These days it seems like everyone is on a tight budget, yes even in Madison, and trying to save pennies wherever they can. None of us want to eliminate dining out altogether but there are several different ways to save money when eating out at a restaurant. 

These tips can be used for all types of restaurants from steakhouses, buffets, supper clubs, food courts, pizza places, fast food, fast casual, cafés to formal dining just to name a few; and with all different kinds of food such as American, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Seafood, Thai, etc.   

I used to think coupons were a hassle until I realized just how much money they could save me while eating out. I hate to admit this but at one point I was almost embarrassed to actually use a coupon because I thought people would think I was cheap or didn’t have any money!! Of course neither one was true so I’m not sure how I came up with that idea.   

One very good resource for coupons is looking in the local newspaper. Most areas sell an Entertainment Book which runs around $30,  but will pay for itself within a few meals. You can also get a coupon or free meal for signing up on a restaurant email list. There are many places that you dine at that have birthday club offers that give you a free meal on your birthday or a certificate comes in the mail that you must use within a certain amount of time around your birthday. 

Some restaurants offer Kids Eat Free specials or a free Kid’s Meal for each adult meal that is purchased. Some of these run on a certain day of the week, some on weekends, and others anytime. 

Another thing a person can do (as boring as it sounds) is drink water instead of pop or an alcoholic beverage. You will definitely see the difference on your bill. 

Dine out before the dinner menu prices begin. The hours range a bit at each restaurant at when the lunch menu ends and the dinner menu begins but check out your favorites to make sure you know when that time is. Usually the lunch menu portion is more than adequate to fill you up. 

There are restaurants that give you money off if you purchase their gift card. If you eat there regularly or would like to eat there regularly, buy it for yourself and take advantage of the deal. 

Sometimes there are specials where you get a larger meal than you would want but it’s almost the same price as the regular meal you were going to purchase. Buy it and ask for a to-go box and make a second meal out of it at home.   

Now at the risk of getting in trouble from the fine people who make tips while making their living, maybe this is something that we may have to cut back on just a little. I’m not saying by any means to not tip, but if you are like me sometimes I give a tip that is way over and above what I am tipping for. If you are someone that really is in a situation at the time that needs to save money wherever you can (which I think that would be most of us) then just tip a reasonable and acceptable amount. The bottom line is every penny counts in these times that we’re in.        

I came across a website called familyfriendlyamerica.com that lists some information regarding finding child-friendly activities, restaurants, and hotels listed by state. Wherever you are living or visiting, you can check in that area for this information. It looks like Perkins Restaurant & Bakery is listed in many states for discounted deals, www.perkinsrestaurants.com. It can also give you the savings you are looking for even when you are traveling and not in a familiar place. Take a look.