Dine for LessVacation dining

How to dine out for less

Eating out does not have to be expensive. A few habits can cut a restaurant bill by a quarter or more, at home or on vacation.

Two friends looking at a restaurant bill
Photo: Anna Tarazevich / Pexels

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The biggest savings, in order

  1. Skip or swap the drinks. Beverages carry some of the highest markups on the menu. Water, or one drink instead of three, saves the most.
  2. Go at lunch. Many restaurants serve similar dishes at lunch for less than at dinner.
  3. Use happy hour and early-bird menus. See our sister site 2 for 1 Dining for deals by day and time.
  4. Buy gift cards at a discount. Holiday bonus cards and warehouse-club gift card packs effectively take money off future meals.
  5. Join rewards programs for the places you already go, and use the app's offers.
  6. Share and take home. Portions are large. Splitting an entree or taking half home turns one meal into two.

Traveling soon?

Meals can be a third of a vacation budget. Read eating out on vacation for less, then see where to eat in Orlando, Hawaii and Florida. Book a room with a kitchen or free breakfast at Rooms Cheap.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest way to save money at a restaurant?

Cut the drinks, which have the highest markups, and eat at lunch or during happy hour when prices are lower.

Is it cheaper to eat at lunch?

Often, yes. Many restaurants offer smaller or lower-priced versions of dinner dishes at lunch.