Many Americans enjoy eating out. Unfortunately, the cost of doing so seems to rise every year. In fact, USA Today says that’s because restaurants are facing increased prices for labor, rent, and insurance. That translates into higher prices for consumers. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up eating out.
Fortunately, there are ways to save on dining out; you just need to know where to look. So, make sure to search online for where to find discounts and the best deals in your area.
Save Big with Restaurant Deals
You want to dine out, but you don’t want to break the bank. Finding discounts and deals is the smart way to dine out. Some of the best ways to search for restaurant deals include:
- Using the deal website Groupon;
- Looking for current restaurant offers on Yelp, and;
- Joining Restaurants.com, where you’ll often find deep discounts on restaurant gift certificates.
Remember that restaurant deals tend to vary depending on your geographic location too. So, make sure that you check your local newspaper for the latest coupons and deals in your area. Furthermore, many chain restaurants are owned by franchisees who may offer additional coupons and discounts not available at all restaurant locations.
To help, here’s a rundown of some of the most popular restaurant deals and discounts.
Ruby Tuesday
If you join the SoConnected club through the Ruby Tuesday website, you’ll receive a free appetizer with a $10 purchase and a free burger or garden bar on your birthday. Every Tuesday, kids also eat free with the purchase of an adult meal.
Chili’s
Chili’s offers a regular senior discount of 10 percent off for diners over 55. Plus, the restaurant is currently running a special with an appetizer, entrée, and drink for $10.
If you eat at Chili’s regularly, you can join the My Chili’s Rewards program to earn free chips and salsa, a free dessert on your birthday and other great rewards.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse offers a 10 percent discount for AARP members. If you join Dine Rewards, you’ll also get 50 percent off the cost of your meal on every fourth visit to Outback Steakhouse, Carraba’s, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming’s.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
If you eat at Chipotle regularly, you may want to join the Chipotle Rewards program. You’ll get 10 points for every dollar you spend. Once you’ve earned 1,250 points, you’ll get a free entree.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Every Thursday, you’ll get special deals on boneless wings and beer.
For those that visit Buffalo Wild Wings more frequently, the restaurant offers the Blazin’ Rewards program, which allows loyal diners to earn points that can be redeemed for food and beverage purchases. You’ll earn extra points if you log into the restaurant’s B-Dubs app.
This popular wing spot tends to publish great offers around major sporting events too.
IHOP
IHOP offers a popular senior menu, which features substantial discounts over the regular menu. Joining the MyHop club is a great way to earn free pancakes and keep apprised of special offers in your local area.
If you use the code “BREAKFEAST,” you can also get $5 off an online order of $25 or more. This offer expires on May 26, 2019.
A&W Restaurants
Known for all-American dishes, A&W offers a variety of deals and coupons that are dependent on your local area. This includes a 10 percent senior discount at some locations, but you should be aware that your local A&W may not offer this discount.
Signing up for the Mug Club will allow you to access these deals and you’ll get a free root beer float on your birthday too.
TGI Fridays
With the Fridays Rewards program, you can earn points and food rewards. You’ll also get emails detailing the latest coupons and deals in your local area.
Some TGI Fridays locations offer a senior discount, but the amount and availability of the discount varies from restaurant to restaurant.
Long John Silver’s
The Long John Silver’s FishBowl Club is the place to go to find information about current deals and coupons. When you join the club, you’ll get access to coupons and will receive emails about new deals.
Outside of their loyalty program, Long John Silver’s is currently running an all-you-can-eat Sundays promotion, which lets you eat an unlimited amount of fish or chicken and sides. Plus, some LJS locations do offer a senior discount, which varies from area to area.
Stay Vigilant
Getting a great deal at a restaurant is all about shopping ahead of time. Take some time to browse the web for deals, look in your local newspaper for coupons, and watch TV ads for announcements about restaurants deals.
If you make the effort, it’s easier to save money on eating out than you think.