Dining out offers convenience, a well-deserved treat after a hard day at work, and the opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones while exploring a wide range of cuisines.
However, my eyes widened in shock when I examined my monthly expenditure and discovered how much my family had spent on dining out in July. That money could have been allocated towards paying off debt, a long-awaited bathroom remodel, or even saving for Christmas.
Despite one regrettable encounter at a restaurant that shall remain nameless, our dining experiences were mostly delightful, filled with celebrations and cherished memories. Interestingly, this desire to indulge and splurge on experiences resonates not only in my household but also with others. According to the Census Bureau’s June 2023 retail sales report, bar and restaurant sales recorded the second-largest year-over-year increase of any category, soaring by 12.5 percent.
Nevertheless, dining out can strain any budget, regardless of its tastiness and social benefits. Before the pandemic, the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the average American household spends approximately $3,000 annually on dining out, including takeout. This figure has likely escalated significantly. Thankfully, you can still enjoy occasional indulgences and dine lavishly without depleting your savings. Just follow these restaurant hacks:
- Opt for counter service and fast-casual eateries: For a dining-out experience, choose self-service establishments like Panera, Chipotle, and BurgerFi. These fast-casual eateries offer slightly cheaper menu items since you take charge of tasks like finding a table, refilling your drinks, and picking up your food and utensils.
- Consider takeout: If your focus is solely on the food rather than the experience, opt for takeout. By doing so, you’ll avoid temptation to spend on expensive beverages or order more than you can eat. Additionally, many restaurants provide multi-course, family-style takeout meal deals, allowing your family to savor a freshly-cooked and well-packaged meal at a lower cost.
- Refrain from alcohol: Alcohol can significantly inflate your dining budget. Restaurants often mark up beer, wine, and cocktails to compensate for their tighter profit margins. If you want to treat yourself, take advantage of happy hour deals. Consider sharing a bottle of wine with multiple drinkers at your table, as individual glasses are usually priced higher than a whole bottle.
- Make the most of happy hour: If you crave a relaxed restaurant experience, visit your favorite spot during happy hour. These promotions typically occur on weekdays, either before dinner or late at night, and feature special discounts on both drinks and food. For instance, The Wishing Well in Wilton offers drink specials and discounted appetizers from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, while Cantina in Saratoga Springs has $5 appetizers and drink deals, including two-for-one margaritas, from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- Dine during lunchtime: Opting for lunch instead of dinner is one of the easiest ways to save money. Most restaurants offer special lunch menus, offering the same food in smaller portions at significantly reduced prices. If available, choose a lunch buffet for even better value. Two restaurants, Karavalli (with locations in Saratoga Springs and Latham) and Shalimar in Clifton Park, serve all-you-can-eat lunch buffets on weekdays at very reasonable prices.
- Take advantage of birthday freebies: Businesses in the Capital Region and beyond are eager to pamper you with birthday deals and free meals simply because it’s your special day. Treat yourself to one wing for each year you’ve been alive at Bentley’s Tavern in Malta or enjoy a free all-you-can-eat dinner at Wasabi in Saratoga Springs. Both offers are available on your actual birthday.
- Join mailing lists and text clubs: Many restaurants, both large chains and local establishments, have loyalty programs that reward customers with coupons, free meals, and other discounts. For example, DZ Restaurants, which includes Chianti Il Ristorante, Boca Bistro, and Forno Bistro in Saratoga Springs, sends out $20 coupons around birthdays and anniversaries. Check your favorite restaurants’ websites and social media channels for simple sign-up options to start saving.
- Grab discounted gift cards: Keep an eye out for special promotions during various times of the year, especially around holidays. National chains and local establishments often offer bonus gift cards and incentives with a minimum purchase. Although these rewards usually have limited redemption windows, they still provide an effortless way to save.
- Utilize coupons to cut costs: I always consider clippable and mobile discounts when deciding where to dine. Coupons and vouchers are readily available for both chain and local restaurants. Spend a few minutes searching through newspapers, restaurant websites, coupon magazines, and deal websites like Groupon.com and LocalFlavor.com, and you’ll discover substantial savings.
