Eating out is expensive, especially if you have a big family. While eating out is a wonderful activity to enjoy with your family, it isn’t always so wonderful on your pocketbook. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to save Money while eating out. Keep reading to find out what they are!

Try These Tips to Save Money on Eating Out

While the majority of any family’s budget goes toward groceries, surveys show that Americans spend over $2 billion more per year on restaurant meals than they do on groceries. There’s nothing wrong with celebrating or treating yourself to a nice meal once in a while, but you shouldn’t have to empty your pocketbook to do it.

Here are some simple tips to save money when eating out:

• Take advantage of time-related specials. You don’t necessarily have to go for the early bird special but keep an eye out for restaurants that offer happy hour specials on both food and drinks.
• Sign up for email alerts from your favorite restaurants. If you tend to frequent the same restaurants, see if they have a mailing list you can join to receive coupons and promotions. You might even receive a free meal on your birthday.
• Stock up on gift cards. Around the holidays, many restaurants offer promotions to buy gift cards – you can buy them and then use them yourself the rest of the year. You can also save by purchasing used gift cards on sites like Cardpool.
• Stick with water instead of beverages. A bottomless soda costs anywhere between $2 and $4 at a restaurant so if the whole family starts sipping, it could equal the cost of an additional entrée (or more). Another option is to choose a restaurant that allows you to bring your own beverages.
• Split your entrée. Most restaurants in America serve large portions – more than you could (or should) eat yourself in one sitting. To save money, consider splitting your entrée with someone. Even if the restaurant charges you a splitting fee, you could save a bundle.
• Make a meal out of sides and appetizers. If you want to sample a variety of foods but don’t want to pay for multiple entrees, try making a meal out of side dishes and appetizers instead.
• Eat a late lunch or early dinner. Many restaurants offer special pricing on weekday lunch menus and, in some cases, it is the same food and portion sizes as the dinner menu. Take advantage by going out for lunch instead of dinner or find a restaurant that offers the lunch menu until late afternoon, so you can have an early dinner.
• Take advantage of all-you-can-eat. If you’re feeling really hungry or you want to sample a variety of dishes, go to a buffet. You may not be able to take home leftovers but, if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to feed a hungry family, this is a great option.

If you’re serious about saving money when eating out, try to follow as many of these tips as you can. Before you know it, you’ll have things down to a science and eating out will no longer be an expensive luxury you end up paying for later.