How to Save Money When Eating Out

Eating out is one of those things that people assume you can’t do if you’re on a budget. This is not true at all! Being on a budget doesn’t mean you can never eat out again. But it might mean that you need to become a little more creative and intentional.

Budgeting often gets a bad rap as being restrictive and gloomy. At its bare bones, budgeting is simply making a plan for your money. You are taking back control over your money. If done correctly, your budget should ensure there is always money available for those things that add value to your life. If one of those things is eating out, then this is the post for you!

Giving yourself permission to spend money on those things that bring you joy is very freeing, but it’s even better if you can do it within budget. So here are four ways to save money when eating out!

Happy Hour

I LOVE a good happy hour – especially when it comes to cocktails!! As a huge cocktail fan, I will always always try and go during happy hour to make myself feel just a little bit better paying for what is essentially a spicy juice.

Google “your area + happy hour” to see what’s on offer near you and jot down a few places that sound great. Then the next time your friends suggest going out for cocktails, you’ll have some budget-friendly suggestions to make!

Whilst cocktail happy hours are the most common, some places have a happy hour offer on food too. Happy hour at a place near me offers a cheaper price for certain dishes and cocktails from 12-1.30pm and 5-6pm daily. You can get a margarita pizza and a martini for just £10.74. If you were to order these same items outside of the happy hour times, it would cost you £17.25. An automatic saving of 37% (£6.51) just by timing your visit properly!

Stick to water

Take it from someone who has worked in the service industry for 6 years – there is NO SHAME is just ordering a tap water!! Your server is not judging you, they are more than likely applauding you for avoiding the insanely expensive drinks.

Drinks often have the highest margin of any restaurant product – we’re talking 65-70% profit margin 🤯. I always stick to the one or the other rule. I am either going out for food or going out for drinks, rarely will I do both!

If I have decided to go out for a meal, I will stick to water. The only exception to this rule is if I am eating at Wetherspoons. Their meal + drink combos are so cheap that if I’m fancying something other than water, I might as well spend the extra quid and get a gin.

2 for 1 deals

These types of deals are EVERYWHERE!!! Make the most of them by planning your trip for the days/times they are on. I don’t see the point of going to a place on a Monday and paying full price if you know Tuesdays are 2 for 1. That’s just a waste of money in my crazy frugal mind.

Once again, google “2 for 1 deal + your area” to see what’s on offer. Next time you fancy going out for a meal, plan it around a deal to make your money stretch further.

Plan ahead

Similar to chasing the deals – planning ahead is just a smart way to save money when eating out. Don’t just assume a restaurant is in your price range, go on their website and look at their menu so you know what’s what. If they don’t have a menu on the site, you can always direct email them or pop in and look beforehand.

This way you can pre-set a budget for the evening and factor this into your bigger budget. Enjoying your evening out without the financial stress that often comes hand in hand with eating out.

So, there you go, four easy ways to save money on eating out!

Do you have any other tips you would add to the list? I’d love to hear them in the comments!