and the delight of dining out. Here are eight tips to help you have your cake and eat it too.

1. Get Social With Your Favorite Restaurants

If you haven't yet opted into your favorite eateries' loyalty programs, it's time to join the club. The 2024 American Diner Trends Report found that 46% of Americans say they are currently part of a loyalty program, up 10% from 2022.¹

In addition, follow the restaurants you frequent on your favorite social media platforms and download their apps, as many deals and upsells are frequently only available through these channels.

Hungry for even more savings? Hunt for discounts using apps and sites like Student Beans and LivingSocial, and sign up for rewards platforms like Ibotta and Fetch.

2. Do Some Sleuthing Rather Than Winging It

Restaurant operators have recognized customers' pain as expenses have surged, which has sparked deals designed to appeal to price-sensitive diners. Take a minute to peruse the menus of your favorite spots to identify attractive promotions so you can jump in with an affordable pick when the group is debating.

Checking the website (and social handles, as mentioned above) can also point you to the optimal time to dine out—hello, happy hour! And taking a few minutes to study the menu beforehand means you can select your own cost-conscious choice to avoid being swayed by a friend's extravagant order.

3. Clarify the Bill-Splitting Situation in Advance

Whether you've adopted loud budgeting or you just want to silently save, eating out with a group can get spendy if your gang goes for cocktails, appetizers, desserts and other extras. Avoid check shock by mentioning up front that you'd prefer to just pay your own share.

If your buddies are all minding their budgets and you agree to split, consider throwing down your cash back credit card to earn the rewards. Just make sure you settle up with your friends immediately and then pay off the monthly balance in full.

4. Be Choosy About Which Dining Occasions Merit a Meal Out

It can be all too easy to get lulled into a routine of grabbing a bagel as you wait for the bus, running out for a burrito on your lunch break and ordering in after a long day. But dining out as a habit can dent your bank account—and you might not even be savoring the occasion. Instead of defaulting to purchasing a snack or meal, consider which occasions would provide true joy and social connection—for example, meeting a friend for an iced latte or networking with your team at happy hour.

Otherwise, if you just need to fuel up, choose alternatives such as making your coffee at home and brown-bagging your lunch. You can still leave your office and eat at a park! Treating yourself mindfully will make every bite count.

5. Trade Up in Your Restaurant Choice; Trade Down in Your Order

As fast-food prices surge, casual dining establishments are luring frustrated diners with deals that can make them as good a value as a quick-serve restaurant—while offering more.² (Think potentially healthier fare, sit-down service and leftovers).

Once there, order with care and skip pricey add-ons like appetizers, desserts and drinks unless they're bundled with economical entrées. Your waistline and wallet will both thank you. When scanning the menu, seek out pocket-friendly plates that offer the sweet spot of value and indulgence with dishes that are tricky to replicate at home.

6. Be Careful When Ordering Specials

Sometimes everything about a “special" is special—except the price. When a server describes an especially mouthwatering entrée, make sure you clarify the cost before assuming it's a deal.

However, as restaurants aim to entice value-minded consumers, they're increasingly rolling out limited-time offers that allow you to take advantage of a creative dish and a great price.³ Double-checking prices will ensure you're not surprised when the check arrives.

7. Order Less… or Order More

Sharing an entrée with a friend is a tried-and-true technique to enjoy a satisfying meal while stretching your dollars. Conversely, you might get more bang for your buck by ordering more. Here's how: Just as you should look at the per-ounce price of a product at the grocery store, consider the per-meal price of an entrée. For example, a half sandwich or half order of a pasta dish might be enough to satisfy you now, but ordering a full-size dish and packaging up the excess can yield a tasty meal tomorrow—and usually isn't double the cost.

8. Take Advantage of Family-Friendly Offerings

Many restaurants love to attract families by catering to kids with special menu options and pricing. Here again, your research can pay off with budget-savvy bonuses like “kids eat free," meal bundles or other promotions available for certain days and times. And don't be shy about taking any extras home as a way to both maximize your funds and minimize waste.

Bon Appétit, Budget Style

Dining out on a budget doesn't have to mean sacrificing flavor or fun. These tips can allow you to enjoy delicious meals on your terms while keeping your finances in check. Take it a step further by turning budget-friendly dining into a challenge—set a goal to save a certain amount each month and send the savings to a high yield savings account, where it will grow automatically. With a little creativity and discipline, you can enjoy dining out while building a brighter financial future.

READ MORE: 4 Weird Ways to Save